Pharm.D. Admissions:
Frequently Asked Questions
Before You Apply
How many students do you accept each year?
We accept up to 130 students on the Lawrence campus and up to 20 students on the Wichita campus in each incoming class.
Can I choose which campus I will attend?
If you prefer to attend the Wichita campus, you can indicate that when you apply. After the interviews, accepted students are ranked, and the top students get their first choice of campus.
Do I have to complete my pre-pharmacy courses at KU?
No you do not. Approximately half of our current Pharm.D. students completed their pre-pharmacy studies elsewhere. Pre-pharmacy courses can be taken at any accredited college or university. Students who complete their pre-pharmacy courses at KU are not given an advantage in the admissions process. However, they do have access to resources, such as the KU Pre-Pharmacy Club.
Will all my pre-pharmacy course credits transfer to KU?
- The pre-pharmacy classes may be taken at any accredited university or community college.
- Use KU CredTran to determine if your coursework will transfer to KU and meet the pre-pharmacy course requirements. The CredTran system will also tell you if the course satisfies a KU Core goal. If you have any questions or cannot find a specific course, please contact School of Pharmacy Admissions at rxadmissions@ku.edu.
- Visit KU Undergraduate Admissions' Community College Transfer Guide for information about transfering credits from a community college.
- All laboratory components of the pre-pharmacy curriculum must be completed in a campus laboratory. Virtual or offsite laboratory courses are not accepted.
Can I apply to School of Pharmacy before taking the PCAT?
Yes. However, the PCAT must be completed before you can be accepted to the School of Pharmacy.
What is the latest date I can take the PCAT?
PCAT scores must be received by the March 1 application deadline. PCAT exam dates from Feb. 1 – 14, 2019 are the last opportunities prior to the March 1 extended application deadline.
How do my GPA and PCAT score compare to other applicants?
Historically, the average GPA of entering classes has been 3.4 or higher. The average PCAT composite score is around the 65th percentile. We do have a minimum PCAT score, but we do require a minimum GPA of 2.5.
Can I apply to School of Pharmacy before applying to KU?
Yes. However, you must be admitted to KU before you can be accepted to the School of Pharmacy.
Who should I ask to submit the three letters of recommendation on my behalf?
While there are no specific requirements on who can serve as a reference, we recommend a pharmacist, an employer and a professor.
After You Have Applied
How many applicants do you interview each year?
We interview approximately 200 potential students each year.
Who will interview me and how long will the interview last?
Candidates will be interviewed by a small group that includes a combination of SOP faculty, administrators, staff and students. Interviews can last anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes.
What types of questions will I be asked?
That will vary, but all interviewers seek to evaluate the applicant's understanding of the pharmacy profession as well as their self awareness, interpersonal skills and emotional maturity.
Who is on the selection committee?
Specific members vary from year to year but always include faculty members and administrators.
What is the selection committee looking for?
Committee members look for a diverse group of students with a solid foundation in biology and chemistry. The ideal candidate will also be a strong communicator who is informed about the pharmacy profession and academically prepared for the challenging Pharm. D. curriculum.
