"I assume California residency is weighed in somewhat..."
no, they do not really consider that...
Here's a good idea of what the most recently admitted class looks like:
This is about the class of 2010:
http://pharmacy.ucsf.edu/pharmd/admissions/aboutstudents/
Residency
87.80% California residents
10.57% Out-of-state residents
01.63% non-US residents
Nationality
91.87% United States citizens
08.13% Not United States citizens
Here's some insight into the most recent application form:
Don't forget, you need their supplemental application as well as the pharmCAS application (online.)
the essays include:
Of these 4, you do not have to answer all. however, it is to your advantage if you can frame your history to something related to these questions (not all are required... actually, all of them are optional.)
1 please tell us about any unique circumstances involving your family and/or the community in which you were raised, and how these soial and or cultural factors might have adversely affected the pursuit of yoru education.
2 economic factors, such as the need to work, dependent care, family resource etc can often seriously impede an individual's academic progress. use the space below to elaborate on any economic issues that affected your schooling.
3 the availability and types of schooling offered, as well as the history of education in one's family and or community might vary significantly. comment below on any educational disadvantages you feel you might have had to overcome.
4 do you now have, or have you had in the past, any learning or physical disabilities that might have adversely affected your academic performance? If so, indicate what accomodation, if any, you were provided in high school and college.
You must answer these 3:
1 expand upon one of the outside activities you listed in your pharmCAS application by discussing how yoru participation demonstrates evidence of leadership ability and/or self-initiative. Include information on the degree of your involvement as well as any unique skills, knowledge, and insight you may have gained through your participation in this endeavor.
2 how do issues of diversity affect and shape interactions between pharmacists and patients? Use examples from personal experience to frame your reply.
3 what insight into the human condition wil you bring to your studies at UCSF? (This is a tough one. I think maybe they might change this when you apply in a few years, but don't quote me on this.)
4 Other. You may use the space below to tell us anything else you would like us to know about you.
(USE THIS space!!! Write something about yourself that you have NOT mentioned before.)
Key in these essays is to highlight something NEW and UNIQUE about yourself that the application does not already say.
Do not repeat the same thing a million times, in other words.
GOOD LUCK!!~~~
