Texas Tech Application Thread

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Hello Everyone!!

I interviewed at Texas Tech Amarillo on February 18th. Do any of my fellow candidates remember when they might send out decisions for this group. Mr. Schwettmann tried to explain it to us, but it wasn't quite clear, :smack: although I do remember him saying that the first round of interviewees would get notification this week.

Congrats to all who got in!! 😀
 
February interviewees will be discussed by the admission committee next week and you might hear back next week around March 4th. Good luck!
 
February interviewees will be discussed by the admission committee next week and you might hear back next week around March 4th. Good luck!

Next week is March 4th...so maybe the week after March 4th?
 
I got a phone call asking about my immunization record yesterday. I had a hunch that I might get accepted, and it turned out that I REALLY got in! My Merlin status has changed too. I'm so excited!! I was in the 1st interview date in Abilene.
Thanks to the Pharmacy students here at SDN who had provided tons of advice and feedback!
Good luck to everyone else!! I'm sure you'll hear good news too!

Congratulations!!! I'm so happy for you! So is Tech your number one choice?
 
Is there anywhere on SDN where Abilene and Amarillo are compared. It is only for the deployment choice for my interview, but I would like a little more information on which campus I should select.
Thanks,
 
Congratulations Nbaby and all that have been accepted. Great job. The nerve wrecking wait continues for me.
 
of course most of you have caught on, but if your status says "pending acceptance", they have mailed out an acceptance letter to you and are waiting to see if you'll fully accept the offer.

as far as the seat fee, you must pay it by the deadline. there are no exceptions. i imagine if everyone got an extension, very few seats would ever be filled until the end of summer. i understand people are waiting to see about acceptance offers from other schools, but i highly recommend paying the seat fee if you'd consider going to the school. i've had friends pay $500 seat fees, and later on turned the program down to accept a different offer. yes, they did lose a lot of $$$$ and it really, really sucks. but like i said, if everyone got an extension, decisions would never be made at an appropriate time.
 
I recently got my acceptance letter, but I am stuck because I'm not sure which school to accept/decline. I hear that Texas Tech has probably the hardest curriculum out of any other pharmacy school in Texas. At my interview, pharmacy students were saying how biochemistry was the hardest class. Could someone who is a pharmacy student at TT now tell me if they would recommend taking biochemistry before entering pharmacy school in order to get a good foundation? Thanks!
 
I recently got my acceptance letter, but I am stuck because I'm not sure which school to accept/decline. I hear that Texas Tech has probably the hardest curriculum out of any other pharmacy school in Texas. At my interview, pharmacy students were saying how biochemistry was the hardest class. Could someone who is a pharmacy student at TT now tell me if they would recommend taking biochemistry before entering pharmacy school in order to get a good foundation? Thanks!

I spoke with a few about Biochemistry and quite frankly the materials you learn in undergraduate is only a fraction of what is taught in pharm school. Further, the compress of all materials into several weeks compare to over a semester is quite challenging in itself. I took Biochemistry, but I think I might relearn it again in the summer (maybe) :laugh:
 
I just got an invitation for interview today! Is it better to do interview in Abilene or Amarillo? Also, does it make any difference if I chose between any dates like the 4th , 11th or the 18th?
 
I just got an invitation for interview today! Is it better to do interview in Abilene or Amarillo? Also, does it make any difference if I chose between any dates like the 4th , 11th or the 18th?

It doesn't matter which location you choose, but I think you should pick the location you would want to go to if accepted (because you can see the area beforehand). Picking a date does matter since the school is a rolling admission, so pick the earliest date that is convenient for you. Lastly, GOOD LUCK!
 
I spoke with a few about Biochemistry and quite frankly the materials you learn in undergraduate is only a fraction of what is taught in pharm school. Further, the compress of all materials into several weeks compare to over a semester is quite challenging in itself. I took Biochemistry, but I think I might relearn it again in the summer (maybe) :laugh:

Texas Tech P1 who has a degree in biochemistry in undergrad here. I feel the pharmacy biochemistry is mainly just tons and tons of memorization of pathways and intermediates with a few concepts scattered around. My undergrad biochem classes were focused more on being able to figure out how different things came together and less on memorizing (all my undergrad biochem exams were open book). That's why I didn't have as much of an advantage over my non-biochem major classmates because I never had to shove pathways into my head before.

That said, the curriculum's not that bad as long as you use your time wisely.
 
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Texas Tech P1 who has a degree in biochemistry in undergrad here. I feel the pharmacy biochemistry is mainly just tons and tons of memorization of pathways and intermediates with a few concepts scattered around. My undergrad biochem classes were focused more on being able to figure out how different things came together and less on memorizing (all my undergrad biochem exams were open book). That's why I didn't have as much of an advantage over my non-biochem major classmates because I never had to shove pathways into my head before.

That said, the curriculum's not that bad as long as you use your time wisely.

