Pharmacy school acceptance rates in the US have been trending upwards in recent years, although the number of applicants has been dropping off. Even though pharmacy school acceptance rates are generally more favourable than US med schools admission statistics, pharmacy is still a competitive graduate program to get into. Doing research on pharmacy school admission statistics and admission requirements is the first step to completing your application. In this blog, we’ll look at an overview of US pharmacy school acceptance rates and tips for improving your chances of getting into the program of your choice.
Please note: although we have made every effort to provide the most accurate information, admissions information changes frequently. Therefore, we encourage you to verify these details with the official university admissions office. You are responsible for your own results. BeMo does not endorse nor affiliate with any official universities, colleges, or test administrators and vice versa.
>>Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free initial consultation here <<
Article Contents
2 min
read
Pharmacy school acceptance rates
Overall pharmacy school acceptance rates in the US have been trending upwards in recent years. Right now, it’s reached a record of 89% average acceptance rate across US pharmacy school programs. Compared to medical school acceptance rates, this is quite encouraging. However, getting into pharmacy school in the US can still be quite competitive due to the low number of seats in each program and the rigorous admission requirements. Many schools will not consider applicants who don’t meet the minimum GPA requirements or who don’t submit high enough admission test scores. For non-US students, the steps to gain admission can be even more selective.
If you’re interested in knowing how to study in the US as an international student, or you’re an international medical graduate (IMG) interested in studying pharmacy in the US, think about hiring an international student advisor to help you with your admissions. Not all US pharmacy schools will accept international students, but many will with some extra conditions and requirements. For instance, international applicants will need to take a language proficiency test in English and will need to check that their pre-requisite coursework or undergraduate degree is recognized by US institutions.
Average pharmacy school acceptance rate
Aside from your academic transcripts and pre-requisite coursework, US pharmacy schools also ask for 2 to 4 pharmacy school letters of recommendation, a personal statement or letter of intent and a CV or pharmacist resume. The application package can be quite comprehensive, and applying to a graduate pharmacy program in the US means many years of study beforehand.
Below you can find some admissions statistics and requirements for US pharmacy schools.
Pharmacy School Acceptance Rates
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Acceptance rate: 75.2%
Minimum GPA: 3.0
GRE/PCAT Required: PCAT
American University of Health Sciences School of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 37%
Minimum GPA: 2.5
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Link: American University of Health Sciences School of Pharmacy
Appalachian College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 19%
Minimum GPA: N/A
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Auburn University Harrison College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 42%
Minimum GPA: 2.5
GRE/PCAT Required: GRE
Belmont University College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 16%
Minimum GPA: 2.7
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Butler University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Acceptance rate: 38%
Minimum GPA: 3.0
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Link: Butler University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
California Northstate University College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 16%
Minimum GPA: 2.6
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Campbell University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Acceptance rate: 27%
Minimum GPA: 2.5
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Link: Campbell University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Cedarville University College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 41%
Minimum GPA: 3.0
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Chapman University School of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 32%
Minimum GPA: 3.0
GRE/PCAT Required: PCAT
Chicago State University College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 18%
Minimum GPA: 2.5
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Concordia University Wisconsin School of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 25%
Minimum GPA: N/A
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Creighton University School of Pharmacy and Health Professions
Acceptance rate: 22%
Minimum GPA: N/A
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Link: Creighton University School of Pharmacy and Health Professions
Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Acceptance rate: 48%
Minimum GPA: 3.0
GRE/PCAT Required: Yes
Link: Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Duquesne University School of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 45%
Minimum GPA: 3.0
GRE/PCAT Required: PCAT
D'Youville University School of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 14%
Minimum GPA: 2.5
GRE/PCAT Required: No
East Tennessee State University Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 13%
Minimum GPA: 2.5
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Link: East Tennessee State University Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy
Fairleigh Dickinson University School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Acceptance rate: 20%
