USC Class of 2013

[choylifut]

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Congratulations to those who got accepted! You guys should start a Facebook group!

Good luck to those who's waiting....patience and perservance is the key.


We just completed our last final exam today...woot!

 

[wonkanugget]

ahh! i'm one of the "lucky 89" for active consideration. how does active consideration work? do they review your whole app each time for each interview cycle, and compare you among those groups? or do they just give you a number and wait until march? 🙁

 

[Haleyzx]

I just got invited to the Jan. 24 interview ~~, anyone else got the invite?
Apparently,there is a glitch in the emails, that you might get an invitation letter with someone else's name on it. (that is what happened to me)

 

[mitchy07]

I got a January 24 interview as well!

Congrats to those who have recieved acceptances and IV invites so far.

 

[lkerzfan]

I thought USC sends out their interviews via U.S. postal mail? DO they send it by email and postal mail? Please let me know, thanks!!

 

[almondtea]

ahh! i'm one of the "lucky 89" for active consideration. how does active consideration work? do they review your whole app each time for each interview cycle, and compare you among those groups? or do they just give you a number and wait until march? 🙁

From what I understand and after speaking to the lady on the phone from usc, she said that they review it after each interview. For example, I think we'll get compared to the January people and everyone else on active consideration. If you don't get accepted/rejected after that, they will continue to place you on active consideration. And when March finally rolls around and they still haven't decided, then they finally put you on a waitlist.

 

[Illinigirl09]

Woo I got an interview invite for Jan 24th too! I thought they were sending them via regular mail but I got an e-mail : )

 

[crazy4eck]

I was one of the people put on the active consideration list. In the letter, USC said to continue to send in current grades. However, since my interview in Nov, I have passed the PTCE. Do you think I can send in my PTCE certificate in? It wouldn't hurt, right?

 

[Extreme]

I also just got an Interview invite for Jan 24th via email!

 

[rycetrix]

YES!!! I also got an interview invite for Jan 24th via email. AND to make things sweeter today, I also got an interview invite for MCPHS- Boston today also by email!!!

 

[FresnoPharmD]

Hmm...no email here yet. Does anyone know how long it takes an email to get from LA to Fresno? 😆 Congrats to everyone though.

Eh, we'll see...I'm hoping I can get one. If I don't then there's probably something this school doesn't like about me and I'll just push it to the back of my mind.

 

[cinnamoroll12]

Hmm...no email here yet. Does anyone know how long it takes an email to get from LA to Fresno? 😆 Congrats to everyone though.

Eh, we'll see...I'm hoping I can get one. If I don't then there's probably something this school doesn't like about me and I'll just push it to the back of my mind.

I haven't gotten an email from them yet. I applied back in August, but probably didn't make the cut for the Nov 15 interview. Since then, I really don't think USC has an interest in me. But then again, we're technically still in the game until we receive our doom letter. When did you submit yours?

 

[CafeMed]

Hmm...no email here yet. Does anyone know how long it takes an email to get from LA to Fresno? 😆 Congrats to everyone though.

Same here, no email and I live in LA so email should get here faster than Fresno!! 😉

 

[FresnoPharmD]

I haven't gotten an email from them yet. I applied back in August, but probably didn't make the cut for the Nov 15 interview. Since then, I really don't think USC has an interest in me. But then again, we're technically still in the game until we receive our doom letter. When did you submit yours?

I think I submitted my app at the end of August, and it was completed near the end of September. So I figure that's enough time to be in the mix for this interview, if they do want me.

One thing that might work against me is that I still have 4 pre-reqs to finish for USC. They have a pretty extensive list and I just happened to not get to take some of them until this fall/spring. My grades for all the other ones are pretty solid though, and I have pretty good experience and whatnot.

We'll see. You're right in that we can't throw in the towel until we get a rejection, but if I didn't get an invite for November, I was hoping/expecting that I'd get one for January. If that doesn't happen then I'm not going to worry about USC as a potential choice at all unless they surprise me with a later invite...it just doesn't seem likely.

 

[wonkanugget]

From what I understand and after speaking to the lady on the phone from usc, she said that they review it after each interview. For example, I think we'll get compared to the January people and everyone else on active consideration. If you don't get accepted/rejected after that, they will continue to place you on active consideration. And when March finally rolls around and they still haven't decided, then they finally put you on a waitlist.

thanks for the quick reply. i guess i'll keep my fingers crossed and hope they update me soon... this whole waiting is really nerve-racking! 😱

crazy4eck, i don't think it would hurt to submit that (my personal opinion). i'm sending an update since the interview with my updated transcript.

also, congrats and good luck to those with jan interviews! 😀

 

[krystal2812]

YES!!! I also got an interview invite for Jan 24th via email. AND to make things sweeter today, I also got an interview invite for MCPHS- Boston today also by email!!!

