CA Northstate Interview

[BMBiology]

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If they are planning to have lectures before the PBL, then that's fine. But if it's mainly PBL, then that's pretty tough for most people. It is hard to differentiate what is important and what is not when you are still a student.

 

[prepharmgal]

If they are planning to have lectures before the PBL, then that's fine. But if it's mainly PBL, then that's pretty tough for most people. It is hard to differentiate what is important and what is not when you are still a student.

I agree with that. I think lectures before some certain discussions are better. Otherwise, it would be hard to learn everything through discussion and presentations from students! But isn't CNCP going to have like a 1.5 hour lecture before discussion/students presentation? Am I wrong? I heard that Touro is using PBL to teach their students and they have prepared couple small rooms for students to discuss issues/problems after lectures!

 

[Hizzo23]

I agree with that. I think lectures before some certain discussions are better. Otherwise, it would be hard to learn everything through discussion and presentations from students! But isn't CNCP going to have like a 1.5 hour lecture before discussion/students presentation? Am I wrong? I heard that Touro is using PBL to teach their students and they have prepared couple small rooms for students to discuss issues/problems after lectures!

**regarding the PBL, we will have lectures in the morning for about 2-3 hours from what I understood. Then we will break up in groups and discuss issues and then one person from the group will present it. so LECTURE first, then PBL..hope that clears things up!

 

[prepharmgal]

**regarding the PBL, we will have lectures in the morning for about 2-3 hours from what I understood. Then we will break up in groups and discuss issues and then one person from the group will present it. so LECTURE first, then PBL..hope that clears things up!

Thank you!

 

[PharmDee2Bee]

Pharmd2bee...who said anything about pharmacy school being a joke? I have a lot of friends currently in pharm school and TRUST ME, it's no joke...and to think that I'm snotty? Woow I'm not even going to comment on that...I think you sat there and over analyzed what I was trying to say...If I thought that pharmacists were inferior, do you actually think I would be going into the field?? CCdarling said it best...IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT PHARM SCHOOL YOU GO TO, because you will still have a job no matter what. That was the point I was trying to make in response to confettiflyer's remarks since he/she loves to bash CNCP. As far as law school...imagine going to a prestigious law school such as Michigan or Harvard as opposed to a mediocre law school...after graduating, who do you think has a better shot at landing a job? The Michigan/Harvard or the mediocre school?? My point was to show that with pharmacy, we're all going to have a job no matter what and it doesn't matter what school we go to, even if it's called "bobs" lol. Common, you gotta have a little sense of humor lol. But for law and med (to get a good residency), it doesn't matter. Hope that clears it up for you and try not to get bothered over little things like this because it's not worth it 🙂 Hope that clears it up.

Point taken. I'm sorry if I came off harsh. What I understood from your posting was yes, it does not matter which pharmacy school you go to. But the definition of "pharmacy school" was questionable. For instance, I took it to mean CNCP was this so-called "bob's pharmacy school." And since the question at hand was whether or not CNCP would be able to teach their students to be good pharmacists, I wanted to say that not every institution that wants to call themselves a pharmacy school is actually worthy of the name pharmacy school. That said, CNCP is brand new and the fact that it is a standalone pharmacy school is alarming and risky to prospective students. Don't get me wrong, I got accepted and am still trying to weigh out my options as well. 😉

 

[PharmDee2Bee]

If they are planning to have lectures before the PBL, then that's fine. But if it's mainly PBL, then that's pretty tough for most people. It is hard to differentiate what is important and what is not when you are still a student.

I also agree with this. I was told that from the group, one of the students will be leading these discussions each time. This does not sound like the traditional PBL model where teachers act as facilitators. In addition to that, teachers will basically "patrol" these breakout rooms, so students can have their questions answered if needed. But, the model they are implementing does not sound too attractive at this point.

 

[PharmDee2Bee]

🙁

I agree with that. I think lectures before some certain discussions are better. Otherwise, it would be hard to learn everything through discussion and presentations from students! But isn't CNCP going to have like a 1.5 hour lecture before discussion/students presentation? Am I wrong? I heard that Touro is using PBL to teach their students and they have prepared couple small rooms for students to discuss issues/problems after lectures!

