University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy
Lexington, KY
Pharmacy Schools | Public Non-Profit
Going on an interview at UKY-PHARM? Add your feedback to help others!
⭐ Overall Impressions ▼
How did the interview impress you?
Most respondents felt positively about their interview.
What was the stress level of the interview?
Most respondents rated their interview as high 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?
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
💬 Interview Questions ▼
What is one of the specific questions they asked you?
The most commonly asked interview questions at medical schools revolve around personal motivations for pursuing pharmacy, strengths and weaknesses, leadership experiences, community service involvement, future goals in the field, and handling conflicts or challenges. Some respondents mentioned participating in an MMI format interview, which may involve scenarios or ethical dilemmas, and some responses suggested the possibility of a nondisclosure agreement during the interview process.
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How do I combat "burnout"
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They asked how different biases, diversities, religions, and backgrounds affect a pharmacists practice and education
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They showed a list of 10 people (occupation, age, and gender) and asked me which 4 I would choose to be last 4 on Earth.
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30 minutes of questions about medical marijuana (agree, disagree, different from smoking how? Hospitals?)
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Of those leadership qualities you listed, how do you demonstrate those?
What was the most interesting question?
Students said the most interesting questions asked at University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy discussed a wide range of topics including leadership comparisons, social diversity experiences, concerns about the pharmacy profession's direction, and personal qualities. Additionally, there were mentions of non-science classes, future aspirations, and opinions on controversial issues. It appears that the interview format may have been an MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) based on the variety of questions asked, and respondents might have been subject to a nondisclosure agreement due to the nature of the questions.
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Do you think pharmacies selling other products changes the perception of the profession?
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Name a leader you admire. What made them a great leader? How do you think you measure up to them as a leader?
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You are from out of state. Why did you choose to come to Kentucky?
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What is something you are good at? (I kept listing off things, and the interviewer didn't seem satisfied with any of them. I don't know what they wanted.)
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''What was a time that you were faced with social diversity and how did you deal with it?'' My answer was that I had actually read this question on an interview site and had been troubled with how I would answer it b/c I grew up in a life where diversity was minimized and that I would deal with a socially diverse person just like I would deal with any other person. I wouldn't notice their difference; I would see them as a person and deal with them like anyone else. I also got asked to talk about something that I am really good at in life. It wasn't in any certain context and it was very difficult to answer. I said that as corny as it sounds, I am a good friend and that I have proof in the fact that at the age of 27 I still have 9 girlfriends from highschool that I talk to every 2 weeks. I talked about how much energy it took to make sure that I kept in touch with them but how important that was to me. It seemed like a silly small thing, but it seemed to impress them immensely. Don't try to make up some grandiose answer. Just be real and you will come out on top.
What was the most difficult question?
Students said most difficult question asked at University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy discussed various scenarios like deciding between developing a life-saving drug or a profitable one, explaining uniqueness compared to outstanding applicants, and justifying their choice of pharmacy over other health professions. The interview format may have been an MMI, with some respondents mentioning nondisclosure agreements, while other common questions included handling conflicts, addressing concerns in healthcare, and showcasing unique qualities for the program.
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Specific questions about medical marijuana law. Really?
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Imagine you work for a corporation who've developed a product to help prolong the life of a child with X disease (can't remember what) by one year. However, this drug will not make any profit with all costs considered. Your company can make a wrinkle reducer that is similar to botox, not groundbreaking in any way but will generate substantial profit. What would you do?
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In concluding, the interviewer told me about an outstanding applicant that was international, had worked voluntarily for an organization to help AIDs, and just really knew exactly where she was going in life, etc. etc. Then asked me "so how can we remember you?" ummm...well after that story I didn't look very special by comparison. It was difficult to come up with a response to how I stand out, after I already anwsered questions about why I would be unique to UK, why I'm better than the other candidates, what specific skills make me suitable for this program, etc. So make sure you have a good conclusion prepared.
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What can you bring that is unique to UK?
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I think there was a question about working with people who are different than you.
🤝 Interview Format and Logistics ▼
How long was the interview?
Most respondents had an interview of more than 50 minutes.
How many people interviewed you?
Most respondents were interviewed by 5 or more people.
What was the style of the interview?
Most respondents had a in a group 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.
📍 On-Site Experience ▼
Who was the tour given by?
Tours were most commonly given by Admissions staff personnel
How did the tour guide seem?
Most tour guides were enthusiastic about the school.
How do you rank the facilities?
Most respondents rank the facilities as above average.
What is your in-state status?
Most respondents rank the facilities as below average.
What were your total hours spent traveling?
Most respondents spent 0-1 hour traveling to the interview.
What was your primary mode of travel?
Most respondents traveled by automobile to the interview.
About how much did you spend on room, food, and travel?
Most respondents spent less than $100.
What airport did you fly into?
Respondents who flew to the interview generally used Blue Grass Airport (LEX)
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LEX
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Blue Grass Airport
Where did you stay?
Most respondents stayed either Hotel or at a hotel.
What is the name of the hotel you stayed in?
