USN applicants

[Pharmbabe]

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Hi there!


I am a student @ USN and I just wanted to share this with those who are interested in applying. First of all, if you don't have a background in Biochemistry, I highly suggest taking a class or even just buying a biochemistry book and becoming acquainted with the information. Also, this is an awesome school that allows you to complete your degree in 3 years instead of 4. You do not need the PCAT or letters of recommendation. USN is dying for diversity. So dont be afraid to apply. If you have any questions I would be more than happy to answer them or find out for you 🙂 Good luck!!!


PharmD 2010

 

[PharmDnPhD]

Hi there!


I am a student @ USN and I just wanted to share this with those who are interested in applying. First of all, if you have background in Biochemistry, I highly suggest taking a class or even just buying a biochemistry book and becoming acquainted with the information. Also, this is an awesome school that allows you to complete your degree in 3 years instead of 4. You do not need the PCAT or letters of recommendation. USN is dying for diversity. So dont be afraid to apply. If you have any questions I would be more than happy to answer them or find out for you 🙂 Good luck!!!


PharmD 2010

Thanks for the info! I sent my application in about a week ago. Do you know when the first interviews are held? I have taken the first semester of Biochemistry which will probably help some. I am excited to hear back from this school because it is my #1 choice!!!! 😀

 

[rxforlife2004]

Hi there!


I am a student @ USN and I just wanted to share this with those who are interested in applying. First of all, if you have background in Biochemistry, I highly suggest taking a class or even just buying a biochemistry book and becoming acquainted with the information. Also, this is an awesome school that allows you to complete your degree in 3 years instead of 4. You do not need the PCAT or letters of recommendation. USN is dying for diversity. So dont be afraid to apply. If you have any questions I would be more than happy to answer them or find out for you 🙂 Good luck!!!


PharmD 2010

P-1 huh? Enjoy while it lasts...🙂

 

[Pharmbabe]

LOL enjoy what while it lasts?

 

[Pharmbabe]

Thanks for the info! I sent my application in about a week ago. Do you know when the first interviews are held? I have taken the first semester of Biochemistry which will probably help some. I am excited to hear back from this school because it is my #1 choice!!!! 😀

First interviews are in February.....I plan on being on the interview panel so I hope to see you there 🙂 Good luck!

 

[goinkhead]

First interviews are in February.....I plan on being on the interview panel so I hope to see you there 🙂 Good luck!

would you happen to know how hte points are awarded when determining who gets an interview?

also, is there an advantage if one is applying early?

thanks!

 

[veyep]

what should are GPA be since they don't look at anything but GPA?

 

[Pharmbabe]

I am not aware of the point system just yet, but I can look into it for you. I do know that you would need between a 3.60 and 4.0 GPA to be competitive. This school is unique in that it doesnt disqualify those that do not have a first degree and they also seem to be trending towards accepting younger candidates. They also find it important that prospective students know how to carry themselves and how to articulate as communication is key in our profession. I hope this helped 🙂

 

[steveysmith54]

Deyoung told me that they calculate two GPA's.

1. Prereq GPA- got to have at least 4 done.- bio, physics, etc doesn't count!!!
2. Overall GPA- obvious

Then give u some points if u have a degree, not sure what happens if u're working on a degree.

I decided with 150 dollar apps, i didn't bother.

My overall is 3.58 but USN Prereq is 3.2ish.... Overall science is about 3.39....

My strength are pharm experience and LOR. This school doesn't use those, so i figured this is just not the school for me.

 

[Pharmbabe]

Well Bio n Physics don't count because they arent USN pre-requisites. All schools have their own list of pre-reqs that are generally the same and differ slightly. Yes, they do calc Science aside from other accessory classes which makes perfect sense to me because this is a Health program and your performance in those classes is what will determine if you will make it @ USN. Mind you, this is an accelerated program and there is no time to review the material that should has been mastered in Pre-pharmacy. This adds further weight to making sure you did well in those classes. Basically, this is how USN operates as far as the block system. We are given an assessment every other Friday. Upon our arrival, we take individual assessments. Thereafter, we take the same exam with our groups (usually 7 members per group). If your group passes with 95% or more, then you get an additional 5% added to your raw (individual) score. You must make at least 90% on each assessment. If you do not, you must return on Monday where there are no team points, so you must make 90% on your own. If you still dont pass then , you must return in the summer. No other school I know of constitutes a grade of 89 as a no pass, but we do and for this, you must have a firm grip on the material and ALL of the underlying concepts presented during the course of your pre-pharmacy career. This is why I stress the need to have some knowledge of biochemistry as the first few blocks are all about Biochem. Anyways, I dont want to go on and on I just wanted to share that... Thanks

 

[PharmDnPhD]

First interviews are in February.....I plan on being on the interview panel so I hope to see you there 🙂 Good luck!