Well to address this separately, this is what I was told: If you look at the proposed curriculum, there are 5 classes give/take. Each day prior to lecture, students are given the material to learn beforehand so that they come to lecture prepared. As for the lecture portion, I was told that there would be 15-30 minute lectures. (Maybe they meant 1.5 hr total lecture time for that day.) Anyway, after this 15-30 min lecture, students break out into small groups and facilitate their own discussion. I don't know how long this is done for, but eventually you go back into the lecture hall and present what your group comes up with. After that, there will be a different lecture on a different topic.

So maybe it's just me, but my overall impression of this is...students will be asked to know their material beforehand so that lecture only reinforces what you learned through independent study and is not used to teach any of these concepts to you. Ideally, I like PBL, but it is hard when you are mandated to learn on your own and your only aid is the 8-10 students in your group. And as you guys already said, it IS hard to learn from your peers, who might be just as lost as you. I don't want my hand held the whole time either or to have info spoon fed to me, but the obligation to learn the material on your own prior to lecture is discouraging if anything. Of course you already expect to be studying quite a bit in pharm school, but this model they are implementing forces you to do 3x the studying. Imagine..having to study for exams on top of learning new material on your own. 🙁

 

[yazzman]

this thread is pretty intense....

 

[BMBiology]

Most pharmacy schools already use PBL one way or another. We have patient cases to "soup" and answer questions but then we would discusss it in a group and a pharmacy resident would lead the way and point out the important points. However, it is only done after the traditional lectures.

I am for PBL but it needs to be complemented with traditional lectures because some of the topics are difficult to understand like oncology. I also don't see the value of students leading the discussion and it may be counterproductive.

 

[washbasin]

Is everybody that CNCP will get pre-accreditation?
I know no one knows for sure, but do you guys have faith?

 

[eggroll]

so referring back to neetfreek's post here, what are ya's views for this?

3) Since CNCP is a new school, what can I do to make the school be recognized by the public and what sort of improvements do I think CNCP needs?

and what's PBL??? i nvr heard of this? can anyone explain briefly about this please if you don't mind. i'm new.

Please and Thank-you lots!

 

[pharmacy2486]

Hi everyone. I just had an interview at CNCP today and I would like to tell EVERYONE that they should apply to this school. The building, the staff, and the curriculum are awesome. Everyone seems to exactly know what they are doing. This school even has a 5000 square foot building for research. The dean has been a part of many pharmacy schools and I think he knows what he is doing. Apply..... you guys have nothing to lose..especially if you haven't gotten into any other schools.

 

[Proteomics]

Hi All,
I just checked CNCP's website and found out that the school has changed their website domain. Here is the new site: www.californiacollegeofpharmacy.org I tried to check my application status and would not let me log in. I then clicked on forgot my password and recieved new five degit #s password via my e-mail. And tried to log in again; however, no luck. Hi guys, check if you could log in using the new five digits #s. thanks!
http://www.calnorthstate.com/

 

[eggroll]

i can still log in ok. nothing new really from what i see; everything the same; same username and password too

 

[shikamaru]

i can still log in ok. nothing new really from what i see; everything the same; same username and password too

There was a change. A typo was finally fixed. The site used to say "Biotechnology ans Pharmacogenomics", but now it says "and". It took them half a year to change it. There is still another huge error that remains though.

 

[Proteomics]

Hi everyone. I just had an interview at CNCP today and I would like to tell EVERYONE that they should apply to this school. The building, the staff, and the curriculum are awesome. Everyone seems to exactly know what they are doing. This school even has a 5000 square foot building for research. The dean has been a part of many pharmacy schools and I think he knows what he is doing. Apply..... you guys have nothing to lose..especially if you haven't gotten into any other schools.

Hi Pharmacy2486,
How did go? hope you did well. keep the hope alive.

 

[RXist]

Hi All,
I just checked CNCP's website and found out that the school has changed their website domain. Here is the new site: www.californiacollegeofpharmacy.org I tried to check my application status and would not let me log in. I then clicked on forgot my password and recieved new five degit #s password via my e-mail. And tried to log in again; however, no luck. Hi guys, check if you could log in using the new five digits #s. thanks!

