Higher scores indicate a smoother, more positive interview experience with professional staff, organized logistics, and a supportive environment.
Based on 234 responses
Score Reference:
9โ10 Exceptional8โ8.9 Very Good7โ7.9 Good6โ6.9 Mixed< 6 Needs Improvement
The SDN Interview Experience Score (SIES) is a composite metric that represents applicants overall impressions of their interview experience, based on multiple factors such as professionalism, facilities, responsiveness, and stress levels.
How do you rank the facilities?
Most respondents rank the facilities as above average.
How do you rank this school among ALL other schools?
Most respondents rank this school above all other schools.
How do you rank this school among other schools to which you've applied?
Most respondents rank this school above other schools they applied to.
0 = Below, 10 = Above
What is your ranking of this school's location?
Most respondents rate the school location as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
How is the friendliness of the admissions office?
Most respondents said the admissions office was friendly.
What is your ranking of this area's cultural life?
Most respondents rate the areaโs cultural life as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
How is the responsiveness of the admissions office?
Most respondents said the admissions office was responsive.
๐ฌ Interview Questions โผ
What is one of the specific questions they asked you?
The most commonly asked interview questions at medical schools include inquiries about the candidate's background, career goals, handling stress, decision-making, overcoming obstacles, demonstrating empathy, and reasons for choosing pharmacy over other healthcare professions. Respondents also frequently mentioned questions related to personal regrets, dealing with disappointment, managing time, and adapting to challenging situations. Some responses referenced an MMI format, which may have involved a nondisclosure agreement.
Tell me about a stressful time in your life. How do you manage your time? Talk about a class you had trouble with and why? Tell me about a time you were disappointed. What do you do for fun? Talk about two traits that make a good pharmacist and why they are important.
Students said most interesting question asked at University of Houston College of Pharmacy discussed various scenarios including handling stress, regrets, personal time management, and decision-making processes. The interview format may have been an MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) based on responses mentioning nondisclosure agreements, with questions covering ethical dilemmas, personal reflections, and hypothetical situations.
Tell us about a time where no one believed in you?
If a 13 year old walked into your pharmacy and wanted to buy syringes for his sick grandmother, who have given him permission to do so, what would u do?
I had to choose how I would donate money. I was presented with two deserving non-profit organizations and had to decided who would benefit more, and explain why I was more compelled to choose one organization over the other.
All the questions were expected, I guess the most interesting was: if, tomorrow, you had no tests, no family obligations, no work obligations and had the day completely off, how would you spend it?
Most of the questions that i was asked were very thought provoking. We talked about almost everything that I wrote about on my pre-interview questions, but then I was asked to talk about something that we had not mentioned, which was a bit surprising.
Students said most difficult question asked at University of Houston College of Pharmacy discussed various scenarios requiring them to reflect on past experiences, handle opposition in groups, make tough decisions, and discuss regrets. The interview format may have been an MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) based on the range of ethical and situational questions, with mentions of nondisclosure agreements and a focus on personal traits and decision-making processes.
Tell us about a time where you expectations were not met. What was the outcome and did it improve?
What is a bad decision you've recently made? What is a good decision you made? What is something that you regret? A LOT of time management questions!!!
What struggle have you overcome in you life to be successful in your endeavors? This shouldn't have been so hard, but I really had to pause and think for a few moments to fashion a response.
What is your biggest regret? I actually ended up crying right in my interview!! This question struck an emotional cord in me. But, I still got in...so, oh well!!
Most respondents had an interview of 20 - 30 minutes.
How did the interview impress you?
Most respondents felt positively about their interview.
How many people interviewed you?
Most respondents were interviewed by 1 person.
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.
What was the style of the interview?
Most respondents had a one-on-one interview.
What type of interview was it?
Most respondents had a closed file interview.
Was this interview in-person or virtual?
Most respondents had a virtual interview.
Data includes both pre- and post-COVID interviews.
No responses
Where did the interview take place?
Most respondents were interviewed at the school.
How did you prepare for the interview?
Most applicants prepared for the interview by utilizing resources like SDN (Student Doctor Network), mock interviews, and reviewing interview questionnaires and personal statements. Many emphasized the importance of practicing responses, researching the school, and getting a good night's rest before the interview.
