Pacific University Oregon Application Thread

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I love the program at Pacific U, and I love Oregon. Yet, going to a local school works out better for me.

After much consideration, I have decided to give up my January 8th interview spot today, so one other qualified applicant should be receiving an interview invitation soon 😛

Good luck to those who are interviewing in January!!! :luck:
 
I heard you need get at least a 90% on every test in pacific to pass. does anyone know whether it's easy or hard to achieve that 90%. i'm beginning to feel like A=PHARMD at pacific-oregon. thanks
 
pharmdnj718 said:
I heard you need get at least a 90% on every test in pacific to pass. does anyone know whether it's easy or hard to achieve that 90%. i'm beginning to feel like A=PHARMD at pacific-oregon. thanks
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I'm a current P2 at Pacific. You are correct in that a 90% is the passing score for exams. It is completely doable, provided that you try to consistently study and not cram the night before the exam. I will say that the exams in P2 year are considerably more challenging than those of P1 year; I believe this can be attributed to the fact that P2 year is more about therapeutics and application rather than foundational information and memorization, which is more representative of P1 test questions. Often times there is no black-and-white answer (like there tends to be P1 year), rather there are multiple answers that can be correct and one must pick the 'best' choice. There have been several times that, because of that, I've walked out of a test thinking I got maybe 1/2 the questions right (when in actuality I did just fine). That said, however...our faculty is excellent and I do feel like I am getting a quality education here. The 90% may seem like a high benchmark, but the professors do seem to really care about the students, want us to pass, and are incredibly helpful.

If you have any more questions feel free to ask and good luck in your applications!
 
rxgirly2012 said:
I'm a current P2 at Pacific. You are correct in that a 90% is the passing score for exams. It is completely doable, provided that you try to consistently study and not cram the night before the exam. I will say that the exams in P2 year are considerably more challenging than those of P1 year; I believe this can be attributed to the fact that P2 year is more about therapeutics and application rather than foundational information and memorization, which is more representative of P1 test questions. Often times there is no black-and-white answer (like there tends to be P1 year), rather there are multiple answers that can be correct and one must pick the 'best' choice. There have been several times that, because of that, I've walked out of a test thinking I got maybe 1/2 the questions right (when in actuality I did just fine). That said, however...our faculty is excellent and I do feel like I am getting a quality education here. The 90% may seem like a high benchmark, but the professors do seem to really care about the students, want us to pass, and are incredibly helpful.

If you have any more questions feel free to ask and good luck in your applications!
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thank you for sharing your insight. i have an interview with pacific on January 8th. but i don't know if i should rule out pacific because of the 90% benchmark. Do you know how many people can achieve that 90% in your classes? how many people fail out? i need to know those info before making a final decision whether to turn down their interview invite or not. By the way i already got accepted by maryland eastern shore, it's a new accelerated program which utilizes the block system as well. but their passing benchmark is 85%. i mean i paid their deposit already just in case but i'm in looking for other options in the mean time. my first choice is lecom-erie now. I like the three year programs much better than four year programs.

thank you🙂
 
pharmdnj718 said:
Do you know how many people can achieve that 90% in your classes? how many people fail out?
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The attrition rate at Pacific is incredibly low. The first year, we lost 1 student because they had a baby and struggled balancing that with school so she is in the c/o 2013 now, another student because of family issues, and another student that had been in the previous class and had issues that prevented her from continuing on with our class. So far this year, there are 3 blocks of the total 11 that we have had that some students are having to come back to retest in for Fall Extended Learning (This happens at the end of the semester if you do not pass a retest. If one does not pass this final chance they are held back with the next year's class to repeat the block). Last year, not too many students had to undergo this Extended Learning process (my guess is MAYBE 10-15%), and not a single one was held back to be in the next year's class.

As for individual exams, it truly depends on the block how many people don't get that 90% the first time around. Some blocks there are none; others (like Renal) it has been half the class. I'd say on average, there are probably about 20 people that retest for an exam, but like I said, it fluctuates up or down depending on the subject/block (this goes for P1 exams as well). Re-exams tend to be harder than the initial exam, because the faculty believe that you have had extra time to study; that said, almost everyone passes them the 2nd time around.

