2009 western university..anyone yet?

[RxRN]

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i don't know about the second interview block GPA, but the first interview block average GPA is 3.2 - 3.3 (they told us that).
Also, I submitted my application in early or mid October and received my interview for Dec 6.

by the way, did anyone received an acceptance letter after new year and rejection letter before Christmas? (I have not received anything yet...)

Wow. Interesting. That seems pretty low for an average.

 

[RXFanatic]

That GPA does seem low, now I am wondering why I never recieved an interview...i mean, I have a lot of eC, volunteer, work experience...BLAHH...so nerve racking!!!

 

[EDLKim]

Any one else receive an phone call for interview? I submitted to Western even in late of October but it's before USC. However, I haven't heard any thing from them yet. I'm kind of nervous now. Should I contact them?

When in doubt, always ask questions! Just give them a call. Good luck.

 

[almondtea]

I've been hearing a lot of people saying that Western mostly caters to students interested in retail and is not really strong in preparing students for clinical pharmacy. Is this a major misconception?

 

[RxRN]

You might be right. I don't know, but I'm interested in research as a pharmacist(as well as hospital pharmacy, etc)...I'm not sure they liked to hear that, hence the hold letter in my hands. lol. 😕

That GPA does seem low, now I am wondering why I never recieved an interview...i mean, I have a lot of eC, volunteer, work experience...BLAHH...so nerve racking!!!

Yeah, that sucks. I'm totally confused as to what they are looking for in an ideal candidate if those who fulfill the listed qualities are not getting accepted or interviewed. There are still two more interviews, and with so many good points, one would expect you to be a great candidate.

 

[RXFanatic]

this would really suck if they take what you want to do as a pharmacist in the future into consideration for an acceptance/interview. there is a question on the supplement that asks what area of pharmacy interests you. i said compounding and clinical! EEK! I really hope that this is not the case..=(

You might be right. I don't know, but I'm interested in research as a pharmacist(as well as hospital pharmacy, etc)...I'm not sure they liked to hear that, hence the hold letter in my hands. lol. 😕

 

[simplyv001]

^^ I don't think it's true. I was accepted and I told them I wanted to do clinical pharmacy and even stated how much I hated retail.

 

[anonymoose410]

I got a letter from Western today.. my application is "on hold".

Does anybody know if this is what they do instead of flat-out rejecting people?

I'm kind of bummed, as I really had my heart set on staying in socal and going to Western, but with my GPA I knew it was pretty unrealistic. I did get invites to two other schools on the East Coast, so at least I'm not totally heartbroken over this (yet). 🙂

 

[tpb00]

I've been hearing a lot of people saying that Western mostly caters to students interested in retail and is not really strong in preparing students for clinical pharmacy. Is this a major misconception?

The dean told us that most of their students get into residency after graduation (higher than USC). So, I am not sure about your information or the dean might lie to us... 😀

 

[blossum88]

i also got a hold letter today before an interview. what exactly does that mean?? 🙁

 

[Espada]

What? That doesn't make any sense! 😕 😱 . Weird that you got a hold letter before your interview.

 

[bluesickle]

i also got a hold letter today before an interview. what exactly does that mean?? 🙁

Are you sure it's a hold letter? I got an e-mail from them today informing me about an interprofessional health fair that the students are hosting on 1/24 (i.e. like a child looking into a candy store, I get to watch people interview while I enjoy the health fair outside).

 

[blossum88]

it says that my application has been put on hold...pretty discouraging 👎 is anyone else in the same boat?

 

[cinnamoroll12]

Are you sure it's a hold letter? I got an e-mail from them today informing me about an interprofessional health fair that the students are hosting on 1/24 (i.e. like a child looking into a candy store, I get to watch people interview while I enjoy the health fair outside).

Yea, I got that email about the "Interprofessional Health Fair" too. I glanced through my email and thought it says Western Interview. But then again, they don't email people for invites.