Hey there, you can still log in the same on the old web address to check your application status. And hey shik, you're starting to sound real bitter on here, lighten up a little will ya?

 

[moolman]

Everybody needs to chill out.

Just ignore the haters, who cares if CNCP uses PBL, NFL, or NBA, does it really matter, does it change your decision to attend the school.

Everyone already knows the risks of attending this new school. I wrote many posts myself about it. At this point I think we are all.


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Below are my insensitive observations, read at your own risk of getting offended.

Some people are posting bad info or bashing the school to discourage some from applying, hoping that they have a better chance of getting in.

The school you attend might not matter much in a general sense for being a retail pharmacist but the established schools have connections to all the companies already. In California, if you want a job in the major cities, you need to get hooked up.

People are extra sensitive because of an inferiority complex.

 

[CCdarling]

People are extra sensitive because of an inferiority complex.

It's quite possible.

 

[dovebar]

i just sent my application in yesterday. nothing to loose. i love the sac area...went to school in reno. only problem is i kinda substituted the healthcare professional letter with a volunteer coordinator. i just started volunteering in a pharmacy...i don't know any pharmacists yet so i gave it my best shot!!😳 i was planning on applying next application cycle n e ways.

 

[neetfreek259]

Everybody needs to chill out.

Just ignore the haters, who cares if CNCP uses PBL, NFL, or NBA, does it really matter, does it change your decision to attend the school.

Everyone already knows the risks of attending this new school. I wrote many posts myself about it. At this point I think we are all.

totally agreed with you!!!

 

[sunaqua03]

Hey, I've been reading your posts on CNCP's PLB system and just had one quick question... how did you know CNCP implements PLB??? I couldn't find it anywhere on their site.

 

[PharmDee2Bee]

Hey, I've been reading your posts on CNCP's PLB system and just had one quick question... how did you know CNCP implements PLB??? I couldn't find it anywhere on their site.

The dean mentioned it during my interview. Further info was given by the faculty that I have spoken with.

 

[vyziee]

i hear all these ppl getting in and getting interviews... has anyone been rejected at all???

 

[washbasin]

i hear all these ppl getting in and getting interviews... has anyone been rejected at all???

I would like to know as well.
One possibility is those who were rejected do not post here

 

[CCdarling]

I would like to know as well.
One possibility is those who were rejected do not post here

Yes that's definitely a possibility. If you read the previous pages, there are a few people that were waitlisted.

 

[washbasin]

Yes that's definitely a possibility. If you read the previous pages, there are a few people that were waitlisted.

Has anyone heard of ANYBODY being rejected?

 

[Proteomics]

i hear all these ppl getting in and getting interviews... has anyone been rejected at all???

I am a bit worried as well. I hear ppl getting accepted right and left but not rejected. By the way, how many student will CNCP be enrolling for this year?

 

[washbasin]

Hawaii had pretty lax admittance standards and 240 students were in their class.

CNCP says it will have 80 students in the first class.
How is that going to happen if they dont reject anybody?

 

[PharmD83]

I am pretty sure they have rejected quite a few, but this is just my speculation. I don't really know if this is the case. But just think of it like this. I definitely think that ever since the start of the application period back on September 15th, 2007, more than 50 people have applied, which is probably how much they have already accepted. Even though we might be quick to think that the admissions committe sets a low standard when they are accepting these students, we might also want to consider that this is only their first year, and all of us know that as CNCP starts to develop, the admission process will be much more competitive. On the same note, in the previous meeting that I have had with the staff and faculty members, they said that "We are being very selective in the students that we admit. We want to make sure that we have the best 80 students that would represent California Northstate College of Pharmacy once they've graduated." All I am saying is that, if you have the opportunity of being invited to an interview, don't take it for granted. Try your very best and hopefully you'll be one of the 80 students representing California Northstate College of Pharamcy in August!

Hawaii had pretty lax admittance standards and 240 students were in their class.

CNCP says it will have 80 students in the first class.
How is that going to happen if they dont reject anybody?

 

[CCdarling]

Hawaii had pretty lax admittance standards and 240 students were in their class.