Congratulations on your acceptance at Maryland Eastern Shore and good luck in whatever you decide to do! 🙂
 
rxgirly2012 said:
The attrition rate at Pacific is incredibly low. The first year, we lost 1 student because they had a baby and struggled balancing that with school so she is in the c/o 2013 now, another student because of family issues, and another student that had been in the previous class and had issues that prevented her from continuing on with our class. So far this year, there are 3 blocks of the total 11 that we have had that some students are having to come back to retest in for Fall Extended Learning (This happens at the end of the semester if you do not pass a retest. If one does not pass this final chance they are held back with the next year's class to repeat the block). Last year, not too many students had to undergo this Extended Learning process (my guess is MAYBE 10-15%), and not a single one was held back to be in the next year's class.

As for individual exams, it truly depends on the block how many people don't get that 90% the first time around. Some blocks there are none; others (like Renal) it has been half the class. I'd say on average, there are probably about 20 people that retest for an exam, but like I said, it fluctuates up or down depending on the subject/block (this goes for P1 exams as well). Re-exams tend to be harder than the initial exam, because the faculty believe that you have had extra time to study; that said, almost everyone passes them the 2nd time around.

Congratulations on your acceptance at Maryland Eastern Shore and good luck in whatever you decide to do! 🙂
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thank you for telling me this information. it saves me both time and money. I decided to decline to my interview invitation so someone else can be invited for interview. maryland eastern shore is my 3rd choice. i will have my interview with lecom-erie on january 18th (first choice) and i got deferred by south university after my interview on november 5th. we'll see what happens. thank you for the congrats and at least my first 2 choices only have 70% benchmark for passing.
 
Can u please share your interview experience or any tips for interview at pacific uni?????? thxs

rxgirly2012 said:
The attrition rate at Pacific is incredibly low. The first year, we lost 1 student because they had a baby and struggled balancing that with school so she is in the c/o 2013 now, another student because of family issues, and another student that had been in the previous class and had issues that prevented her from continuing on with our class. So far this year, there are 3 blocks of the total 11 that we have had that some students are having to come back to retest in for Fall Extended Learning (This happens at the end of the semester if you do not pass a retest. If one does not pass this final chance they are held back with the next year's class to repeat the block). Last year, not too many students had to undergo this Extended Learning process (my guess is MAYBE 10-15%), and not a single one was held back to be in the next year's class.

As for individual exams, it truly depends on the block how many people don't get that 90% the first time around. Some blocks there are none; others (like Renal) it has been half the class. I'd say on average, there are probably about 20 people that retest for an exam, but like I said, it fluctuates up or down depending on the subject/block (this goes for P1 exams as well). Re-exams tend to be harder than the initial exam, because the faculty believe that you have had extra time to study; that said, almost everyone passes them the 2nd time around.

Congratulations on your acceptance at Maryland Eastern Shore and good luck in whatever you decide to do! 🙂
Click to expand...
 
Skrishna said:
Can u please share your interview experience or any tips for interview at pacific uni?????? thxs
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The interview experience at Pacific was by far the most relaxed of the several I went to. Pacific tries really hard to make you feel welcome. The writing sample they have you do isn't bad at all, and the team activity was fun (this is an essential part of the process as Pacific likes to see how you do in a team environment; teamwork is an integral part of our curriculum and I can't tell you how many times I have gone to other students for help with things I haven't understood). The interview itself was, surprisingly, rather relaxed and the 25 minutes that I was in there flew by. I was interviewed by a member of our current faculty (SUPER nice professor!) and a member of the school's advisory board. The interview is very conversational. The questions that were asked of me (and I'm not too sure if they are still the same) were things like "Why Pacific? Why pharmacy? What was the last good book/movie you read/saw? What was your favorite subject in undergrad? How do you handle stress? How did your perspective of pharmacy change when you got experience as a technician?" (I was a tech. for 4 years prior, which is why they asked me this question).

