University of Hawaii at Hilo COP - Applicants for 2010

[wes011]

Wes,

Thanks for the encouragement. Though I've never done an interview of any kind before, I'm going to take them very seriously as I know they can make all the difference!

Make sure you read through some interview tips, but here are the basics.

1) When you shake their hands, give a nice firm hand shake. Don't try to destroy their hand but don't give a limp shake either. I believe etiquette is 3 shakes of the hand.

2) Do not sit down until they ask you to. You are their guest so they will make sure you are comfortable but don't take anything for granted. This is business, not your personal crowd.

3) Sit up and do not slouch in your chair..i.e...shoulder back and sitting tall. If you are sitting at a table, rest your arms in front of you and interlock your fingers. This will prevent you from talking with your hands and distracting your interviewer.

4) Speak slow, clear, and loud enough for all to hear you, but not to where you are overpowering everyone in the room. Make eye contact, as this is how you engage people. Do not stare them down, but good eye contact is part of good communication...which is a two way street.

5) Do some research on the programs and schools before your interview so you can ask questions. This shows you are genuinely interested in attending their school and not just there because they are a pharmacy school.

The idea you have to convey to the interviewer is that you are cool and calm under pressure, that you can handle stress, that you are clear and concise in your answers, and that you handle yourself well. This is a tip that helps me out when interviewing. If the interviewer is older, just remember that he is someone else's dad so there is no reason to tighten up and stress out. And if they are closer to your age, maybe he is someone elses big brother or someone that might be found in your circle of friends. The point is that the interviewer is a human and not some godlike figure. You don't want to conduct yourself casually, so remember your manners and etiquette. Also, the single most important thing you do can is be prepared for questions. It might be a good idea to have someone do mock interviews with you.

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[Forrest Gump]

Wes,

Wow - very nice of you to give such informative tips! My parents are coming to visit me in a couple weeks (to bring me some possible interview clothes and/or take me shopping) and we are going to practice for the interviews. I just want to practice enough to be prepared but not so much that I sound rehearsed. I will definitely keep your tips in mind - thanks again!

P.S. My mom told me a funny story about a group job interview she had when she was younger (and NOT prepared). When they asked her what her greatest weakness was she was stumped and finally after a minute she told them that she was a nail biter! They also asked her to define "common sense" which stumped her as well. Needless to say she did not get the job but when she reinterviewed a few months later for the same agency she nailed the interview and was offered the job.

 

[Brunsizzle]

Question- Can you get around all of hilo with only a mountain bike and walking? or is a car/taking the bus necessary....?

 

[Forrest Gump]

Brunsizzle,

While your proposed modes of transportation sound fine to me, I've seen on other posts that a car or at least at moped are necessary due to the lack of public transportation and abundance of rain. While you may be able to bike or walk between where you live and campus, other forms of transporation will be necessary for getting to other parts of the island and rotations. Some have done it without a car by bumming rides with friends and roommates. If I end up attending Hilo, I plan to buy a small car after I get there as I don't want to pay $1000 to have my vehicle shipped there.

 

[Phoenix585]

I thought about this last year, but when I went through the costs, it's actually cheaper to ship (if you already own a vehicle). It especially makes sense if you have an older car but with enough milage to last the next four years, then you could sell it when you graduate.
Hilo is not very flat. I would call it hilly, but they are not really hills, maybe lava hills Seriously with the humidity, rain, and the "hilly roads" you would be miserable.
Forrest is right on the money for the transportation. I was told first hand it is unreliable, not extensive, and would be impossible to use for experiential, which is in the morning.

 

[Forrest Gump]

Considering that my car is over 10 years old and has over 160,000 miles I don't think I'll ship it. Being an older car, if something happens to it - it will probably cost more to fix than it is worth! I'm going to continue to drive it as long as I can (before I leave for pharmacy school) but then I'll either sell it or donate it to charity. If we didn't have to drive far for rotations, a golf cart is the way I would go! Good cheap fun!

Now that it is finally October, I hope we start hearing some feedback from the admissions office regarding interviews....

 

[A619]

hi guys, i'm also applying to UH Hilo! just e-submitted my pharmcas application and started to work on my supplemental...any advice regarding their supplemental question (what're your concern for moving to Hilo)? would it sound superficial if I said their rainy weather was the only concern i HAD?

 

[Forrest Gump]

Welcome A619!

My best advice is to make your response as positive as possible. My biggest concern was distance since I'm very close to my family and the fact that Hilo is on an island which can only be accessed by plane. So, I played up the fact that it is great that they have their own airport and that because it is such a beautiful place my family was sure to visit as often as they could. If you mention the rain you could say that while Hilo is the wettest city in the nation, it is also the greenest due to the rain. I've read from some who live there that even though it rains frequently, the rain spells are short so it doesn't really get in the way of activities, etc.