Minimum GPA: 2.75
GRE/PCAT Required: Yes
Link: Fairleigh Dickinson University School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Ferris State University College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 39%
Minimum GPA: N/A
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Acceptance rate: 40%
Minimum GPA: 2.75
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Link: Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Harding University College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 40%
Minimum GPA: 2.5
GRE/PCAT Required: No
High Point University School of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 32%
Minimum GPA: N/A
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Howard University College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 26%
Minimum GPA: 2.5
GRE/PCAT Required: Yes
Husson University School of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 25%
Minimum GPA: 2.75
GRE/PCAT Required: Yes
Idaho State University College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 65%
Minimum GPA: N/A
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Keck Graduate Institute
Acceptance rate: 14%
Minimum GPA: N/A
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Link: Keck Graduate Institute
Lake Erie College School of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 17%
Minimum GPA: N/A
GRE/PCAT Required: Yes
Larkin University College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 26%
Minimum GPA: N/A
GRE/PCAT Required: Yes
Lebanese American University School of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: N/A
Minimum GPA: 2.5
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 15%
Minimum GPA: 2.5
GRE/PCAT Required: PCAT Recommended
Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 26%
Minimum GPA: 2.75
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Long Island University Arnold and Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Acceptance rate: 36%
Minimum GPA: 2.7
GRE/PCAT Required: Yes
Link : Long Island University Arnold and Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Manchester University Pharmacy Program
Acceptance rate: 28%
Minimum GPA: 2.5
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Marshall B. Ketchum
Acceptance rate: 12%
Minimum GPA: N/A
GRE/PCAT Required: Yes
Link : Marshall B. Ketchum
Marshall University School of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 26%
Minimum GPA: N/A
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Acceptance rate: 91%
Minimum GPA: N/A
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Link : Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Medical College of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 27%
Minimum GPA: 2.5
GRE/PCAT Required: Recommended
Medical University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 40%
Minimum GPA: 3.0
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Link : Medical University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy
Mercer University College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 31%
Minimum GPA: N/A
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Midwestern University College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 30%
Minimum GPA: 2.5
GRE/PCAT Required: GRE
North Dakota State University School of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 96%
Minimum GPA: 3.0
GRE/PCAT Required: Yes
Northeast Ohio Medical University College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 12%
Minimum GPA: 2.5
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Link : Northeast Ohio Medical University College of Pharmacy
Northeastern University School of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 11%
Minimum GPA: 2.5
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Notre Dame of Maryland University School of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 21%
Minimum GPA: N/A
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Nova Southeastern University College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 29%
Minimum GPA: 2.75
GRE/PCAT Required: Yes
Ohio Northern University College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: N/A
Minimum GPA: 2.75
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Ohio State University
Acceptance rate: 27%
Minimum GPA: 2.7
GRE/PCAT Required: GRE
Link : Ohio State University
Oregon State University College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 22%
Minimum GPA: N/A
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Pacific University Oregon School of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 18%
Minimum GPA: N/A
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Palm Beach Atlantic University Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 15%
Minimum GPA: N/A
GRE/PCAT Required: Yes
Link : Palm Beach Atlantic University Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine School of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: N/A
Minimum GPA: N/A
GRE/PCAT Required: Yes
Link : Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine School of Pharmacy
Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 34%
Minimum GPA: 2.75
GRE/PCAT Required: Yes
Purdue University College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 39%
Minimum GPA: N/A
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Regis University School of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 14%
Minimum GPA: N/A
GRE/PCAT Required: Yes
Roosevelt University College of Science, Health and Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 20%
Minimum GPA: 2.5
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Link : Roosevelt University College of Science, Health and Pharmacy
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 16%
Minimum GPA: N/A
GRE/PCAT Required: Yes
Link : Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science College of Pharmacy