The best advice I can give you is to BE HONEST and BE PROFESSIONAL. Don't stress too much (I know I sound crazy, haha, but seriously), and be positive. The interview process can be a great experience and you get out of it what you put in. Attitude is everything. Regardless of the final outcome, it is all worth it in the end.
 
nicolatte said:
Angiebare, looks like we're in similar boats! I got accepted to Pacific OR too and I loved it. We must've been in the same interview day. I'm not going to the UOP interview until late January though..and I wasn't too impressed with MCPHS. Best of luck to you, and maybe I'll see you in the fall at Pacific! 🙂
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The more the merrier! If you decide on OR, let me know and we'll start sharing tips on housing!
 
angiebare said:
The more the merrier! If you decide on OR, let me know and we'll start sharing tips on housing!
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Did you send in your deposit already? I did! I'll keep you posted if it ends up being my choice. I see you're from the OC area too! We can def share housing tips 🙂
 
nicolatte said:
Did you send in your deposit already? I did! I'll keep you posted if it ends up being my choice. I see you're from the OC area too! We can def share housing tips 🙂
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I did too! What's your first choice? If I get into UOP, I'll have a big decision to make between the two schools!
 
angiebare said:
I did too! What's your first choice? If I get into UOP, I'll have a big decision to make between the two schools!
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I TURNED down the interview with pacific because the 90% passing benchmark is unreasonable and i saw online one third of the class will fail out of the program before they make to graduation. only 65 out of 98 every year will graduate from the program. high graduation rate should be the number one factor
 
pharmdnj718 said:
I TURNED down the interview with pacific because the 90% passing benchmark is unreasonable and i saw online one third of the class will fail out of the program before they make to graduation. only 65 out of 98 every year will graduate from the program. high graduation rate should be the number one factor
Click to expand...

During the informational session at the interview, a lot of candidates had the same concern. They said no one has ever failed due to the 90% benchmark. Those who have dropped out were due to family reasons or emergencies. They give you a total of 3 tries to take each exam too. If you fail the first time, you take it the following Monday. If again you don't pass..you have another chance called extended learning over the winter or summer break I believe. May I ask where you saw these numbers? I hope your source is credible!
 
I think your looking at how many people took the naplex and the current entering class size. The class size of the school probably expanded over the years and had a smaller entering inaugural class.

pharmdnj718 said:
I TURNED down the interview with pacific because the 90% passing benchmark is unreasonable and i saw online one third of the class will fail out of the program before they make to graduation. only 65 out of 98 every year will graduate from the program. high graduation rate should be the number one factor
Click to expand...
 
nicolatte said:
During the informational session at the interview, a lot of candidates had the same concern. They said no one has ever failed due to the 90% benchmark. Those who have dropped out were due to family reasons or emergencies. They give you a total of 3 tries to take each exam too. If you fail the first time, you take it the following Monday. If again you don't pass..you have another chance called extended learning over the winter or summer break I believe. May I ask where you saw these numbers? I hope your source is credible!
Click to expand...

my mom was nice enough to print it out for me
 
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pharmddreams said:
I think your looking at how many people took the naplex and the current entering class size. The class size of the school probably expanded over the years and had a smaller entering inaugural class.
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i
 
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Is Anyone from the Los Angeles area flying up to Oregon for the January 8th Interview? If So, where did you buy your airline ticket from?
 
Slightly related...but not entirely, haha. I flew in to PDX to interview at OSU a couple weeks ago from San Diego. I usually book from Expedia after checking prices on Kayak, but the prices tend to hover around ~250 roundtrip. Southwest is about the same. I flew in on Alaska Airlines since Portland is one of their major travel hubs (and people say they're good). But its about the same price for pretty much all the major airlines, from what I've seen.
 
pharmdnj718 said:
i was looking at the most recent graduating class. the graduation rate for pacific for the past 2 years were 65 people out of 98 people in the class. 1/3 of the people end up not graduating. i would go to a school where the graduation rate is at least 90%
Click to expand...

