Texas A&M

[XSV]

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Received my interview invite this morning as well!

 

[syunfung]

Looks like the interviewing process has begun. Good luck, everyone!

what's y'all stats?? Still patiently waiting for mine. 🙁

The current stats of the currently enrolled classes (2012-2015) I believe is a PCAT average of about 72. I cannot give you information regarding applicant GPA or averages yet.

 

[SciTeach]

I just checked my email! Received my interview for February 16th! YAY!

 

[dreamerforever]

I'm also still waiting...
I keep getting false alarms every time I check my phone and see that I've got mail. It keeps turning out to be Pharmcas -_____-
Will all the interview invitations be sent out this week?

 

[Rxbuddy]

To all who did not receive invites, please don't be anxious. Just give it a little time and be patient. Good luck!

**Also, to those who did get invites, where are y'all staying? Any recommendations?

 

[LSUCPhT]

what's y'all stats?? Still patiently waiting for mine. 🙁

Don't worry so much about the stats. Calm down. There are still spots!!!


Hey, what's so offensive about being called LSUCPhT?! Funniest part....all 3 of us are in the same group in one of our classes. 👍

 

[ehwlswn]

got mine this morning; interview's on the 17th at 1pm. Anyone else going that day/from UT?

I'm coming from UT that day 🙂! Though mine's at 9am. Are you gonna get there Thurs night? I have no idea where to stay lol.

 

[beefsnackstick]

I'm coming from UT that day 🙂! Though mine's at 9am. Are you gonna get there Thurs night? I have no idea where to stay lol.

nice! yeah, i'm leaving thursday evening (my last class ends at 5pm and i have an exam that day). i'm going to start google mapping the hotels they listed on that attachment and compare location/price.

 

[LSUCPhT]

nice! yeah, i'm leaving thursday evening (my last class ends at 5pm and i have an exam that day). i'm going to start google mapping the hotels they listed on that attachment and compare location/price.

I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express when I went for my interview and for pre-orientation. I thought it was pretty nice. Haven't stayed at any other hotel, so I'm of no other help! haha

 

[Rxbuddy]

I'm coming from UT that day 🙂! Though mine's at 9am. Are you gonna get there Thurs night? I have no idea where to stay lol.

Was checking prices of hotels/motels earlier today and all good ones IMO (2 star and above) are around $80 a night.

 

[50fenil]

did they send out all interview invites or there will be more interview invites later one? didnt get one 🙁

 

[syunfung]

Don't worry so much about the stats. Calm down. There are still spots!!!


Hey, what's so offensive about being called LSUCPhT?! Funniest part....all 3 of us are in the same group in one of our classes. 👍

Lol, nothing. It's just so obvious that I'm NOT though.

It is kinda funny how we three ended up in a randomly assigned group...

There will be more spots open as people turn down their invitations. Don't worry that you aren't one of the first. I've seen people interview (or get an invitation for interview) pretty late...

 

[PrePharm18]

what's y'all stats?? Still patiently waiting for mine. 🙁

Me too 🙁

 

[PrePharm18]

Does anyone know when the last day is that interview invites will go out?

 

[HPfanatic]

So I received an interview for the 10th at 2:30! BUT the thing is I never finished the app....like I didn't send in the rec letters I don't think....soooo do I still go??

 

[dorkiePanda]

I got my interview invites but its the same day as my UT one 🙁, I'm waiting and hoping that they will let me reschedule. Good luck everyone!

I just have a quick question for those who are attending the school now, if you were coming from a big city, how did you adapt to Kingsville? I grew up in Houston, and don't foresee a problem with moving to a small town, but I don't want to seem like I didn't think about it if I get asked that question.

 

[syunfung]

I got my interview invites but its the same day as my UT one 🙁, I'm waiting and hoping that they will let me reschedule. Good luck everyone!

