Admissions FAQs

Why should I consider applying to UB SoPPS? What makes UB SoPPS unique?
UB SoPPS is a national leader in education and research in both Pharmacy Practice and the Pharmaceutical Sciences and is consistently ranked among the top pharmacy schools in the U.S. with an international reputation for accomplishment. We have the second most productive research program in the nation with three Distinguished Teaching Professors and seven faculty members who are recipients of the Chancellor's Awards for Excellence. For more information, visit www.pharmacy.buffalo.edu/admissions_whyub.shtml.

What is the difference between the programs in Pharmacy Practice and Pharmaceutical Sciences? The doctor of pharmacy degree, also called the PharmD, is an entry-level professional degree that enables one to work as a pharmacist, interacting with patients and other health care practitioners about medications. It is not an undergraduate degree (such as a BS or BA) nor is it a graduate degree (such as an MS, MBA, or PhD). The PharmD is a professional degree for pharmacists similar to the doctor of medicine (MD) for physicians or a doctor of dental surgery (DDS) for dentists. Whereas, a degree in pharmaceutical science or related discipline does not prepare or permit students to practice pharmacy, but enables one to do drug development and research for the pharmaceutical industry.

Where do most of your graduates practice?
PharmD graduates find a very favorable job market and easily locate positions in a variety of professional practice sites including community pharmacy, institutional pharmacy, long-term pharmacy, consultant pharmacy, the government and academia across the country. The majority of our graduates practice in the community/ambulatory care setting with very attractive salaries in virtually any state of the country.

How do PharmD graduates perform on the NAPLEX (the national licensing exam)?
99% of our graduates successfully complete the NAPLEX on the first attempt and often score higher than others in our state or in the country! Our students benefit from being able to take the NAPLEX exam and Pharmacy Law Review Series at a convenient and comfortable location - UB!

What is the attrition rate of accepted students?
Our attrition rate is less than 5%! In general, over 90% of our graduates complete the professional program in 4 years and the remaining 10% in 5 years.

Where is UB located?
UB SoPPS is currently situated on North Campus in suburban Amherst in Western New York, which is the second safest city in the United States! Here are maps and directions.

Are tours of the school available?
Yes. Tours of the University are offered by undergraduate admissions and tours of the School of Pharmacy are offered by UB SoPPS Offices of Admissions and Recruitment & Advisement . You may schedule a personal visit, or stop by during open house.

What kind of organizations and associations are your students involved in?
Our students are active in a number of organizations and are encouraged to present at professional seminars, symposia, and special events. Learn more about student organizations.

2. About UB SoPPS Applicants

Do you have a preference for certain students (in-state versus out-of-state; UB versus transfer, etc)?
No, all regular applicants are considered equally. UB SoPPS only seeks well-rounded students who are motivated to provide the highest levels of pharmaceutical care.

I'm not a New York State resident. Will this affect my admission? No. There is no residency requirement for admission. UB SoPPS does not have a policy that limits or favors out-of-state or in-state students.

How many PharmD applicants are accepted each year?
UB SoPPS interviews approximately 250 applicants and admits about 125 students each fall. Competition can be affected by the size and composition of the applicant pool for a particular year.

How long will it take to complete the PharmD program? Do you offer an accelerated program? Do you have on-line/distance learning, summer, evening, weekend or part-time classes?
The overall six-year PharmD program entails two years of pre-pharmacy courses followed by four full-time years of professional study. The PharmD program requires four full-time years of professional study, regardless of your educational background or experiences. Courses are scheduled during the day and are available only on-campus during the fall and spring semesters. You must adhere to a set “block schedule,” which is assigned to you each semester. Combined degree programs are also available at UB SoPPS, including a PharmD/MBA, PharmD/JD, a PharmD/PhD, and a PharmD/MPH (visit www.pharmacy.buffalo.edu/school_degrees_granted.shtml).

2.1 Early Assurance Students

What is "Early Assurance?"
The Early Assurance Program is available to incoming freshmen who enter the UB directly from high school as intended pharmacy majors. UB must be the first college or university attended when you apply. It is what is known as a two/four program: two years of prerequisite coursework followed by four years in the professional program. These students must complete their prerequisites at UB and adhere to the Early Assurance requirements in order to be considered for admission to the professional program. If you maintain the curricula for the program and pass an interview, you will be offered a seat in the professional PharmD program. To apply, complete the SUNY undergraduate application at the Undergraduate Admissions website and list pharmacy as your intended major - there are no other initial forms or applications required.

Do you admit students directly from high school (secondary school)?
No. We are a 2/4 program, meaning that students generally complete two years of pre-pharmacy coursework prior to entering the four years of the professional program. We do offer an "Early Assurance" option for students who enroll in the University at Buffalo directly upon graduation from high school, and who have specified "pharmacy" as their intended major. To be accepted to the PharmD program, Early Assurance students must adhere to the Early Assurance requirements and pass an interview.