I don't know which website gives this information (if you'd like to post it I'd be curious to see it), but it is simply not true and blatantly wrong. The first class (c/o 2009) had around 65 total students that ever even entered the program. The second class (c/o 2010) had a slightly larger class, but not much larger (the class sizes have been getting larger since the first class, which I believe someone else has already stated). We have been told SEVERAL TIMES that only several students out of all the students that have ever attended the pharmacy program have had to drop out, and of those, only a couple for academic reasons (most of the time it has been, as yet another person pointed out, because of family issues). I can also tell you that the class of 2011 has, so far, lost around 4 students that I know of, out of a class size of about 95 (plus or minus a student or two, I don't have the exact numbers but I know these numbers are very close). This is no where near to 1/3 of the class.

My apologies if I sound harsh; as a current pharmacy student at Pacific, I am certain that I am correct and I just wanted to set the facts straight.

Happy Holidays to you and everyone else on this board!
 
rxgirly2012 said:
I don't know which website gives this information (if you'd like to post it I'd be curious to see it), but it is simply not true and blatantly wrong. The first class (c/o 2009) had around 65 total students that ever even entered the program. The second class (c/o 2010) had a slightly larger class, but not much larger (the class sizes have been getting larger since the first class, which I believe someone else has already stated). We have been told SEVERAL TIMES that only several students out of all the students that have ever attended the pharmacy program have had to drop out, and of those, only a couple for academic reasons (most of the time it has been, as yet another person pointed out, because of family issues). I can also tell you that the class of 2011 has, so far, lost around 4 students that I know of, out of a class size of about 95 (plus or minus a student or two, I don't have the exact numbers but I know these numbers are very close). This is no where near to 1/3 of the class.

My apologies if I sound harsh; as a current pharmacy student at Pacific, I am certain that I am correct and I just wanted to set the facts straight.

Happy Holidays to you and everyone else on this board!
Click to expand...


Thanks rxgirly, I was starting to get a little paranoid reading some of the comments on the thread.
 
I would really like to see the proof of the statistic that pharmdnj718 mentioned. So if you have a link that you can post here, it would be awesome.

As for those who are interviewing, don't panic reading this. I believe that if this were true, it wouldn't be the first time it was mentioned. It might just be a misinterpretation of the numbers.

I have talked to a current student at Pacific U. He was a B's student as an undergraduate, but he has been doing just fine at Pacific U SoP.

Be prepared and good luck :luck:
 
pharmdnj718 said:
i was looking at the most recent graduating class. the graduation rate for pacific for the past 2 years were 65 people out of 98 people in the class. 1/3 of the people end up not graduating. i would go to a school where the graduation rate is at least 90%
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That was my class. I have no idea what you are talking about. Our class started off at around 87 if I remembered correctly and we graduated i think 84. One dropped out in the first month of 1st year for personal reasons and the other 2 is going to graduate with the next class this upcoming May.

I think maybe 1 didn't make it through the program and I wasn't sure what happened to her. They give everyone enough chances to pass that's for sure.

I am very proud of my school and where it's heading. 😀
 
Just received email from KIERAN that I will hear from 3rd Jan to 7th Jan that I will be selected for 22nd Jan interview, hold or deny

Any1 got the sam email???????
 
I'm also very curious where you received your information pharmdnj because it is clearly incorrect. It's understandable to choose one school over another, but posting inaccurate information from which you seem to have based that information is in poor stead.

IMO, a student being wary of attending a school that requires a 90% to pass a block says much more about that student than the school itself, especially if the school has a high attrition rate and a high NAPLEX rate.
 
chemguy79 said:
I'm also very curious where you received your information pharmdnj because it is clearly incorrect. It's understandable to choose one school over another, but posting inaccurate information from which you seem to have based that information is in poor stead.

IMO, a student being wary of attending a school that requires a 90% to pass a block says much more about that student than the school itself, especially if the school has a high attrition rate and a high NAPLEX rate.
Click to expand...