SDN Feedback Questions from the past years; Searched the Web for sample interview questions; UH Website; Spend time to get to know myself, my accomplishments, obstacles, challenges, struggles, etc. The key to success is to know yourself!!!
read over my personal statement, answers to pre-interview questionaire( make sure you do this, because all of the people that you meet on interview day( except current students) have actually read over your responses!! so, make sure when they ask you a question, you know what they are talking about) looked at UH web-site, talk to a current student, did a mock interview with my school
Read studentdoctor network, review expected q&a, review pre-interview questions, read up about the school, and last but not least= get a good night sleep
Applicants were consistently impressed by the welcoming and friendly atmosphere created by the staff, faculty, and students during the interview process at UH COP. They appreciated the low-stress environment, the opportunity to interact with current students, and the emphasis on making sure applicants felt comfortable and engaged throughout the day.
Friendliness of staff and pharmacy students. The interview was a very low stress interview, and the staff was constantly telling everyone to relax and have fun. I enjoyed mingling with the students and getting to know the school as well through my interview.
EVERYTHING. From the moment I walked into the building, I was approached with one of my counselors. She gave me an introduction of how the interview process would go and you will be directed to go into a room with pharmacy students. You would be given the chance to mingle and ask any questions about the program. When I came, there were many P1 students so I didn't ask any residencies questions. Either way, you'll be able to meet current students.
One impressive thing about UH COP interview process is that they want you to like their school. As in, they're trying to interview you, but they want you to make sure that UH is the school for you as well. They welcome any type of questions and are very responsive to your needs.
Back to the interview, I had my one-on-one first. My interviewer had two other students in the room, but they didn't ask any questions. I was nervous at first since there were 3 pairs of eyes staring at me, but they were quiet so I started to ease up. Overall, my interviewer did a great job with getting to know me. As compared to all the other schools I went on an interview with this year, UH is the school that actually got to know me which is rare even though I went to 3 interviews before UH.
My group interview was extremely fun. I love my teammates and I hope many of them got in. They were cooperative and enjoyable. Within the 30 minutes, I actually got to see a little bit of their personalities and started to crack jokes in the end.
The day overall was impressive and thank goodness UH accepted me. I would be very disappointed if they didn't.
Everyone at the school was very professional. The Admissions office being so helpful. The friendliness of everyone from the chat room to the interview.The pharmacy students involved in the process were very helpful.
Was very laid back!! Everyone was so nice and there are A TON of amazing P1 students there for you to interact with. Everyone was great and the atmosphere was so relaxed. Plus they give you snacks and drinks!!!
The event was well organized. Everyone was polite and helpful. The students are helpful as they help to get you talking about yourself. This interview visit was the best so far.
the location (TMC!!), how friendly & open the students were, the diversity of the students, the way the students got along among each other, and the friendly faculty
The Texas Medical Center is beautiful (where you spend your 3rd and 4th professional years), and it is in my opinion the best place you could possibly receive an education in the health field. Interviewer was extremely nice and laid back, students were enthusiastic, helpful, and good at making everyone feel comfortable. Cultural life in Houston is excellent.
I thought that the students and staff were very friendly and accomodating. I was quite nervous, but they were helpful throughout the whole interview process. I felt very comfortable and at ease after a while. Furthermore, the interviewers were also pretty easy to talk to, it just felt like having a conversation with any other person.
everyone was very friendly. i loved my interviewer, she was really nice. i liked that they had the students to talk to so that you didnt have to sit there and get nervous about whatever it was that you were doing next.
The school is very organized and geared to producing collegues in the pharmacy field. The curriculum, statistical standings, the ability to accomodate students (test schedules and rotations) all impressed me.
Applicants commonly expressed concerns about the lack of social interaction with interviewers, the noise level and distractions during the writing exercises and group activities, and the separation between students at different campuses potentially leading to missed networking opportunities. Suggestions included improving interview organization, providing a quieter space for tasks, and fostering better communication and mentorship between students at different locations.
