• Academic Achievement
• Communication Skills
• Cultural Awareness and Understanding
• Diversity of Background and Experiences
• Experience in Pharmacy, Healthcare, or Research
• Extracurricular, Community Service, or Volunteer Activities
• Interest and Understanding of the Pharmacy Profession
• Leadership Experiences

Applicants should establish a strong academic record. We encourage students to aim for grades of “B” or better in math and science prerequisite coursework. Grades and repeated courses will be averaged with all other coursework, meaning that the repeated grade does not replace the original grade earned in the course.

There is no minimum GPA requirement. The GPA range for the most recent entering class was 2.8 – 4.0, while the average GPA was a 3.5.

An applicant’s cumulative GPA includes all post-secondary courses, including repeated courses. Grades earned for all courses (even those not related to pre-pharmacy coursework) are averaged together to determine a cumulative GPA. The Admissions Committee will also consider GPA for math and science courses, and GPA in each academic year.

Students are encouraged to enroll in a full-time course schedule (if possible to demonstrate preparedness for the rigorous demands of School of Pharmacy. We also encourage students to enroll in at least two math or science courses per term while completing pre-pharmacy requirements.

While solid grades are necessary for admission to the School of Pharmacy, our Admissions Committee will also consider trends and grades, combinations of courses taken per semester and total credit load in addition to GPAs.

Pharmacists communicate daily with diverse populations, including patients, healthcare providers, and the general public. For this reason, applicants to the PharmD program must be able to communicate effectively in both oral and written English.

An application essay, along with a personal statement, recommendation letters, and an interview are used to assess each applicant’s communication and interpersonal skills. Prospective students should exhibit a mature, motivated, and professional attitude. They should also have the ability to explain ideas, solve problems, and think creatively. Responsible behavior, respect for others, good judgment, and cooperation are key qualities for successful students.

Cultural awareness is the ability and willingness to objectively examine the values, beliefs, traditions and perceptions within our own and other cultures.

To increase their own cultural awareness and understanding, many of our successful applicants have served, worked with, and/or learned about individuals in communities with the following characteristics:

• Members of racial/ethnic groups
• People from diverse cultural backgrounds
• People from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds
• Members of gender and sexual minority groups
• Individuals with diverse physical, cognitive, developmental, and/or emotional disabilities

Examples of experience that increases cultural competence could include:

• Community service and volunteer activities
• Coursework focused on cultural awareness
• Workshop, lecture, and seminar attendance
• Participation and discussion groups
• Membership in clubs and social organizations
• Activities through community, civic, and religious groups
• Foreign language study

Successful applicants have a curiosity about the world and a commitment to lifelong learning that extends beyond the classroom and into the social world. This allows them to integrate into the modern healthcare field, which recognizes a need to provide the best care to every patient.

The School of Pharmacy is committed to admitting a diverse student body so our graduates can succeed in an increasingly complex and multicultural society. Applicants are encouraged to share information about their own unique backgrounds and experiences with the Admissions Committee (e.g., distinctions in gender/racial/ethnic/cultural background, socioeconomic class, age, geography, historical underrepresentation, international living experiences, and family educational history).

Exposure to the pharmacy profession — particularly via work experience and shadowing — can help applicants demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to the field of pharmacy. Work or volunteer experience in other healthcare settings, such as nursing homes, hospitals, or hospice care, can also help applicants to establish relevant interest and exposure.

Similarly, experience with scientific research in a laboratory or other setting can also demonstrate strengths and talents relevant to pharmacy. It is recommended that applicants engage in these experiences on a regular basis over a period of time.

All PharmD applicants are encouraged to do one or more of the following:

• Talk to current pharmacy students, faculty, and staff
• Shadow or observe pharmacists in different pharmacy settings
• Conduct an informational interview with a pharmacist
• Volunteer or work as a technician in a pharmacy setting
• Volunteer or work in a laboratory setting
• Volunteer at a hospital, extended care facility, or other place where the health of patients or residents is evaluated
• Join a pre-pharmacy or pre-health club at your school (if one is available)

Applicants can obtain volunteer and/or work experience in a number of settings. Gaining exposure to healthcare, pharmacy, and/or science over a longer period of time shows a commitment and familiarity.

The Admissions Committee considers applicants as both students and people. Applicants are encouraged to engage in learning opportunities outside of the classroom by getting involved with clubs, sports, civic groups, religious organizations, fraternities/sororities, and extracurricular activities that focus on their interests and passions. Students also are encouraged to join health-oriented professional and/or pharmacy-related student organizations if available. Applicants should be prepared to explain to the Admissions Committee how these experiences are unique and have helped them develop specific skills or grow as individuals.

Because service is the cornerstone of professional life for pharmacists, applicants should demonstrate experience and a commitment to helping others through volunteer or community involvement activities. They should also show a sincere willingness to learn from others about their unique strengths, needs, and values.

The Admissions Committee views community service and volunteerism to be part of a lifestyle, not just an activity for an application. Therefore, we expect volunteering and membership to be performed on a consistent and regular basis. Additionally, applicants will be expected to reflect upon their service experiences and participate in discussion of their thoughts, feelings, ideas, and interpretations of those experiences.

The Admissions Committee wants to know what motivates an applicant to pursue a career in pharmacy.  Applicants should have a foundational understanding of the pharmacy profession, career options, and how pharmacists interact with the healthcare team.

In order to gain this knowledge and understanding, applicants are encouraged to do one or more of the following:

• Gather information about the pharmacy profession
• Talk to current pharmacy students, faculty, and staff
• Conduct an informational interview with a pharmacist
• Join a pre-pharmacy club at your school (if one is available)
• Research literature, online searches, and professional networks to learn more about the pharmacy profession

The Admissions Committee prefers applicants who demonstrate the potential to become future leaders in the profession of pharmacy. The abilities to initiate, organize, plan, and problem solve are important skills that can enhance involvement in a variety of activities — including community service, professional organizations, and extracurricular activities.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate personal accomplishments, as well as responsibility and/or accountability. Examples of leadership roles could include: serving as an executive board member, becoming the officer of an organization, being named captain or coach of a team, teaching and mentoring, working as a supervisor, manager, or team leader at a place of employment, and being involved with the direction of a significant project.