pharm interview question

[prlester]

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Hi guys, I have a few interviews for pharmd programs but am really at a loss on how to express my desire for pharmacy, especially in these ways,


1. Why pharmacy? What makes you passionate? (I like pharm but can't express a passion)

2. Why not another health profession?

3. What did you get out of your volunteer pharm tech experiences? How did they influence you to do pharm?

I have my own reasons for pharm, but I don't think they are answers the committee will like the best. I know they expect a lot of unrealistic showmanship. If any of you guys can help, please respond. Thanks a bunch!

 

[eddie269]

What are your REAL reasons? 🙂

 

[prlester]

its no secret. I like the flexibility, the short length of education (compared to med), and the science/human interaction.

I would really like some input and advice from past and current applicants!

 

[ipinjoy]

its no secret. I like the flexibility, the short length of education (compared to med), and the science/human interaction.

I would really like some input and advice from past and current applicants!

I had trouble with those questions before my interviews. I think these questions are geared at trying to find out what drives you? What motivates you to get up everyday and pursue this type of education? Overall, what do you want out of this type of education? For me, my main motivation was that I wanted to be someone my family and friends can turn to for help.

Just contemplate on these for awhile, Im sure you'll find the right answer for you..🙂

 

[prlester]

I am not sure if your family angle would work too well. what they are looking for is a valid, competent reason that demonstrates commital and interest.

 

[ipinjoy]

I am not sure if your family angle would work too well. what they are looking for is a valid, competent reason that demonstrates commital and interest.

My reason for pharmacy (my family) is real and true. You have no right to judge. There are no right and wrong answers with these questions. The admissions committee wants the truth in why pharmacy. I wrote about this in my personal statement and also emphasized it in my interviews. I have already been accepted to 2 schools and have an interview at UCSF. So the truth does work whether you feel that it is not "valid or not".

Everyone has different stories in why they choose to pursue pharmacy. There is no point in feeding the admissions committee answers that they "want to hear". They want to know who you are and what your REAL reason is.

 

[Ammarha]

My reason for pharmacy (my family) is real and true. You have no right to judge. There are no right and wrong answers with these questions. The admissions committee wants the truth in why pharmacy. I wrote about this in my personal statement and also emphasized it in my interviews. I have already been accepted to 2 schools and have an interview at UCSF. So the truth does work whether you feel that it is not "valid or not".

Everyone has different stories in why they choose to pursue pharmacy. There is no point in feeding the admissions committee answers that they "want to hear". They want to know who you are and what your REAL reason is.

 

[ilovepharm]

My reason for pharmacy (my family) is real and true. You have no right to judge. There are no right and wrong answers with these questions. The admissions committee wants the truth in why pharmacy. I wrote about this in my personal statement and also emphasized it in my interviews. I have already been accepted to 2 schools and have an interview at UCSF. So the truth does work whether you feel that it is not "valid or not".

Everyone has different stories in why they choose to pursue pharmacy. There is no point in feeding the admissions committee answers that they "want to hear". They want to know who you are and what your REAL reason is.

👍 👍 👍

During the interview, when they ask you why YOU want to pursue pharmacy, they're not trying to trick you. There isn't one specific answer the interviewers are looking for that will get you straight into pharmacy school. If that was the case, then we'd all be stressing out for no reason, wouldnt we? 😛

 

[drugdoc]

Yes, each person is different, and that is what they are looking for. Not a cookie cutter answer. For one person it is their family, for another maybe something totally different.

 

[sdn1977]

its no secret. I like the flexibility, the short length of education (compared to med), and the science/human interaction.

I would really like some input and advice from past and current applicants!

priester - you like the flexibility - to do what? The flexibility to travel, play, do other stuff? Can you envision the flexibility to go beyond the "routine" of pharmacy? Can you see yourself ever traveling to a place like Louisana to provide pharmacy services to folks like the Katrina victims? What about the flexibility of providing your possible unique skills (if you have a second language or culture that is not strictly American) which might help with educating our diverse population? What about the flexibility of traveling outside the US to provide your educational experiences in a third world country?

The short length of education - well...formally it is only 6-8 or 9 years. But...it actually lasts a lifetime. Drugs you will take for granted when you potentially graduate were never heard of when I began. So...it allows you to continually educate yourself & most importantly your patients & colleagues.

The science/human interaction - this is a potentially HUGE passion! The whole US healthcare system, if you've ever had to manage it, is a morass of confusion & can be extremely intimidating! You, as an educated go-between can help those who are confused or just plain frightened by the whole process. Many, many folks don't understand their medications, what they do, what to expect and don't realize...they may not actually "feel" anything when they take them....so they need you to help them realize they need to continue!

There are so many things you aren't "allowing" yourself to feel that passion for. It may not be there - but I'm hoping you just don't know it yourself & you need help to find it inside.

Good luck!!!!!!