What SAT or ACT scores do you require?
SAT and ACT scores are evaluated by the University at Buffalo's Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Please review the Undergraduate Admissions website or call 716-645-6900 for the most current information regarding acceptable SAT and ACT scores. Learn more about International student requirements here. Note that SAT and ACT scores are generally only required of students entering as freshmen. Transfer students (students who have enrolled in college previously, and are entering with a minimum of 24 college credits) may not have to supply SAT or ACT scores.

Do Early Assurance students need to take the PCAT?
The PCAT is required for all PharmCAS applicants and is recommended for Early Assurance students - in case they fall below the minimum criteria for Early Assurance, they may apply through PharmCAS.

I'm a high school student in the U.S. How do I apply?
First, apply to the University at Buffalo at the Undergraduate Admissions website. It is important that you indicate pharmacy as your intended major. Second, download the Early Assurance Application Form during your sophomore year between the September 1 and November 1. The completed application must be received or postmarked by November 1. To be accepted to the PharmD program, you must adhere to the Early Assurance requirements and pass an interview.

What high school courses should I take to prepare for pharmacy school?
Take as many Biology, Chemistry, and Math courses as you can.

Is my application reviewed differently if I apply as an undecided (or a different) major as opposed to applying as a pre-pharmacy student?
No. In fact, if you would like to be considered for the Early Assurance option, you MUST specify "pharmacy" as your intended major on your application to the University at Buffalo. The Office of Undergraduate Admissions at the University at Buffalo does not use different or special criteria when evaluating intended pharmacy students for admission into the University.

2.2��Transfer Students

2.3��International Students

I'm not a U.S. citizen or legal Permanent Resident of the U.S. ("Green Card holder"). Will this affect my admission? How do I apply?
No. Citizenship has no effect on admission into the University at Buffalo or the professional years of our PharmD program. International students are expected to meet the same criteria for admission as permanent residents. Once you complete the PharmD prerequisite courses, you may apply to the PharmD program using the online PharmCAS application. Please be aware that the PCAT exam is mandatory for all PharmCAS applicants, including international students. Also, UB SoPPS requires TOEFL or IELTS scores for non-native English speaking applicants. In addition, you must have your foreign transcripts evaluated by World Education Services, Inc. (WES), Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc (ECE), or Josef Silny & Associates. This course-by-course report must be submitted directly to PharmCAS by February 1st . Once your application is complete, the Admissions Committee will review your qualifications and request official transcripts, if necessary. After this preliminary review, you may be asked to apply to the University. See UB's International Admissions website.

I have previously earned a pharmacy degree. Do you offer an accelerated program and can you exempt me from courses in the PharmD program?

No. Our doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) professional program involves four years of study. We do not offer advanced standing to students who have already completed pharmacy degrees.

I completed college/university courses outside of the United States. Will you accept these courses?
It depends. English Composition must be completed in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, or New Zealand and approved by the University at Buffalo. After a preliminary review of your application, you may be asked to have your official transcripts sent to UB's International Enrollment Management for evaluation.

Do you accept international transcripts, or do I have to have my transcript evaluated?
We do not accept international transcripts. All international students must have their transcripts evaluated WES, ECE or Josef Silney & Associates in order to translate the credit system into what is accepted in the United States.

3. Minimum Eligibility Requirements for Regular/PharmCAS Applicants

What are the criteria for admission?
In order to be considered for admission to the PharmD program, applicants must submit a completed PharmCAS application and have the following: PharmD prerequisite courses, and a minimum GPA of a 3.0 in their pre-pharmacy science and math courses. UB SoPPS does not have a minimum Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) requirement however, competitive applicants typically present a percentage of at least 300. In addition, the Admissions Committee looks at scholastic preparation, pharmacy experiences, academic recognition or honors, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, oral and written communication, and any additional information provided by the applicant on the application or on the Supplemental Admission Application. Learn more about the profile of recently accepted applicants.

Should I still apply if my grade point average is just above the minimum of 3.0 or my PCAT scores are just above the minimum of 300?

Admission is competitive and our evaluation is based on all aspects of the application in addition to your grade point average. This includes your math and science grades, curriculum, PCAT scores, recommendations, essays, and interview results. Competition also varies from year to year depending upon the size and strength of the applicant pool. You should consider all of these factors and should not base your decision to apply solely on your GPA and/or your PCAT score(s).

Is a bachelor's degree required for admission? No, only the pre-pharmacy requirements are required. However, a degree will make an applicant more competitive for admission, and in recent years, the large majority of our successful applicants have held bachelor's degrees.

How does UB SoPPS calculate repeated courses?
At UB, all courses are averaged together, included repeated courses. The repeated grade does not replace the previous grade.

Does it matter at which school I take my pre-pharmacy coursework?
Early Assurance students must complete their prerequisite coursework at UB. For regular applicants, PharmD prerequisite courses may be taken at the University at Buffalo or at any other accredited institution of higher education. For help with course articulation, UB offers an online articulation service called "TAURUS." You can also compare course descriptions using our undergraduate catalog.

