Univ. of Minnesota Entering Class of 2009

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So... how'd everyone do at their interviews today? Me? Not so well. I knew I was supposed to have a knowledge of the field, but had no idea how many gotcha moments there would be.

Interviewer: "You mentioned earlier that you wanted to do direct patient care. You also say you might want to do some research on topic X...I guess I'm not understanding how you plan on implementing both goals?"

Me: Cried hysterically and ran out of the room (or at least wanted to).
 
PrePharmD said:
So... how'd everyone do at their interviews today? Me? Not so well. I knew I was supposed to have a knowledge of the field, but had no idea how many gotcha moments there would be.

Interviewer: "You mentioned earlier that you wanted to do direct patient care. You also say you might want to do some research on topic X...I guess I'm not understanding how you plan on implementing both goals?"

Me: Cried hysterically and ran out of the room (or at least wanted to).
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Aww, I am sure you did fine 🙂. I feel the same way. I thought I did well, but now I am replaying it in my head and think I could have done much better!! I actually prepared myself for those types of questions your interviewer asked you, but my interviewer did not ask me not one! I had Dr. Robert Cipolle who is the Director of the Peter Research Institute, so I thought he was going to ask me about my research, but he didn't! Who was your interviewer? Is he/she involved in research? Dr. Cipolle mainly spoke about the Minnesota area since I am from NY and did not know much about it. It was very laid back and conversational. He made me laugh numerous times and I always smiled so hopefully he liked me!

The only part of the interview I am concerned about is that when mentioned I wanted to do a residency in Ambulatory Care, he pretty much shot that idea down. He felt there was no need to further continue my education if I wanted to practice pharmaceutical care and that the PharmD program was sufficient training enough. So I was like "oh, ok". I did not know how to take that. I tried to ask a lot of questions since he kept asking me to, so I sort of steered the interview. He would look back into my file and ask me things here and there. I was really impressed by this school though. We just have to wait and see after 11/21!!! Good luck everyone!!!

And shot out to medicalcpa and chem geek!!! It was nice meeting you guys!!! 🙂
 
FaBpHaRm2Be said:
Aww, I am sure you did fine 🙂. I feel the same way. I thought I did well, but now I am replaying it in my head and think I could have done much better!! I actually prepared myself for those types of questions your interviewer asked you, but my interviewer did not ask me not one! I had Dr. Robert Cipolle who is the Director of the Peter Research Institute, so I thought he was going to ask me about my research, but he didn't! Who was your interviewer? Is he/she involved in research? Dr. Cipolle mainly spoke about the Minnesota area since I am from NY and did not know much about it. It was very laid back and conversational. He made me laugh numerous times and I always smiled so hopefully he liked me!

The only part of the interview I am concerned about is that when mentioned I wanted to do a residency in Ambulatory Care, he pretty much shot that idea down. He felt there was no need to further continue my education if I wanted to practice pharmaceutical care and that the PharmD program was sufficient training enough. So I was like "oh, ok". I did not know how to take that. I tried to ask a lot of questions since he kept asking me to, so I sort of steered the interview. He would look back into my file and ask me things here and there. I was really impressed by this school though. We just have to wait and see after 11/21!!! Good luck everyone!!!

And shot out to medicalcpa and chem geek!!! It was nice meeting you guys!!! 🙂
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Dr. Cipolle was my interviewer last year too! Yes, his interviewing techniques are a bit different and more relaxed. I hope that you did not take too seriously his views about residencies and ambulatory care; he just really has a passion for pharmaceutical care. He actually teaches a PDI class. Yes, he probably did make you laugh numerous times. That's Cipolle!

PrePharmD, I am sure that your interview went better than you thought. A characteristic of pharmacy students, I have come to realize, is that we are particularly hard on ourselves.

FaBpHaRm2Be and medicalcpa, it was great to meet you yesterday! I hope your college tour went well!
 
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Wow! thats great guys! it seems like everyone did well!!
so when will they let you know if admitted or not? my interview is on the 21st so if there is more you would like to share, that would be awesome!
 
Also, are we expected to write an essay at the interview?

If i was asked "why minnesota?" should I mention that my fiance is from there and I will be moving there..Or should I just talk about how great the school is?
If i was to say I am getting married, who they view that as a disadvantage?
 
