Admissions Step 3: Interview Process

Overview

UCSF School of Pharmacy conducts virtual interviews via Zoom for selected candidates during the 2025-26 admissions cycle.

Interviews include pre-interview sessions and an interview + essay exercise.

The interview assesses communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and critical thinking.

Key Dates

  • November 2025: Invitations sent via email.
  • December 2025 – January 2026: Virtual interviews held.

Steps to Prepare for Your Interview

Follow these steps to ensure you’re ready for your UCSF virtual interview day.

Step1

Review Pre-Interview Materials

Before your interview, review the handouts and resources provided by UCSF. These materials are essential for understanding the process and will be referenced during Pre-Interview Sessions.

View Applicant Materials

Step2

Prepare for Pre-Interview Sessions

The Pre-Interview Sessions are designed to orient candidates and provide valuable insights into UCSF’s PharmD program and campus life. Topics covered include:

  • Orientation and overview of UCSF’s PharmD program structure.
  • Financial aid presentation to understand tuition and scholarship opportunities.
  • Live Q&A breakout sessions with current UCSF students to discuss their experiences and answer your questions.

Please note: Details will be provided in your interview invitation email.
Why it’s important: These sessions will help you familiarize yourself with the program and prepare thoughtful questions for the interview.

Step3

Optimize Zoom Setup

Your interview and essay will take place virtually via Zoom. 
Preparing your space and technology ahead of time will ensure you make a professional impression and avoid technical difficulties.

Download the Zoom app and review best practices for virtual interviews, such as ensuring proper lighting, a quiet space, and professional attire. Review Indeed's article on 20 Tips for Succeeding During Your Zoom Interview.

Why it’s important: A well-prepared Zoom setup demonstrates professionalism and allows the interviewers to focus on your communication skills instead of distractions.

Download Zoom App

Step4

Practice Interview and Essay Skills

The UCSF interview process evaluates communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. 
The essay exercise assesses your ability to organize and express ideas clearly.

Practice mock interviews and essay-writing exercises. For additional tips, read the Admissions Director’s Blog on preparing for interview day.

Why it’s important: Preparation helps you feel confident, articulate your thoughts clearly, and make a positive impression during the interview.

Essential Preparation:

Three Keys to Interview Success:

  1. Do Your Homework
    Know UCSF's program and be able to explain why you chose this school and career path. Your passion for pharmacy should be evident and authentic.
  2. Practice Out Loud
    Schedule mock interviews with advisors or mentors. The more you practice articulating your thoughts, the more confident and natural you'll sound on interview day.
  3. Stay Current
    Keep up with pharmacy and healthcare trends. Being informed shows genuine interest in your future profession and provides great conversation topics.

Skills Development:

Practice your communication skills and spontaneous writing skills. Try writing an essay on a random topic to hone your analytical and organizational writing skills. If you feel that you have difficulty communicating, or with interviews in general, consider taking a public speaking or communications course to build your confidence. In addition, you should research the field of pharmacy and have some awareness of current issues in health care.

Additional Resources:

Although not required reading, you’ll find additional comments in “A Successful Interview Day: Expectation Meets Preparation,” a blog post by Admissions Director Joel W. Gonzales.

 


 

Interview Days

Admissions Interview Days are conducted virtually to ensure accessibility and convenience for all candidates.

Day 1: Pre-Interview Sessions

  • Orientation and overview of UCSF’s PharmD program.
  • Financial aid presentation.
  • Live Q&A with current students.

Day 2: Interview + Essay Exercise

  • Interview: 45-minute traditional format with two UCSF community members (e.g., faculty and student).
  • Essay: 45 minutes to write on a non-academic topic to assess critical thinking and writing skills.

Zoom setup

Ensure your space and technology meet UCSF’s requirements for virtual interviews.

Zoom guidelines

  • Mandatory

    • Applicants must be dressed professionally as if you were interviewing on-site.
    • Download Zoom App (must use app, not web browser)
    • Camera must be on throughout entire process
    • Quiet, distraction-free space
    • Name on screen must match PharmCAS application
    And do be aware of the following:
    • UCSF School of Pharmacy will not record any of the meetings.
    • You are prohibited to record any part of your interview experience at UCSF.

     

  • Recommended

    • Earphones/buds for better audio quality
    • Test Zoom 24 hours before interview
    • Proper lighting and professional background
    • Stable internet connection

Interview frequently asked questions

No. We receive applications from more individuals than we are able to interview. This number is not fixed, but on average, we issue approximately 250 invitations per year.

Our office grants permission to reschedule an interview only for the following reasons: medical emergency or illness, conflict with religious observances, conflict with a professional exam, conflict with a college course examination, conflict with another pharmacy school interview, extenuating circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Additional details are provided with your interview invitation notice.

Although we have no dress code requirement, most applicants opt for professional attire. With our interviews being held via Zoom, it’s still important to dress professionally.

Extenuating circumstances beyond your control will be considered, but if you fail to appear at your assigned interview day and time, your application will most likely be canceled.

Step 4: After Applying

What to do after you've interviewed to become a UCSF PharmD student.

Go to Step 4: After Applying

Review the previous step

Go to Step 2: The Application