Yes, me 2 but I haven't heard from Boston yet. Hope that I can receive it soon. Btw, anyone from San jose?

 

[cinnamoroll12]

I think I submitted my app at the end of August, and it was completed near the end of September. So I figure that's enough time to be in the mix for this interview, if they do want me.

One thing that might work against me is that I still have 4 pre-reqs to finish for USC. They have a pretty extensive list and I just happened to not get to take some of them until this fall/spring. My grades for all the other ones are pretty solid though, and I have pretty good experience and whatnot.

We'll see. You're right in that we can't throw in the towel until we get a rejection, but if I didn't get an invite for November, I was hoping/expecting that I'd get one for January. If that doesn't happen then I'm not going to worry about USC as a potential choice at all unless they surprise me with a later invite...it just doesn't seem likely.

Maybe they might still consider us after the PharmCAS academic update? I just finished the physiology requirement in the fall, but still only need Molecular Bio (will take this winter quarter).

 

[rycetrix]

Let me ask you guys what you think of this situation:

So I call USC to make sure they have everything of mine because there was a error on my lack letter. They fixed up everything and said my file was complete. I then started asking about the interview dates (i.e. the Nov. 15th date). The lady on the phone who was looking at my profile said the Nov. 15th date was booked. But after that she said, there are cancellations of people who can't come and whatnot. Then she asked me if I was interested in for interviewing for that date. Unfortunately I had to turn down the offer because that weekend I need to study for my physio midterm (because I kind of bombed my first midterm) on that Monday. I said I would just wait for the normal processing to receive a letter in the mail if I do get invited for the interview for the other inteview date.

But what do you guys think about that?...was that like practically a giveaway for me getting an interview?

yes.

So lets think about this logically. You are taking physiology to gain acceptance into pharmacy school yet you turn down an interview at USC School of Pharmacy to study for physiology? Unbelievable. There were 15 days before the interview--plenty of time to study for ANY exam.

This reminds me of the end of the movie Dumb and Dumber (not implying you're dumb by any means) when the bus load of hot models drives up to homeless Lloyd and Harry and offers them jobs traveling the country oiling them up before their competitions. They proceed to tell the models where they can find a qualified person in the town up the road.

Hopefully they give ya another shot during the next round of interviews. You're obviously qualified so I wish you the best.

It's not unbelievable. The poster wasn't formally given an interview. This isn't the same as a decline. At least I think it would be unprofessional for USC to call it that without a paper trail. Should that person not be invited for an interview in January, then I would say its unfair. Considering pharmacy schools don't believe in flexibility with interviews, I would be pretty apprehensive with respect to USC until that hardcopy letter does arrive.

I had a similar experience for another set of interviews. Admissions called me to see if I would interview Friday of that week, but I told them I would be out of state. I declined, but they affirmed me they would just send me the invitation to schedule an interview.

Formal or not the OP was given an interview opportunity. I hope for his/her sake that a second interview opportunity is granted in January. However, my point revolved around the irony of the situation. Turning down an interview for pharm school because you have to study for a class to get into pharm school.

Well...I'm not the applicant, so I can't really speak for their ability. Should that person fail or do poorly in the course and update the PharmCAS, then according to the admissions director, said person would lose their spot in the accepted pool to a more competitive applicant.

You do have a point though. I would say said person would have a problem with time management in pharmacy school. If this person was a strong student, then I can't imagine that attitude of dismissing an invitation. I just rather look on the bright side when things cannot be undone.

of course the grade for said course wouldn't be updated in pharmcas until the interviews for February had already been sent out, and unless the grade was less than a C, it wouldn't matter. Just saying.😉

Thank you guys for your responses. It is as Jaded03 said, there is no paper trail confirming an interview, and also if I do poorly in this class, I would just as likely lose my spot even if I was accepted. It is not because I had poor time management, the circumstances behind my poor grade on my first physio midterm were beyond my control. I'd rather not explain myself about that here, but that is why I need to remedy this problem. Other than one upper div chem lab last quarter (in which I got a B-), the lowest grade I have ever gotten in my undergraduate career was a B+. I think the USC phonecall situation took me by surprise as well, but there is no way of confirming the interview for sure over a phone call. So I will just leave it at that and I am perfectly content with my decision.

And I am perfectly content with my decision now as I have gotten the interview. 🙂 And I also managed to pull off a B in physio starting from a C- after the first midterm. 😀

 

[FresnoPharmD]

Maybe they might still consider us after the PharmCAS academic update? I just finished the physiology requirement in the fall, but still only need Molecular Bio (will take this winter quarter).