 

[iwannafarm]

Yea, I got that email about the "Interprofessional Health Fair" too. I glanced through my email and thought it says Western Interview. But then again, they don't email people for invites.

Same thing with me. Not only that but all of a sudden all the schools are inviting me to visit their campus. I got Loma Linda and USC doing the same thing. I thought it was interview invite. what a disappointment and a way to trick me. So sad.

 

[krystal2812]

I'm kind of disappointed of Western after receiving an email from them today. They said that my general chem and calculus that I took in Indiana University Purdue University at Columbus campus are not met their prerequisite even though I will graduate with a B.S. in Chemistry in San Jose State University this summer. I can't understand it. It's just general chemistry and calculus. 🙁

 

[cinnamoroll12]

I got an e-mail from them today informing me about an interprofessional health fair that the students are hosting on 1/24 (i.e. like a child looking into a candy store, I get to watch people interview while I enjoy the health fair outside).

I just realized that it falls on the same day! Are you going to be there?

 

[dumbguy]

Same thing with me. Not only that but all of a sudden all the schools are inviting me to visit their campus. I got Loma Linda and USC doing the same thing. I thought it was interview invite. what a disappointment and a way to trick me. So sad.

maybe it's a pop interview. They wan't you to go there to see if you're interested, and when you sign in, they say "congratulations, your interview is in 30 minutes"

 

[RXFanatic]

I called the admissions office..and spoke to Vanessa. She pretty much does all the calls to invite ppl to interviews. i believe that I called her on thursday and she said that they are still not done calling ppl. Then I asked if all the interview slots for 1.24 are filled up and she said no.

So then I asked if she could give me my status. And she said no. The admissions committee just gives names to Vanesssa to call or their file as they go along reviewing. So still cross your fingers!

There are some ppl that still get called the day before the interview. My friend who received an interview 3rd slot got her call about 3 days before)

 

[bluesickle]

I just realized that it falls on the same day! Are you going to be there?

Yeah, that's why I made that comment about the kid looking into the candy store. Just picture the kid with his face pressed up against the glass, looking at all the goodies, salivating, but he cannot have any of it. That'll be me!

Are you planning on going? I'm probably not going to go because I don't think it'll help my chances of getting an interview. Maybe both of us can go and look through the glass together to earn us some sympathy points?

 

[iambic]

maybe it's a pop interview. They wan't you to go there to see if you're interested, and when you sign in, they say "congratulations, your interview is in 30 minutes"

I got the health fair email too.

 

[Avelox]

Hey all ... I'm a P1 at WesternU and if anyone has questions about the interview or WesternU as a whole just shoot me an email. I'll be one of the student hosts (not interviewers) on Jan 24th ...

Btw, I doubt you will get many brownie points for going to the fair in terms of future interviews (don't take my word for it though, i didnt even know those letters were sent and have no say in the admissions process). I would go if you wanna just check out the campus as a whole and how the school / events function for your own curiousity.

I didn't have time to look through this whole thread but, just from the last few that I saw, here are some random tidbits:

I don't know what the average GPA is for those at the interviews but keep in mind that, thats the average for interviewees. The stats for this past class (fall 2008) is the following: http://prospective.westernu.edu/pharmacy-pharmd/competitive

As for the retail emphasis at WesternU this is sort of a misnomer and part true in all honesty. It's not so much that Western wants students who seek retail -- quite the contrary, I'd argue they would like to see people who are looking into diverse fields including clinical. The faculty like most schools is heavily biased towards residency as well of course. However, I do think that at times the school is limited partially because of its size and the fact that it does not have a vibrant residency program like USC/UCSF which creates by proxy a semi-weak emphasis on residency.

Any other questions you guys may have you can just post on this thread or just msg me personally and I'll be glad to answer them.

 

[liltigress03]

so they still haven't even called everyone for the 1/24 interview? i submitted my supplemental in august and haven't heard anything yet.

