Pharmacy School Resources

Our fact sheet for pharmacy school is compiled from reputable internet sources and based on our work with previous students in the field. We hope it helps you navigate and simplify the cryptic admissions process.

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Pharmacy School Resources

Central Application Website

Top 10 Schools (US News)

  • University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
  • University of Minnesota
  • University of California - San Francisco
  • University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
  • University of Texas - Austin
  • Ohio State University
  • University of Illinois - Chicago
  • University of Kentucky
  • Purdue University
  • University of Florida

Degree Duration (typical)

  • 4 years

Application Opens

  • July 18

Application Deadline

  • Various - March 1

Standardized Tests Required

  • PCAT (some programs, not CA schools)

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Profile of a Successful Applicant

Recommended Test Score

  • 430 (90%)
  • 400

Recommended GPA

  • 3.7+
  • 3.5+
  • 3.0 minimum at most schools

Course Requirements (varies)

  • General Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Biology
  • Microbiology
  • Physiology (mammalian)
  • Physics
  • Social or Behavioral Science
  • Statistics
  • Speech
  • English
  • Economics

Letters of Rec

  • 4 maximum (depends on program)
  • (letters often come from pharmacists, science professors, or work supervisors)

Recommended Experience

  • 60+ hours of shadowing/observing pharmacists
  • 50+ hours of patient contact through volunteering or employment in a hospital, assisted care facility, or clinic
  • 45+ hours of volunteering
  • Employment as pharmacy aide or technician
  • Leadership in pharmacy student association or other community/campus groups

Typical Essay Requirement

  • Personal Statement (4500 characters)
  • Supplemental essays (most schools)

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Timeline

6+ Months Before Applying

  • Take all pre-requisite courses (finishing by the date you apply is ideal)
  • Decide whom to ask for letters of recommendation
  • Make a PCAT Prep Plan (if applicable)
  • Sign up for a PCAT test date
  • Last chance to boost your profile by getting additional exposure to the field, leadership positions, research, etc.

0-3 Months Before Applying

  • Write your personal statement (allow yourself at least six weeks if possible)
  • Identify a list of schools to apply to - 5-10 is ideal
  • Order official transcripts from all undergrad institutions to check for errors and help fill out PharmCAS
  • Fill out PharmCAS
  • Touch base with letter writers
  • Submit your application early - the earlier the better!

After Applying

  • Send official test scores to schools (if necessary)
  • Complete school-specific essay questions
  • Practice your responses to sample interview questions, and do at least one mock interview
  • Update schools with any developments in your grades, employment, or activities
  • Fill out financial aid paperwork
  • Send in deposit to schools of your choice

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Links

Programs List

Overview of the Profession

Calendar of Deadlines

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