Hi everyone. Its so exciting to see all of you guys applying here! 🙂

I am still waiting for PharmCAS to mail my application to U of Minn. so I can start on my supp, but here you guys have all been interviewed already?! Are you guys really early or am I just really late? 😕
 
kashkow said:
Does anyone mind posting up their stats? I just took the PCAT this past weekend and don't feel so confident about the math section. I don't know whether to start the application process or wait another year. I'm thinking of applying to UofM since I live in this state and it's the ONLY pharmacy school here, besides Duluth (but they're both consider one school, just different campus). Anyway, if you feel uncomfortable posting it, you can PM me. I just want to know where I stand and if I'll even be granted an interview since so many of you all are already given interviews. Good luck to those who gets in!
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Mine won't make you happy...
GPA: 4.0
PCAT: 98
The University looks at "the whole package," I've heard. And if you look at their website for admissions statistics for this year, they accepted people with PCATs of 19 and GPA of 2.44.
 
I'm back!!!! After my 13 hour bus ride. It was nice meeting Chem Geek and FaBpHaRm2Be yesterday. I have mixed feelings about my interview. I don't think I bombed it, but my interviewer did not ask me the questions I thought he would. I had Dr Richard Brundage, and I don't think we talked about anything remotely pharmacy or even healthcare related. It was a nice interview, but now I'm wondering if I should have brought up topics like pharmacy issues or pharmaceutical care without his asking me.
 
I hope that this post will help someone looking for a place to stay while interviewing at the Twin Cities campus. The University of Minnesota has a list of temporary housing options in the Twin Cities area. It's at
http://www.housing.umn.edu/offcampus/temp.htm
There are rooms you can get for the night and some are cheaper than what you will find at a hotel. I stayed at the absolute cheapest, Brekke's Rooming House, and it cost me $15 for the night. There are others that cost in the mid 20's to mid 40's. As for Brekke's, I could not find any information on the place, apart from one university professor's post that said "expect what you pay for." So, let me describe the place for others who may be considering it.

First of all, if you are looking for hotel-style accommodations, go stay in a hotel. You won't find those here. If you merely want a place to sleep and shower (and an iron, if you need one) and are willing to "rough it," this place can't be beat. However, a few things to bear in mind:
1. Bring your own bathing things (soap, sponge or washcloth, shampoo). You won't be given any.
2. Bring flip-flops! Trust me, you don't want to enter the shower barefoot.
3. Only one shower works in the building, and it's on the first floor. I was all undressed and ready to take my bath when I discovered that the second floor shower didn't work. Don't make the same mistake.
4. The only thing that worked in my room's bathroom was the sink. If you want to use a toilet, you'll either have to go down the hallway or up the stairs to the second floor. However, bear in mind that this is not much different from most homes where you have to walk a little to get to the bathroom.
5. If you need an iron to use, you will be given one, but you'll have to go to the kitchen to use it. You can't iron in your room.
6. Bring an alarm clock. There are clocks in the room, but they are older than my grandma (and she died in 1992).
7. The beds are clean enough. Floorboards creak, just like in any old home.
8. Remember, the house is old. If you want to stay there, you will have to put up with A LOT of things. But you are getting what you paid for, which is $15/night. Don't expect the Hilton.
 
SoccerCoach10 said:
Good luck everyone! If you have any questions, feel free to ask🙂
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SoccerCoach,

What was your hardest obstacle while completing your pre-pharm degree? Was the PCAT extremely hard? How many interviews did you go to?
 
I wish I had your interviewers! I seriously read a book on MTM, a bunch of 30 page articles on how medications must be managed with the elderly as they start to develop organ failure, etc. and their bodies do not metabolize medications the way a 20 year old's would, read through all of my application materials and interview questions posted on SDN, and there was nothing that could have prepared me for this interview besides attending pharmacy school or having already done some sort of scientific research. I just thought it might be cool to do research and no no no don't you ever say you might want to unless you know exactly how you're going to conduct your study, etc. I just am not feeling good about the situation at all. I hope to make the ranked waitlist. My interviewer was a nice enough guy, just a really hard person to interview with and my interview was an hour and ten minutes of question asked from a list (maybe around 10-15 questions). I was so flustered from some of the questions that I didn't have decent answers to questions that I was well prepared for. Now, it's time to wait. :scared:
 
shamidyme said:
Also, are we expected to write an essay at the interview?

If i was asked "why minnesota?" should I mention that my fiance is from there and I will be moving there..Or should I just talk about how great the school is?
If i was to say I am getting married, who they view that as a disadvantage?
Click to expand...