 

[OTFuturePharmD]

I'm kind of disappointed of Western after receiving an email from them today. They said that my general chem and calculus that I took in Indiana University Purdue University at Columbus campus are not met their prerequisite even though I will graduate with a B.S. in Chemistry in San Jose State University this summer. I can't understand it. It's just general chemistry and calculus. 🙁

Some thing similar happened to me too. I need to call them this week to see if it can be straightened out. If not, I am cancelling my application. I am not taking those classes agagin. It does not make any sense.

 

[cinnamoroll12]

Yeah, that's why I made that comment about the kid looking into the candy store. Just picture the kid with his face pressed up against the glass, looking at all the goodies, salivating, but he cannot have any of it. That'll be me!

Are you planning on going? I'm probably not going to go because I don't think it'll help my chances of getting an interview. Maybe both of us can go and look through the glass together to earn us some sympathy points?

No, I can't come because I have to take my PCAT at UCLA that day. Even if I don't have to take the PCAT that day, I won't plan to come anyways.

 

[pharmboy316]

i also got a hold letter today before an interview. what exactly does that mean?? 🙁

As far as I remember, Western do not reject applicants until towards the end of the application cycle. A HOLD letter prior to the interview means that if they choose to have another interview day after the last one in March then they will look at your application again. Though I have not seen that happen before. Your best bet is to keep your finger crossed for other schools. Good luck.

 

[RXFanatic]

you can actually call the school of pharmacy admissions and ask for vanessa and ask if they are done calling pppl. And then you can ask (to make sure) if they called you. Better to be safe than sorry. =)

 

[almondtea]

I was looking at the interview feedback page and the length of the interview time varied from 15, 20, to 30 minutes. How long is it really?

 

[RxRN]

I was looking at the interview feedback page and the length of the interview time varied from 15, 20, to 30 minutes. How long is it really?

They kept me for 30min. We were talking right up to the maximum time allotted, but for some that I spoke to afterward, they were only in there for 15 min. I guess it varies.

 

[dumbguy]

I was looking at the interview feedback page and the length of the interview time varied from 15, 20, to 30 minutes. How long is it really?

15,20, 30 minutes....what's the difference?...why does it matter?....just go in and do your best...don't keep track of time...it makes you nervous

 

[iambic]

i also got a hold letter today before an interview. what exactly does that mean?? 🙁

I didn't know they do that.

 

[almondtea]

15,20, 30 minutes....what's the difference?...why does it matter?....just go in and do your best...don't keep track of time...it makes you nervous

I don't keep track of time or stare at the clock during the interview, and I do go in there with the intention of always doing my best! But I think part of mentally prepping for an interview is knowing how long you'll be in there for. For example, at USC, you only have 20 minutes to sell yourself so you'd probably want to make your answers as concise as possible and leave out some details. But at UoP it was about 30 minutes, and knowing I had those extra 10 minutes didn't force me to have to talk at the speed of light. Therefore, 15 v. 30 minutes??? There is a difference. Does anyone out there have an actual answer?

 

[RXFanatic]

I have an interview for the 24th!! they actually called me last thursday or friday...

They called me on my cell phone...not at my residence.

but about the interview time...i agree with the posts above...just talk to them about yourself..dont worry too much about time! keep them interested in you!

 

[xxone2trixx]

Isn't the counselor named Valerie and not Vanessa?

If not can you anyone let me know Vanessa's phone number.

 

[almondtea]

I have an interview for the 24th!! they actually called me last thursday or friday...

They called me on my cell phone...not at my residence.

but about the interview time...i agree with the posts above...just talk to them about yourself..dont worry too much about time! keep them interested in you!

Is it really going to harm me if I want to know how long it is?

 

[RXFanatic]

no..there is no harm...its always good to know how long something can take so you can mentally prepare..all i was saying is that not to worry too much if you run short on time...or if you are there for the full 30 mins. =) sorry if there was a mis-understanding.

Vanessa is the one that calls you for an interview and Valerie Valle is the admissions counselor who you can contact with questions about the admissions process..GPA..etc. She handles students with last names starting with p-Z (i think) not sure...