I just have a quick question for those who are attending the school now, if you were coming from a big city, how did you adapt to Kingsville? I grew up in Houston, and don't foresee a problem with moving to a small town, but I don't want to seem like I didn't think about it if I get asked that question.

I'm actually from Houston. A lot of us are.

It's a nice change, honestly. No traffic, etc. The nearest big city is Corpus, and that's less time for a drive as you probably have to drive to see friends in Houston (I mean, it takes me an hour to get anywhere my friends are while I'm in Houston).

Although, because it is remote, you will get the urges to go home occasionally, unless you're already used to the feeling.

 

[ceetee]

So I received an interview for the 10th at 2:30! BUT the thing is I never finished the app....like I didn't send in the rec letters I don't think....soooo do I still go??

I also got an interview with Xavier COP even though I was missing a recommendation letter, I think they just look at your stats and if they r good enough they can let that slide

 

[XSV]

I'm actually from Houston. A lot of us are.

It's a nice change, honestly. No traffic, etc. The nearest big city is Corpus, and that's less time for a drive as you probably have to drive to see friends in Houston (I mean, it takes me an hour to get anywhere my friends are while I'm in Houston).

Although, because it is remote, you will get the urges to go home occasionally, unless you're already used to the feeling.

I'm from Houston as well. I am ready to leave. I hate the traffic.

 

[Rxbuddy]

So, current students, anything interesting to do in Kingsville? What do yall do for fun?

 

[pharm B]

So, current students, anything interesting to do in Kingsville? What do yall do for fun?

The fraternities offer a lot of social events, and the student orgs also have a fair share of them. Irma Bowl, Dodge Ball Tournament, Bowling, etc.

I'll let locals speak on the night life. 😉

 

[dorkiePanda]

I'm from Houston as well. I am ready to leave. I hate the traffic.

Yea, aren't we all eager to get away from the smog and horrendous traffic... I think the only thing I would miss is the variety of foods.

 

[Foreverblue34]

I'm scared I won't get an interview! I have a 3.0 gpa, 53 pcat(although i improved my bio scores from 60 to 80, and chem score from 48 to 77, since the 1st time), numerous extracurricular activities, and some leadership positions. I'm still scared. Does anyone know when the latest date for invitations to be sent out is? Thanks.

 

[nadine11]

Hi guys, I received the invitation email for an interview yesterday, it is scheduled for the 17th....I am excited and nervous at the same time.
In the letter they asked me to prepare for the interview and they have mentioned that it will be about 2 hours long. In addition they said that the process will consist of oral and written components. Can anyone- preferably someone who's gone through the process already clarify this process. For example, the written component of the interview: is it like the pcat kind of questions in chemistry, biology andmath...etc or is it like an essay or something else??
I would really appreciate it if anyone can give me any clarification...Thanks in advance.
Good luck to all students who are applying🙂

 

[Foreverblue34]

Hi guys, I received the invitation email for an interview yesterday, it is scheduled for the 17th....I am excited and nervous at the same time.
In the letter they asked me to prepare for the interview and they have mentioned that it will be about 2 hours long. In addition they said that the process will consist of oral and written components. Can anyone- preferably someone who's gone through the process already clarify this process. For example, the written component of the interview: is it like the pcat kind of questions in chemistry, biology andmath...etc or is it like an essay or something else??
I would really appreciate it if anyone can give me any clarification...Thanks in advance.
Good luck to all students who are applying🙂

I've heard it's essay/critical thinking type..but i would not trust me as i'm not sure. I kind of doubt it will be math/science based. Um.. do you know if e-mails could still be sent out in the next few days? 🙁

 

[nadine11]

Foreverblue34, thanks for the answer but do you know what the essay question is about and if the critical thinking part is multiple choices??
As far as your question goes, I really don't know but I would keep my hopes up because I am scheduled for the 17th and I received it yesterday morning and I know they are still interviewing on the 23rd so you might get an email for that in the next few days
Good luck to you...