 

[Forrest Gump]

Just wanted to give a shout out to all the lurkers out there - you can chime in anytime!

 

[Brunsizzle]

Any casinos in hawaii? I like to play poker.....

 

[Prepharm1214]

Welcome A619!

My best advice is to make your response as positive as possible. My biggest concern was distance since I'm very close to my family and the fact that Hilo is on an island which can only be accessed by plane. So, I played up the fact that it is great that they have their own airport and that because it is such a beautiful place my family was sure to visit as often as they could. If you mention the rain you could say that while Hilo is the wettest city in the nation, it is also the greenest due to the rain. I've read from some who live there that even though it rains frequently, the rain spells are short so it doesn't really get in the way of activities, etc.

While I think your answer is good for the essay question, the rain spells definitely do interfere with activities. During the spring semester it basically rains 12 hours a day (off and on), everyday, for 3 months. When half of your day is rain it's bound to get in the way at least to a certain extent.

 

[Prepharm1214]

Any casinos in hawaii? I like to play poker.....

No casinos that I'm aware of, at least not on the big island. But a lot of the students play and I'm sure you could key in with a group.

 

[Forrest Gump]

Prepharm,

Wow - was I off base lol! Here I am from Florida trying to tell people what the weather is like in Hawaii. Actually, I had read on one of the other Hilo message boards that it rained a lot but the spells were short - thanks for the setting the record straight. 12 hours a day you say? I can take it!

 

[Dreamer57]

I just decided today to go ahead and apply to Hilo...QUOTE]

I decided this week to apply as well. 'm so excited and anxious! I've submitted PharmCAS and I'm working on the supplemental now. Hope to submit it by end of the week.

 

[Forrest Gump]

Dreamer,

That's great - welcome! Get it in as soon as you can because they will be scheduling interviews soon. How do I know? I just have a feeling...

lol, actually it's because it was exactly this time last year the Hilo message board started getting busy with people reporting they got invited to interview.

 

[A619]

did you guys do you "additional comment" part of the supplemental essay? I'm debating if I should talk about my poor grades in the beginning of my college years (mostly Bs and a few Cs, I also withdrew for a semester)...I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life then and I worked a lot during that period of time, but my grades improved a lot though since I decided on business major (straight As) then changed it to Biology BA (kept my grades high, mostly As, some Bs)...should I even talk about it? or let them see the improvement when they look at my transcript? I don't want to make it sound like I'm making excuses for it....HELP!

 

[wes011]

did you guys do you "additional comment" part of the supplemental essay? I'm debating if I should talk about my poor grades in the beginning of my college years (mostly Bs and a few Cs, I also withdrew for a semester)...I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life then and I worked a lot during that period of time, but my grades improved a lot though since I decided on business major (straight As) then changed it to Biology BA (kept my grades high, mostly As, some Bs)...should I even talk about it? or let them see the improvement when they look at my transcript? I don't want to make it sound like I'm making excuses for it....HELP!

What is your overall GPA?

 

[Forrest Gump]

A619,

Yes, I think you should address it because it will give you another opportunity to persuade them you are Hilo material! I used that section for the very same thing but I kept it very positive and I never made excuses. I talked about how well rounded I was and my work ethic, yada yada yada. Why not write a draft and have a couple of people look it over and tell you what their impression is if they read it as an adcom? Then you can tweak it, if needed. Though I'm sure they'll see the progress on your transcript since they're reviewing so many applications they're probably not going to spend a lot of time on it.

 

[milgaroo]

I thought I had sent in my scores, pharmcas, supps super early, but it seems like Hilo doesn't review files until the PCAT scores arrive.

So even though I sent in everything by early sept, my pcat scores aren't even sent in yet..... this sucks.

Good luck everyone.

 

[kern07]

i submitted by supplemental through email on monday and mailed out my residency declaration and payment also on the same day. hopefully i'll hear something back soon.

good luck everybody. i know this is a stressful and trying time for many.

*SUPPORTING HUG*

 

[Forrest Gump]

Kern,

Well it's about time you finished! Now you can wait for word from Hilo with the rest of us...

 

[A619]

What is your overall GPA?

my overall GPA calculated by PharmCAS is 3.47

freshmen: 2.83
sophmore: 3.12
junior: 3.15
senior: 3.78

​

i ended up writing the "additional comment" essay...kept it brief and short showing them what happened then and how i improved and learned from it...gonna submit my supplemental essay this coming monday, and the wait will begin!!!!! how long did PharmCAS take to mail out your application once they calculated your GPA??