Some students weren't so helpful because they were afraid they will reveal something that they weren't supposed to. I thought the people there were pretentious.
Well I had a 2-on-1 which totally blew me off because everyone else I had talked to had a 1-on-1. I hated writing the essay next door to the room where the P1s and the other applicants were interacting. They were sooooo loud!!! And also, there was no tour. But no complaints, I got in!!! =)
Nothing. There was the fact that the waiting room where all the P1's and P2's and interviewees are right beside the room where everyone else was doing there writing assignment. And they kept coming in and asking us to be a little more quite. It would have been nice to have been separated.
The P1&P2 students attend the UH campus while the P3&P4 students attend classes in the medical center. They separated. Perhaps there are missed opprotunites for mentoring?
I wish the essay and group prep work were in another room. They had us next to the waiting area which was divided by a curtain so it was pretty loud and hard to concentrate.
The group interview I was very nerve-racking because there were so many students observing and evaluating you. When I did mine, there were 15+ student evaluators in the room also. But overall, I think it's still a good excercise.
nothing really, they try to make the interview as quick and painless as possible. The only thing lacking was a tour of the school, though it could be because the first 2 years are at the UH campus and the interview was at the UH COP at TMC.
Applicants commonly wished they had known to approach one-on-one interviews as conversations, be active in group exercises, not stress too much, and that the environment would be friendly and welcoming. They also suggested interacting with other applicants ahead of group exercises, being prepared for downtime, and not underestimating the importance of being calm and confident during the interview process.
I wish I would have known to treat the one on one more as a conversation instead of treating it like a professional interview.
To not stress as much. I could not sleep the day before the interview because I was so nervous. But once I walked into the building all my nervousness was gone.
I wish I had known that there would be students and faculty surrounding you during the group exercise!! That was pretty nerve wrecking but after the first 2 minutes, you don't even notice them
Nothing. I research the school a lot. Just listen to everyone when they say don't be nervous. I know it won't help, but you won't be nervous after about an hour of being there, because everyone is so hospitable and friendly.
I wish I would have known it would be so laid back, so I wouldn't have wasted my time being all nervous. Not to take it too lightly or anything, but they made the environment friendly.
bring a watch for the essay - they have a clock but having it in front of you helps. AND take your time reading the group interaction story. they do not allow you to look back at the handout. it helps when things get confusing because you or others interpreted something differently. i was already prepared for it but for the essay, think bigger and globally -ie, what is for the greater good rather than the select few. it will help. stick with your point and support it. you'll use this in the group interaction to. and "interact" with the group..it is a group interaction after all-smile, discuss, and share your thoughts.
Not to be as stressed out. I was stressed walking in, but I came out feeling very positive and welcome.
Objectively, my academics were not very good except for my PCAT. My GPA was just a little over 3 and I had little extracurricular or volunteer experience. I went in a little intimidated by everyone else's GPA and other credentials. However, I think I was able to show my positive attributes throughout the day that could not be shown on paper. I landed an interview, so they must have seen something in me.
I've received my acceptance letter and it's almost too good to be true!
For those of you who are stressed out trying to get in, don't lose hope. If you've landed an interview, you've definitely got a fighting chance.
I wish I would have known to converse more with the applicants I was with when they first corraled us into our interview groups. It helps so much more with the group interviews when you already know, and have exchanged words with the people you will be doing your group interview with. Therefore, you can work better during the group excercise. And also, be nice to everyone, the people you are around could possibly your classmates for the next 4 years.
My interview started at 8:15am and I got there at 6:30am. If I had known that it would take me a short time to get there I would have relaxed and gotten some more sleep. I was out there in the cold and all alone in the street because the building was locked.
There's a fairly large panel of about 8 students and faculty members who analyze your interaction with the group project,also getting to the school can cause some issues because of parking.
Applicants commonly shared feedback suggesting to stay calm and practice, be authentic and friendly, actively participate in the group exercise, and engage with current students. They also mentioned that the process was well-organized and involved a one-on-one interview, a writing exercise, and a group activity, with an overall positive and welcoming atmosphere.
The people there didn't seem sincere but don't let it bother you. Just be yourself and relax. Fully participate during the teamwork exercise but don't be aggressive.
