Question:
I just got rejected for Winter 2016 admissions last month for UW, and I was wondering if it's realistic to be going for pharmacy again next year. How would I know if this career really is for me? Especially since I must've done something wrong on the interview this year.
Response 1:
Don’t get discouraged if you didn’t get in this year, it is definitely possible to get into UW’s Pharmacy School if you apply again. There are people in our classes who have tried a few times before they were given an offer of admission. In terms of knowing if pharmacy is for you, I would recommend volunteering in a pharmacy to see if its something you really enjoy. I hope not being given an offer won’t deter you from trying to pursue a career you’re passionate about and I wish you luck on your future application.
Response 2:
It took me two tries to get into pharmacy school. I think it may even be easier for you, in some ways, if you try again. You will be better prepared for the admissions process. You’ve come a long way in the admissions process if you got an interview. You did well on your essay and your experience and grades were impressive. Perhaps you can focus on your interview skills. Does your presentation showcase your qualities? Did you get your message across during the presentation? Also, sometimes it helps to lighten the mood of the interview. I know this may be difficult, but it helps to be yourself and show them what makes you different from the rest of the candidates (aside from academics). In terms of exploring whether pharmacy is right for you, you can volunteer to get a general idea of what the work environment is like. Also, talk to your friends about their experiences as pharmacy students and research the expanded scope of practice of pharmacy so you can be up-to-date on what is changing in the field. Don’t feel discouraged about the minor setback and good luck with your future application.