Applying
Competitive Applicant Profile
Entrance into Pharmacy School is a competitive process. While requirements vary from school to school, qualified applicants should have at least a 3.3 cumulative grade point average, as well as a 3.3 average in their science coursework. As always, it is a good idea to review each school’s profile to determine what the minimum requirements are for entry. In addition to grades, competitive applicants typically have some kind of volunteer or shadowing experiences as well as strong test scores (see below).
Required Examination
All students applying to Pharmacy School must take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT). The test consists of multiple choice and essay questions, and is designed to measure general academic ability and predict success in Pharmacy School. Scores are given in each individual content area, as well as a composite score. To be competitive, students should strive to receive at least a 70% or higher. For more information on taking the test, please visit their website.
Process for Applying to Pharmacy School
Most Pharmacy schools require students to apply through a centralized application service, PharmCAS, the Pharmacy Centralized Application Service. Students submit all of their materials (including applications, letters of recommendation, essays, and test scores required) through the centralized service. Not all schools participate in this service, so students should check out this website early in their academic career.
Where do UMBC Students Attend Pharmacy School?
Our students attend top programs across all across the country. Listed below is a sample of some of the schools UMBC students have recently attended:
- University of Maryland, Baltimore
- Notre Dame of Maryland University
- University of the Sciences in Philadelphia
- Howard University
- Shenandoah University
Additional Resources
For information on specific schools requirements, please visit the individual school website. For additional information regarding the field of Pharmacy and becoming a Pharmacist, please visit the following websites:
Students interested in Pharmacy are also encouraged to join the Pre-Pharmacy Society, which offers programs and workshops throughout the semester. To learn more about this organization, email umbcpharmacysociety@gmail.com.