CNCP says it will have 80 students in the first class.
How is that going to happen if they dont reject anybody?

Just because no one post on here..."hey guys, I've just been rejected bla bla bla", doesn't mean they are not rejecting anyone. And like PharmD83 stated above, I am very sure more than 50 people have applied so there must be people that are being rejected.

 

[pharmacia07]

... On the same note, in the previous meeting that I have had with the staff and faculty members, they said that "We are being very selective in the students that we admit. We want to make sure that we have the best 80 students that would represent California Northstate College of Pharmacy once they've graduated."

a note in the selection process, if all things considered, is it possible that a student with a 4.0 'cheated' his/her way into getting that 4.0? hmmmm 🙄

 

[washbasin]

I am pretty sure they have rejected quite a few, but this is just my speculation. I don't really know if this is the case. But just think of it like this. I definitely think that ever since the start of the application period back on September 15th, 2007, more than 50 people have applied, which is probably how much they have already accepted. Even though we might be quick to think that the admissions committe sets a low standard when they are accepting these students, we might also want to consider that this is only their first year, and all of us know that as CNCP starts to develop, the admission process will be much more competitive. On the same note, in the previous meeting that I have had with the staff and faculty members, they said that "We are being very selective in the students that we admit. We want to make sure that we have the best 80 students that would represent California Northstate College of Pharmacy once they've graduated." All I am saying is that, if you have the opportunity of being invited to an interview, don't take it for granted. Try your very best and hopefully you'll be one of the 80 students representing California Northstate College of Pharamcy in August!

Thanks for the info!
So how many people have been officially accepted?

a note in the selection process, if all things considered, is it possible that a student with a 4.0 'cheated' his/her way into getting that 4.0? hmmmm 🙄

What is that implying, and to who?

 

[PharmD83]

So what you're implying is that some of the students they've accepted are not consistent with their academic achievements and that their are flaws in their selection criteria? I don't think I need to respond to this question. You might want to inquire this question directly to those you know that this is the case, because this is kind of offending to some who are not in this situation.

a note in the selection process, if all things considered, is it possible that a student with a 4.0 'cheated' his/her way into getting that 4.0? hmmmm 🙄

 

[neetfreek259]

Thanks for the info!
So how many people have been officially accepted?

From the last time I went for my interview which was March 21, Dean Hawkins said that there has been 250 applicants at the time and they have accepted approximately 45 students. He said that just because CNCP is a brand new school, it doesn't mean that everyone will get an easy ride. Dean Hawkins explained that if you are invited for an interview, only 2 things can happen following the interview 1) you get accepted or 2) you are placed on the waiting list. If you are rejected, you must have done really BAD on your interview. In addition, for every interview, they accept maybe 3 or 4 students out of the group of 7 or 8. They want the most competitive, the most qualified, and the most well-grounded to represent their inaugural class. So getting accepted into CNCP is no joke.

I also agreed with PharmD83. Whatever he said was also what I was told by Dean Hawkins. It will get definitely competitive just like any other CA pharmacy schools 🙂

 

[PharmDee2Bee]

I will also concur to this. At my interview in January, we were told that those who interview either get accepted or deferred/waitlisted. I also recall being told by Dean Hawkins that no one will get rejected from those who interviewed..I don't know what happens to those that do not get interviewed. Also, the assistant dean of admissions (I think that's her title) - Cindy something - informed me that there are 60 seats filled so far. They expect a class size of 80, but she said that they can go over by a few. However, she is new, so I don't know if she had the updated roster at the time.

Btw..I wouldn't post either if I was rejected. 😉

 

[Pharmacyguy4]

I will also concur to this. At my interview in January, we were told that those who interview either get accepted or deferred/waitlisted. I also recall being told by Dean Hawkins that no one will get rejected from those who interviewed..I don't know what happens to those that do not get interviewed. Also, the assistant dean of admissions (I think that's her title) - Cindy something - informed me that there are 60 seats filled so far. They expect a class size of 80, but she said that they can go over by a few. However, she is new, so I don't know if she had the updated roster at the time.