It's possible. I'm only completing one more in the fall though (O-Chem II lab). Next semester I have biochem, 2nd semester physics and calculus on my slate. I would hope that if they like me enough, they'd interview me anyways, but who knows. I'm not really banking on anything happening, but it'd be nice.

 

[Espada]

Does anyone know that if you didnt receive a lack letter that your file is still complete? I turned in everything in September and I haven't received anything from them. I wonder if I should call?

 

[Jaded03]

Does anyone know that if you didnt receive a lack letter that your file is still complete? I turned in everything in September and I haven't received anything from them. I wonder if I should call?

I would call. If you turned them (PharmCAS, Supplemental, Transcripts) in September, then you should've received something back.

 

[iluvsprinkles]

For those that got the Jan. 24 interview, can I ask when you submitted your aps?

 

[krystal2812]

Mine is very late, like nov 1

 

[krystal2812]

Could any one got an interview on Dec 6 tell me what is expected in the essay portion? Also, how's the interview going?

 

[iluvsprinkles]

Mine is very late, like nov 1

Congrats on your interview. I'm depressed because I submitted mine like oct. 31, and I haven't heard anything. At the same time, I know you were denied by UCSF, which means I probably have no chance at SF.

 

[iluvsprinkles]

Mine is very late, like nov 1

By the way, when did you get your lack letter? I just got mine Dec. 22

 

[krystal2812]

By the way, when did you get your lack letter? I just got mine Dec. 22

I just recheck mine to give an exact date. I submitted on Oct 26. Lack email was received on Nov 6. They are very fast. That's why at first they are not in my top list but now definitely are.

 

[dreampharmacyj]

Can you guys please tell me how to take flight from Oakland to LA/USC?
thanks

 

[iluvsprinkles]

I just recheck mine to give an exact date. I submitted on Oct 26. Lack email was received on Nov 6. They are very fast. That's why at first they are not in my top list but now definitely are.

Wow they were really fast with you. I didn't get mine until 2 days ago, which I think is a really bad sign. Good luck to you!

 

[Jaded03]

Can you guys please tell me how to take flight from Oakland to LA/USC?
thanks

There isn't a best route to USC Health Sciences campus. You would have to go to LAX and then drive the rest of the way. Luckily traffic is not too bad in the morning on Saturday. If your interview is later in the day you should be fine if you get an early arrival time and drive in the morning. If it's in the morning, I'd consider staying a night and driving to the interview the next day. I can't imagine what a taxi service would cost though.

 

[dreampharmacyj]

thanks for the travel info.

For those who interviewed on Nov., could you please share your expereinces of interview and writing test? What is the writing test anyway -- summarize the articles?

Any suggestion to prepare for the interview?

 

[iluvsprinkles]

thanks for the travel info.

For those who interviewed on Nov., could you please share your expereinces of interview and writing test? What is the writing test anyway -- summarize the articles?

Any suggestion to prepare for the interview?

Can I ask when you submitted your ap? Congrats btw

 

[PharmDevo]

I just got an Interview for Jan. 24th as well. As people earlier, I am curious if anyone knows anything about the writting sample, (how long they give you, type of topics, ect.)

 

[dreampharmacyj]

Can I ask when you submitted your ap? Congrats btw

I submitted app on oct 9th. Good LUCK!

Could anyone share us about your writing part on your day of the interview on Nov? or last year? greatly appreciated

 

[Farmercyst]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=7365997&postcount=355
This is what I wrote 4 pages back, but if anyone from the November interview wants to confirm my assessment of it, since it's been a couple years for me....

 

[RaginCajun]

Hello Everyone. Looks like I will be one of the first years out front on Jan.24.

If you have any questions please feel free to ask, we won't go and tell your interviewers or anything. We are just there to tell you about our program.

So if you need a pep talk, shoulder to cry on or to hear me sing our Alma Matter I will be there bright and shiny.

Good Luck and hope you enjoy Ol' SC.

 

[iluvsprinkles]

Hello Everyone. Looks like I will be one of the first years out front on Jan.24.

If you have any questions please feel free to ask, we won't go and tell your interviewers or anything. We are just there to tell you about our program.

So if you need a pep talk, shoulder to cry on or to hear me sing our Alma Matter I will be there bright and shiny.

Good Luck and hope you enjoy Ol' SC.

Thanks for your help. I sent in my supp on Oct. 31, and didn't receive my lack letter until Dec. 22. Is that a bad sign? I still have not heard back for an interview

 

[RaginCajun]

There are no bad signs until the office tells you.

