Pomona, CA
Pharmacy Schools | Private Non-Profit
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Ask questions about this school. Answers use aggregated data and are subject to error.
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Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 28% of interviews, indicating it is moderately regarded. They found the interview very impressive with a moderate stress level and felt they did okay.
⭐ Overall Impressions ▼
SDN Interview Experience Score
7.8
Good
Generally favorable experience overall, applicants reported positive interactions with some minor issues noted.
Based on 422 responses
Score Reference:
9–10 Exceptional
8–8.9 Very Good
7–7.9 Good
6–6.9 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.
What was the stress level of the interview?
Most respondents rated their interview as average stress.
How do you rank this school among ALL other schools?
Most respondents rank this school above all other schools.
How did the interview impress you?
Most respondents felt positively about their interview.
Positively (88%)
Negatively (5%)
No change (6%)
How you think you did?
Most respondents thought they performed well at the interview.
Great (21%)
Good (51%)
Average (21%)
Poor (4%)
Bad (3%)
What are your general comments?
Applicants commonly shared that the WesternU interview experience was generally stress-free and conversational, focusing on getting to know the candidates. Some mentioned feeling relaxed and comfortable during the process, while others highlighted the friendly and welcoming staff and the informal nature of the interview.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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I know it is hard, especially if it is your first interview, but try your best to be RELAXED as possible. Also, it is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to know your responses ahead of time, and speak fluently and firmly. DO NOT make up answers or lie, the interviewer will know right away and the interview will go badly.
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Be prepare for about 30 situation multiples choice, and 40 minutes essay.
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More interested in the program after the presentation. Quite impressed!
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Top school of choice!
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The school used to be a mall!
💬 Interview Process ▼
Length, number, and type of interviews
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Length:
28 Minutes Average
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Number:
2.2 Interviews Average
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Interview Type (Interaction):
76% One-on-One
24% Group Interview
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File Type:
51% Open-File
49% Closed-File
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Interview Modality:
0% Virtual
100% In-Person
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Interview Location (for In-Person):
100% At the School
0% Other Location
WUHS-PHARM-COMP interviews are an average of 28 minutes, with an average of 2.2 interviews. 76% of interviews are one-on-one, 100% are in-person, and 49% are closed-file. Of the in-person interviews, 100% are held at the school.
What is one of the specific questions they asked you?
The most commonly asked interview questions at medical schools include inquiries about the applicant's motivations for pursuing pharmacy, their leadership skills, how they handle stress, experiences in pharmacy-related settings, and how they deal with non-contributing team members. Some respondents mentioned being asked questions related to Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) format, which may involve a nondisclosure agreement regarding specific questions asked during the interview process.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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How do you think AI will affect the future of pharmacy in the upcoming 10 years
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If you are not accepted this year, what would be your plans for next year? (this question scared me because it was the last one asked, giving me the initial impression that they did not like me, but this is NOT the case! Answer positively and stay confident!)
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Why pharmacy?
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Tell me about yourself.
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Tell me about yourself and went off picking topic from my introduction and talked abt it
What was the most interesting question?
Students said the most interesting questions asked at Western University of Health Sciences College of Pharmacy discussed various scenarios related to teamwork and critical thinking, such as handling uncooperative group members, choosing interview subjects for a book on Portuguese cuisine, and addressing conflicts in team projects. The interview format appears to be MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) as respondents mentioned a range of situational and behavioral questions, and some indicated a nondisclosure agreement may have been in place.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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This program is heavy on group work and team work, and you will be working with other students from other colleges frequently. What would you do if one member of the group kept giving you a hard time and would not cooperate, knowing that you could NOT change groups under any circumstances for the entire academic year?
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What is your favorite prerequisite course?why? give example
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What was your favorite class besides science?
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What is the latest news article read on Pharmacy?
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Given 3 people you can choose to write a cooking book, which would you choose and why?
How did you prepare for the interview?
Many applicants prepared for the interview by utilizing resources like Student Doctor Network (SDN), practicing mock interviews, reviewing their applications, and familiarizing themselves with the school's website and program. They also emphasized the importance of researching potential interview questions, developing thoughtful responses, and preparing questions to ask the interviewer.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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DSN, Self practice
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Research the program, what makes that school unique, why it is your top choice. Do not go overboard. Just know the program very well. Prepare sample questions for yourself (you know the most important ones) and develop your general responses to them. Know your own history and academic records very well, and speak the truth. It is also VERY IMPORTANT to have some questions that YOU can ask the interviewer yourself once the interview is over, this leaves a good impression and shows confidence!
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Compile a list of potential interview questions and write down the answers I would give.
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Sdn.
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Sdn, reviewed my essays, talked to a pharmacist and friends
What was the most difficult question?