Btw..I wouldn't post either if I was rejected. 😉

Ya, when I interviewed on March 21, there were about 250 applicants so far and about 40-45 accepted. But I remember Dean Hawkins did mention that you either were 1) accepted 2) waitlisted or 3) rejected. Now I don't know if anyone has been rejected, but he did say that they weren't going to fill up the class just yet because they wanted to wait for all other California applicants who were not accepted to other Cali schools which is a little weird b/c the school is rolling admissions. Oh well. But they are planning to use Pharmcas by next year and Dean Hawkins said that he expects the number of applicants to be at least 1,000 by next year, and they want to increase the class size to up to 150 in the upcoming years. And for the people who keep hating, wasn't Tuoro hated on when it was first established? And now the application process there is highly competitive...just remember, every school started out from scratch before they became something. So stop bashing CNCP and go find something better to do with your time. Peace.

 

[sunaqua03]

I had my interview on 4/7 and Dean Hawkins was away for a conference, so we got the Assistant Dean instead. She told our group that three things can happen...denial, rejection, and waitlist. I also tried to ask my interviewers how many were accepted thus far, but they didn't give me a concrete number. They only said, "There are still spots available because we are still interviewing." The Assistant Dean also mentioned to the group that if you are on the waitlist, you have pretty good chances of getting in. I wonder if a lot of people who were accepted will choose another school instead of CNCP? Now that my interview is over, I just have to wait. It's agonizing!!!

 

[neetfreek259]

And for the people who keep hating, wasn't Tuoro hated on when it was first established? And now the application process there is highly competitive...just remember, every school started out from scratch before they became something. So stop bashing CNCP and go find something better to do with your time. Peace.

Totally agreed with you. When Touro first established their Pharm.D program, people had so much negative things to say about Touro . And look at it now, people are begging the school to offer them invitation to the supplemental applications. Things are always rough at first, but they will certainly get better. That's the way life works. Keep an open mind and things will turn out just fine. Most importantly, you must have faith in the things you want to do. Of course, they are pros and cons to everything, you just have to weigh them out and see what is best for yourself. I stop listening to haters because it's wasting my time. I believe in CNCP!!!

 

[Proteomics]

Totally agreed with you. When Touro first established their Pharm.D program, people had so much negative things to say about Touro . And look at it now, people are begging the school to offer them invitation to the supplemental applications. Things are always rough at first, but they will certainly get better. That's the way life works. Keep an open mind and things will turn out just fine. Most importantly, you must have faith in the things you want to do. Of course, they are pros and cons to everything, you just have to weigh them out and see what is best for yourself. I stop listening to haters because it's wasting my time. I believe in CNCP!!!

Well said! I have nothing to add. 👍

 

[kpunk101]

Hey sunaqua03,
Did Dr. Hawkins mention where the research facility is? I had my interview in Jan so there has been lots of changes. How did your interview go?

 

[sunaqua03]

Hey sunaqua03,
Did Dr. Hawkins mention where the research facility is? I had my interview in Jan so there has been lots of changes. How did your interview go?

I didn't get to meet Dean Hawkins, but I was told during the tour that the research facility is down the street from the school, probably a mile away. I didn't get a chance to drive by, but I heard it's pretty awesome. My interview went okay. I don't know how to make of it, but I'm freaking out just waiting for a decision 🙁 Hopefully I'll see some of you!

 

[PharmD83]

Hi neetfreek259, I totally agree with you. Let's still continue to believe and hopefully I'll see you in the fall!

Totally agreed with you. When Touro first established their Pharm.D program, people had so much negative things to say about Touro . And look at it now, people are begging the school to offer them invitation to the supplemental applications. Things are always rough at first, but they will certainly get better. That's the way life works. Keep an open mind and things will turn out just fine. Most importantly, you must have faith in the things you want to do. Of course, they are pros and cons to everything, you just have to weigh them out and see what is best for yourself. I stop listening to haters because it's wasting my time. I believe in CNCP!!!

 

[BMBiology]

i hear all these ppl getting in and getting interviews... has anyone been rejected at all???

