Mauler asked
What is looked at on pharmacy school applications?
Answer
Typically, there are 4 steps behind the scenes for admission:
- Academic review just to make sure you meet the minimum requirements for applications (pre-requisites, GPA and the such).
- Staff review to make sure again that you have all the necessary items for application.
- Admissions review done by an admissions panel. This panel can be in groups as small as 5-6 people or hundreds. Many times schools use former students, local pharmacists and local faculty to review a applicants application in depth. It is at this step that all of your experiences, honors, written essays etc. are reviewed.
- Interview
Typically, an applicant is given a score in each of the graded categories. Some examples of these categories include:
Additional Scholastic Preparation
Do you do research, tutor or mentor other students? Do you have publications? Additional scholastic achievement outside your normal grades is very beneficial.
Pharmacy/Healthcare Experience
Have you done work, either volunteer or paid in the healthcare field? Shadowing in the healthcare field is highly regarded as well.
Extracurricular Activities
Membership in activities as well as leadership in extracurricular activities is important.
Academic honors
Have you been on the deans list or received any other academic honors?
Personal Essay
Your essay is graded often by 2 different reviews
Letters Of Recommendation
Make sure you have at least 2 but preferably more. Never include essays which are only mildly positive.You want people to speak to your in a way that is highly positive and that you come highly recommended.