 

[Forrest Gump]

A619,

My pharmcas application was initially mailed out about 10 days after I submitted it. To the best of my knowledge, they usually mail out on Mondays. Since then they've sent out updates to my schools as they received more LOR's etc.

 

[wes011]

I didn't use Pharmcas. I only applied to SUCOP and they do not use PharmCas. My GPA is a 3.5x

my overall GPA calculated by PharmCAS is 3.47

freshmen: 2.83
sophmore: 3.12
junior: 3.15
senior: 3.78

​

i ended up writing the "additional comment" essay...kept it brief and short showing them what happened then and how i improved and learned from it...gonna submit my supplemental essay this coming monday, and the wait will begin!!!!! how long did PharmCAS take to mail out your application once they calculated your GPA??

 

[AntiviralsRule]

Has anyone heard about interviews and/or rejections yet? I submitted quite a while ago, but my app wasn't complete until PCAT scores came in a couple of weeks ago.

 

[Forrest Gump]

Antivirals,

My application was complete by the end of August and except for a confirmation from Hilo that they had received it I haven't heard anything. As it was this time last year when they started interview invites - I think anyday now we should receive some kind of feedback. As soon as I hear something I will definitely post it here! Maybe this week?

 

[AntiviralsRule]

Forrest, here's hoping!

 

[Forrest Gump]

For those of you who haven't read these, here is a link to some recent newsletters for the Hilo COP:

http://pharmacy.uhh.hawaii.edu/kawililaau.php

They contain an abundance of information about the school, faculty, and students that could be useful in preparing for interviews.

 

[sasmw2]

I just received an email that included this in it, "Your application is complete! You should be getting an email shortly on how to proceed."

I will let you all know what I hear "shortly."

 

[kern07]

i received the same email on monday. but something strange happened, right after i got the "app complete" email, a slew (more like 2...haha) of "incomplete" emails came right after...i'm hoping it was a glitch. i might call them tomorrow to see what's up.

 

[Forrest Gump]

I received my confirmation that my application was complete on 9/17 but it must have been a different version because it never mentioned "shortly."

In other news...I was sure that it was this time last year that applicants on the previous Hilo message board started getting interview invites. So, I went back and checked and I was wrong. It was mid Nov before anyone mentioned invites on the board so it might be a bit longer before we hear anything...

 

[Forrest Gump]

my overall GPA calculated by PharmCAS is 3.47

freshmen: 2.83
sophmore: 3.12
junior: 3.15
senior: 3.78

​

i ended up writing the "additional comment" essay...kept it brief and short showing them what happened then and how i improved and learned from it...gonna submit my supplemental essay this coming monday, and the wait will begin!!!!! how long did PharmCAS take to mail out your application once they calculated your GPA??

A619 - I trust you got your supplemental submitted?

 

[SmKN808]

Aloha ALL!!! just passing bye to wish everyone best of luck on their interview...

 

[Forrest Gump]

SMKN808,

Thanks - hope to get an invite soon! Your high school stats are VERY impressive - you should have your pick of the schools you're applying to. Where in Hawaii do you live? Any cool insights you can tell us about Hilo? All I know is what I've researched on the internet but it is always better to hear from someone who lives there or nearby!

 

[SmKN808]

aww... no problem forrest ^ ^ you know, the thing about my high school stats is that as impressive as it is? STILL!... i'm not even in the top 25[26], of my class but, anyway... i'm HOPING to get into one of the accellerated programs[UOP 2+3/ PU 2+3]. but, if NOT??? theeeeen, i'll just weigh my options and take it from there. oh, i live in hawaii kai/ hawaii, by the way. as for insights of hilo? not very much since i live on a different island[oahu]. but, what i do know about hilo is that it sure does rain alot and as for the nightlife??? i've NEVER heard of it their naaah, just kidding!!! i mean, how would I know... i'm STILL a teenager ^ ^ then again, i'm sure "WE'LL", find out soon enough eh?

 

[Forrest Gump]

SMKn808,

You must have a lot of excellent students at your school to only be in the top 26% with your stats! My sister is a senior too and is in the top 11% but her GPA is a 4.0 and she got a 27 on the ACT. She's pretty smart but has never scored that great on standardized tests (in fact, neither of us have). I have heard it rains a lot in Hilo too but I guess that's why it is such a beautiful place - very green and tropical. Of course, I've only seen photos but I hope to see it for myself if I score an interview. No nightlife? I can take it or leave it - I'm more of an outdoors type of guy anyway (ya know - Run Forrest Run!)