👍
 
Some statistics for those that are interested. Information straight from the Dean:

Class of 2010 candidates:
**** 83 students (for the first time) took the NAPLEX
**** 82 students (for the first time) took the MPJE between May 1 and August 31, 2010.

NAPLEX
Pacific University Passing Rate
94
State Passing Rate
95
National Passing Rate
95

MPJE
Pacific University Passing Rate
98
State Passing Rate
97
National Passing Rate
96
 
These NAPLEX stats are the same ones I received from the Dean, as a current pharm P1 student of class of 2013. And I can say personally that the 90% pass rate is not unreasonable at all. I was never a straight A student, that's for sure. Some C grades definitely had me worried about doing well in this program. But if you have ever taken a summer condensed course, it is somewhat similar. I was as worried as anyone about the 90% benchmark, but like anything, if you put the work in, you will be just fine. Having said that I've never been a straight A student, I can thankfully say that I survived the entire semester without one re-exam. As long as you can commit a few hours of studying during the week, and some on weekends, you will be just fine. Feel free to ask any questions, I'm happy to help 🙂
 
EastTroutdale said:
These NAPLEX stats are the same ones I received from the Dean, as a current pharm P1 student of class of 2013. And I can say personally that the 90% pass rate is not unreasonable at all. I was never a straight A student, that's for sure. Some C grades definitely had me worried about doing well in this program. But if you have ever taken a summer condensed course, it is somewhat similar. I was as worried as anyone about the 90% benchmark, but like anything, if you put the work in, you will be just fine. Having said that I've never been a straight A student, I can thankfully say that I survived the entire semester without one re-exam. As long as you can commit a few hours of studying during the week, and some on weekends, you will be just fine. Feel free to ask any questions, I'm happy to help 🙂
Click to expand...

Thanks for your input, EastTroutdale. It is great to have current students share their experiences! 🙂
 
I submitted my supplemental application on Dec. 1st and PharmCAS mentioned that my supplemental was received Dec 21st. I still have yet to get pharmcas to update my fall grades but anybody know if there are couple of spots left for interview? Are most spots taken up now?
 
PharmD1988 said:
I submitted my supplemental application on Dec. 1st and PharmCAS mentioned that my supplemental was received Dec 21st. I still have yet to get pharmcas to update my fall grades but anybody know if there are couple of spots left for interview? Are most spots taken up now?
Click to expand...

I'm in the same boat. No rejection, but no interview.
 
6 more Days and I'll be in OREGON!

I'm flying in from Los Angeles for the January 8th interview. I'm debating whether to rent a car or not, depending on the weather conditions. Would anyone know if there's snow in Hillsburo or snowy streets/highways, if so, is it safe to drive?
 
Croutonz said:
6 more Days and I'll be in OREGON!

I'm flying in from Los Angeles for the January 8th interview. I'm debating whether to rent a car or not, depending on the weather conditions. Would anyone know if there's snow in Hillsburo or snowy streets/highways, if so, is it safe to drive?
Click to expand...

It's really cold right now but there isn't any snow. You might want to check the forecast a few days before to make sure but as of right now, there is no snow 🙂
 
davokim said:
It's really cold right now but there isn't any snow. You might want to check the forecast a few days before to make sure but as of right now, there is no snow 🙂
Click to expand...

Thanks for the Update! 😀 Can't wait!
 
Hi Guys,

I am also going to be going to the interview on Saturday Jan 8th and flying into Portland at 3:35 pm! and staying at the SpringHill Suites By Marriott...I was thinking about taking a shuttle, but I hear its 45 bucks each way, sort of pricey...but if it works out, and my schedule works with someone else, let me know, maybe we can ride together and split the costs or something? 🙂

I am planning on going back to the airport right after the interview because my flight back to LA will be at 4:20pm...so hope that works with people! 🙂

Let me know 🙂
 
SDRx said:
Hi Guys,

I am also going to be going to the interview on Saturday Jan 8th and flying into Portland at 3:35 pm! and staying at the SpringHill Suites By Marriott...I was thinking about taking a shuttle, but I hear its 45 bucks each way, sort of pricey...but if it works out, and my schedule works with someone else, let me know, maybe we can ride together and split the costs or something? 🙂

I am planning on going back to the airport right after the interview because my flight back to LA will be at 4:20pm...so hope that works with people! 🙂

Let me know 🙂
Click to expand...

