Pharmacy

Overview

Pharmacists dispense medications prescribed by health practitioners and are experts in educating patients and practitioners on drug selection, dosage, side effects, etc. Preparing yourself to apply to pharmacy school involves a lot of planning and hard work. Pre-pharmacy students must focus on completing prerequisite courses, getting good grades in all of your courses, and gaining experience in the field (through work, volunteering, and shadowing).

Learn more about pharmacy education and career pathways by visiting the Pharmacy Is Right for Me (Pharm4Me) website, and following them on social media @Pharm4Me, or contact them by email at pharm4me@aacp.org.

Application

Visit the Apply page for more on prerequisite coursework and grades, transcripts, activities, personal statements and letters of recommendation in general.

Application Timeline

Requirements vary by program. This is not an official planning sheet and should be used as a reference. Please consult with an advisor to plan out a timeline that fits you.

  • Start science prerequisites: General Chem, Organic Chem, General Bio, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Anatomy & Physiology, Biochemistry, Statistics, Calculus – UWB Career Services Coursework
  • Network: Join Pre-Pharmacy clubs, Shadow pharmacists
  • Gain Experience: Consider becoming a certified pharmacy technician
  • Summer: Enrichment or research program – Applications due in January/February – UWB Getting Experience
  • Gather Application Materials: Request letters of recommendation, Draft and revise personal statement, Collect transcripts
  • Pharmacy College Application Service (PHARMCAS)
    • July: Cycle Opens
    • April: Academic Updates
    • June of next year: Closes
  • Summer: Interview Prep – Mock interviews, practice questions
  • September–March: Attend interviews, Send thank-you notes
  • April–May: Make final school choice, Submit deposit
  • August: Begin PharmD!!

Resources

PHARMCAS application service

PharmCAS Infographic on applying to Pharmacy School

Most pharmacy schools will conduct interviews as part of the secondary application process. Students are advised to prepare for their interviews by scheduling a mock interview with the Health Professions & Natural Science Pathways Manager. Students should also become familiar with the type of questions that may be asked during their interview.