Creighton Interviews

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mommy2boys

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Has anyone with a complete application date of mid-Dec through present gotten any recent feedback from Creighton concerning interviews -- My file was beginning to be reviewed in late Dec. but I haven't heard anything yet. It is my understanding that good news will come in the form of an email and bad news will come via the postal service. I keep hoping to see something in my inbox.
 
I havent heard anything from them yet either. Although, my supp wasnt submitted until early January. Im not good at this whole patience thing... worse than waiting for my PCAT scores!
 
Last Friday (Jan. 11) I received an email invite to interview at Creighton. They gave me a choice of two dates in Feb. I am going to interview there on Feb. 22.
 
In response to TwinsFan...When did you get an email stating that your application was being reviewed?
 
I got an email on 1/10 saying my application was now complete. I imagine they must have just received my updated PharmCAS GPA after my fall semester grades were in. The interview invite came the next day.
 
You should expect to hear from them if you got your application in that soon. Creighton sort of operates on a rolling admissions policy that's a little delayed making interview invites happening into February.
 
I got an email on 1/10 saying my application was now complete. I imagine they must have just received my updated PharmCAS GPA after my fall semester grades were in. The interview invite came the next day.

If you don't mind, can you post your stats? I'm applying here next year and its my top choice, just want to know what type of candidate they are interviewing.

Thanks in advance
 
If you don't mind, can you post your stats? I'm applying here next year and its my top choice, just want to know what type of candidate they are interviewing.

Thanks in advance

Omnione had a fantastic post answering the question of what type of candidate Creighton really wants to go after. Here it is:

"Of course, I can only speak out of experience being around Creighton applicants and students and not that of anyone associated with the admissions office or admissions committee. That is a key disclaimer that you ought to note. I speak from experience and opinion so don't go telling on me to the school.😉

Creighton is less "stats"-based than those 3.7 GPA average schools and they do look for the total package. I suppose that one could say that for many other schools, but it has proven true with my schoolmates and its a common theme for my friends who were rejected multiple times.

One common theme I recognize is that everyone I've encountered is proficient at verbal communication. Many of my friends who were rejected had low PCAT verbal scores that set off a red flag to the admissions committee. That theme of excellent verbal communication parlays into the need for good interpersonal communication. Comparing my school to nearby University of Nebraska Medical Center, Creighton implements more activities associated with one-on-one contact like patient counseling, medication management interviews, physician interaction. There's a communication course during the first semester with a stringent professor who seems to be there to give us a full crash course on all things interpersonal communication. I haven't come across a sociopath or stereotypical "nerd" yet at Creighton. Though I consider myself to be a shy guy, I am assertive when interrogated about my values.

An applicant gets tested a little in the interview. While my other interviews prodded more about my interests and plans in the future, Creighton's interview had more conflict resolution hypothetical questions and questions about my leadership abilities. I suppose it's a test of being able to convey one's thoughts and beliefs in a clear and concise manner verbally.

Take the supplemental application questions seriously. As odd as they were relative to other schools supplemental questions, Creighton does look for those attributes referred to in those questions. They ran those qualities (cura personalis and the rest) at my fellow students and I during orientation and the issue popped up multiple times during the semester. They also like a person who's more concerned about treating a patient than simply doing the job efficiently. I would try to show that you care about those you served through past experiences as opposed to simply caring about serving others for the sake of serving.

Though there are always competitive students at any school including Creighton, a competitive student isn't the main emphasis. I've come across plenty of people with lower GPAs than mine (3.4 at time of application) but get in because of better personal attributes. Many of my reject friends had 3.7 GPAs but didn't get in for one reason or another but they got into UNMC. Many people care about doing well in classes but many don't really compete with each other. Creighton officials made it a point that they don't keep a class rank (which is a little bit of a farce b/c the academic fraternity Rho Chi has to use something as a basis for inducting new members) to convey that the competition ended after being accepted. My advice: you might not want to be cocky, arrogant, House M.D like, and/or god-complexed when doing the interview.
__________________
Going to Creighton University School of Pharmacy.............


.........but will be a Husker forever! "

Great insight as always from omnione.

I have some good stats (3.93 PharmCAS overall GPA, 99 comp PCAT) and a B.S. (albeit in a totally different field...I originally went to college to be a high school social studies teacher) which have helped me get accepted into U of MN and MWU-CPG so far, but UNMC in Omaha is ultimately my top choice. I get the vibe from Creighton that, although it is a fantastic school, you have to put up with more extracurricular-type bs compared to state schools. Not to mention it is very expensive.
 
