Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 40% of interviews, indicating it is moderately regarded. They found the interview mixed with a moderate stress level, and felt they did okay.
Most respondents felt positively about their interview.
What was the stress level of the interview?
Most respondents rated their interview as average stress.
How you think you did?
Most respondents thought they performed well at the interview.
How do you rank this school among ALL other schools?
How do you rank this school among other schools to which you've applied?
Most rank this school as average compared to other schools they applied to.
0 = Below, 10 = Above
💬 Interview Questions ▼
What is one of the specific questions they asked you?
The most commonly asked interview questions at medical schools include inquiries about characteristics of a good pharmacist, handling group work challenges, reasons for choosing pharmacy or a specific school, addressing ethical dilemmas in prescriptions, managing stress, teamwork skills, challenges in the pharmacy profession, and future trends in pharmacy practice. Notably, there were no specific references to MMI format or nondisclosure agreements in the responses provided.
What characteristics make a good pharmacist and how do you have those characteristics?
I want to learn something today, describe anything complicated, and break it down into a digestible format. Just as a pharmacist would describing a medication to someone. (It did not have to pharmacy related)
There are a lot of people who face disadvantages, both socially and economically. What are pharmacists doing now to help them and what could/should they be doing better.
Assume that there is a pt. in line at the pharmacy, that is hostile, aggressive, and does NOT want to wait for their pain medications. . . how would you react? What would you tell that person? (I'm not a pharmacist or a technician, so that one was tricky)
What drug fascinates you above all others? Why is this drug so meaningful to you and how did it influence your interest in pharmacy? (For me, it was not a specific drug that interested me in pharmacy, so don't feel obliged to give a direct answer here)
This school involves a lot of teamwork: name one instance when you were involved in a group and faced a challenge working in a group, and how you overcame that challenge.
Why Touro? If you were any food, what would you choose to be? What is your greatest achievement? What do you think about technology and websites that allow people to diagnose illnesses by typing in symptoms? If you were ethically against dispensing a drug that a physician prescribed, what would you do?
How would you approach a situation where someone came in speaking minimal English? if they were shy? if they had someone else with them who seemed in charge.. or something like that..
Why here? ** I would just go over your information and main points you want to make. Don't stress out about what they are going to ask b/c it probably wont be any of the questions on SDN. Except Why Pharm and Why Touro.**
Where do you see yourself in five years?
The last question was just to clarify something from your application (they didn't ask me, but did ask the other 5 interviewees)
Do you think you are a leader or a follower? Give example. What do you do for fun? What was a group situation you have been in and what was your position?
Pharmacy is all about remembering what you have learned. What will u do to retain all the educations that you have learned as well as balancing your life?
Students said most interesting question asked at Touro University California College of Pharmacy discussed a wide range of topics, including roles of pharmacists beyond retail settings, ethical dilemmas in dispensing medications, personal attributes, and future challenges in pharmacy. The interviews may have been in an MMI format, with some respondents mentioning nondisclosure agreements, while questions focused on critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and the future of the pharmacy profession.
From your current understanding, what does a pharmacist do? - Try to talk about pharmacist roles outside of retail pharmacy, they don't want to hear about filling medications and checking patient charts.
Situational question: The patient was wanted to take hydroxychloroquine to treat covid. However, it interacted with other medications they were taking. Would you dispense the medication?
Imagine if all of a sudden that there were no more pharmacists (as in the dispensing role of pharmacists is gone). What would you do then? (be creative with this one; think of something related to drug monitoring and/or regulation, for example)
Teamwork with doctors and other health care professionals is important in assessing a patient’s medical illnesses. If a patient in an inpatient setting has pneumonia and you discover that he is not on the correct regiment/protocol of taking his medication, what would you do as a pharmacist?
You are a 4th year pharmacy student working at Walgreens. A patient comes with a prescription that you think might harm him. MD doesn't respond to you, patient is angry and doesn't trust you and wants the med. Whould you give it to the patient?
What would a woodchuck chuck, if a woodchuck could chuck wood? I was so devastated that I didn't even remember what was asked after I introduced myself.