They told us that the admissions committee will be meeting in mid-November and will either admit, deny, or place people on the ranked or unranked waiting list. By Nov. 21, they will be mailing their decisions to everyone who interviewed on 10/24 I believe. And there was no written essay required during the interview, just a tour of the pharmacy school, the interview itself, an overview of the curriculum and student life and a student panel came in so we can ask them any questions we wanted.

As for the why Minnesota question, I think you should mention that, but don't make it the primary reason. You could speak about how great the school is first and then add on your personal reasons. Good luck!!!
 
PrePharmD said:
I wish I had your interviewers! I seriously read a book on MTM, a bunch of 30 page articles on how medications must be managed with the elderly as they start to develop organ failure, etc. and their bodies do not metabolize medications the way a 20 year old's would, read through all of my application materials and interview questions posted on SDN, and there was nothing that could have prepared me for this interview besides attending pharmacy school or having already done some sort of scientific research. I just thought it might be cool to do research and no no no don't you ever say you might want to unless you know exactly how you're going to conduct your study, etc. I just am not feeling good about the situation at all. I hope to make the ranked waitlist. My interviewer was a nice enough guy, just a really hard person to interview with and my interview was an hour and ten minutes of question asked from a list (maybe around 10-15 questions). I was so flustered from some of the questions that I didn't have decent answers to questions that I was well prepared for. Now, it's time to wait. :scared:
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Wow, you really came in prepared!!! I am hoping to at least get onto the ranked waiting list too, if possible!!!
 
Hi Chase!

In response to your questions...

My original life goal was to be a chemist. I had no intentions on becoming a pharmacist whatsoever. I worked at a big pharmaceutical company and decided that working in a lab for the rest of my life was definitely not for me. When I decided to pursue pharmacy, there weren't many classes that I had to take, as most were completed for my bachelor's degree. I did have a few classes to take. I took 2 one semester along with coaching part time and working full time and that was extremely tiring. If you are feeling overwhelmed with your pre-pharm stuff right now, just remember your ultimate goal. That always keeps things in perspective.

The PCAT was not extremely hard....it's one of those mental endurance things. You have to prepare yourself to be able to recall knowledge quickly.

I went to 3 interviews last year (Minnesota, Madison and Iowa), declined interview at Howard.

Let me know if you have any other questions. Good Luck!

Chase Pharm said:
SoccerCoach,

What was your hardest obstacle while completing your pre-pharm degree? Was the PCAT extremely hard? How many interviews did you go to?
Click to expand...
 
medicalcpa said:
I'm back!!!! After my 13 hour bus ride. It was nice meeting Chem Geek and FaBpHaRm2Be yesterday. I have mixed feelings about my interview. I don't think I bombed it, but my interviewer did not ask me the questions I thought he would. I had Dr Richard Brundage, and I don't think we talked about anything remotely pharmacy or even healthcare related. It was a nice interview, but now I'm wondering if I should have brought up topics like pharmacy issues or pharmaceutical care without his asking me.
Click to expand...

Don't stress out about the interviews or what you have talked about with your interviewer. During my interview, we talked about life in Minneapolis because I was not from the area. I think the only related question to pharmacy I got was why u of mn.

The interview is meant to meet you, assess your communication skills, your maturity level, and decide whether the person would be able to fit into the U of MN school environment. There is no right or wrong answer, and there is no right or wrong way to have an interview.

I just wanted to say this to everyone, so you would not be worrying whether you said the right or wrong thing. Moreover, the admission decision is not made purely on your interview performance, they count every single part of your application before making a decision.
 
shamidyme said:
Also, are we expected to write an essay at the interview?

If i was asked "why minnesota?" should I mention that my fiance is from there and I will be moving there..Or should I just talk about how great the school is?
If i was to say I am getting married, who they view that as a disadvantage?
Click to expand...

You can mention that your fiance is moving to MN but I would not make it a primary reason for your interest in U of MN. I think you should more focus why you want to attend this school instead of others. I do realize that moving and living near your SO is important, but I also hope that you are not making this as your only reason to apply to U of MN.

Getting married is not a disadvantage, and I guarantee you NO one at the U of MN will discriminate against you because you are married! In fact, majority students are the U are either married or engaged. But as I said if you are asked question why minnesota, talk why U of MN first, and then mention your personal situation as a side note- don't make it your primary reason.
 
I hope you're right janeno!! I remember them saying that since we were the first group to interview, we would have a better chance of getting in. If you're a current U of MN student, could you please say when you submitted your applications/when was your interview and if you could guess, what percentage of admitted students usually come from the first group of interviews?
 