 

[pharm B]

To the best of my knowledge, interview day consists of two parts: your interview itself, and your written exercise. The written exercise for me was just a response to some generic topic about healthcare. I don't recall what, but I wouldn't stress it. Make sure your thoughts are clear, concise, and intelligible. 😉

Once you're done with those two parts, the "graded" part of your day stops, and you get a quick Q&A session with students who volunteered to talk to you guys. A&M has probably one of the most low key interview day setups of the schools in Texas.

 

[LSUCPhT]

Hi guys, I received the invitation email for an interview yesterday, it is scheduled for the 17th....I am excited and nervous at the same time.
In the letter they asked me to prepare for the interview and they have mentioned that it will be about 2 hours long. In addition they said that the process will consist of oral and written components. Can anyone- preferably someone who's gone through the process already clarify this process. For example, the written component of the interview: is it like the pcat kind of questions in chemistry, biology andmath...etc or is it like an essay or something else??
I would really appreciate it if anyone can give me any clarification...Thanks in advance.
Good luck to all students who are applying🙂

I think someone else might have a better breakdown of the 2 hours than I do, but you will have a 30 minute interview, a 30 minute written component, and a Q&A session with current students (very informal). I think that's about it, but I feel like I'm missing something. The written portion is just an essay. The topics will vary. No PCAT style questions. 👍 Just be yourself. You obviously are good enough to get an interview, they just want to find out more about your personality. The interviewers are "blind." Meaning, they don't know ANYTHING about you when you walk in. Therefore, no bias is made based on grades, PCAT, letters of rec, and experiences. Good luck and stay calm!

 

[Foreverblue34]

Foreverblue34, thanks for the answer but do you know what the essay question is about and if the critical thinking part is multiple choices??
As far as your question goes, I really don't know but I would keep my hopes up because I am scheduled for the 17th and I received it yesterday morning and I know they are still interviewing on the 23rd so you might get an email for that in the next few days
Good luck to you...

Hi, I would definitely call them, I call them all the time to ask questions! They are really nice and try to answer your questions, I agree definitely with PharmB, and i wouldn't stress about it too much. I would just practice the interviewing part to get comfortable with the questions that may be asked. Thank you and Good luck to you, too!

 

[texasrx1214]

Just joining up to this today. Hi guys.
I just got my invitation to interview yesterday for the 10th, and I'm starting to get nervous just thinking about it. It's so little time to prepare.
Also, I was going through last years thread and saw that someone had created a facebook group for their class. What do you guys think about starting something like that up?

 

[syunfung]

My colleagues have already hit it on the spot.

I do recall last year some people were requesting on-site tours after the interview, so you may want to bring that up during the Q&A. We do have the newest facilities in the State of Texas, after all.

As far as night life, enjoy it while you're not a P2. 😉 I know there are a few clubs/bars around here (The Luau, the Ranch, the Silver Spur, etc.), but I haven't been able to go since the school year started. Most of the places open will be on 14th or Gen. Cavazos. Others (mostly P1s) find the time to go to Corpus Christi even during weekdays. For those locations, I'll defer to PharmB here. Fact of the matter is, Kingsville holds the necessities you need to live and study, but if you want to do something, you probably have to go to Corpus. It's something that people learn to love and hate, because they can't be distracted unless they really have time, but they also wish Corpus were closer. Honestly though, it's like living back in Houston suburbs. You want to go somewhere, go to the highway or Downtown or something.

Like Foreverblue34 said, if you have questions like that, you may get a faster answer from the office instead. Unlike some of the other places I went for when I was still applying, our office here actually a) answered promptly and b) in a friendly demeanor. If you wait for us to answer, well... it may take several hours for something you could get in a matter of minutes.

As far as the essay portion goes, you have 30 minutes to write something out. It is a question usually pertaining to healthcare and you as a person, but it's not a static question. You (literally) pick it out from a hat (well, basket, but the statement stands). The way they explained it when I went is that you should compose it as if you were replying to someone's email (in length, not grammar). So what you see here in our responses would be akin to the size of what you need to write. It isn't bad, but you do have to write it by hand.