Do you believe that left-brained tasks will become automated in the future and there will be more of an emphasis on the creative/innovative qualities that people have to offer? Explain.
Students said most difficult question asked at Touro University California College of Pharmacy discussed a wide range of topics, including defining success, predicting the future of pharmacy, addressing conflict in group work, handling moral dilemmas with prescriptions, and discussing the impact of healthcare policies. Some responses indicated an MMI format with questions related to hypothetical scenarios, while others mentioned challenges in providing original answers amidst similar responses from other interviewees.
I want you to look in your crystal ball and tell me what pharmacy will be like in ten years. They said we could not say technology because it was too easy of an answer lol.
Aside from your degree/ education, what else can touro offer you? (wasn't really difficult) - talk about network, professional development, serene environment, and opportunity to explore CA
Name two attributes that you feel are the MOST IMPORTANT for a pharmacist to have? (that's tough because you're being interviewed with 3-4 other students, so try to answer this one FIRST)
They asked a lot of questions pertaining to "what would you do in [this situation]". Seeing as how I am not yet a Pharmacist, I was unsure how to answer.
Seriously, my interview was so difficult. I had it bad :( The lady kept interrupting us and adding on additional questions: What would you do if a doctor prescribed a prescription that you know would cause adverse effects? What if the doctor disagreed? What if the doctor undermined your authority? Would you still fill the prescription?
What would you do if you were working in a group and a student wasn't doing his job? What if it was the same student every time?
What do you know about Obamacare and how will it affect the pharmacy work flow?
This school involves a lot of teamwork: name one instance when you were involved in a group and faced a challenge working in a group, and how you overcame that challenge.
They asked ''what is one of the drawbacks of pharmacy'' and ''give me a example of how how went above and beyond your call of duty to help the pharmacist''
There was a very vague question in which the professor said something to the effect of "There is power in truth." You were basically supposed to respond to that statement.
They asked about drug dispensing machines as well as something we'd done above and beyond the call of duty in recent months, but there really wasn't anything too difficult.
The essay question: something like how do you feel or what do you think about the innovation of pharmacogenomics made to tailor every individuals genetic makeup and what type of impact it would have on the pharmacist.
pertaining to a medical/pharm website: what are some red flags that indicate it to not be a credible source?
the essay is not hard. basically you just have to pick a stand and support it in a clear and logical manner
This question was not directed towards me, but I was there when it was asked, "...with your experience of taking a cancer biology class in college, how would you treat a cancer patient in a pharmacy setting"?
Most respondents rate the school location as average.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
What is your ranking of this area's cultural life?
Most respondents rate the area’s cultural life as average.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
What are your comments on where you stayed?
No responses
✅ Interview Preparation and Impressions ▼
How is the friendliness of the admissions office?
Most respondents said the admissions office was friendly.
How is the responsiveness of the admissions office?
Most respondents said the admissions office was responsive.
How did you prepare for the interview?
Applicants commonly prepared for the interview by extensively researching the program, practicing mock interviews, reviewing questions from SDN forums, and ensuring they were well-versed in pharmacy-related topics. Many emphasized the importance of having genuine enthusiasm for the profession, being well-prepared to discuss their motivations for pursuing pharmacy, and staying relaxed during the interview process.
I made sure to know everything about the program, and had questions prepared to ask.
BE EXCITED ABOUT THE PROSPECT OF SOMEDAY, BECOMING A PHARMACIST!!, SDN interview feedback, talked to a pharmacist, LOTS of mock interviews, learn as much as you ca about the school, and learn the various specialities in the profession. For the essay and math section, I read my GRE textbook on analytical writing and several short essays by a favorite author of mine.
Gather some sample questions, this website has plenty. Develop good answers for them (short and to the point is best). Also be careful not to deviate from your primary and secondary application responses, because this is an open-file interview, and the interviewers knew all of our backgrounds before being interviewed. And of course, research the program and know exactly what you will say when asked "why this school"?
Mock group interviews with counselor and other applicants. Reviewing common interview questions and making outlines of my answers and well as speaking with pharmacists about how their career and problems they face.