A very good friend of mine just added UMN to hit PharmCAS list, I wonder if it's too late to get an interview. His 1st time PCAT scores are letting him down, otherwise a very good candidate:

Verbal 407 - 63
Biology 479 - 51
Reading 511 - 68
Quantitative 503 - 52
Chemistry 538 - 77
Composite 504 - 55

Writing Scores: 3.0/3.0

Other things going for him:

- PharmCas GPA is 3.46,
- has already obtained his B.S. degree
- did research for an entire semester (on something to do with proteins)
- has very strong letters of recommendation; one from a department chair of where he did the research, as well as one from pharmacist.
- he is minority (black)
- tons of hours of volunteering in various hospitals.

I was just wondering if his PCAT scores will kill his chances at UMN, any ideas?
 
PrePharmD said:
I hope you're right janeno!! I remember them saying that since we were the first group to interview, we would have a better chance of getting in. If you're a current U of MN student, could you please say when you submitted your applications/when was your interview and if you could guess, what percentage of admitted students usually come from the first group of interviews?
Click to expand...

I think that I had my interview in January, found out I got in in February. I can't really speak to a specific percentage, but the longer you wait to apply to rolling admissions schools, the more people you are competing with for those last remaining spots.
 
Cold Front said:
A very good friend of mine just added UMN to hit PharmCAS list, I wonder if it's too late to get an interview. His 1st time PCAT scores are letting him down, otherwise a very good candidate:

Verbal 407 - 63
Biology 479 - 51
Reading 511 - 68
Quantitative 503 - 52
Chemistry 538 - 77
Composite 504 - 55

Writing Scores: 3.0/3.0

Other things going for him:

- PharmCas GPA is 3.46,
- has already obtained his B.S. degree
- did research for an entire semester (on something to do with proteins)
- has very strong letters of recommendation; one from a department chair of where he did the research, as well as one from pharmacist.
- he is minority (black)
- tons of hours of volunteering in various hospitals.

I was just wondering if his PCAT scores will kill his chances at UMN, any ideas?
Click to expand...

I think he should submit his application to UMN. They prefer to look at the "whole package" for applicants. I just came back from interviewing with UMN and my PCAT score was a 49, so he definitely should give it a shot. I am not on the admissions committee, but his extracurriculars look good enough to get him an interview, so long his p.s. and supplemental essays were decently written. I also know this university wants to add diversity to their program, so being a minority might help him a bit. I wish him well. 🙂
 
PrePharmD said:
I hope you're right janeno!! I remember them saying that since we were the first group to interview, we would have a better chance of getting in. If you're a current U of MN student, could you please say when you submitted your applications/when was your interview and if you could guess, what percentage of admitted students usually come from the first group of interviews?
Click to expand...

I submitted my application very early so I was in the first group to be interviewed. My interview was in the afternoon, and we had only 6 people in my group. So I think it is hard for me to comment on percentage part due to such small number of students.
 
PrePharmD said:
I am!! What campus choice did everyone choose on their supplemental? I chose Twin Cities only.
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It doesn't matter to me which campus I'm on. I figure I've left an entire country to come here, so moving around within a state doesn't bother me. I chose either.
 
medicalcpa said:
It doesn't matter to me which campus I'm on. I figure I've left an entire country to come here, so moving around within a state doesn't bother me. I chose either.
Click to expand...

What country are you from if you don't mind me asking?
 
PrePharmD said:
I am!! What campus choice did everyone choose on their supplemental? I chose Twin Cities only.
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I chose the Twins Cities campus as well. I am from New York City and I love being in a metropolitan city. Minneapolis is no NYC, but it comes close!!!!
 
For those who interviewed last month, when will you know if you got in? the 21st??
 
shamidyme said:
For those who interviewed last month, when will you know if you got in? the 21st??
Click to expand...

Yep...I'm lucky I live in MN and don't have to wait for it to get halfway across the country again like the PCAT!
 
Hey Guys! I am new at this so I hope I am doing this right, ha. I have an interview at the University of Minnesota November 21st and I was wondering if any of you that interviewed during the first session could give me any tips? This will be my first formal interview EVER and so I am super nervous. Thanks!
 
PharmdMN said:
Hey Guys! I am new at this so I hope I am doing this right, ha. I have an interview at the University of Minnesota November 21st and I was wondering if any of you that interviewed during the first session could give me any tips? This will be my first formal interview EVER and so I am super nervous. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Read the interview feedback. It's under "Resources" when you click the "Pharmacy" tab.
 
