Pharmacy School Application Tips
Advice to Help get into a School of Pharmacy
© John Wu
Jun 25, 2009
Getting into pharmacy school should be taken as seriously as any other medical profession such as medicine and nursing. Getting a good academic record is a side effect of the most important factor, which is a genuine interest in the field of pharmacy. In order to show genuine interest, the student needs to show evidence of a deep interest in the field of pharmacy, and be willing to work very hard to get into the field. Treating the pharmacy school application as plan B of a failed attempt to get into medical school will often result in failure as well.
Work as a Pharmacy Tech
Working as a pharmacy tech shows admissions committees genuine and deep interest in the field. Shadowing a doctor is something that premeds do. However, following a doctor is nowhere near as relevant for those looking for a career in pharmacy. The knowledge gained from working in a pharmacy is very good material for the admissions interview as well. The applicant who has worked as a tech will know the pharmacy inside and out. Finally, the pharmacist at work can be an excellent source of a recommendation in the admissions process.
To get work as a tech, it is necessary to complete training at a pharmacy technician school or training program, and then work at an unpaid externship to complete the education requirements. Finally, a state licensing exam needs to be passed in order to be licensed as a pharmacy tech.
Pharmacy School Prerequisites and the PCAT
Take the pharmacy prerequisite classes seriously because the same topics will show up again in the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT). Because pharmacy school admission is so competitive, it may be helpful to take a PCAT preparation course or study intensively with a test preparation book. In the meantime, concentrate on getting as high a grade as possible in the prerequisite courses.
Apply to Pharmacy School Early
There are many pharmacy schools on rolling admissions. For them, it is highly advised to apply at the beginning of the rolling admissions cycle, which is usually the June after the spring term of the junior year. Those who have less than stellar applicant profiles are especially advised to apply early so they can compete with fewer applicants. This means apply on the very first day possible.
Along the same lines, it is important to treat the personal statement seriously. The essay should be treated as seriously as a research paper. Make the essay exceptional rather than average. Again, those with less than stellar pharmacy applicant numbers can benefit a lot from an excellent personal statement.
Finally, begin asking for letters of recommendations from professors as soon as the pharmacy school application has been filed. Show gratitude to the recommendation writers but emphasize the importance of sending the letter early.
The Pharmacy Admissions Interview is Very Important
Before the flight to the pharmacy school interview is booked, it is very important to research the schools. Interviewers are often impressed when the applicant has detailed knowledge about the school before any admissions offer has been made. Just like with any other important interview, try to stand out by being different and memorable rather than by embellishing everything.
With any luck, the congratulations letter from pharmacy school admissions department will result within a few weeks after the interview. If a student has a genuine interest with a pharmacy career, and is willing to work hard, there is no reason why he should not have an excellent chance at getting into pharmacy school.
Those interested in many different health fields may also be interested in reading about preparing for the PCAT or medical school.
Reference:
Peck, Anna. The Student Doctor Network Pharmacy School Admissions Guide. MedRounds Publications Inc. (2008).
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