It really doesn't matter. If you graduated from certain ''popular'' universities, you can find out what are some of the questions. If you didn't, then, May the force be with you and if you are Star Trek fan: Live long and prosper.
I prepared a lot, but it was my first interview, so i was nervous and i blanked out. Don't try to memorize any answers. Just have ideas of what you want to talk about.
I read SDN feedback and looked over the school's website. I also had a friend do a mock interview for me. It's also good to prepare by knowing yourself well and why you would like to go into pharmacy.
Applicants were most impressed by the friendliness and welcoming attitude of the staff, faculty, and interviewers. They appreciated the supportive and inclusive environment, the use of technology in classrooms, the emphasis on early clinical experience, and the transparency regarding accreditation status. Applicants also valued the small class sizes, the enthusiastic faculty, and the strong sense of community at the school.
They were super friendly and made sure everyone was comfortable.
The staff was friendly and helpful. The interview group was very small so you were able to get to know some of your fellow applicants. And the dean herself was there to answer our questions and present the campus.
The interview was almost informal and most questions were not about pharmacy or health related topics. It was more like a nice group conversation about many things, including our personal interests and hobbies.
The friendliness of the staff and professors, I like that the group only consisted of ten people - this shows me that Touro cares about getting to know each applicant, the closeness of major cities such as San Francisco, San Jose
The staff were kind and generous. The Masters in Public Health Options impressed me along with the two year clinical duties they stress as part of the curriculum.
The friendliness and welcoming attitude of the admissions committee. It was a very organized interview day and the people there made me feel relaxed and comfortable.
Everyone there, from the interviewers, to the staff, to ther interviewees were all very nice and down-to-earth people. It seems like the faculty is very connected to the students.
The staff were really nice, and they openly answered any and all questions about the school. The other interviewees were also really cool and supportive! There was time ample for bonding and everyone got along really well. No one was visibly trying to be The Best.
faculty were very proud to be teaching at touro. they were all excited to be part of a new program. touro offeres 2 years of clerkship while the others offer 1.
The Dean took time out of her day to speak to candidates, which spoke to the accessible nature of the faculty and administration at this school. The student tour guides were also very friendly. Historical charm of the campus.
Everyone there was friendly and completely honest. They didn't hide the fact that the school is not fully accredited and that based on its location, it may not the the first choice for a lot of students.
The enthusiasm of the tour guide; the dean was a very nice and pleasant person; and they were straight-forward about their accreditation, etc-didnt keep us in the dark about that.
Staff and faculty were honest and direct about its accreditation status and their school's perception. They didn't dress anything up and I didn't feel like I was mislead. That is a huge plus!
I really liked the intimacy and small numbers. There are aproximatly 200 total pharm d students at the school at once and the general science building had a cozy high school feel to it.
Closeness of the student body and the high tech classrooms and breakout rooms were great. Since the program is new they formed it to include just what the ACPE wants from a PharmD program. 2+2 program and all the clerkships are w/in a 30mile radius. I also got the impression that Katherine Knapp is totally on the ball with getting the program fully accredited.
lecture halls are wireless. pharmacy students have break out rooms to discuss lecture topics. break out rooms have plasma screens so that you can hook up your laptop to it. Breakout rooms were created for pharmacy students, but DO students use it as well.
How nice and enthusiastic the staff/faculty/students were. They were extremely organized and positive -- this really motivated me to go to their school even more.
Everyone was very nice. The interview was set up so that you could relax, be comfortable, and mostly be yourself! A question would be asked and we would each take turns answering it. It seem to really emphasize GROUP.
they seem to really like utilizing technology so all the classrooms are a wireless environment!
The curriculum is so impressive, its very innovative and they seem to really really care about the students. The dean took time out of her schedule to meet with us!
The most common feedback and suggestions shared by applicants regarding what impressed them negatively were related to the shabby and outdated campus buildings, the unappealing location of the school on an old naval base surrounded by abandoned and run-down buildings, the intimidating or rude behavior of interviewers, the cramped and isolated campus, and concerns about the safety and lack of amenities in the surrounding area. Applicants expressed disappointment with the lack of facilities, the small campus size, the construction projects causing inconvenience, and the overall uninviting atmosphere of the school's location. Suggestions included improving the campus infrastructure, enhancing the interview experience, addressing safety concerns, and providing more information about the development plans for the area.
