Receiving an admission interview to pharmacy school is an impressive accomplishment. Unfortunately, it's still a big step away from your goal of getting accepted to pharmacy school. This short chance to meet with a representative of the school boils down years of preparation and plays a critical role in the admission committee's decision. It's vital you enter the interview as ready as possible.
Format
You can expect the general format of a pharmacy school interview to fit the standard interview format. You'll sit down with a representative of the institution, for about half an hour, to answer questions about your experiences, to talk about your interest in the field and the particular institution and to ask questions about their program. At a pharmacy school interview, of course, all these subjects will be tied to pharmacy, with focus a on your related coursework, work experiences and questions about why you want to pursue study and a career in this field. Pharmacy schools often have applicants interview with two people, one of whom is a student at the school. Group interviews are occasionally held.
What They're Looking For
There are a number of traits you can expect the pharmacy school interviewer to be searching for throughout the interview, many of which you can shape your presentation to show. A first impression about your professionalism and level of maturity will often be made based on whether you have arrived on time and based on your appearance. A clean and formal look, with minimal jewelry and perfume, is ideal. Schools on the west coast usually expect less formality than on the east coast.
The interviewer is also looking for a candidate who has the analytic mind and determination to do well in pharmacy school, and the integrity, compassion and interpersonal skills to do well in a pharmacy job. You should be able to articulate your experiences and strengths clearly, without seeming arrogant. You should also be prepared to show your interest in the school, by explaining what it is about the school that appeals to you and by asking specific questions about the school's program, their curriculum and student life. You can prepare for this by researching the school and brainstorming a few questions.
Specific Schools
Resources like the Student Doctor Network, where students recount details and questions from each of their interviews, can help you prepare for your interview, and anticipate parts and questions that might have caught you off guard.
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