PROTIP: If you want to spruce it up a bit, try incorporating what you know about the values or mission of our school is into whatever your question is.

 

[syunfung]

Just joining up to this today. Hi guys.
I just got my invitation to interview yesterday for the 10th, and I'm starting to get nervous just thinking about it. It's so little time to prepare.
Also, I was going through last years thread and saw that someone had created a facebook group for their class. What do you guys think about starting something like that up?

Ohhh... Facebook... You need to be careful about that. A lot of drama can happen when one of those groups start up. It will pretty much depend on the dynamics of the class that is accepted, and even if you decide to make one, you shouldn't do it until you're actually in.

A good thing to keep in mind is that with the remoteness of this city, one of the only ways to stay sane is to joke around. Don't take everything seriously, or else you'll only get upset over nothing.

 

[nadine11]

Thank you all for the comments, I forgot to mention that I have an interview at Incarnate Word as well on the 25th! So I have alot of preparation to do because their interview process is even longer- 4hours!!!

 

[Rxbuddy]

Thank you all for the comments, I forgot to mention that I have an interview at Incarnate Word as well on the 25th! So I have alot of preparation to do because their interview process is even longer- 4hours!!!

Tech's interview is 8 hours. Surprisingly, you don't feel too tired.

 

[frankdahtank]

Could you Kingsville guys kindly explain to me what "Dean's Hour" is?

Also, are we going to have some sort of code word for being an sdner during the Q&A?

 

[XSV]

Essay? 🙁 I hope it's not paper and pencil. I'm such a bad speller as well.

 

[tnn10]

Essay? 🙁 I hope it's not paper and pencil. I'm such a bad speller as well.

I'm sure they're more interested in your response to the prompt rather than the grammar. Plus, it's a timed essay so they won't be expecting a perfectly written essay. I think I've read somewhere on this thread that as long as your ideas are concise and organize, you should be super. Good luck!

 

[syunfung]

Could you Kingsville guys kindly explain to me what "Dean's Hour" is?

Also, are we going to have some sort of code word for being an sdner during the Q&A?

Dean's Hour and Forum are one hour time slots on Tuesdays and Thursdays prior to the lunch break. These are used to make announcements or to bring lectures that the administration believes to be pertinent to your education or to enrich the information you already have learned (or will learn, in the case of some) towards the pharmacy field. For example, this past one was about substance abuse amongst pharmacy students and pharmacists. A few weeks ago, we had one addressing our benchmarks. The P2 and P3 groups are usually in the larger lecture hall due to giving the speaker (if the speaker is a guest) a larger audience. The P1s will stay in their own hall due to lack of space but will have it broadcast via teleconference.

By the way, I don't believe we have a "code word". As far as I know, PharmB and I will be wearing our SDN pins. I'm not sure if LSUCPhT has one though. Last year, I wore mine and that's actually how some of last year's applicants thought I was either PharmB or LSUCPhT (None of them thought I was me... 🙁 )

I'm sure they're more interested in your response to the prompt rather than the grammar. Plus, it's a timed essay so they won't be expecting a perfectly written essay. I think I've read somewhere on this thread that as long as your ideas are concise and organize, you should be super. Good luck!

You'd be surprised. Just be sure you have an adequate grasp of proper grammar. There are certain individuals that will lambast you for it. In fact, a professor got so fed up with the incorrect grammar in some submissions by students this year that he kept sending rather sardonic messages to the entire CoP about how to properly use simple punctuation or abbreviations. There are many professors who also share the opinion that "incorrect grammar and spelling will cause a loss of credibility." Once you lose that, you may have that particular reader stop paying attention to you or figure you are a waste of time.