 

[Avelox]

Is it really going to harm me if I want to know how long it is?

There is no specific time given because there is no minimum for an interview, only a maximum. The max time you could be in there is 30 minutes and most interviews generally go that long to be honest. If you get out in a shorter span thats fine but, most likely you should at least have prepared questions so that the interview can be extended till about 30 min.

Hope that helps.

 

[Avelox]

I have an interview for the 24th!! they actually called me last thursday or friday...

They called me on my cell phone...not at my residence.

but about the interview time...i agree with the posts above...just talk to them about yourself..dont worry too much about time! keep them interested in you!

Grats! And yes, the best thing to do in the interview is be yourself and try to stand out in one way or another. That doesn't mean make up a lie about how you saved a family from a burning building, but just come off interesting and personable so that people remember you.

 

[RXFanatic]

thanks Avelox!

are you a student at western?

 

[xxone2trixx]

no..there is no harm...its always good to know how long something can take so you can mentally prepare..all i was saying is that not to worry too much if you run short on time...or if you are there for the full 30 mins. =) sorry if there was a mis-understanding.

Vanessa is the one that calls you for an interview and Valerie Valle is the admissions counselor who you can contact with questions about the admissions process..GPA..etc. She handles students with last names starting with p-Z (i think) not sure...

What are your stats RXFanatic? I am starting to get discouraged cause i called today and asked Vanessa if they finished calling for the 1/24 interview and she said that they have not but they still have not made a decision on whether i will get one yet :-(. Sad 🙁

 

[ZeroC0mbine]

What are your stats RXFanatic? I am starting to get discouraged cause i called today and asked Vanessa if they finished calling for the 1/24 interview and she said that they have not but they still have not made a decision on whether i will get one yet :-(. Sad 🙁

Did she tell you personally that your file was reviewed and that a decision is pending for you currently? or was it a general statement that it's still being reviewed like everyone else? I might just call and ask about my files.

 

[iwannafarm]

I got a call today from WesternU for an interview invite. I am excited😀!!! FYI....I submitted my app in late Oct.

 

[RXFanatic]

congrats iwannafarm...see ya saturday!! =)

SOOOOOOOOOOO EXCITEEEED!!

 

[iwannafarm]

congrats iwannafarm...see ya saturday!! =)

SOOOOOOOOOOO EXCITEEEED!!

See you too!!! Good Luck!! Who else is going to be there??

 

[iwannafarm]

Hey guys,
I know on WesternU website says that all courses must be taken in Spring 2009. However, have any students that got accepted taken courses in the Summer before Pharm School starts and was okayed by the school. Please help. Thanks!

 

[Rx Doctor]

I got a call today from WesternU for an interview invite. I am excited😀!!! FYI....I submitted my app in late Oct.

If you don't mind, can you tell us what was your GPA?

 

[almondtea]

There is no specific time given because there is no minimum for an interview, only a maximum. The max time you could be in there is 30 minutes and most interviews generally go that long to be honest. If you get out in a shorter span thats fine but, most likely you should at least have prepared questions so that the interview can be extended till about 30 min.

Hope that helps.

That helps TONS! Thank you so much.

 

[RXFanatic]

call the admissions counselor anonymously and see what options you can seek out. It may also depend on which class you are going to be taking.

What class was it for?

Hey guys,
I know on WesternU website says that all courses must be taken in Spring 2009. However, have any students that got accepted taken courses in the Summer before Pharm School starts and was okayed by the school. Please help. Thanks!

 

[Avelox]

thanks Avelox!

are you a student at western?

Yes I am a first year, and I'll be hosting at the interview 🙂

 

[168533]

I got an interview call today for Saturday. I had to postpone until next month though as I'm taking the PCAT over on the interview date. I'm really sad about that, I kind of wish I would have just accepted it and bailed on the PCAT, but I need to take it. This is one of my top choices, and I'm just hoping that pushing it back a month won't hurt me.

Questions for those that interviewed, do they send you an official interview email/letter?