Thanks! When do they usually let us know when we have an interview....do they call/email in december or january?

 

[tootoo30]

I have been thinking about this school for sometime now, because they have the academic forgiveness program which helps me GPA wise, but I would have to take my english and speech class again because they were taken more than five years ago, but anyway I was wondering do they have campus housing or does everyone live off campus?

 

[Pharmbabe]

Dr. Deyoung usually emails you and follows up with a call during December-February. He is very genuine and does a fantastic job for the school! Unfortunately, there is no on campus housing. With your admission packet, they will include a form inquiring as to whether you are seeking a roommate. They also provide the same form to current students. You then get a database of all those seeking a roommate so you can contact them and see if living together would work for you so they do at least try to help you find affordable housing in that sense 🙂

 

[piyi]

LOL enjoy what while it lasts?

The free time you have. Second year is suppose to be more difficult.

 

[piyi]

I have been thinking about this school for sometime now, because they have the academic forgiveness program which helps me GPA wise, but I would have to take my english and speech class again because they were taken more than five years ago, but anyway I was wondering do they have campus housing or does everyone live off campus?

Everyone lives off campus; there is no on-campus housing. Woops--sorry, didn't see the rest of Pharmbabe's post. Yeah, if you need/prefer a roommate, the school is really good about setting you up with someone; they'll send you an email about it (at least I got an email; I don't remember a form, but then I wasn't interested in a roommate, so maybe I just wasn't paying attention to it).

 

[tootoo30]

Is it true that during the third year you can do your rotations in your home state, or do you have to do them in Nevada or Utah? I saw someone post that on another thread and just curious to know.

Thanks

 

[piyi]

Is it true that during the third year you can do your rotations in your home state, or do you have to do them in Nevada or Utah? I saw someone post that on another thread and just curious to know.

Thanks

That is how I am understanding it. I have heard that many of the students from California do their third year rotations in their home state. I hear you have to find the store and do all the grunt work that's involved in getting someone to be a preceptor for you. Then, once you find someone that's willing to precept, you have them contact the faculty at usn (I don't know exactly who this is right now, but you will know once you get to this point), and they will do the rest.

 

[tootoo30]

So your last year rotations are done at only one location instead of six or seven?

 

[piyi]

So your last year rotations are done at only one location instead of six or seven?

No, there are many locations; I don't know the exact count, but each lasts six weeks and then you have one six week break at a random time (so you could be on a rotation over the holidays which really sucks). Yeah, so you have to go and find a preceptor for each one (at least, that is how I understand it). To me that sounds like a real hassle; but, since I've never done it, I don't know for sure. I just know that if I have to go on rotations over the holidays I want to make sure that I can be near my family in northwest Indiana during that time.

 

[Pharmbabe]

Dr. Zarley is in charge of coordinating the 3rd year rotations and she will help you as much as she can. The only advantage to completing the rotations in LV/Utah is that your last rotation is a Kaplan Prep course for the NAPLEX from what I understand if you do it elsewhere, you are responsible for paying for it.

 

[missangela]

Since USN doesn't require the PCAT will they still look at them if you submit them? I feel as if my PCAT scores were strong and help to make up for when I had a bad semester.

 

[rXcmoney]

Since USN doesn't require the PCAT will they still look at them if you submit them? I feel as if my PCAT scores were strong and help to make up for when I had a bad semester.

Good Q

 

[piyi]

Since USN doesn't require the PCAT will they still look at them if you submit them? I feel as if my PCAT scores were strong and help to make up for when I had a bad semester.

I'd probably email Dr. Deyoung about that since that would be a good way to get a definite answer; here's his email address: [email protected]

I can't imagine them just tossing it out if you submit it along with your application. It's not going to help you get to the interview, but once there, they may consider it when deciding whether you'd be a qualified candidate; it definitely wouldn't hurt in any way (at least I can't see how it would) if you submitted it.

 

[missangela]

I emailed Dr. Deyoung and he said that they don't even evaluate PCATs. So is GPA pretty much the only factor they consider since they don't look at PCATs or LORs? Do you know how they select people for interviews? Thanks.

 

[rXcmoney]

I think just mainly GPA. A few extra points if you have a degree or if you have finished all the prereqs....What would you say the GPA cut off is for interviews?

 

[RNtoPharmD]

What would you say the GPA cut off is for interviews?