If that is true, then awesome! My undergrad Biochem class required LOTS of memorizations, down to every single detail. We had to draw out the pathways from our memory on our exams exactly as it is. Perhaps that may have been of help? (Professor did say he was teaching in ways that will help us later if we were going to professional schools)
 
I recently got my acceptance letter, but I am stuck because I'm not sure which school to accept/decline. I hear that Texas Tech has probably the hardest curriculum out of any other pharmacy school in Texas. At my interview, pharmacy students were saying how biochemistry was the hardest class. Could someone who is a pharmacy student at TT now tell me if they would recommend taking biochemistry before entering pharmacy school in order to get a good foundation? Thanks!

I think people have the conception our program is "harder" is because our semesters are sooooooo demanding! We are scheduled 19-21 hours/semester so it becomes very tough. From what I've been told, other programs allow students to take courses during the summer. Also, in our program if you fail ONE course and it's a prereq, you'll be put behind an entire year. You will most likely graduate a year later than originally expected. This is different than other programs because they offer courses multiple times throughout the year.

I have to say that biochem is the hardest course during the P1 year, but not of the entire program. wait until you have infectious disease or oncology. i honestly wouldn't recommend taking biochem before. just my personal opinion.

I spoke with a few about Biochemistry and quite frankly the materials you learn in undergraduate is only a fraction of what is taught in pharm school. Further, the compress of all materials into several weeks compare to over a semester is quite challenging in itself. I took Biochemistry, but I think I might relearn it again in the summer (maybe) :laugh:

chelsea is correct about the material taught during P1 biochem. P1 biochem was able to cover undergrad biochem way before we even had our midterm.

that being said, biochem is tough because it reminds me of a "weed-out" course in undergrad. if you can't get through biochem, it's just a red flag you'll struggle much more later on. so stay on top of things and don't get behind. the biochem course is structured to have 7 or 8 exams(from what i remember????)... but you can drop your 2 lowest, so be smart about which ones you drop.

hope this helps.
congrats to those accepted! 🙂
 
Thanks Tifflj for everything! I have another question though regarding lectures. One thing cool about UT is that they video-record all of the lectures so if you miss one because you are sick or something, then you can download it and watch it later. Does Texas Tech have anything like this?
 
I spoke with a few about Biochemistry and quite frankly the materials you learn in undergraduate is only a fraction of what is taught in pharm school. Further, the compress of all materials into several weeks compare to over a semester is quite challenging in itself. I took Biochemistry, but I think I might relearn it again in the summer (maybe) :laugh:


Biochem is not really that hard it is just a lot of work. I am a P1 at Tech and it seems that a lot of my classmates were similar to me in that we could study 2-3 days ahead of most exams for most classes and do well. However, biochem here is a 5 hour course that usually has a new lecture every day so the amount of material is a lot. If you do not keep up with the work you will fall behind and the exams will be very hard. With that being said, there were several people here in my class that got As on all the tests including a 100 on 1 or more of the 8 tests (6 block tests - worth 10% each and 2 dropped, 1 midterm - worth 20%, and 1 final - worth 30%) so they are not impossible if you keep up with everything or start studying at least a minimum of one week before the test. Also, Tech has close to a perfect passing rate on the board exams so few if any students who come here fail to become licensed pharmacists. I think taking biochem in undergrad will help you because it will at least cut down the amount of new material you will be seeing. Hope this helps.
 
Quick question: In my invitation email, it saif that the interview does include an on site one hour essay???? I heard from frriebds that the do not do the essay anymore?😕
 
Quick question: In my invitation email, it saif that the interview does include an on site one hour essay???? I heard from frriebds that the do not do the essay anymore?😕

Yes, it's true! No essay is done at the interview
 
There is no essay! However, they do take your PCAT essay scores into account.
 
Thanks for all of the great info! Is there a point system similar to A&M's interview process? For example, are some aspects of the interview worth more than the other? Also, do the essays on the application count towards anything? I have an interview soon and I'm quite nervous. :scared:
 
Yay, I am officially in! I received the letter on Friday! Amarillo, then Dallas!
 
Thanks for all of the great info! Is there a point system similar to A&M's interview process? For example, are some aspects of the interview worth more than the other? Also, do the essays on the application count towards anything? I have an interview soon and I'm quite nervous. :scared:


You might want to refer to this thread for extra information: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=763546

An essay is no longer included in the interview process (even though the interview invite letter says so). So you should only have the personality test, group interview and personal interview. I would naturally say the personal interview is the most important. That doesn't mean you should slack off in your group interview though. They're really trying to see how YOU work as an integral part of a team. The personal interview is how they analyze your individual personality and how you'd portrayed yourself in particular situations. This questions are very specific and probe specific examples. Make sure you pay attention to what they are asking for. For instance, tell me about a time when.... Try to explain a time when you had to do what was requested.

Being nervous is natural. But I promise you, the majority of prospective candidates claim they are really calm by the time they have their personal interview because they're given all day to get a vibe of the faculty and current students. You'll most likely see your interviewers at some point throughout the day.