Overall the interview process is the best by far. The faculty are really nice, the interview is like a conversation! And the students are extremely helpful. The group exercise isn't hard, a little intimidating at first, but it was an interesting topic! Don't stress over it too much and get a good night sleep!
Before I went to the interview I was still wavering between UT or UH, but everything about the entire day sealed the deal. Definitely going to attend UHCOP! =)
They give you a schedule of what you will be doing when you arrive. It helps to break the ice with all the other candidates in the room everyone looks so nervous and we could all see it. Then depending on you schedule they take you to different sections. One good thing you can do is ask around and find out who has the group assignment at the same time you do and get aquainted, this helps later. The biggest advice I have for everyone is the group excerise, the goal is to not give in but come to a consensus on your ideas. Most importantly do not fight, make you ideas known and encourage others to make their ideas known. The writing is cake and I am horrable at writing. Just find a reason to do one or the other, and stick with it.
It was great. UH has the process down to a science. Very little lag time, and the down time that you do have can be spent visiting with current students and faculty.
I thought the one on one interview did not go well since my interviewer was so serious. The group exercise is frustrating and the writing exercise seemed pointless. The students were great and very honest so you know what to expect.
I hated the group part. It felt like I was in an experiment and there were scientists watching me. My group members didn't listen to me and having all the serious observers and a professor watching us just added to the stress. I think our group messed up on that part, because we reached agreement way too fast. :/
99 PCAT, 3.95 GPA, Recommnedation from professor at Pharmacy school, excellent social skills, 100s hours of volunteer work---not accepted to the school after all
Overall, I was very impressed with the school and what they had to offer. Location of the school is great and the P1's and P2's that were there made the day comfortable and answered any questions that we had.
It was very casual they just want to get to know you, on the group project just make sure you talk and give your idea and reasons you don't have to be right just helpful and willing to work to compromise
Over all, I had a very good time at the interview. The interview was done by a faculty. Their main goal is not to scare you but to get to know you beyond just your test score or transcripts. I thought all of the current students in the university was very positive and helpful in responding to my questions. I also thought the group problem solving session was really fun. The essay was kind of weird but nothing too scary.
I had a great experience. Although I was there for 5 hours, it didn't feel that long at all. When I wasnt writing the essay, doing the group project, or talking to my interviewer, I spent most of the time in the holding room talking to current students.
It went by pretty quickly. Group prep, Group exercise, writing exercise, and face to face interview. The whole process lasts 4 hours, with a lot of waiting in between.
this was my number one school and i wanted to be sure that they treated the students with as much respect as we gave them so i paid attn to how they treated us individually and as a group - they passed my test for sure. my interviewer was Dr Simpson who was extremely easy to talk to and put me at ease with her easy going personality. everyone i met including the applicants wished us all a good interview. i liked the prospective group of students UH selected
Very welcoming experience with little stress. Interview with Dr. Wallace was very pleasant. Writing prompt is pretty typical for interviews. The group activity wasn't very stressful and was kinda fun. Be an active team member! After talking to some current students, I got a very positive impression of UH.
I thought I performed average on the interview, but my acceptance letter two weeks later proved my assumption to be wrong! I am so excited and look forward to starting the fall semester as a pharmacy student!
I feel that my interview process at UH was one of the better ones. The organization was good making every step as time efficient as possible. Despite being very nervous in the beginning, I left feeling very welcomed. I also took advantage of the free snacks!
Overall, I believe that my interview went well. Everyone was nice, and made you feel comfortable. I just wish that my interviewer didn't rush through my interview so much!
I ended up liking the school even more after my visit. It was mainly the students, staff and faculty that made me totally love the school. I got there at 9 and talked with students before they took me for my file review. Following that I read over the "group" problem and finished my essay. After that we had our group assignment. I was lucky to have a great group that got along really well. Following this was my interview with Dr. Wallace --- who was SUPER nice. Throughout the day we got to talk to the current pharm. students who answered a lot of my questions. This is a great pharmacy school and I'm so glad its in Texas!!!