That's exactly I want to know too. $150 application fee is expensive!

I think my stat is borderline.

My prereq GPA based on the required courses on application (mostly from CC) is 3.61. (It may be higer if they consider Cal II and 4 credit of Micro instead of 3).

sGPA is 3.54. (no upper level science courses exept pathophysiology)

cGPA is 3.57 (expected to be up to 3.59 after fall grades)

BA in Chinese language --out-of-country--GPA 3.57 (may changed based on pending WES eval)

BS in Nursing

Wonder if anyone get in with 3.5-3.6 GPA...

I don't think I have much strength from LOR nad NO phram experience... so not requiring them is a good idea.

I guess I am waiting for PCAT score and see if I got interview by other colleges by December... and I might send application in sometimes in Mid Decem since they don't have rolling admission.

 

[piyi]

That's exactly I want to know too. $150 application fee is expensive!

I think my stat is borderline.

My prereq GPA based on the required courses on application (mostly from CC) is 3.61. (It may be higer if they consider Cal II and 4 credit of Micro instead of 3).

sGPA is 3.54. (no upper level science courses exept pathophysiology)

cGPA is 3.57 (expected to be up to 3.59 after fall grades)

BA in Chinese language --out-of-country--GPA 3.57 (may changed based on pending WES eval)

BS in Nursing

Wonder if anyone get in with 3.5-3.6 GPA...

I don't think I have much strength from LOR nad NO phram experience... so not requiring them is a good idea.

I guess I am waiting for PCAT score and see if I got interview by other colleges by December... and I might send application in sometimes in Mid Decem since they don't have rolling admission.

They do not count calculus 2. I thought micro was usually 4 credit hours instead of 3; mine was 4. I would think they just go by however many credit hours your class actually was.

I think a lot of people get in with 3.5-3.6 GPA seeing that the average GPA is 3.7.

I really cannot say exactly what the cut-off GPA is for interviews; I honestly do not think there is one. Of course, you have to have at least a 2.7 GPA or they will not even consider you (or did they raise it to 2.8 recently? I do not know).

I mean, if you have a really high GPA (>3.7) you will probably get an interview invite (but that does not mean that you will automatically get in). I'd say the chances get slimmer that you will get an interview invite as you start from 3.7 and go down (meaning 3.7 is like a 95% chance that you will, 3.6 is ~85% and so forth); but that is just my theory on it and it doesn't mean anything at all.

I'm so glad they don't have LORs too--I just cannot stand getting them.

 

[RNtoPharmD]

I'm so glad they don't have LORs too--I just cannot stand getting them.

I have LORs through PharmCAS... but I had one from a science professor who I hadn't talked to for 4 years .. Because most school require a science professor, so I have to choose him.....😱 I am so anxious about what he write about me. However, I think as a professional manner, if you agree to write LOR , you should "recommend" them. Otherwise, I would refuse to write one.

I am hoping to get at least one interview invitation, so at least I know that my LOR is ok enough for adcom to not consider it as an obstacle for admission.

Unlike other applicants, LOR and pharm ex are one of my major concerns🙁

 

[Nerdgirl]

Hi everyone.
I'm working on my USN essay portion of the application and for those who got into USN, can you share some ideas of what you wrote like what attracted you to a career in pharmacy, why do you think you will be a good pharmacist, and why should the admission committe consider you for the USN PharmD program?

If you can give some suggestions, ideas, and thoughts, I greatly appreciate the help! I sat in front of the computer for a few hours and can't get any ideas.

Please help!
Thank you!!!

 

[Nerdgirl]

Hi everyone.
I'm working on my USN essay portion of the application and for those who got into USN, can you share some ideas of what you wrote like what attracted you to a career in pharmacy, why do you think you will be a good pharmacist, and why should the admission committe consider you for the USN PharmD program?

If you can give some suggestions, ideas, and thoughts, I greatly appreciate the help! I sat in front of the computer for a few hours and can't get any ideas.

Please help!
Thank you!!!

By the way, is there a priority if you mail the application early or no? 😕

 

[Nerdgirl]

Do you know anyone who got accepted to USN with a GPA of 3.4 or even lower?

Just wondering. Thanks.😉

 

[KBOUGHBE]

As far as what to write for the essays, be honest. I know how hard it can be. What you can do, is, first walk away from the computer. Get a paper and pen and brain storm reason you want to go it pharmacy, how that school will help you, what you have done to prepare for pharmacy school, what attributes you have that make you who you are.
After you get a list of ideas, then work on putting it together in an essay. I had to do that with every question.

It can be hard but just relax and it will come.