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The Mariott where the interviews were held
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SpringHill Suites Marriott
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Embassy Suites
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At the location of the interviews
How would you rate the hotel?
Most respondents rated their hotel as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
Would you recommend the hotel?
Most respondents would recommend their hotel.
What is your ranking of this school's location?
Most respondents rate the school location as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
What is your ranking of this area's cultural life?
Most respondents rate the area’s cultural life as good.
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 conducting mock interviews, studying sample questions from websites like Student Doctor Network (SDN), reading pharmacy magazines, and researching the school's program and website. They also emphasized the importance of practicing answers to common questions, discussing with peers who had interview experience, and preparing questions to ask the interviewers.
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Mock interviews at my school
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Knew myself.
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Studied school, SDN
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Read SDN database, Pharmacy magazines, mock interview at my undergrad.
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this site is really helpful in knowing what sorts of questions they will ask.
What impressed you positively?
Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the welcoming and friendly atmosphere at the institution, particularly noting the friendliness of staff, faculty, and fellow students. Many also highlighted the impressive new building and facilities, as well as the professionalism and laid-back nature of the interview process. Suggestions were made to ensure that applicants are informed about the upcoming steps in the process and to provide appropriately sized t-shirts as tokens of appreciation.
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Building, students.
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Everything everything everything. The new building is incredible, people are extremely friendly and they let you know that they are there for YOU and they will make sure that you get the job/internship/residency YOU want after 4 years!
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The new building is truly beautiful and amazing. I hope to get accepted so I can be in those labs!
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The program is very prestigious.
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The new $130 million dollar building they are opening for the College of Pharmacy.
What impressed you negatively?
Applicants were negatively impressed by the lack of friendliness and non-verbal communication during interviews, high out-of-state tuition costs, inconvenient off-campus interview locations, repetitive questions, and intimidating interview atmospheres. Suggestions include improving interviewer engagement and friendliness, providing clearer information on residency requirements and tuition, and ensuring interviews are held on-campus in conducive environments.
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The hard follow up questions
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The admissions coordinator went out of her way to tell us how friendly all the interviewers are. Then went on to say how they are not allowed to give any form of non-verbal communication (smiling, nodding, laughing, hand gestures etc. Stone faced robots are not friendly at all. Interview questions needed some specific knowledge.
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Absolutely nothing.
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The post-interview info session made me feel like I'm going to be a failure if I don't get in to UK.
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I didn't like the location at all. I didn't realize Lexington had grown so much...but the urban planning was terrible. Still two lane roads and one way streets for the city of a population the same size as cities that have 4 lane highways going into them...makes traffic ridiculous. I didn't know it would be like Boston. Nowhere to park at all, the weather the day I went was gloomy, windy, and freezing. Construction everywhere. Also...no tour of the facilities.
What did you wish you had known ahead of time?
Applicants commonly wished they had known that interviews were more about personal interactions than specific topics, to be less nervous and more relaxed. They also noted the importance of showing initiative by asking questions, being prepared for a variety of interview formats, and demonstrating leadership skills through extracurricular activities.
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The complete lack of humanity that any of my interviewers demonstrated and the degree to which they expected answers on specific topics (medical marijuana, some pharmaceutical knowledge).
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Nothing.
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I felt adequately prepared, honestly.
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That I wouldn't like the city. I thought Kentucky would be gorgeous but I didn't realize UK was in the CENTER of the city and not on the outskirts. Although, if you're a city person you will probably like it I suppose.
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I wish that I had not been as nervous as I was prior to the interview. They aren't their to grill you or find out how smart you are. Someone looks over your grades and screens you before you get to the interview. These individuals are here to screen you on another level. They don't ask you about your grades or academics. They only want to get to know you as a person and find out out how well you do in social situations, why you want to be a pharmacist, what you like to do in your spare time, etc...
What are your general comments?
The most common feedback from applicants is that the interview process consisted of multiple components, including individual, group, and social interviews, with varying levels of stress and interaction. They emphasized the importance of being genuine, prepared, and confident in showcasing their skills and motivations for pursuing pharmacy education.
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Nice school, campus, students, blase interview process/interviewers.
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This school is the best I have seen so far and I got accepted to higher ranked schools. Ranking means nothing. UK is THE BEST school out there.
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Great school. Hope I make the cut.
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The interviews were very short. Too short I think. It is hard to get to know a person in 20 minutes. The first interview is a two-on-one with a faculty member and a practicing pharmacist. The 2nd interview is a group with three other interviewees. The group interview is not converstational-style so don't worry about competing for time to talk. They ask a question and each person answers the question. The two-on-one interviews is all about your specific skills, what makes you unique, why you're so great, why pharmacy, etc. The group interview is more practical application questions about the field of pharmacy. Where do you see pharmacy heading, what sort of changes do you think need to be made in pharmacy, etc.
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Great school, great atmosphere. Three different interviews. Individual, group and social.
What are your suggestions for the admissions office?
Applicants overwhelmingly praised the admissions office for its excellent work and suggested that they continue their outstanding efforts.
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Keep up the awesome work!
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