The atmosphere of the college impressed me negatively. Some of the buildings of the college were vacant and not in use. Also, the area surrounding college had way many abandoned buildings.
Where to begin? First, the school itself is rather shanty and outdated (especially the "cafeteria" area and library). The campus is also extremely small, the classrooms were small, the overall feel I got was being cramped. The surrounding area is not so great, housing is hard to come by and more on the expensive side. One of the interviewers and a public health speaker were late, so the entire interview process was held back and some parts were cut short - not a very good impression :(
The interviewer was so mean! She kept cutting people off in the middle of their answer to add another question and then move on to the next applicant. It was a very tense interview and all my fellow interviewees (?) definitely agreed that lady was cray.
The fact that everyone has said that it was a laid-back experience when it definitely was not the case for me lol! My interviewers didn't even ask the usual "Tell me about yourself" questions. They went straight into the aspects of pharmacy, which caught people off guard.
The Campus is run down, shabby and small. The gym is cramped and there are not a lot of sports related activates with the campus. The Program is also very new so it can't be know yet how the students rank and how employees rank graduates from Touro.
The location of the school and the length of the interview day. It was about 4-5 hours but it really only needed about 2. The campus is quite small and somewhat depressing.
The campus has potential to become beautiful, but for now construction projects are frozen, so everything looks downright dreary. Vallejo itself is a little podunk of a town that seems to be constantly shrouded in a depressive atmosphere.
The fact that they promote Courtyard by Marriot for $120/night when you drive by three motel 6's and an assortment of other motels that are cheaper and closer to the campus.
The campus is a little drab and they have no food on campus! The only food they sell is at the grill at Farragut Inn which the pharmacy student that gave us the tour said sucked.
The interview format- its a panel interview with 5 applicants at once. Basically you get like 3 minutes total to talk, IF that. They might as well not interview you, because they really do not get to know you in this way. Also, it was a bit uncomfortable and intimidating.
Well, well, well......what can I say. Prior to the interview, I thought that I would only be turned off by the location. But the spooky campus was NOTHING compared to one of the interviewers. That interviewer was VERY arrogant, sarcastic, and rude! (For those who were with me--you know who I'm talking about!) This interviewer interrupted all of us in the middle of our responses--he had no manners whatsoever and was very very intimidating. Beware! The other 2 interviwers were very nice and pleasant people.
There were 2 interview groups. It was odd that one group had all the UCLA and UCSD students while the other group had everyone else. To my surprise, if you were placed in a particular group, some questions were the same as posted on sdn or other prepharm school sites (you know which sites I'm talking about). From what I had heard, if you were placed in the other group, you were basically screwed. I will leave it up to the reader to speculate if group placement determines success in the interview.
Lots of negatives. This place is in the ghetto. It is miles from anything. A grocery store is 20 minutes away. Just a school, empty broken down buildings, and houses. Touro bought a naval base during WW1 and WW2 and is basically remodeling it. Kind of deprssing place. And the library of the whole med and pharm school about about 1000square ft.
How well your interview can go can depends on who interviews you. One of my interviewers left a negative impression on me. Just remember that you are interviewing them as well!
Like pretty much everyone else says, the location is just awful. Lots of shabby, decaying buildings and no signs of civilization on the island. Also, the dorms for students were very small and gross.
Because the island was an old Navy base there isn't much there besides the school, some new housing developments, and abandoned military buildings. The library and gym both seemed small. The weight room was probably the other raquetball court, but thank goodness they left the other one intact. Can't wait to start playing raquetball again.
The abandon buildings around the school. They are so old and scary look. I felt like going into a hunted neighborhood. I would feel a lot better if the those buildings where broken down.
The location is a bit weird and there is a lot of construction going on, but I didn't get a chance to see the rest of the island.. I think there are some really nice parts. Plus, the city has this whole plan of making a promenade and all this great stuff, so I'm excited..
none of the administrators seem to be aware of the high crime rate in vallejo but i found out from the locals and a student that living outside of vallejo may be safer/better.
also, it's at least 15 min to find a place to eat.
