Frequently Asked Questions
Questions often asked by prepharmacy students and prospective prepharmacy students.
When can I come see the academic advisor?
Students are encouraged to attend a PharmD Program General Information session (two are presented each month). Please phone 626-4311 to speak to Marty Baker or 626-0674, Anna Hernandez to make an appointment. The Office of Student Services is located in Drachman Hall B107.
What courses can I take to fulfill the 3-4 unit science with lab requirement?
Any physical or life science with laboratory class ABOVE what is already required in biology (ECOL, MCB, MIC), botany (PL S), zoology (V SC), chemistry (CHEM), physics (PHYS) or nutritional science (N SC). Bios 156 or 160 are NOT admissible as these are introductory courses. Biochemistry is not admissible as it is a required course in the first year pharmacy curriculum.
Examples of courses that will meet this requirement at UA: PHYS 103 &182, ECOL 183, 206, 302, 403R&L, 428R&L, 453R&L, PL S 240, 312, 329, MIC 328R&L,403R&L, 421 B, 427R&L, 428R&L, CHEM 322 & 323, & MCB 360 & 361, 421B, 453R & 453L, 473, NSC 351R&L (course open to Nutrition Science majors only)
Is it all right to take my required sciences for admission online?
Yes. It is, however, strongly recommended that you take sciences and labs in a classroom to help you prepare for the rigors of pharmacy school.
What are Traditions and Cultures?
TRADS, as they are known at UA, are humanities (humanities, anthropology, philosophy, history, religious studies).
What are Individuals and Societies?
INDVs, as they are known at UA, are social and behavioral sciences (political science, psychology, communication, sociology, gender or ethnic studies).
What is considered a Fine Arts or Literature Class?
Music, art, dance, theater, photography or the study of any literary form.
Is a second language required for admission?
No, but you may take two semesters of a language to meet one social science (INDV) requirement, or test higher into a language (ex. 102, 201) and take one semester of a language. Language courses alone cannot meet two social science (INDV) requirements.
Do my AP courses from high school count towards my prepharm requirements?
The Advanced Placement Examinations (AP) or the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) for college credit in science coursework cannot be used for admission to the college. Non-science AP or CLEP credits are acceptable.
Are there specific grade requirements?
Students are not elligible to begin the professional (PharmD) curriculum without successfully completing all prepharmacy requirements with a C grade or better. Please note, the Admissions Committee accepts only B grades or higher for organic chemistry and anatomy and physiology coursework. A candidate must also have a 3.0 science (44 units required) GPA to apply and a 3.0 Cumulative GPA to be admitted.
Do you admit international students?
Yes, but courses taken outside the U.S. cannot be evaluated for admission to the PharmD program. Required courses for admission to the college must be from accredited schools in the U.S.
Do I have to have a BS (undergraduate degree) to apply to the college?
No, 71 units, 44 science and 27 non-science courses, are required for admission. Forty-Seven percent of the class admitted for Fall 2007 had undergraduate degrees. Once admitted to the College of Pharmacy, admission to The University of Arizona is through the Graduate College. For admission to the Graduate College the student must have 72 units of college coursework completed by June 1 of admission year.
Should I get a job in a pharmacy to gain experience?
Four to six months (at least 50 hours) of work and/or volunteer experience in a pharmacy setting is required to acquaint a prepharmacy student to the career of pharmacy and to what it means to become a caring healthcare professional.
Do you require the PCAT?
Yes; the PCAT is offered June 20, August 22, October 17, 2009, and January 23, 2010. For Fall 2010 admission, it is required that an admission candidate take the PCAT no later than October (unless the candidate has already taken the PCAT at an earlier date). The January 2010 test will not be accepted for Fall 2010 admission.
If the PCAT is taken more than once, the Admissions Committee will evaluate the candidate's highest score. Please call (800) 622-3231 to order an application, or applications also are available at http://www.pcatweb.info. A PCAT test score used for admission may not be over two years old.
May I take science classes the summer before fall admission and still be eligible for fall admission?
NO! All science classes must be completed by the end of spring semester/quarter to be eligible for fall admission.
How many years does it take to establish Arizona residency?
Please contact UA Residency Classification for all questions pertaining to residency at (520) 621-3636.
How much is in-state tuition per semester for a UA prepharmacy student?
$2,523.92 for 2008-2009.
How much is out-of-state tuition per semester for a UA prepharmacy student?
$8,140.92 for 2008-2009.
How much is in-state tuition and the professional fee per semester for a PharmD student?
$6,883.92 for 2008-2009.
How much is out-of-state tuition and the professional fee per semester for a PharmD student?
$12,286.92 for 2008-2009.
What was the average science GPA of students admitted for Fall 2008?
3.69
What was the average PCAT score for Fall 2008?
79.9 (composite percentile), 82.4(chemistry subscore)
How many students applied from out of state for Fall 2008?
72
How many students were admitted from out of state for Fall 2008?
13
How many students were admitted for Fall 2008?
97
How many students applied for Fall 2009?
196
How many students were interviewed for Fall 2009?
149
When is the deadline date to apply for Fall 2010?
December 1, 2009 5:00 p.m. MST BUT it is recommended the candidate allows time for any technical difficulties you may encounter.
Do I have to apply to The University of Arizona as well as the College of Pharmacy?
Applicants complete a University of Arizona Graduate Application within the PharmD application and pay the application fee only if the applicant is admitted to the College of Pharmacy. For admission to the Graduate College the student must have 72 units of college coursework completed by June 1st of the admission year.
Can I hand deliver my transcripts to the Office of Student Services (Drachman B107)?
Yes, as long as they remain sealed.
You can also have the transcripts sent to you and then mail them to the college--as long as they remain sealed in their original envelope.
When do I find out if I'll be invited to interview?
When an applicant is selected to participate in the interview process, the interview is mandatory. Interview dates during January through February will be announced. In most cases, applicants will be notified by e-mail two weeks before the interview.
What happens during the interview?
The interview has five components:
- a short orientation
- a one-on-one interview with a pharmacy faculty member or a practitioner
- writing an impromptu essay
- tour and showcase
- a reception with time for questions
If I am not admitted can I reapply the next admissions period?
Yes, a candidate's application file is kept for a year. Nearly 40 percent of the Class of 2013 were reapplicants.