Have you been teaching for the past years or have you been doing something else. Did you have any healthcare experience at all??

My stats are similar 3.85 PharmCAS and 98 PCAT and a BS in Biomedical Science; however, I graduated with my BS ALL the way back in 1996 -- was a teacher for a couple of years, a medical sales rep and then a stay-at-home mom for the past 5 years. I did get my PharmTech license, but we moved to another state right after that and WA won't recognize my license without going through another entire training program.

I worry that since I have been out of the "work-force" for so long that it might go against me. I guess I just have to play the waiting game some more.

Creighton is the only school I applied to because I need the web-based pathway so I can still work around my kiddos schedules.
 
I graduated from high school in 2000, college in 2004, and graduated from wanting to be a teacher after a year of work in a high school at the end of the '04-'05 :laugh: After a year of getting some business experience to see if I wanted to do something along those lines (for one of the crappiest companies to work for in the US, Enterprise Rent-A-Car...what a terrible experience that was. You can only get your tie stuck in a vacuum cleaner so many times with out wondering how the hell life got "this way"😕) my wife and I decided that I was going to go back to school and pursue pharmacy (which I was very interested in way back in high school but didn't want to go to college for that long.)

I have over a year of experience as a pharm tech so I do have pharmacy experience...and I know it's the right career for me. I'd like to check out some other types of pharmacy settings too, but to be honest I really enjoy the retail setting and will probably end up there when I'm done with school.
 
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mommy2boys,
don't worry about being out of the "work-force" counting against you. i have had no experience with creighton that would lead me to believe they would judge in such a way. at my interview last year and in looking at our class, it is very clear that creighton welcomes students of all ages, of all backgrounds and experience levels. we range from 21 to 57 y.o. and have undergraduate degrees ranging from the sciences, arts, you name it. i think the most important thing is to demonstrate how your unique background contributes to your readiness and commitment to pharmacy. pharmacy is such a special profession in that individuals with specialties in various areas can apply their talents in a very positive and beneficial way. keep your head up and don't give up. believe me, i was addicted to sdn prior to being accepted as i was in search of any boost in confidence during the difficult "waiting game". but the truth is that no one really knows. have confidence in your experience, your abilities and let them know how creighton is right for you just as you are right for creighton. btw, i applied only to cu too so i can definitely understand how much this means....good luck.

Have you been teaching for the past years or have you been doing something else. Did you have any healthcare experience at all??

My stats are similar 3.85 PharmCAS and 98 PCAT and a BS in Biomedical Science; however, I graduated with my BS ALL the way back in 1996 -- was a teacher for a couple of years, a medical sales rep and then a stay-at-home mom for the past 5 years. I did get my PharmTech license, but we moved to another state right after that and WA won't recognize my license without going through another entire training program.

I worry that since I have been out of the "work-force" for so long that it might go against me. I guess I just have to play the waiting game some more.

Creighton is the only school I applied to because I need the web-based pathway so I can still work around my kiddos schedules.
 
I'm pretty new to this website and it is exciting to see others in the same position as I in preparing for an interview at Creighton. I will be interviewing on January 25 (this Friday!) also. I'm actually planning on arriving the night before and staying through Saturday morning to check out the town a little bit. If anyone is interested, I think it would be cool to meet with a few other applicants outside of the tour. Maybe dinner afterwards. Any takers?
 
I'm pretty new to this website and it is exciting to see others in the same position as I in preparing for an interview at Creighton. I will be interviewing on January 25 (this Friday!) also. I'm actually planning on arriving the night before and staying through Saturday morning to check out the town a little bit. If anyone is interested, I think it would be cool to meet with a few other applicants outside of the tour. Maybe dinner afterwards. Any takers?

possibly?
 
I'm pretty new to this website and it is exciting to see others in the same position as I in preparing for an interview at Creighton. I will be interviewing on January 25 (this Friday!) also. I'm actually planning on arriving the night before and staying through Saturday morning to check out the town a little bit. If anyone is interested, I think it would be cool to meet with a few other applicants outside of the tour. Maybe dinner afterwards. Any takers?
I too am interviewing this friday, jan 25th, for the distance pathway. I just googled "Creighton PharmD interview tips" and am so pleased to have found this site!! What a relief to share our common goals and worries!