Current U of MN students who loan money: At Interview Day the student panel said we could take out $35,000 a year in loans. How much was your check after tuition and all the misc. fees per semester? I have seen a couple of differing tuition rates and am wondering what I will have to live on if I am lucky enough to be accepted?
 
medicalcpa said:
Nigeria.
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Cool... How do you like the U.S. so far? It must've been difficult moving to a new country. I admire people like you. Takes a lot of guts to move to a new country and be applying to pharmacy schools!
 
PrePharmD said:
Current U of MN students who loan money: At Interview Day the student panel said we could take out $35,000 a year in loans. How much was your check after tuition and all the misc. fees per semester? I have seen a couple of differing tuition rates and am wondering what I will have to live on if I am lucky enough to be accepted?
Click to expand...



So looking over my last tuition rate with all of the fees for Fall of 2008 the total came to exactly $12,554. Those charges are only for the Fall semeser at Twin Cities and should be the same for next semester. These rates also may differentiate between Duluth and Twin Cities so just keep that in mind for anyone who wants to go to Duluth. Another big thing is that this rate would include the student health benefit plan. This can be waived if you have another insurance, however you need to fill out the paper work. The health plan is $1,098. These rates will most likely raise next year. Hope this helps!

For those of you that do get accepted early the best thing to do would be to apply for the scholarships available. I know some people who are aren't paying tuition, so that is something to look into.
 
Bowler11 said:
So looking over my last tuition rate with all of the fees for Fall of 2008 the total came to exactly $12,554. Those charges are only for the Fall semeser at Twin Cities and should be the same for next semester. These rates also may differentiate between Duluth and Twin Cities so just keep that in mind for anyone who wants to go to Duluth. Another big thing is that this rate would include the student health benefit plan. This can be waived if you have another insurance, however you need to fill out the paper work. The health plan is $1,098. These rates will most likely raise next year. Hope this helps!

For those of you that do get accepted early the best thing to do would be to apply for the scholarships available. I know some people who are aren't paying tuition, so that is something to look into.
Click to expand...

Thanks!
 
Bowler11 said:
For those of you that do get accepted early the best thing to do would be to apply for the scholarships available. I know some people who are aren't paying tuition, so that is something to look into.
Click to expand...
Bowler11, what is this all about? I'm international, so I probably won't qualify, but I would like to know more. I need all the help I can get!
 
Actually it's all on their supplemental application form. I think there are four scholarships total, One of them you have to write an essay and the other three you enter into automatically. It would definitely be great to have a scholarship.
 
I misplaced my sheet- did they say we would get our letters or they would be sending our letters out by the 21st?
 
PrePharmD said:
I misplaced my sheet- did they say we would get our letters or they would be sending our letters out by the 21st?
Click to expand...

They said they would be sending the letters out by the 21st.
 
I will be interviewed on the 21st as well, so please post or PM me with any tips or advice as well!! I know there is some info on the "Resources" tab, but if any one would like to share anything else, that would be great!
 
I just received my finished application email yesturday. Wish me luck for getting an interview for November 21st hopefully!
 
medicalcpa said:
Mine won't make you happy...
GPA: 4.0
PCAT: 98
The University looks at "the whole package," I've heard. And if you look at their website for admissions statistics for this year, they accepted people with PCATs of 19 and GPA of 2.44.
Click to expand...

Stats are a bit confusing to me. I thought they said on their website that you have to have a 3.0 GPA to apply or 3.2 GPA over the last 60 hours of coursework. But hey, this gives me some hope. Thanks for sharing the stats.
 
HmoobRX said:
Stats are a bit confusing to me. I thought they said on their website that you have to have a 3.0 GPA to apply or 3.2 GPA over the last 60 hours of coursework. But hey, this gives me some hope. Thanks for sharing the stats.
Click to expand...

That person probably had the 3.2 over the last 60 credits...
 
For anybody who was interviewed in October, approximately how many people were interviewed?? I'm just curious on how many people to expect next Friday.
 
Marlin300 said:
For anybody who was interviewed in October, approximately how many people were interviewed?? I'm just curious on how many people to expect next Friday.
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Much smaller group than I thought there would be... around 20 in the afternoon session and I think they said around 50 between the morning and afternoon sessions. Good luck!
 
I got the invitation for Nov 21st!
 
Yay!!! I just got an interview invite!!!! It's my third interview invite, and I completely did NOT expect from UMN this school is awesome! Being persistent pays off!!!
 
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