 

[KBOUGHBE]

That gpa is a little low, however not unheard of to get an interview. They rely very highly on gpa's, IF there is a way to raise it, do all you can to. However, if you do get invited to an interview, you will have fighting chance to be accepted.

 

[veyep]

which GPA do they look at closely?

Science
Cummulative
last 45 units

🙂

 

[KBOUGHBE]

they will look at both gpa's. And I think it is all units. If you have concerns, give them a call, they are very helpful. They are also very good at answering any questions.

 

[Nerdgirl]

Does USN weigh mainly on overall GPA or Science GPA or both?

Also, I don't have any volunteer or work experience?

Does it matter?

Thanks! 🙂

 

[RNtoPharmD]

Any international application?

Do you include GPA earned from the foreign transcript evaluation (EVAL) into overall GPA the application? GPA is usually lowered by the WES eval. I have decided not do so. I will list it separately. It's not fair. I just gonna calculate US GPA only. I have BS and Associate from US. This should be sufficient.

 

[superbug]

Any international application?

Do you include GPA earned from the foreign transcript evaluation (EVAL) into overall GPA the application? GPA is usually lowered by the WES eval. I have decided not do so. I will list it separately. It's not fair. I just gonna calculate US GPA only. I have BS and Associate from US. This should be sufficient.

If you are not going to transfer your credits from a foreign inst., you can ask for an academic forgiveness. They still count your degree, but they will not count anything you earned before Jan-2002.

 

[RNtoPharmD]

If you are not going to transfer your credits from a foreign inst., you can ask for an academic forgiveness. They still count your degree, but they will not count anything you earned before Jan-2002.

Superbug,

Thank you for advice. I have to complete all TEN required prerequisites between January 1, 2003 (not 2002) and August 15, 2008. I took many prerequisites including English composition in 2002. Therefore, I am not eligible. MY overall GPA dropped from 3.59 to 3.55 due to WES. It's not a huge drop. However, the pre-req GPA are not changed. My stat is below average but I might be lucky.

 

[Pharmer_Andy]

I received an interview request from USN today. I was given 3 choices of dates to interview, and was instructed to choose my top 2. I believe the dates were jan 22, jan 26, and February 5th.

 

[superbug]

I received an interview request from USN today. I was given 3 choices of dates to interview, and was instructed to choose my top 2. I believe the dates were jan 22, jan 26, and February 5th.

I also received an interview request today. I may go on the 22nd.

 

[superbug]

Superbug,

Thank you for advice. I have to complete all TEN required prerequisites between January 1, 2003 (not 2002) and August 15, 2008. I took many prerequisites including English composition in 2002. Therefore, I am not eligible. MY overall GPA dropped from 3.59 to 3.55 due to WES. It's not a huge drop. However, the pre-req GPA are not changed. My stat is below average but I might be lucky.

I think my GPA became higher after WES evaluated my transcript, but I still ask for academic forgiveness because I have taken all my prerequisites in the US. I remember last year someone got in with similar gpa like yours. Check USN posts last year.

If I were you, I would not depend on the oversea gpa. I got really high GPA after WES evaluated my oversea transcript, but still I want to complete all the required prereq in the US.

 

[beancow]

Man, I would LOVE a trip to Las Vegas! Good luck interviewees!

 

[RNtoPharmD]

Good Luck for the interview too! I just sent my application yesterday. I may not hear anything from them until Janauary due to Holidays

 

[Nerdgirl]

What's the interview process like for USN and what kind of questions did they ask you? Did they give you a writing accessment? If you can advise how and what to prepare for the interview, your help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks much!

 

[Pharmer_Andy]

As far as I know there have not been any interviews for the 2008 school year. For types of questions I would look at the interview forum. There are like 50 posts about individual interview experiences. From what I understand there is no writing assessment on the interview day, only writing assessment is what was submitted in the application.

 

[blurverve]

Hi PharmBabe,

I'm on the waiting list for USN; I'm somewhere between 25 and 50. I heard that position got in for the past couple of years but I don't know when. I saw you recommending future students to learn biochem for preparation; I was planning to learn it over the summer on my own and seeing your recommendation, I will definitely try to study over the summer. Do you have any other recommendations that would beneficial? I would greatly appreciate all the info I can get.

 

[misstofu]

Yes, you should take biochemistry over the summer if you could...i took the first part of biochem when i was in JC, yet it helped me quite a bit...i definitely recommend you to take it if you have the time to. I believe that thru our first year, biochem was the roughest...many people failed that block compared to other blocks.....yup, if i were you i would take it...🙂 good luck with the waiting list...hope to see you in the fall...