BTW, Does anyone know about how many total applicants are at each interview date? (I know the actual interview is one on one, but am curious how big of a group to expect)

I had exactly the same idea regarding dinner....It would be great to spend more time with our fellow applicants. I'm sure it will be a great crop of people with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We can just organize ourselves on Friday afternoon. The "Old Market" district is close to Creighton and the downtown hotels. There are a number of wonderful restaurants there.

I actually flew to Omaha to visit the school last year. I think it was well worth it and I advise any future applicants to do the same. Learn as much as you can about the school and make sure you are a fit for them and vice versa.

I have to say, the atmosphere there is incredibly welcoming. I was nervous, but as soon as I walked through the door, they put me right at ease! Although this program is super competitive, everyone at the SPAHP tries to make you feel right at home. What I learned is that bottom line, while you need the grades, most importantly you need to sincerely share their mission and values.

Good Luck to all!
 
Has anyone with a complete application date of mid-Dec through present gotten any recent feedback from Creighton concerning interviews -- My file was beginning to be reviewed in late Dec. but I haven't heard anything yet. It is my understanding that good news will come in the form of an email and bad news will come via the postal service. I keep hoping to see something in my inbox.
I was waitlisted last year and that info came in the mail. The invite to interview came this year via e-mail. Last year I got my app in by late november and heard of my wait-listing by the end of Jan. This year I was sure to get my application in early, by the first week of october and I think that helped. I'm sure you'll hear soon!! I know it can feel like forever!
 
I too am interviewing this friday, jan 25th, for the distance pathway. I just googled "Creighton PharmD interview tips" and am so pleased to have found this site!! What a relief to share our common goals and worries!

BTW, Does anyone know about how many total applicants are at each interview date? (I know the actual interview is one on one, but am curious how big of a group to expect)

I had exactly the same idea regarding dinner....It would be great to spend more time with our fellow applicants. I'm sure it will be a great crop of people with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We can just organize ourselves on Friday afternoon. The "Old Market" district is close to Creighton and the downtown hotels. There are a number of wonderful restaurants there.


Good Luck to all!

Party alert! Sorry, I detect these things easily since my class is using this year for some fun and studying before the difficult P2 and P3 years hit up.

I forget the exact number of applicants from my group. It ranged from 25-40ish.
 
Wow, that's more than I was expecting. I thought I saw someone else say there were only 16 applicants at their interview. Also: do they interview distance and campus pathways together?
 
Wow, that's more than I was expecting. I thought I saw someone else say there were only 16 applicants at their interview. Also: do they interview distance and campus pathways together?

I remember that post by either ajh or drugdoc. Do consider the point that I interviewed on March 2, 2007 and they interviewed on the first date. I guess the procrastinators like me fill the later dates up.😀

There were both distance and campus applicants in my group with campus outnumbering the distance students.
 
PHEW! Thank you for easing my mind! Large groups have the tendency to intimidate me. 😳 I'm a little shy and it's more difficult to be outgoing in a crowd. Thanks for the quick reply Omnione!
 
PHEW! Thank you for easing my mind! Large groups have the tendency to intimidate me. 😳 I'm a little shy and it's more difficult to be outgoing in a crowd. Thanks for the quick reply Omnione!

Here's what will happen (assuming that the schedule is kept the same way):

1. You congregate in some common area for a while, probably in the atrium of Hixson-Lied Science building. You get to mingle with the other applicants with some faculty roaming around. They like to throw around interview-like questions so use the time to practice.

2. You'll get free stuff (I got a bag and stuff last year) and you'll go to a presentation about the school in one of the main pharmacy school classrooms (G04). You'll also go on a campus tour directed by a current student. The order depends on your assigned group.

3. The interview is held in a small faculty office with two people-one student, one faculty. You'll listen to a student panel in the meantime until you get called to do your interview.

I remember that most of the tension was waiting in that atrium with the atom on the floor. I relieved most of it by talking to random people. If a really shy guy like me can do it, then so can you.😉
 
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omnione, that was exactly how our day went as well. i might add that the campus tour was optional for the distance students and since it was really cold (by my standards anyway!) a lot of us distance applicants stayed back. to Gracie93402, and anyone else feeling the jitters before interview day, just remember....everyone else there is most likely feeling just as nervous as you are...take a breath and enjoy the day. the faculty and staff at spahp are incredibly welcoming...they do an awesome job letting you know that you're wanted there....good luck all!
 
