PharmCAS
- Pharmacy schools use the PharmCAS application
- Deadlines differ from school to school
- PharmCAS has the most up-to-date list of participating schools
Supplemental Applications
- Supplemental applications vary by school
- It is not a secondary; it is reviewed with your PharmCAS application in determining if you will receive an invitation to interview
- To determine if you need to complete a supplemental application, review the PSAR specific admissions requirements of each school
Standardized Tests
- The PCAT Pharmacy College Admission Test is a multiple choice general aptitude test that measures five content areas: Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Ability, Biology and Chemistry
- Very few schools require the PCAT for admission
- California pharmacy programs do not require the PCAT for admission
- Check with each school in which you are interested
- PharmCAS lists PCAT test dates and registration deadlines
Other standardized tests may be required, check with each school
Letters of Recommendation
- Letter requirements vary from school to school but generally, three letters of recommendation are required
- Remember, it is YOUR responsibility to make sure you are submitting the correct letters for each school
- Electronic letters are strongly preferred. Follow the instructions on PharmCAS to confirm what you need to submit as well as how your writers can upload your letters. PharmCAS does not accept more than four letters of recommendation.
Statement
- A written statement of purpose is required in the admission process
- In your statement, plan on addressing why you selected pharmacy as your career
- The statement is an important aspect of the application and should receive careful attention
Interview
- Interviews are offered to applicants whom pharmacy schools deem competitive
- Interviews will vary from school to school
- Prior to your interview, take time to review your application, research the school and practice your interviewing