It has to be hands down the worst location/facility ever. The campus is on a down trodden army base, the location is very very unpleaseant. All factories, crime rate very very high. Their are "say no to rape" signs on your way to school. The closest civilization meaning restraunts, grocery stores is in vallejo about 20 minutes away.
Interview seemed pointless. It's basically who can answer the most questions since the questions were thrown out to the group rather than asking each person individually. I answered the majority of the questions, but there were others who answered like one question. It was more like a group discussion, rather than an interview.
Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time about the specific interview format, the importance of researching the school and its location, the need for transportation planning, the relaxed nature of the interview, and the focus on personal qualities rather than just pharmacy knowledge. They also highlighted the importance of comfortable shoes, a substantial breakfast, and being prepared for unpredictable weather.
The interview would actually be one applicant with 3 interviewers, not in a group setting like I thought it would be.
About where to park if you were to take your own car. It's a good thing I did not because apparently the traffic just to get onto Mare Island is a NIGHTMARE in the morning hours. I ended up taking the shuttle from the Mariott (by sheer luck I ran into the driver that same morning)
That you don't meet at the School of Pharmacy office. You meet at the Faraday Inn which is all the way up the hill from the Pharmacy office. Wear comfortable shoes!
That there was already fruit, muffins and coffee/juice in the conference room where we would write the essay portion. I wouldn't have had to buy breakfast at the Marriott.
I was prepared since I am familiar with the area. If you are not from the Bay, keep in mind that the drawbridge to get to the island is sometimes "up" causing a delay.
It was my first interview, but I shouldn't have stressed out so much because I'm sure I've shaved a few years off of my life from all that anxiety. Interview turned out to be very relaxing.
Just be yourself during the group interview! Don't talk too much, articulate and carefully chosen, but honest and natural responses are most impressive.
Nothing. I'll use this place to rant though. Someone a few posts below said one interview group was all UCSD/UCLA grads on purpose. That's completely false. One guy was foreign, one ucsd, one ucla, one uci. I do agree though based on what I heard, the 2nd group got some tough questions. Sounds like their interviewers were hard on them. It's luck of the draw, be prepared for anything!
I learned that not all schools gain full accreditation when the first class graduates. Apparently the dean of the school was on some accreditation committees and she noted that the accreditation process is more stringent. Loma Linda and UCSD did not receive its accreditation.
Also, after you complete the program, you still have to complete 50 or so more hours on your own.
Accreditation status is not guaranteed once the school graduates its first class. I.E. UCSD did not gain its full accreditation status with its first graduating class. Go Tritons - In 2008
nothing. just the fact that the interview is rather open ended and very open to discussion. There was 5 of us and we were adding on and critizing on each others answers. The whole interview was like 5 or 6 questions. Just watch what you say because if you state a false fact regarding anything you're talking about, you're done.
The school is really hard to find.. the street the school told us to use were closed down due to construction and the detour signs did not help.. I think I literally saw everyone from my interview driving aimlessly in the shipyard.. use google maps to supplement the map they give you!
3rd and 4th year rotations are given via lottery system, their first class won't graduate until 2009, parking is free, half the class from last year are from UC Davis
The essay/writing sample is the first thing done when you arrive. I did not have alot of time to work at the beginning gitters/nervousness. As the interview progresses you become more relaxed.
how truly this interview was going to be. you can't really prepare for it because the questions that were asked were geared towards what kind of person you are and not what you know about pharmacy. that's key. you may know a lot about pharmacy but know nothing about interpersonal skills.
Be aware that questions in the interview are geared more toward what type of person you are rather than your knowledge of what the pharmacy profession is about.
Applicants generally found the interview process to be relaxed and conversational, emphasizing the importance of staying calm and being prepared. Some expressed concerns about the campus location and facilities, but overall appreciated the helpful and accommodating staff.
The calculations assessment was easy, no need to stress about it. So was the essay. The interviewers were super nice and asked lots of questions, you were only interviewing for a total of 30 minutes, the rest was info sessions, Q&A, calculations and essay assessments.