Does this help?
 
Will we be hearing back sometime this week for the second batch of interviews??? I'm so anxious even though I know I shouldn't be.
 
You might want to refer to this thread for extra information: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=763546

An essay is no longer included in the interview process (even though the interview invite letter says so). So you should only have the personality test, group interview and personal interview. I would naturally say the personal interview is the most important. That doesn't mean you should slack off in your group interview though. They're really trying to see how YOU work as an integral part of a team. The personal interview is how they analyze your individual personality and how you'd portrayed yourself in particular situations. This questions are very specific and probe specific examples. Make sure you pay attention to what they are asking for. For instance, tell me about a time when.... Try to explain a time when you had to do what was requested.

Being nervous is natural. But I promise you, the majority of prospective candidates claim they are really calm by the time they have their personal interview because they're given all day to get a vibe of the faculty and current students. You'll most likely see your interviewers at some point throughout the day.

Does this help?

Why do we have to be there so early then like 7:45?
 
Hey everyone! I just got my letter this past week, and have been accepted to the Amarillo-Dallas program. If anyone else is going to Amarillo, let me know so we can get to know each other! Also, I already have an application in for a nice apartment. If anyone (going to Amarillo) is interested, send me a private message and we can talk! 🙂
 
Why do we have to be there so early then like 7:45?

Although the essay part is taken out, the admission extends certain part of the interview out to make it last until 4pm - 5pm. Trust me, time willlll flyyyyy by! Just come in with an open mind, learn about the school, talk to the people there, and get to know the people you are there with! I feel like everyone was supportive of each other!!
 
those who got accepted do u guys mind sharing your stats?
 
Why do we have to be there so early then like 7:45?

You'll probably get an email a couple days prior to the interview that says to be there by 8:15. The itinerary they gave us when we checked in listed check-in from 8:15-8:30.
 
Can somebody tell me which apartment complex the majority of pharmacy students in Amarillo live?

Secondly, while in pharmacy school at Texas Tech, is it even possible to maintain lives outside of school? Or are you guys pretty much studying 24/7 with the few minor exceptions?
 
those who got accepted do u guys mind sharing your stats?


GPA- 3.45
PCAT- 89
No degree, but currently a junior Biology major at Texas Tech.
Pharmacy Technician Certified
Some Pharmacy Experience

Anything else you want to know?
 
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Can somebody tell me which apartment complex the majority of pharmacy students in Amarillo live?

Secondly, while in pharmacy school at Texas Tech, is it even possible to maintain lives outside of school? Or are you guys pretty much studying 24/7 with the few minor exceptions?

I don't know where the "majority" live as we're all pretty spread out. However, the more popular ones in order of proximity to the school include Willow Glen, Renaissance, Quail Creek (each of these are ~5 min), Winchester, Dove Park, and Remington (these are slightly over 5 minutes to 30 min depending on traffic/weather conditions). Make sure not to wait until last minute to find a place to live too or you'll live somewhere far away AND expensive up the ass.

How much time you spend studying depends on you. Are you a fast learner? Do you already know some of the material beforehand? The first semester was a little harder than what I was used to in undergrad but now I've adjusted. Some friends of mine do nothing but drink/play games all the time and still do better than people who study 24/7
 
I'm anxious to know if the next round of acceptances will go out this week.
 
I'm anxious to know if the next round of acceptances will go out this week.

Me too! I've been checking the snail mail everyday after work and checking my email / status online constantly. I think it's becoming a bit unhealthy lol
 
those who got accepted do u guys mind sharing your stats?

4.0 GPA
87% PCAT
no degree but 3rd year biochemistry major
some pharmacy shadowing experience
lots of volunteering (non pharmacy related)
 
Hi everyone!

I just got the immunization call today and they told me up front that I got in!!! I am so happy and grateful!!! I know where I am going to go now!!! I can't wait to come on down!!!
 
Hi everyone!

I just got the immunization call today and they told me up front that I got in!!! I am so happy and grateful!!! I know where I am going to go now!!! I can't wait to come on down!!!

When did you interview??

Oh...and CONGRATS!
 
Hi everyone!

I just got the immunization call today and they told me up front that I got in!!! I am so happy and grateful!!! I know where I am going to go now!!! I can't wait to come on down!!!
Congrats! Do you see a change on your merlin account under status review from Invited for Interview to Acceptance Pending Receipt of Letter/Seat Fee?
 
When did you interview??

Oh...and CONGRATS!

I interviewed the 28th of January at Abilene. Thank you!!!

Congrats! Do you see a change on your merlin account under status review from Invited for Interview to Acceptance Pending Receipt of Letter/Seat Fee?

They still have not changed my status yet, but they called in regard to my tetanus and chicken pox immunizations. Then, during the call, they followed it up with a "you know what this call means?" I replied, "I got accepted?!?" She said, "Yes you did!" What an amazing feeling!

Good luck to everyone else still waiting for the reply and I wish you all the best!!!
 
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