LAX-> PDX
Hey! I'm also flying in on Friday Morning but around 9ish!
I'm gonna be a daredevil and explore the city by BUS

PDX-> LAX
I'll also be heading to the airport right after and my flight leaves at 5pm and I'm taking the Express SHuttle for $48 one way, plus $5 per person. The interview ends around 3pm and the Driver said it takes roughly and HOUR to get to the airport!
 
Got Interview for 22 Jan........

ANYONE FROM NEW JERSEY????????
 
how is housing in the area? cost of living (what do you pay for rent)? public transportation, can you get by without a car?
 
Skrishna said:
Got Interview for 22 Jan........

ANYONE FROM NEW JERSEY????????
Click to expand...

i'm from new jersey and but will be going to the january 8th interview. i'll let you know everything after my interview. i'll be back to new jersey monday morning (10th) so expect me a PRIvate message from me sometimes on monday and i was actually going to turn it down initially because i was intimidated by the 90% passing benchmark but then i thought to myself it doesn't hurt to at least go and see if i like it. maybe i'll like it and maybe the 90% is doable as being stated by several current pacific students on this forum. let me know if you need anything.
 
Skrishna said:
Got Interview for 22 Jan........

ANYONE FROM NEW JERSEY????????
Click to expand...

congrats and i'm from new jersey myself and i'm going to interview on january 8th, i can't wait to be there in 3 days yay. love from new jersey and congrats again on being selected to interview I'm so happy for you😍:laugh:🙂
 
Thanks n best wishes to u all u r interviewing on 8 Jan..........Hope to see u on Fall🙂)))))))))))))))))))))))))

pharmdnj718 said:
congrats and i'm from new jersey myself and i'm going to interview on january 8th, i can't wait to be there in 3 days yay. love from new jersey and congrats again on being selected to interview I'm so happy for you😍:laugh:🙂
Click to expand...
 
Skrishna said:
Thanks n best wishes to u all u r interviewing on 8 Jan..........Hope to see u on Fall🙂)))))))))))))))))))))))))
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i can't wait to be in oregon in 3 days. i'm so excited. what other schools did you apply and interview with?

what do you think of my applications:

there is my application status out of all the 3 year accelerated programs i applied to:

South University-Savannah-interview 11/5-DEFERRED UNTIL MARCH 🙁 but:xf:
University of Maryland Eastern shore-interview 11/18-ACCEPTED 12/06/2010🙂:laugh:
Sullivan University-still waiting
Pacific university in oregon-INTERVIEW 01/08:xf:
LECOM-ERIE-INTERVIEW 01/18:xf:
MCPHS-Worcester-hold until fall grades
Appalachian College of Pharmacy-still waiting

MY APPLICATION STATUS OUT OF ALL THE TRADITIONAL 4 YEAR PROGRAMS I APPLIED to:

Western New England College of pharmacy-interview 12/03-accepted 01/05/2011
Presbyterian College-interview invite but had to reschedule so date TBA:xf:
Husson University-interview 02/04/2011:xf:
University of New England-still waiting
University of Oklahoma-still waiting
Nova-still waiting
Mercer-still waiting
Long Island University-still waiting
Idaho State University-still waiting
Concordia-still waiting
Lipscomb-still waiting
Belmont-interview 01/28/2011-declined interview
 
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Skrishna I got the same email and heard back from her on Jan. 3rd that I am invited to the Jan. 22nd interview. When did you submit your application?
 
Hey guys, is anyone staying until sunday nite and wants to share a car rental with me? its gonna be less than 20 dollars i believe, and we will split that cost between us. Thanks. 😀
 
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