Agree with omnione and tckc. Don't worry. They pretty much hold your hand the day of, knowing that everyone is nervous. They take you to your interviewer and 'drop you off' at their office. They are very good hosts.

Let us know how the interviews go!! I wish I could be on campus to help out 🙁 !!!
 
Add my good luck and best wishes to all - hopefully Omaha warms up a bit before Friday!

And to answer an earlier question, I believe there were about 50ish people total at our interview date - I think there were 16 or 17 for distance and the rest were campus. The distance interviewees also had a Q&A session with a current distance student - I'm not sure if they will do that again this year or not.

Relax and enjoy the experience - they really are a wonderful group of people and I know they'll do all they can to make you feel comfortable and welcome!
 
🙄I know this is completely off the thread topic but I'm leaving tomorrow to drive to Omaha for my interview and was wonering if there is a lot of snow accumulation on the ground or is it just bitter cold? I'm trying to decide what shoes to take, heels or dressy boots w/ heels?
 
🙄I know this is completely off the thread topic but I'm leaving tomorrow to drive to Omaha for my interview and was wonering if there is a lot of snow accumulation on the ground or is it just bitter cold? I'm trying to decide what shoes to take, heels or dressy boots w/ heels?

Do note that I'm a guy but I think that I can state an opinion based on my observation of heels😀

Right now, there is snow along the sidewalks that hasn't been fully plowed yet. Hopefully, the sidewalks will be clear on Friday. However, there's only a very thin layer of snow left. The problem really has been the mud all over the place.

The parking lot you'll probably park in will be right across the street from the interview activities. The tour guides try to minimize the amount of outdoor walking time. I wouldn't anticipate a problem unless your tour guide decides to take you over to the health science library. This involves walking under Interstate 480 and the sidewalk underneath isn't fully "clean" if you know what I mean.

Bring both, but your feet could get messy if you wear heels if things are still muddy. I think you'll be fine. You may want to scout the campus if you have the time.

Digression: Situations like this make me glad to be a guy.😀
 
Yes, once again, you men have it too easy. No hair issues, no makeup issues, no heel issues. I agree with you, I'm driving so if needed I could take my whole shoe collection in the trunk. Just wondering what the campus was like.
Thanks again Omnione. 😀
 
"No hair issues, no makeup issues, no heel issues."

No hair issues?! Look, I'm losing hair lady, albeit at a glacial pace. My wife makes fun of my ever-so-slowly receding hair line. She jokes about getting me Rogaine for Christmas every year.

Guys have hair issues too😳
 
Yes Twins, I guess you're right. I wasn't thinking of it in that way but I hope you have a great hair day for your interviews. :luck:
 
Thanks! I hope you ladies out there have a great hair, make-up, and shoe day when interview day rolls around!🙂

BTW, I totally agree with Omnione...guys have things way easier than girls when it comes to trying to look good.
 
Best Of Luck To All Who Are Interviewing Tomorrow!!!!!!
 
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Well....how did the interviews go?!?!
 
Other than being stinkin' cold, interviews on Friday went really well. The staff, students, and adcoms were so nice and the environment completely relaxed. As mentioned before, I interviewed with 1 professor and 1 P2 student. I met some really nice gals also interviewing for the distance pathway and now begins the waiting game. At least they are prompt and give you a response within 2 weeks. Do they notify you through email or snail mail?
 
Well....how did the interviews go?!?!

I thought it was actually pretty warm, considering it was below zero the day before I got there. Creighton was awesome...really no other way to put it. They did a good job of selling themselves without making it look like they were putting together a bunch of baseless statements without any proof.

I think the best indicator of this school came when I showed up a few hours early and was "lost," just to see how helpful people were at the school or whether they didn't want to talk to you. EVERYONE was more than happy to help, both inside and outside the pharmacy dept. Another thing I was impressed with was their use of technology in the curriculum. The responsive whiteboards, the issuance of computers (maybe tablets! woohoo!) and making an active attempt to actually use them throughout their curriculum.