You do need to write a concise and organized reply. That much is true. But you cannot forget to give attention to other details such as grammar. The professors will often reverse an argument by pointing out how much attention the student should have paid to a certain topic as attention to detail is key to our careers. I mean, if you focus on counting pills and can count pills with absolute accuracy but you managed to not pay attention to WHICH DRUG you should be filling, well... let's just say the results won't be pretty.

 

[Sbnpharm]

I'll be flying into Corpus for my interview.. Anyone else flying? And what's the best way to get to Kingsville? Rent a car?

 

[ACE Rx]

I'm scared I won't get an interview! I have a 3.0 gpa, 53 pcat(although i improved my bio scores from 60 to 80, and chem score from 48 to 77, since the 1st time), numerous extracurricular activities, and some leadership positions. I'm still scared. Does anyone know when the latest date for invitations to be sent out is? Thanks.

Improvement in individual subsections don't matter. Only your composite score matters. GPA and PCAT scores are each weighted and are awarded points. The highest scores get interviews. A 3.0 gpa and 53 pcat are more than likely below this threshold. I personally would not apply unless I had competitive stats. If you don't get an interview, try again next year and contact adcoms to see where the shortcomings in your apps were.

 

[pharmclass2016]

I couldn't make it to my assigned date because of the UT interview and I tried to reschedule but they said all the other dates are full! Is anyone else having trouble?

 

[gravitygirl88]

I couldn't make it to my assigned date because of the UT interview and I tried to reschedule but they said all the other dates are full! Is anyone else having trouble?

I'm going to e-mail them tomorrow and they'll probably read it on monday that I won't be able to make it on the 10th because I just got accepted in my first choice. Perhaps that will leave you a spot?

 

[pharmclass2016]

I'm going to e-mail them tomorrow and they'll probably read it on monday that I won't be able to make it on the 10th because I just got accepted in my first choice. Perhaps that will leave you a spot?

Unfortunately not, my interview is currently on the 10th, I was hoping for a later date.

 

[Member3210]

I have heard that from those that get interviews for A&M Pharm in the month of Feb, by statistics alone, there is about a 75% chance of getting in, does this sound about right? 😀

 

[ah123]

well holiday inn is booked. I called hampton inn and they said the latest I could checkout was 1pm. I'd prefer to be able to checkout after the interview

 

[dorkiePanda]

I couldn't make it to my assigned date because of the UT interview and I tried to reschedule but they said all the other dates are full! Is anyone else having trouble?

I had somewhat of the same problem, my UT interview is on the 10th, but I replied to the interview invitation the day I got it. They gave me the 9th instead, but I asked for the 17th, so I think they are having a lot of scheduling issues. So I bought a ton of audio books to accompany me on the drive from Houston to Kingsville, to Austin, then back to Houston.. 🙂

 

[texasrx1214]

My interview is at 4 pm on the 10th. Do any of you guys know if this is the last interview of the day? Who does the group of interviewers usually consist of?

super nervous

 

[texasrx1214]

Originally Posted by Ethanol
what's y'all stats?? Still patiently waiting for mine. 🙁

I am from Houston and I have a 3.3 and 87 on my PCAT. I have been working as a tech for a year, and I got some great rec letter. Hopes that helps

 

[pharm B]

I have heard that from those that get interviews for A&M Pharm in the month of Feb, by statistics alone, there is about a 75% chance of getting in, does this sound about right? 😀

Traditionally there have been 7 times more applicants than there are seats. I would not say that you have a 3/4 shot just because you interview.

 

[syunfung]

My interview is at 4 pm on the 10th. Do any of you guys know if this is the last interview of the day? Who does the group of interviewers usually consist of?

super nervous

It is more than likely the last one for the day. It just depends on whether you're split into the Essay or Interview first group.

The interviews usually consist of three people interviewing you. Some people had three professors. I had one professor, one preceptor, and one student. Sadly, that professor is no longer with us. LSUCPhT knows which one I speak of. 🙁