 

[SmKN808]

You must have a lot of excellent students at your school to only be in the top 26% with your stats!

heyy forrest ^ ^ and my apologies for my late reply. ooh, it's absolutely ridiculous... the TOP 11% in MY class is averaging a 5.0 orrr BETTER!!!... unbelievable is it not???

My sister is a senior too and is in the top 11% but her GPA is a 4.0 and she got a 27 on the ACT. She's pretty smart but has never scored that great on standardized tests (in fact, neither of us have).

well, i'm soooo NOT one to compare[AND I'M NOT!!!]. but, a 4.0 GPA and 27 on her ACT is VERY impressive numbers and despite NOT knowing her... STILL i'm very proud of your sister nonetheless... she and i both know the dedication it takes to get those scores AND "she" has nothing but my absolute respect... heyy, is she applying for pharm school or not? ooh and what is her SAT scores. well, if she doesn't mind me asking, of course...

I have heard it rains a lot in Hilo too but I guess that's why it is such a beautiful place - very green and tropical.

INDEED!!! but, it tends to be a bit much at times! eh?

Of course, I've only seen photos but I hope to see it for myself if I score an interview.

GOOD LUCK!!!...

No nightlife? I can take it or leave it - I'm more of an outdoors type of guy anyway (ya know - Run Forrest Run!)

OMG!!! you have got to be kidding me??? i'm already thinking about THAT show "survivor", and i must say that i'll GLADLY be the first cast away to get eliminated in a heart beat... but, that is YOUR cup of tea. so yeah, by ALL means... enjoy

 

[Forrest Gump]

SMKN808,

My sister wants to be a vet so it's good for her that she excels in science and math (necessary for future vets and pharmacists). She has always had a special connection with animals and she's full of self-confidence and pretty bossy so I always knew she wouldn't be happy in a job unless she was calling the shots!

I would jump at the chance to be on "Survivor" but with no break in my studies there has never been a good time. My dad applied for the first one - back then only 6000 applied. Now it's more like 50,000! Anyway, he was glad he didn't get picked because he values his privacy too much.

 

[Forrest Gump]

Hawaii Island Family Heath Center opens in Hilo!

http://www.hawaii247.org/2009/10/25/hawaii-island-family-heath-center-opens-in-hilo/

Just another great opportunity for pharmacy students at Hilo to gain real world experience.

 

[kern07]

the wait for the interview invites is killing me. ARGH!

hopefully it comes soon...

 

[kashkow]

Got an email stating that i need to send in my supplemental soon to be considered for the December interview cycle. Apparently it will be in Las Vegas and Hilo. The spring interview places and dates has not been determined yet.

 

[SmKN808]

the wait for the interview invites is killing me. ARGH!

hopefully it comes soon...

x2...

 

[its Duke]

Hi haven't heard anything but a confirmation that they received my app

 

[Brunsizzle]

Since the cost to hold a seat is $500, I am holding out to submit so i can get in the spring interviews. That way if I choose a different school I don't lose out on .5k

 

[Dreamer57]

I finally submitted by supplemental last week! Yay! (Thanks for your help Forrest). So I'll be waiting with all of you too.

 

[Forrest Gump]

Got an email stating that i need to send in my supplemental soon to be considered for the December interview cycle. Apparently it will be in Las Vegas and Hilo. The spring interview places and dates has not been determined yet.

Kashkow,

Darn - I was hoping they'd hold at least one day of December interviews in Orlando like last year!

 

[Forrest Gump]

I finally submitted by supplemental last week! Yay! (Thanks for your help Forrest). So I'll be waiting with all of you too.

Dreamer57 - You are welcome! I hope we hear something soon...!

 

[kashkow]

Kashkow,

Darn - I was hoping they'd hold at least one day of December interviews in Orlando like last year!

I know, tickets to Hilo is super expensive now. But maybe Orlando might be a spring interview location, who knows cause the school is still determining locations and dates. Good luck!

 

[joh0472]

I got a phone call last week from a lady that works at Hilo, she was telling me to hurry and submit my state residency declaration because the adcom was meeting (that was wednesday 10/28), still haven't heard anything about interviews. Where are you guys getting the info about multiple interview locations?

 

[Forrest Gump]

I got a phone call last week from a lady that works at Hilo, she was telling me to hurry and submit my state residency declaration because the adcom was meeting (that was wednesday 10/28), still haven't heard anything about interviews. Where are you guys getting the info about multiple interview locations?

Joh0472,

I got the information from last year's Hilo thread. Last year they held interview in Hilo, Las Vegas, Orlando, and somewhere in California and they started invites in mid November (based on the posts).