I went to the last interview and still got in. The best thing for you to do is channel your energy towards different things that can improve your application.

Community involvement, PTCB, information sessions Etc...anything that can make you look pretty.

 

[iluvsprinkles]

Thank you again! I graduated with a BS in June, and I've just been taking classes at community college (pre-reqs). I'm also still trying to find a job in the meantime.

 

[krystal2812]

Any USC pharmacy students pls let me know more about how to study in USC? What if you fail the first time? I just want you to share w/ others your experience at USC. Thank you.

 

[lovelygurl]

hahaha, I second your comment about the USC location. I've been to the health campus, it sucks. Why people think this a great location boggles my mind.

 

[FinestDrug]

hahaha, I second your comment about the USC location. I've been to the health campus, it sucks. Why people think this a great location boggles my mind.

I've never visited USC's campus. Is the Pharmacy building seperate from all the other buildings? It sucks? WHat are some other cons about USC??

 

[cinnamoroll12]

I've never visited USC's campus. Is the Pharmacy building seperate from all the other buildings? It sucks? WHat are some other cons about USC??

The pharmacy bldg is located in the Health Sciences campus, which is not located on the main undergrad campus. I found that out when I attended their Information Session last summer. Other than that, I would take extra cautions walking around the area...especially at nighttime! Within the past several months, I heard there was a case of stabbing and rape within the vicinity of the main campus on the news.

 

[RaginCajun]

IMO the security is not an issue on campus. The only on campus incidents are petty thefts like laptops left on coffee shop tables for 30 minutes. The main campus may be a different story.

The surrounding area isn't nice but the campus is safe. I am 190lbs/male and pretty ugly though so anywhere I go is pretty much safe.🙂

 

[spirospero18]

Hello. you mentioned that you went to the last interview and got into USC? I'm really worried because I applied early and I got my lack letter in early november, but I haven't been invited for an interview or anything... 🙁

 

[Farmercyst]

IMO the security is not an issue on campus. The only on campus incidents are petty thefts like laptops left on coffee shop tables for 30 minutes. The main campus may be a different story.

The surrounding area isn't nice but the campus is safe. I am 190lbs/male and pretty ugly though so anywhere I go is pretty much safe.🙂

no kidding about the ugly part.

 

[RPcLA]

imo the security is not an issue on campus. The only on campus incidents are petty thefts like laptops left on coffee shop tables for 30 minutes. The main campus may be a different story.

The surrounding area isn't nice but the campus is safe. I am 190lbs/male and pretty ugly though so anywhere i go is pretty much safe.🙂

 

[Jaded03]

I've never visited USC's campus. Is the Pharmacy building seperate from all the other buildings? It sucks? WHat are some other cons about USC??

LoL. USC is not really from all the other buildings (you just study with the medical students - and maybe nursing). It is just separate from the undergraduate/graduate campuses. The health sciences campus is very bland and very concrete (literally). UOP from the stories I have heard from a UOP undergrad is that you are guaranteed to have your car jacked once in your UOP career and that it is incredibly depressing as a city. As far as environment goes, both tend to not live up to hospitality.

The main difference between the two are the years of education (experience). I don't really know how an accelerated program can prepare you to be competitive beyond retail, which for me, is an attractive option with less debt.*

Now although USC has a similar reputation, the fact that USC has overall many more ties to research and clinical experience (county hospital, Keck, NIH grants, etc) it has the potential to provide experiences to make it EASIER for you to be very competitive to do more in pharmacy.

*I DO understand that the individual's motivation at any one school can determine one's career goals and not the school).

I cannot speak on anymore about the programs themselves as, unlike in medical school, the interview process at USC doesn't tour and sell the school to you. That did make me feel like a file number, but if you tend to rely on your own personal motivation, USC seems to provide all the tools for the extra money. UOP failed to convince me they would provide me with a comfortable rotational experience. The anywhere-in-CA-and-Hawaii lottery was a big downer for me when I heard that was how they were doing it.

 

[RaginCajun]

Thanks Farm I knew you would hit me with a cheap shot. Hahhaha

Spiro, There are still two interviews left so I wouldn't feel insecure just yet. I applied twice and the first time had an earlier interview so that may show you the significance of the sequence.

 

[kismet]

Hello. you mentioned that you went to the last interview and got into USC? I'm really worried because I applied early and I got my lack letter in early november, but I haven't been invited for an interview or anything... 🙁

I got my lack letter the beginning of October and I haven't heard anything else yet, either.. last year, I got my lack letter end of November and was invited to the last interview session in March... you never can tell what's gonna happen!