University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy
Albuquerque, NM
Pharmacy Schools | Public Non-Profit
Going on an interview at UNM-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 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?
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 include inquiries about the candidate's motivations for pursuing pharmacy, their long-term career goals, experiences with leadership and teamwork, ability to handle stress and constructive criticism, strengths and weaknesses, as well as their understanding of pharmacy practice and personal statement details. Some respondents mentioned a variety of questions related to grades, PCAT scores, family background, study habits, time management, and financial planning for tuition. MMI format may have been used in some interviews, with restrictions on sharing specific questions due to nondisclosure agreements.
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Do you plan on staying in New Mexico?
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How do you manage to keep relationships with others while taking heavy course loads?
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Why pharmacy and not any other health field?
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Describe a time when you worked in a group.
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What's your favorite director? Favorite book you last read? Favorite album you last purchased?
What was the most interesting question?
Students said most interesting question asked at University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy discussed a range of topics including personal challenges overcome, pride and regrets in life, motivations for pursuing pharmacy, leadership contributions, and hypothetical questions like being a drug or discussing a book read. These questions suggest a mix of personal reflection, career goals, and situational analysis were key components of the interview process.
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Do you see yourself moving out here, or somewhere else?
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What does pharmaceutical care entail?
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There weren't really any. All of my questions came from here. Just be prepared to explain holes in your application.
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If you could be any drug, what would it be and why?
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What was the last book you read? do in your free time?
What was the most difficult question?
Students said most difficult question asked at University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy discussed a wide range of topics including reasons for choosing pharmacy over other healthcare fields, demonstrating leadership, overcoming academic challenges, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and addressing past failures and successes. The interview format may have been an MMI with possible nondisclosure agreements, as some respondents mentioned specific questions related to grades and academic performance.
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Why pharmacy instead of any other healthcare field
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Describe a moment that you showed leadership at your volunteer activities.
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Low GPA? How could I have changed that.
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They asked a few questions about some bad grades I got as a freshman
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What do you see as the strengths and weaknesses of studying at this particular school?
🤝 Interview Format and Logistics ▼
How long was the interview?
Most respondents had an interview of 20 - 30 minutes.
How many people interviewed you?
Most respondents were interviewed by 2 people.
What was the style of the interview?
Most respondents had a one-on-one interview.
What type of interview was it?
Most respondents had an open 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 a Student
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 John Wayne Airport (SNA)
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John Wayne Airport
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ABQ
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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Ramada Limited
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Hyatt Place
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Extended Stay
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?
Most applicants prepared for the interview by utilizing resources such as Student Doctor Network (SDN), mock interviews, and reviewing interview questions. Suggestions included practicing with friends, seeking guidance from admissions counselors, and staying informed about current issues in the industry.
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Student Doctor network and mock interviews.
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I didn't. Looked at this page once, but forgot. Just expected normal interview.
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SDN, mock interviews
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SDN forums and talking with a few people.
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SDN, mock interviews, interview seminar at a pre-pharmacy meeting
What impressed you positively?
Applicants were positively impressed by the stress-free and supportive interview process, welcoming staff and students, high-tech facilities, innovative programs, and opportunities for in-state tuition after the first year. They also appreciated the enthusiasm of the staff and students, the open communication with faculty, and the overall positive atmosphere of the school.
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I as the first group to interview so I was able to relax during the financial aid presentation and the campus tour.
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The school's facilities. Very high tech and nice. Really big campus.
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The entire interview process was extremely stress-free, friendly and filled with very supportive people.
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The program was wonderful, price for both in-state and out-of-state students. Out-of-state only has to pay out-of-state tuition the first year, then they are considered in-state students. Diversity of the program and areas to dive into. They also have international opportunities :) The faculty seem to be extremely friendly and really cared about our experience, they tried to make it very comfortable.
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The clinical pharmacist that interviewed me was amazing.
What impressed you negatively?
Applicants commonly expressed concerns about the lack of structure or organization in the interview process, including unexpected tasks like the writing exercise right before the interview, long wait times, and unenthusiastic interviewers. Suggestions included improving communication, providing clearer directions, and ensuring a more professional and welcoming atmosphere for all applicants, especially those from out of state.
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The writing exercise was really easy, but I didn't like that we had to do that right before our interview.
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The directions to the place! I think the school is prestigious, but it aims toward pleasing their area. For example, they teach about native american remedies. I don't know how much use that would be for me. Also, most of the people that were interviewed came from UNM so they already know some of the staff and students. As an out of state, I felt left out already.
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Nothing. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire process.
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Honestly nothing!
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The student interviewer was not amazing. he was a bit grumpy and asked most of the questions
What did you wish you had known ahead of time?
Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time about the level of physical activity involved in the campus tour and to wear comfortable shoes. Additionally, some expressed regrets about not being informed about specific aspects of the program or school, such as the lack of resources, grading policies, or the school's accreditation status.
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That they were just serving bagels. I didn't eat much anyways.
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Nothing really.
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The tour is of the WHOLE North Campus, so wear comfortable shoes.
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tour involves moderate walking around the campus so try to wear comfortable shoes
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Nothing, I felt prepared
What are your general comments?
Applicants generally commented on the friendly and welcoming environment of the interview process, with a focus on getting to know the applicant's personality. They also mentioned the importance of being prepared for questions about academic performance and to relax and be yourself during the interview.
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My interviewers were young, hip and so friendly. They seemed really curious about my personality, and I think the questions you get will be different from whoever you get. Some people said that the interviewers tried to kind of "break" them when they saw a bad grade in their transcript, so they were quite inquisitive if you have a bad grade. So be prepared to answer it. Other than that, they kind of had a normal guideline I think of typical questions. The cost is low after the first year if you're out of state (18100). It makes me want to go here, but certain things kind of throw me off about the school. I don't know. It seems good on paper, but I am scared. A lot of the students kind of expressed that the school seemed a lot harder then their undergrad, but I wonder if thats because they are from UNM.
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The interview here is mostly about judging your personality. I didn't think my student interviewer liked me all that much but then I got an acceptance letter a week later so... just be yourself.
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Overall the school is great. Everyone was very friendly and it was overall a pretty low-stress experience. The interview was very casual - they just want to get to know you.
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30 minute essay portion before 30 minute interview so read up on health related issues (Medicare, ethics, etc.)
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It's nerve racking like any other interview, but try to enjoy the day. Remember you are there because they want to accept you.
What are your suggestions for the admissions office?
Applicants commonly praised the admissions office for their efficient and timely communication, with many expressing appreciation for quick responses and swift decision-making processes.
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They were super fast with responses. I got an acceptance less than a week after my interview.
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