Vallejo is filled with super nice people. And the absence of night-life is a positive thing to me. Tells me the city won't attract certain kinds of people. The quite environment is beautiful and conducive for efficient study and success. Cost of living is low and means I won't rack up unnecessary bills/ loan upon graduation.
IMPORTANT! READ HERE: Listen, for this school, you will be interviewed alongside 3-4 other students, the same question will be asked and each of you will respond. Try to be the FIRST to answer the questions, it shows confidence and eagerness, and you won't be forced to change your answer because someone else answered what you wanted to say ~~~ The nature of the program is pretty attracting, the 2+2 program is pretty interesting but the school itself and the environment are not to my liking whatsoever.
This is a great, organized school with faculty that are very kind and willing to help you with anything you need. Great program but not so great location.
Admission staff iv very thoughtful and organized. They respond to any question or requests in a very timely manner. That was the most positive experience I have ever had.
I recently got accepted to the school (YAY!), so here are my tips for the interview! Remember, since it's group-based, they're pretty much looking for people who can interact well with others. Therefore, you definitely want to ramp up the nonverbal communication skills and show whoever is talking that you are engaged in the conversation, especially with eye contact. This shows that you actually care about what others are saying (= team player!). Oh gosh and please please please don't forget to SMILE!
Also, I've heard people say that you have to be the first one to answer or at least the second because the person before you can steal your answers, leaving you with no options. That wasn't the case for me, for I went second-to-last or last, and I still got accepted. This should tell you that if you practiced for the interview earlier and did enough soul searching over the past year...you can still definitely stand out regardless whether you answer first or last. Here's a great format to follow when answering a question.
1. State your answer
2. Provide a real life example to support your answer (this could be from your experience or what you studied/read)
3. State how your answer relates to the profession or what the school is looking for in a pharmacy student
This is a great format to follow because since you're doing a group interview, the possibility of people coming up with step 1 is very likely. Yet this is where step 2 and 3 come in because your putting your own personal twist to it, which can definitely help you stand out.
As for the essay portion, don't sweat it when it comes to neatness. Just make sure it is legible. I finished my essay in 10-15 minutes while everyone else spent the entire 45 minutes rewriting their essay on new pieces of paper just so it looks nice. If anything, spend a little more time on making an outline in the beginning and proofreading near the end (I totally just crossed out words and wrote new words over it...kinda messy but still readable). In terms of preparing for the types of prompts, you definitely want to keep up with with the current events of pharmacy and read the pharmacy forums/blogs for people's views on certain topics.
Well, I hope this advice has helped you! Good luck, you guys!!! :D
My impression of Touro definitely went up after the interview. Everyone was really nice and generous. Interview was informal and was more of a conversation.
I actually enjoyed the group interview. the interview was very conversational and relaxing. It gives you time to think before you answer and a chance to come up with more interesting answers since you can listen to other applicants.
Initially, I didn't think much of Touro, but after the interview - I am very impressed. The staff and professors were so knowledgeable, considerate, and understanding. During the interview day, different professors sat with us and expressed their devotion in teaching and their dedication towards the students. As for the interview, remember that it's important to shine, but also to share since you are interviewing with other applicants. Think before you speak - when I say think, I mean really draw from your heart, your passion for pharmacy and express them. Touro is definitely an amazing school, but I'm forgoing the hefty deposit. Good luck! -mvpharm
It's a shame that Touro chose that site for its campus when it opened a few years back. I think they could have done much better elsewhere. Mare Island is isolated, boring, ugly, and industrial. Also, our tour guide (a student) went out of her way to bash other Calif. schools. Not cool.
The campus is really pretty bad but there might be a lot of potential in the education one can receive there. the staff and teachers seemed great and the program seems to be working so definitely worth some interest and consideration. Plus, it's near Napa and six flags.
I didn't expected a lot from the school before I went for the interview. But I gladed I went. The faculties and students were very nice. I was impressed by the block system and 2+2. I really like the school.
Overall, I think the school is great. I really love the idea of the 2+2 program and the student who gave my interview group a tour of the campus seemed really happy with the program.
