Home > College of Arts and Sciences > Chemistry Department > Pre-Pharmacy Program > Application Process
chemistry department - Application Process
Below you will find information and tips on the process of getting into pharmacy school.
1. Completion of pre-pharmacy courses
2. PCAT (Pharmacy College Admissions Test)
3. Applying to Pharmacy School
4. GPA Averages
5. Experience and Additional Coursework
1. Completion of pre-pharmacy courses.
Students must complete courses required by the pharmacy school they wish to attend. Pre-requisite courses vary somewhat from school to school, but usually two years of undergraduate courses are required. Completion of a bachelor's degree is generally not required. VSU's pre-pharmacy curriculum is designed to meet the demands of all pharmacy schools in the state of Georgia.
2. PCAT (Pharmacy College Admissions Test)
Most pharmacy schools require this exam. It is offered several times annually. Students most frequently take this exam near the beginning of the second year of their pre-pharmacy program.
The PCAT may be taken multiple times to improve a score. Students should, however, check with each pharmacy school as to how multiple scores are treated (averaged, highest only, etc.).
VSU offers the PCAT through the Testing Office in Powell Hall West, First Floor.
Phone: (229) 245-3878
Fax: (229) 293-6309For more information click on the link to the PCAT website: PCATweb.INFO
3. Applying to Pharmacy School
Check with the pharmacy school of interest for specifics about their application process. Some applications are totally online, others are not. Check for early admissions options and whether or not rolling admissions are done. Rolling admissions means applications are processed for admission as they arrive, perhaps a year or more in advance of matriculation. In such cases the earlier the application, the better the chance of acceptance. Not all schools have rolling admissions; some wait until all applications are collected at the deadline before beginning admissions review.
In addition to submitting PCAT scores and application forms, the process usually also involves obtaining letters of recommendation and possibly an on-campus interview.
It is common to get on a waiting list for pharmacy school. Don't despair! Some vacancies always occur, even close to the starting date of classes. It's not unheard of to be called a day or so before classes and given the green light of acceptance!
4. GPA Averages
The average pre-pharmacy GPA for students accepted to pharmacy schools in the state of Georgia is between 3.3 and 3.5 and climbing. Students should check with each pharmacy school for the relative importance of pre-pharmacy, overall and science GPA's required for admittance. Most schools require a "C" or better in all pre-pharmacy courses.
5. Experience and Additional Coursework
Getting accepted to pharmacy school is a very competitive process. With the current shortage of pharmacists and the typical salaries offered, many people are attracted to this career field. Most students accepted into pharmacy schools have experience working in a pharmacy (pharmacy technician, shadowing, etc.) or in another health-related setting. Hands-on experience is close to becoming a necessity for acceptance into pharmacy school and most admissions offices comment that students with pharmacy experience have a greater chance of being accepted.
Many pharmacy students take courses beyond those required in the pre-pharmacy program before they begin pharmacy school. This is not necessary, but many students report that additional courses in biochemistry, microbiology and anatomy are particularly helpful. Some students prefer to complete a bachelor's degree before attending pharmacy school. While an undergraduate degree is not required by most pharmacy schools, it can boost the attractiveness of a student's application to pharmacy school. The pre-professional option under the B.S. in Chemistry is appropriate for this goal.