Roseman University of Health Sciences College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 37%
Minimum GPA: 2.0
GRE/PCAT Required: PCAT Recommended
Link : Roseman University of Health Sciences College of Pharmacy
Rutgers University Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 8%
Minimum GPA: 2.8
GRE/PCAT Required: PCAT Recommended
Samford University McWhorter School of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 40%
Minimum GPA: 2.75
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Shenandoah University School of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate:25%
Minimum GPA: 2.5
GRE/PCAT Required: No
South College School of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 23%
Minimum GPA: 2.5
GRE/PCAT Required: PCAT Recommended
South Dakota State University
Acceptance rate: 57%
Minimum GPA: N/A
GRE/PCAT Required: No
South University (GA) School of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 20%
Minimum GPA: 2.5
GRE/PCAT Required: No
South University (SC)
Acceptance rate: 57%
Minimum GPA: N/A
GRE/PCAT Required: N/A
Link : South University (SC)
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 40%
Minimum GPA: 2.75
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Link : Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy
Southwestern Oklahoma State University School of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 60%
Minimum GPA: 2.5
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Link : Southwestern Oklahoma State University School of Pharmacy
St. John Fisher College Wegmans School of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 25%
Minimum GPA: 2.75
GRE/PCAT Required: No
St. John's University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Acceptance rate: 21%
Minimum GPA: N/A
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Link : St. John's University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Sullivan University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Acceptance rate: 26%
Minimum GPA: N/A
GRE/PCAT Required: GRE
Link : Sullivan University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Temple University of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education School of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 23%
Minimum GPA: 2.7
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Link : Temple University of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education School of Pharmacy
Texas A&M University Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 29%
Minimum GPA: 2.75
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Link: Texas A&M University Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy
Texas Southern University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Acceptance rate: 18%
Minimum GPA: 2.75
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Link : Texas Southern University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Centre School of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 32%
Minimum GPA: 3.0
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Link : Texas Tech University Health Sciences Centre School of Pharmacy
Thomas Jefferson University School of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 12%
Minimum GPA: 2.7
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Touro NY College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 18%
Minimum GPA: N/A
GRE/PCAT Required: PCAT Recommended
Link : Touro NY College of Pharmacy
Touro University California College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 14%
Minimum GPA: 2.75
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Union University College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 21%
Minimum GPA: 2.5
GRE/PCAT Required: No
University of Arizona College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 62%
Minimum GPA: 2.5
GRE/PCAT Required: No
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 53%
Minimum GPA: 2.5
GRE/PCAT Required: Yes
Link : University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy
University at Buffalo - SUNY School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Acceptance rate: 25%
Minimum GPA: N/A
GRE/PCAT Required: Yes
Link : University at Buffalo - SUNY School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Acceptance rate: 11%
Minimum GPA: 3.0
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Link : University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
University of California San Francisco School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Acceptance rate: 44%
Minimum GPA: 2.8
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Link : University of California San Francisco School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
University of Charleston School of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 22%
Minimum GPA: N/A
GRE/PCAT Required: GRE
University of Cincinnati James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 39%
Minimum GPA: 3.0
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Link : University of Cincinnati James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy
University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Acceptance rate: 26%
Minimum GPA: N/A
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Link : University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 41%
Minimum GPA: 2.7
GRE/PCAT Required: No
University of Findlay College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 18%
Minimum GPA: 3.0
GRE/PCAT Required: No
University of Florida College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 45%
Minimum GPA: 2.5
GRE/PCAT Required: No
University of Georgia College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 35%
Minimum GPA: N/A
GRE/PCAT Required: PCAT Recommended
University of Hawaii at Hilo Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 44%
Minimum GPA: N/A
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Link : University of Hawaii at Hilo Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy
University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis
Acceptance rate: 82%
Minimum GPA: 2.7
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Link : University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis
University of Houston College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 32%
Minimum GPA: 2.0
GRE/PCAT Required: PCAT Recommended
University of Illinois College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 29%
Minimum GPA: 2.5
GRE/PCAT Required: No
University of Iowa College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 40%
Minimum GPA: 2.5
GRE/PCAT Required: No
University of Kansas College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 74%
Minimum GPA: 2.5
GRE/PCAT Required: No
University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 49%
Minimum GPA: 2.5
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Link : University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy
University of Louisiana Monroe College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 42%
Minimum GPA: 2.5
GRE/PCAT Required: No
University of Maryland College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 24%
Minimum GPA: 2.5
GRE/PCAT Required: GRE; PCAT recommended
University of Maryland Eastern Shore College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 18%
Minimum GPA: N/A
GRE/PCAT Required : Yes
Link : University of Maryland Eastern Shore College of Pharmacy
University of Michigan College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 28%
Minimum GPA: N/A
GRE/PCAT Required : No
University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 38%
Minimum GPA: N/A
GRE/PCAT Required : Yes
University of Mississippi College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 78%
Minimum GPA: N/A
GRE/PCAT Required: Yes
University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 56%
Minimum GPA: 2.0
GRE/PCAT Required: No
University of Montana Skaggs School of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 40%
Minimum GPA: 2.5
GRE/PCAT Required: Yes
University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: C
Minimum GPA: N/A
GRE/PCAT Required: PCAT Recommended
Link: University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy
University of New England College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 17%
Minimum GPA: 2.75
GRE/PCAT Required: No
University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 36%
Minimum GPA: 2.7
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Link: University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center College of Pharmacy
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Eshelman School of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 31%
Minimum GPA: 2.5
GRE/PCAT Required: 2.5
Link: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Eshelman School of Pharmacy
University of North Texas Health Science Center System College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 18%
Minimum GPA: 2.5
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Link: University of North Texas Health Science Center System College of Pharmacy
University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 38%
Minimum GPA: 3.0
GRE/PCAT Required: No
University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 21%
Minimum GPA: N/A
GRE/PCAT Required: No
University of Saint Joseph School of Pharmacy and Physician Assistant Studies
Acceptance rate: 34%
Minimum GPA: 2.8
GRE/PCAT Required: Yes
Link: University of Saint Joseph School of Pharmacy and Physician Assistant Studies
University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 40%
Minimum GPA: 2.5
GRE/PCAT Required: No
University of South Florida Taneja College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 22%
Minimum GPA: 2.75
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Link: University of South Florida Taneja College of Pharmacy
University of Southern California John Stauffer School of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 29%
Minimum GPA: 3.0
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Link: University of Southern California John Stauffer School of Pharmacy
University of the Pacific Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 27%
Minimum GPA: 2.7
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Link: University of the Pacific Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy
University of the Sciences in Philadelphia College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 58%
Minimum GPA: 2.7
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Link: University of the Sciences in Philadelphia College of Pharmacy
University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 27%
Minimum GPA: N/A
GRE/PCAT Required: No
University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 31%
Minimum GPA: 2.0
GRE/PCAT Required: No
University of Texas at El Paso College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 31%
Minimum GPA: N/A
GRE/PCAT Required: No
University of Texas at Tyler Ben and Maytee Fisch College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 327
Minimum GPA: 2.5
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Link: University of Texas at Tyler Ben and Maytee Fisch College of Pharmacy
University of Toledo College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Acceptance rate: 38%
Minimum GPA: N/A
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Link: University of Toledo College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
University of Utah College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 22%
Minimum GPA: 2.8
GRE/PCAT Required: Yes
University of Washington School of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 26%
Minimum GPA: N/A
GRE/PCAT Required: No
University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 40%
Minimum GPA: N/A
GRE/PCAT Required: No
University of Wyoming School of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 42%