After briefly going through this thread, the following people seem to indicate that they have been accepted:

kpunk101
shikamaru + friend
PisceanRX34
sunday1
pharmDdeliah
RXist
lasthurdle
typharm
PharmDee2Bee
PharmD83
nightsgt
kimd4
lilmunchkin2003
CCdarling
pnaico0lada
3434
prepharmgal
Indianpharmer
RxStudent
lasthurdle
Pharmacyguy4
neetfreek259
Hizzo23 + 1 twin brother
Proteomics
keevin
CHARMO

Assuming, no one used another account, it appears 28 people have indicated that they have been accepted. It appears no one posted about being rejected. I may not have included everyone since I wasn't sure about some. So if I missed you, please let me know.

 

[kpunk101]

I didn't get to meet Dean Hawkins, but I was told during the tour that the research facility is down the street from the school, probably a mile away. I didn't get a chance to drive by, but I heard it's pretty awesome. My interview went okay. I don't know how to make of it, but I'm freaking out just waiting for a decision 🙁 Hopefully I'll see some of you!

hey there, well I hope you get in....I also hope to see many of you guys and gals in the fall... =)

 

[moolman]

If you think about acceptances and rejections logically, most likely, nobody got rejected after an interview yet because they would need to cast a wide net as a new school. Since CNCP is the newest school, it's most likely a back up school for people. So they probably take in who they want but a good amount of them would probably get into another school and choose to go there instead. That's why the assistant dean told sunaqua03 that those on the waitinglist should have a very good chance to get in. Any new school is expecting many top people to turn them down and go somewhere else. So if you got on the waitlist, you should have a fairly good chance.

Assuming, no one used another account, it appears 28 people have indicated that they have been accepted. It appears no one posted about being rejected. I may not have included everyone since I wasn't sure about some. So if I missed you, please let me know.

 

[shikamaru]

shikamaru, i am a bit disappointed in you. I've read all of your posts to this thread. At first, you were being very supportive towards CNCP and now you're showing your other side to CNCP 🙁 Like you have said before, you went there for an interview, saw how things were, said that it was a nice building and this and that. Now, you're saying that CNCP is not a good school and this and that 🙁 It makes me sad!!

I'm sorry I disappointed you, as well as several others I'm sure. I don't mean to just stomp on the hope because that is just wrong. However, I think the difference is just that PharmDee2Bee and I interviewed very early in the cycle, much earlier than many of the current posters in this thread right now. We've been very patient for a long time after our interviews, and we all can agree that CNCP's interview is an awesome experience. However, it's just that it's been so long now, and for us far longer than many of you. We didn't even interview in the Rancho Cordova building. There were many things that we didn't get to see. For you guys it's better because June is so much closer and so you won't have to wait as long, but for me as well as many others, we've been waiting since the beginning. See what I mean now?

I just think that if CNCP wants to keep candidates from walking out, they seriously need to start following up on their words, that's all. They are way behind. And they've been making some people wait for far too long. When a new school does that one can only wonder, "Why?..."

 

[neetfreek259]

I understand and respect your decision.

I'm sorry I disappointed you, as well as several others I'm sure. I don't mean to just stomp on the hope because that is just wrong. However, I think the difference is just that PharmDee2Bee and I interviewed very early in the cycle, much earlier than many of the current posters in this thread right now. We've been very patient for a long time after our interviews, and we all can agree that CNCP's interview is an awesome experience. However, it's just that it's been so long now, and for us far longer than many of you. We didn't even interview in the Rancho Cordova building. There were many things that we didn't get to see. For you guys it's better because June is so much closer and so you won't have to wait as long, but for me as well as many others, we've been waiting since the beginning. See what I mean now?

I just think that if CNCP wants to keep candidates from walking out, they seriously need to start following up on their words, that's all. They are way behind. And they've been making some people wait for far too long. When a new school does that one can only wonder, "Why?..."

 

[pharmacy2486]

Hey everyone I had my interview on the 4th of this month. I am so nervous....how long did it take for you guys to hear back from the school??

 

[prepharmgal]

I actually knew the acceptance from CNCP a week after the interview through email and phone call.
Good Luck!

Hey everyone I had my interview on the 4th of this month. I am so nervous....how long did it take for you guys to hear back from the school??