Someone mentioned a "rude" interviewer, and I'm positive he was among the three who interviewed me. He wasn't really rude, he was just frank and trying to get to what you're trying to say past that handy spiel you memorized. They were all nice and answered all our questions fully and honestly. People complained about the fact that the interviews were done in group format, and I was nervous at first, but it turned out to be an informal discussion type of thing. The writing sample completely threw me off; the questions weren't pharmacy-related at all!
Group interviews are both a blessing and curse, but overall interviewing in a group was a positive experience. It was interesting to learn how and why other students were interested in pharmacy and Touro. Everyone was extremely friendly, both students and faculty, and symbolic of such a positive experience.
very comfortable interview. you have ample time to bond with fellow interviewees before the actual interview so there is little intimidation. interviewers are nice but can be a little scary. i went through the whole thing with my shoes off. kosher is the only food type available on the island.
weeds everywhere/no landscaping whatsoever. but a big plus is they'll will give fed financial aid even though not accreditted.
Overall, the school isn't too bad. The other comments people have written are true and the location isn't the most preferable. The people there are really nice and they seem to truly like it there. I think I overprepared, but it's definitely more of a good thing than bad.
Shortened version of the agenda given to me:
9:00AM-9:05AM Candidates convene in conferenece room (total of 10).
9:05AM-9:50AM 45 minute writing sample.
9:50AM-10:10AM Presentation on how to obtain financial aid.
10:10AM-10:15AM Break.
10:15AM-11:00AM Meet with the Dean of the College of Pharmacy (atmosphere was more like an icebreaker I guess).
11:00AM-12:00PM Interview (Dr. Ip, Dr. Bartlett, and Diane for my group)
12:00PM-1:00PM Campus tour.
1:00PM-1:30PM Kosher lunch.
I honestly think I didn't do very well. I couldn't answer the question I listed as most difficult. My responses to the other questions asked to me weren't that lenghty and the interview did not seem like a conversation (unlike with other people in the room with me). Be sure to know (forwards and backwards) what you put down on the supplemental application. Be polite to the other people getting interviewed and say what you need to say instead of rambling on.
I left the school with a overall good feeling. I liked the school, they seem very supportive. Ask questions if you have them, I think that is what helped me get a good feel for the school.
The group interview was not as intimidating as I initially thought it would be. Most people in my group have similar answers to the questions but I try to go off tangent and built upon their answers. I think that's how I got accepted!!!
The Marriott is comfy with free internet so you can study/prepare for your interview =) The shuttle ride is almost required in my opinion, because I couldn't find the freakin place on my own. The interviewees there were chill people and ironically 80% dudes. The faculty treated us well and diffused my nervousness. I didn't know what to expect of the group style interviews but it seemed to keep flowing and people building off others comments.
I was calm and sociable the whole day, even during the interview. Because I've been on a lot of interviews, I wasn't really phased a great deal when the interviewer wasn't as cordial. All the comments posted by other earlier by other students appear to be accurate from my account. My performance could have been better under different circumstances (like different interviewers), but it is what it is.
I was not impressed by this entire interview process--I was already tense and nervous about the interview, and this particular interviewer made it so much worse. What he said was right, but the way he said it was wrong--very wrong approach. I felt like I was in court, being interrogated by a lawyer! But in spite of all this, the campus itself is not all that bad--the exterior has a haunted and spooky feeling. But the buildings inside, the auditoriums, and classes, are very nice. Small cafeteria though!
I knew what I was getting into when I applied and interviewed at Touro. However, the interview seemed odd. They said that the interview will primarily test the candidate's ability to communicate effectively. If that were so, then it shouldn't matter if you answer a question wrong. However, the interviewer seemed to be really disgusted and upset at a few candidate responses. They should make up their minds. All the other California Pharm schools like to be spoon fed the same answers but presented in a different way (I.e. I want to be a pharmacist cuz I really wanna help people, but I don't wanna help people if I can't use it on PharmCAS or call myself doctor). If that is the case, then just say it.
The interview was really relaxed. Our interviewers made us really feel comfortable. We went around in a circle to answer the questions, so try to sit in the middle if you can.