Minimum GPA: N/A
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 31%
Minimum GPA: 3.0
GRE/PCAT Required: PCAT Recommended
Washington University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Acceptance rate: 40%
Minimum GPA: N/A
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Link: Washington University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Wayne State University College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 45%
Minimum GPA: 2.75
GRE/PCAT Required: Yes
West Coast University School of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 12%
Minimum GPA: 2.5
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Western New England University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Acceptance rate: 23%
Minimum GPA: 3.0
GRE/PCAT Required: PCAT Recommended
Link: Western New England University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Western University of Health Sciences College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 14%
Minimum GPA: 2.75
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Link: Western New England University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Wilkes University Nesbitt School of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 85%
Minimum GPA: 2.5
GRE/PCAT Required: No
Link: Western New England University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Wingate University School of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 27%
Minimum GPA: 3.0
GRE/PCAT Required: PCAT Recommended
Xavier University of Louisiana College of Pharmacy
Acceptance rate: 45%
Minimum GPA: 2.75
GRE/PCAT Required: No
How to improve your chances of getting into pharmacy school
Applying to pharmacy school takes quite a bit of preparation and crafting a competitive application package relies on presenting a strong overall candidacy. US pharmacy programs have fairly selective requirements, and you’ll need to meet at least the minimum to be considered. To set yourself apart as a competitive applicant, it’s a good idea to focus on the areas that are most heavily weighted by the admission committee. For pharmacy programs, this means submitting as high a GPA as possible, acing the pharmacy school interview and gathering excellent letters of recommendation. To round out your application, write a good personal statement and complete the admissions tests for pharmacy school or graduate school, even if they are optional. Work experience or experience working in a clinical setting with patients is also a huge bonus on your application, so start putting together a pharmacist CV as well.
Working on a pharmacy school personal statement? Check out these tips.
Conclusion
Pharmacy school acceptance rates in the US have been increasing in recent years, which is a good sign for applicants. However, the admissions requirements remain very selective and it can still be tough to get into competitive pharmacy schools in the US, especially with very limited spots available. You can increase your likelihood of being accepted to any pharmacy program by submitting a strong overall application. Focus on the aspects of your application that stand out most to admissions committees, including an above average GPA, excellent letters of recommendation and a strong performance for the pharmacy school interview.
FAQs
1. How competitive is pharmacy school in the US?
Pharmacy schools in the US are generally easier to get into than medical school, but they tend to have very limited spots in each program, so for top-tier programs it can get very competitive.
2. What is the average acceptance rate for pharmacy school?
The average acceptance rate for pharmacy schools in the US sits around 82.7%, which is quite a bit higher than the acceptance rates for medical school.
3. Is it hard for international students to get into pharmacy school in the US?
It is generally more difficult for international students to get into pharmacy school in the US because students may need to complete additional requirements. Some US pharmacy schools do accept international students, but you will need to make sure your pre-requisite courses are recognized by the institution you’re applying to. If not, you’ll need to complete some coursework at a US university before applying to a Pharm D program.
4. What is a good GPA for pharmacy school?
Most schools set a minimum GPA requirement which you will need to meet in order to be considered. The minimum for most pharmacy schools is a 2.5 to 3.0 GPA.
5. Who should I ask to write a letter of recommendation for pharmacy school?
Pharmacy schools will require two or more recommendation letters. Typically they ask for a recommendation letter from a science faculty member and one letter from a health care provider such as a licensed pharmacist.
6. How can I improve my chances of getting into pharmacy school?
To improve your chances of getting into pharmacy school, gain some clinical experience or shadowing experience with a licensed pharmacist or health care provider. If you have experience working with patients, this will be a plus on your application. You should also choose your referees for recommendation letters carefully and submit as high a GPA and PCAT test score as possible.
7. Is CASPer required for pharmacy school?
Some pharmacy schools may ask students to complete the CASPer or accept CASPer test scores as part of your application, but in general it is not a common requirement to get into pharmacy school.
8. What do I need to get into pharmacy school?
For your best chances to get into pharmacy school, you should aim to earn at least a 3.0 GPA, submit two recommendation letters, complete the pre-requisite courses and undergraduate requirements, take the PCAT or CASPer if needed, and gain some hands-on, clinical experience.
To your success,
Your friends at BeMo
Like our blog? Write for us! >>
Have a question? Ask our admissions experts below and we'll answer your questions!
Comments