There was a writing sample, a group exercise, and the interview. Between each step, there was time to talk to current UH students and some staff. Everyone wants you to relax and do well. If this interview stresses you, you need to consider therapy. It's really laid back. Go into it with a relaxed, confident, positive attitude and you'll be fine. Anyway, you should be relaxed and confident because you are one of the few applicants that got invited for an interview. So have some fun. The actual one-on-one interview was simple. You basically sit in an office with a faculty member and talk to him/her. They ask you some questions, you talk, and that's it. I would recommend reviewing the questions on this site, but don't memorize answers. Just have general ideas about what you want to talk about. Be yourself. You don't have to be perfect. Just relax and talk. It sounds simple because it is.
It was really good. I think that one of the things that helped me to get in the most was my group interview. I took over. I was the leader. I set up a plan, and urged others for their opinion. I was later told by one of the student evaluators, that I was the best!! My advice is dress REALLY nice. I would suggest a pants suit for both sexes, but it is not necessary. Of course, closed-toe shoes. Be yourself, but extra friendly (not fake, though)
There were about 20 people interviewed on that day including me. We all had different scheduling times and to some extent different items.
I had my one-on-one interview with Dr. Wallace. He was very nice and funny. I guess he was impressed when I told him I was so early for the interview because it meant I was serious about what I wanted. Also I had made a list of questions to ask him which also impressed him(I came prepared).
After that was the preparation for the group discussion and the essay writing. I guess the topic for the essay was hard. We were asked to write only in pens. I saw one of the applicants really attacking his paper, scribbling and scratching out. His paper was really a mess. I guess that gave me confidence that I was not alone in thinking the topic was hard and I actually did a decent job(my paper was very neat).
The group discussion was very interesting. We(6 applicants) were all laughing and making decisions. For a moment I forgot it was an interview and I was discussing with friends. We all felt at ease with each other. The scenario was: Six of us went on a camping expedition and one of us was attacked by a bear and left unconscious. We had to decide on the fastest way to get him medical attention given a list of items which we took on our trail. We had to prioritize the items in order of importance and choose the best strategy.
The interview is extremely well organized. Staff members help to guide you from place to place and there's plenty of time to relax and speak to fellow pharmacy students. The professor who interviewed me was genuinely excited to teach at the school, to interview prospective students, and give a great impression of the school. Asking a simple question develops into a lengthy answer so my interview lasted an hour (possibly because I was the last person the interviewer had to interview). The writing portion was not complicated and everything is on the 'honor system' to time yourself 45 minutes to write and analzye the group project preparation. This is probably the most relaxed and organized interview. I received my letter 2 weeks later.
The day went quickly. The interviewer was very friendly and explained some excellent post-Pharm D. options that I found interesting. The students were also very friendly and made the atomosphere comfortable. They are quick to give you an answer...I was accepted 2 weeks later.
There was no stress when I entered my interview. Everyone was completely nice and willing to answer questions. The interview consisted of a writing portion, group assessment, and a one-on-one interview with a professor from the college of pharmacy. My interviewer was just about the nicest guy and made it relaxed as possible. It lasted about 4 hours with many gaps inbetween to meet other pharmacy students. They are very organized. I received my acceptance letter 2 weeks later.
dr. wallace was really easy to talk to. just get him started and he'll do all the talking. my interview was supposed to be 30 min, but it just went on n on to about 50 min, then paige had to drag me downstairs from his office to do the teamwork exercise. its really casual, nothing to be afraid of. the ppl there made me feel like being home. the teamwork exercise was rather intimidating in the beginning though. the interview doesn't have to go in order, so if you get there early.
Overall it was a very laidback interview. The interview process consisted of a one-on-one interview with a faculty member, a short essay (we were given a problem and two solutions -- our task was to defend one of the solutions), and a "team-building" exercise where we were observed by students discussing and interacting with one another.
What are your suggestions for the admissions office?
Applicants commonly suggest that the admissions office should improve communication by being persistent in following up on applications and promptly addressing inquiries. Additionally, there is a widespread recommendation for the office to enhance its organization to avoid misplacing important documents like transcripts.
Be very persistent with you application. Email or call to have any questions answered.