Students said most difficult question asked at Western University of Health Sciences College of Pharmacy discussed a range of scenarios such as dealing with uncooperative team members, resolving conflicts in groups, and handling unexpected situations in a pharmacy setting. Many responses indicated a focus on teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills, with some mentioning scenarios involving non-participating team members and ethical dilemmas in healthcare settings.
Additionally, several respondents referenced a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format where they faced situational questions, suggesting a structured interview process with potential non-disclosure agreements in place, indicating the complexity and diversity of scenarios presented during the interview process.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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How do you think AI will affect the future of pharmacy in the upcoming 10 years
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This program is heavy on group work and team work, and you will be working with other students from other colleges frequently. What would you do if one member of the group kept giving you a hard time and would not cooperate, knowing that you could NOT change groups under any circumstances for the entire academic year?
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None took me by surprise. Pretty generic questions IMO.
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Analytical question asking who you would pick for an article you are writing and why.
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What is your thought process if you had to choose between USC and Western? When have you worked in a group and what was your role?
What impressed you positively?
Applicants were consistently impressed by the friendly and welcoming atmosphere at the school, with faculty, staff, and students all being approachable and enthusiastic. They appreciated the organized interview process, the emphasis on reducing stress, and the opportunities to interact with current students, as well as the high-tech facilities and the school's focus on community and clinical involvement.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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How organized the interview was
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The organization that was done for the interviewees, the presentation and other things were fantastic. Also, all of the interviewers and staff were extremely polite and positive, and helped to relieve stress.
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The interviewers were very pleasant to talk to. The atmosphere was comfortable and not very stressful.
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The amount of current students that were there to talk to us while we waited for our interview. Lots of snacks and refreshments?
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Everyone including staff and students were extremely friendly and welcoming.
What impressed you negatively?
Applicants commonly expressed concerns about the negative aspects of the school's location, campus appearance, and surrounding neighborhood. Suggestions included improving campus aesthetics, providing more amenities on campus, addressing safety concerns, and enhancing the overall student experience to create a more welcoming environment.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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NA
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The sheer amount of PEOPLE that were there! It was very intimidating at first. The critical thinking exam was probably my least favorite part of the interview process as well. The essay portion was not bad at all.
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I didn't like the critical thinking test haha but nothing really.
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Nothing
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Students that were present seemed stand-offish during the interview orientation day. Although it is a mixed environment with international students, language shouldn't be a barrier. I definitely felt as though the students did not try to "sell" their school.
What did you wish you had known ahead of time?
Applicants commonly noted the importance of knowing the interview format and location details in advance, such as group interviews, parking information, and campus surroundings. Many also highlighted the value of preparing for unexpected questions and being aware of the school's culture and program focus.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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That it would be a group interview with one professor and one P2 student
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Nothing
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Nothing, nothing surprising or out of the blue.
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Where to park.
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That the interview format is so much more informal than what I would have expect.
🤝 Campus and Facilities ▼
How do you rank the facilities?
Most respondents rank the facilities as above average.
How would you rate the Location and Cultural Life?
0 = Low, 10 = High
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.
What are your suggestions for the admissions office?
Applicants commonly suggested improving email response times, providing food during admissions events, and ensuring a more personalized approach rather than reading verbatim from guidebooks. Additionally, some applicants noted the need to reconsider policies around prerequisites and the number of students invited for each session.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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Na
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N/A
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E-mail response times need to be improved. I did send some e-mails regarding basic questions which were not answered at all.
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Nothing really except that we had to wait in the lobby for 5 minutes or so in a crowd.
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Provide food!
📍 Travel and Logistics ▼
Airports Used
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LAX
33% interviewees used LAX (LAX), with 22% using ONT (ONT) and 11% using Ont (Ont) and 11% using BUR (BUR) and 11% using ont (ont) and 11% using John Wayne (John Wayne).
What was your primary mode of transportation?
Most interviewees traveled by automobile to the interview.
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11% Airplane
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81% Automobile
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7% Train or Subway
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0% Other
Hotels Recommended by Other Interviewees
Most interviewees stayed at the Sheraton suites (average ranking 10/10), with some staying at Western airport motel (average rating 9/10). (Top 3 displayed)
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Sheraton suites
10/10
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Western airport motel
9/10
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Comfort Inn
9/10
What was the cost and time spent traveling?
Cost: Low Cost to High Cost
What is your in-state status?
Most respondents are in state students.
Where did you stay?
Most respondents stayed either Hotel or at a hotel.
Who was the tour given by?
Tours were most commonly given by a Student
Admissions staff (7%)
Faculty member (11%)
Student (82%)
How did the tour guide seem?
Most tour guides were enthusiastic about the school.
Discouraging (2%)
Enthusiastic (79%)
Neutral (19%)
All Responses
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