A 97% pass rate, according to them, on the boards is not too shabby either.
There's a few facilities that clearly need to be upgraded on campus, but it looks as if they're addressing that now. (Not inside the pharmacy dept, that building is great)

I interviewed with a P3 and the assistant dean, who seriously is a cool guy. He's not afraid to admit his own mistakes (such as his own doubts about their distance program back in 2000 when it was just getting started), and he's really easy to talk to on many subjects.

Creighton was a distant second choice before last weekend. Now, I'm not so sure...they brought it, so to speak. 👍

Does anybody know about the Council Bluffs area? That and Bellevue really look like nice places to live, at least the part I saw.

PM me if you'd like to hear a somewhat funny story about my hotel in Omaha, it's a bit lewd to post on these forums. :laugh::laugh:😱😱
 
I love hearing anything I can about Creighton, even if I have over a year before I can apply.
 
Does anybody know about the Council Bluffs area? That and Bellevue really look like nice places to live, at least the part I saw.

PM me if you'd like to hear a somewhat funny story about my hotel in Omaha, it's a bit lewd to post on these forums. :laugh::laugh:😱😱

PM me😀

Council Bluffs and Bellevue are simple suburbs with nicer areas on the outskirts. I wouldn't label either community as a mostly rich area but both are relatively safe compared to North Omaha.

I love hearing anything I can about Creighton, even if I have over a year before I can apply.

Do a search as we have plenty of threads about the subject.
 
I'm so glad to hear that you both had a great experience at Creighton!

They will snail mail you to let you know.

Please let us know if you have any questions in the meantime!
 
All I can do now is pace and once again as with the PCAT, stalk the mailman. I saw a post on here from another student on the 26th that said to add their name to the list of accepted under Creighton campus pathway. How could one know so soon?
 
Hmmm.... I don't think that's possible! Maybe they meant to say another school?
 
All I can do now is pace and once again as with the PCAT, stalk the mailman. I saw a post on here from another student on the 26th that said to add their name to the list of accepted under Creighton campus pathway. How could one know so soon?

I noticed that too. Why would he/she have heard back so much quicker than the rest of us? Maybe Creighton undergrads here back 1st...
 
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I don't know what to think!! The school was great. I definitely want to go there. Even the bitter cold couldn't scare me away. I'm just not so sure how well I did in the interview portion. The professor seemed pretty serious, almost borderline critical, and I was already so nervous I couldn't even speak without a tremble!!! :scared: I thought maybe the professor thing was me being overly analytical, but then I told one of my tour guides who interviewed me and she said "Oh no!", and I'm thinking "Oh, crap!" I guess he's one of the more tough faculty on campus. All I can do now is wait for the mail man though. What else is there to do?

I guess the trip wasn't a complete waste. I bought a puppy from Almish farmers in Iowa after the interview. 😀 He's cute. His name is Herbie. He doesn't care where I go to school.

😀

🙂

😳

🙁

😱
 
without going into too many details, it is entirely possible for someone to have already received an offer of admission from creighton. i have a classmate who found out in december (of last year)...well before the first interview date in january...and no, he/she was not a creighton undergrad....point of story?--don't worry...two weeks will pass soon...i know exactly how you feel but just try your best to keep your mind busy...thinking about all the possible outcomes will just drive you crazy! don't do it! 🙂 and, two weeks is very generous....others schools take longer than that! good luck all!
 
My professor seemed pretty uptight at first but he loosened up once the interview got started. He was actually more engaging and reassuring with body language than the student interviewer. I spoke to one of my friends who was in the distance pathway at Creighton and she said he has that reputation.
 
That is who I had also but I really felt that after the first few questions, he warmed up a bit. He was nodding in agreement with my answers and was smiling and kind of laughing during our conversations. Oh the waiting 🙄
 
Yep. Now it's all just a nerve-racking waiting game. :scared: Someone hand me a Xanax! 😉
 
No sense in worrying, in my opinion! If you're in the first group chances are you've got a great shot, based on last year (I was in the first group for distance, and 15 of 16 of us are in the class now!)

They will let you know within a couple of weeks. So don't worry - do your daily stuff. What will be will be!!!
 
No sense in worrying, in my opinion! If you're in the first group chances are you've got a great shot, based on last year (I was in the first group for distance, and 15 of 16 of us are in the class now!)

They will let you know within a couple of weeks. So don't worry - do your daily stuff. What will be will be!!!

I am not worrying, I agree what will be, will be but I feel bad for the poor bastard who didn't get in last year!:meanie:
 
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