I did not enjoy the group interview because I did not know what to expect. I assumed it was going to be a group discussion not a typical classroom discussion where everyone raises their hands as quickly as they can to answer the questions.
Got there really early, took a 1 hour nap on my car, met with a couple of the guys who were interviewing, went into a room with the others, did 50 minute writing assignment, financial aid presentation, group interview, tour, lunch, drive home
It was raining and on the drive over to the school, I remember thinking man this looks like a third world country. The island is seriously in that bad of shape. But once i met some professors and deans, i was impressed by their ability to sell the school. its really nice that classes are so small and you are broken up into groups of 10 once the year starts so you can learn together. The interview itself wasn't very stressful because it was a group interview. For the questions that were kinda funky, I just sat back and listened to a couple of people respond before I took a stab at it. But you definatly need to speak up and be assertive at times. All in all, I would come to this school but its not my first choice. I figure if you're going to pay over 30,000 a year at least go to a school that people have heard of (like 'SC).
Started at 9am with the 45min essay, then the financial aid discussion, presentation about the program by the dean, 1hr group interview, tour, and finished with a lunch and chat with the Dir. of Admissions. The group interview format is something that takes additional preparation and thankfully it wasn't my first of that sort. The online catalog had general points that they're looking for in the interview and essay. It's under Admission Tips. I personally liked the area even though most people don't; no distractions on the island, close to my family and in-laws in the Bay Area, and lots of Eucalyptus trees. The rest of the island offers little else for the student body.
It was fun and relaxing. Nothing to stress over. Everybody there is extra nice. I made a new friend there. Don't be alarm about the school location. It just need some time to improve it's surround appearance.
we did a writing test and then had a tour (short as the school was rather small), and then we had lunch and learned about financial aid. then we had our group interviews
The school is at a location where it is very easy to get lost. I suggest that you atleast drive by the school prior to your interview, so you won't get lost the morning b-4 the interview.
interview was in a group setting in one of those "breakout rooms" which were extremely small (because there were 5 of us and 2 interviewers there).
good part about a group interview is that if you can't think of an answer, you don't have to answer first (unless they specifically call on you). bad part about group interviews is that if you don't go first, someone might already say exactly what you were going to say.
The essay was the first part, and took up about 50 minutes, (the topic related to natural disasters and pharmacy preparation for patients) We talked with the dean and the admissions director proir to the interview. The interview lasted an hour, and was in a relaxed conversational group format. Very conversational style and related to the interviewee as a person rather than about the profession and knowledge of the school. Very Easygoing.
The school's interview format was by far the most stressful experience. I never heard of a group format. For the first couple of questions, I went first to answer, and the other four would just reiterate my answer with useless jargon. If you happen to get a brown-noser in your group or if you are the suck-up, don't do it. The interviewers stress at the beginning to not monopolize the time and to keep your answers terse and succinct. Be considerate!! I had a couple in my group and they just were rude.
It was great.. I was nervous at first during the essay, but the question wasn't too difficult. Steve Davis, the director of admissions ( i think) was awesome at keeping our nerves down. The interviewers were very nice and smiled/nodded a lot while I talked, so that made me feel confident.
i had an awesome first time interviewing experience! i had a lot of fun and enjoyed listening to my team mates share their thoughts. just be sure to smile a lot, be attentive to others as they're talking, and answer the question! i noticed a lot of people not really answering the question and talking around it.
It went well, the interview was very relaxing. Make sure you dont always answer first, and try to integrate others answers into yours. They are really looking at your communication skills.
I had three other interviews and this was the worst. Only because this school's location looked depressing and the questions in the interview seemed to be irrelavant and pointless. Some of the students I met there didn't seem that happy being there.
My experience went very well. We started out with an orientation followed with an essay, tour and interview. There was some added stress early on due to the panel format for the interview, but we all got into a good zone and it turned into more of a group discussion rather than a cut-throat experience.
What are your suggestions for the admissions office?
Applicants commonly suggested that the admissions office improve its communication by providing quicker responses, more organized feedback, and updating financial aid information promptly. Some also mentioned the need for better logistical arrangements during interviews and more affordable accommodation options.