Do you accept Advanced Placement (AP) credit for prerequisites?
Yes, however we do not accept alternative credit for Biology or Chemistry. AP transcripts must be sent directly to UB SoPPS (not PharmCAS). If AP coursework waived you out of Introductory Biology I and II, you must satisfy our prerequisites by completing two semesters of any other Biology coursework such as Botany, Zoology, Cell Biology, Genetics, Anatomy or Physiology (the course must have a lecture and laboratory component).

My school doesn't offer General Biology, what can I take to meet your Biology prerequisite?
Select a course that is required of biology majors offered by the Biology Department. You may take Botany, Zoology, Cell Biology, Genetics, Anatomy or Physiology to satisfy the General Biology requirement (the course must have a lecture and laboratory component). Anatomy and Physiology are a part of the PharmD curriculum, so if you take them to meet the pre-pharmacy General Biology requirement, they can not later be used to fulfill the course requirements for the professional years of the program. That is, you would have to retake the Anatomy and Physiology courses that are part of the doctor of pharmacy curriculum. Microbiology and Biochemistry are not acceptable substitutes.

Is a bachelor's degree required?
No, only completion of the PharmD prerequisite courses by the end of the spring semester prior to fall admission are required. However, it is looked upon more favorably.

Are there any courses waived for students who enter after having earned a degree?
For 2010 admissions, seven PharmD prerequisite courses are waived for students entering with a degree. These include: Physics II, Calculus II, Statistics, Economics, Social Behavioral Science, English Composition I and English Composition II. Please refer to the Prerequisite Courses (PDF) for future changes.

Do you give preference to any major?
No. We do not give preference to any major. The most common majors are in the sciences, but UB SoPPS does not have a policy that limits or favors science or arts majors.

Do I need volunteer activities, extracurricular activities or work experience to be considered for admission?
No, experience is not required. However, it is highly recommended to be a competitive applicant. Selection is based on scholastic achievement, aptitude, personal qualifications, and evidence of motivation toward pharmacy. These are judged from the college record, grade point average, the PCAT, letters of reference and evaluation, a supplemental admission application, and a personal interview. In addition to intellectual and academic competence, the School's Admissions Committee considers communication skills, leadership ability, community service, health care-related or research experience, and motivation for pursuing a career in pharmacy.

Do I need to take the PCAT, TOEFL or any other standardized tests?
Yes, the PCAT is required for all PharmCAS applicants. UB SoPPS requires TOEFL or IELTS scores for non-native English speaking applicants. It is critical that all students possess the ability to communicate effectively using both the oral and written English language. These competencies will be assessed of qualified applicants through an in-person interview and a written essay.

What are the minimum PCAT scores considered?
UB SoPPS does not have a minimum Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) requirement however, competitive applicants typically present a percentage of at least 300.
The middle 50th percentile sum of the PCAT percentile score of students recently admitted was 360-434. UB SoPPS considers the Percentile Rank (not Scaled Scores). The sum of each item under the Percentile Rank (Verbal Ability, Biology, Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Ability, and Chemistry) determines the score (not the Composite score).

How long are my PCAT scores good?
The oldest PCAT score considered is three years from date of entry.

How many times may I take the PCAT?
If taken twice, UB SoPPS considers the higher of the two. If taken three or more times, the average of all the scores is considered.

Where should I have my PCAT scores sent?
When taking the PCAT, you must indicate to Pearson that they should send your scores to PharmCAS. We will then receive your PCAT scores on your PharmCAS application. EOP students must have their PCAT scores sent directly to UB SoPPS.

Do you accept the January PCAT even though PharmCAS will receive the scores after the February 1 deadline?
Yes. We do accept the January PCAT. Please note that it takes 4-6 weeks for PharmCAS to receive your scores. You may check your PharmCAS application to be sure your scores are received.

4. Costs, Financial Aid & Awards

5. Step 1: Initial Application Components

When can I apply and what is the application deadline for the PharmD program?
The current deadline is February 1 of each year for fall entrance into the professional program. Applicants are advised to apply well in advance of this deadline. Your Supplemental Admission Application form and Supplemental Admission Application fee must be completed by March 1. For undergraduate, pre-pharmacy admissions information, visit the Undergraduate Admissions website (Learn more about International student applications here).

Do I need to submit everything to PharmCAS at the same time?
No, you can submit materials as you get them as long as all materials are received by PharmCAS before the application deadline. Your PharmCAS application must be submitted by February 1 and your transcripts and letters must be received by March 1. You may check the status of your application materials on your PharmCAS application using the status tool

Are letters of recommendation (references) required? How many, and from whom?
Yes, three professional letters of recommendation are required (a maximum of four are considered). As stated on our PharmCAS School Page, UB SoPPS does NOT accept evaluations from the following: Teaching Assistants, Pre-Health Committees, Politicians, Friends, Family Members, Co-Workers, or Clergy. Each letter must contain a standardized cover sheet including character ratings, which is provided by PharmCAS to the evaluators. All references will be contacted for verification by the UB SoPPS Admissions Staff.

Where do I send my Letters of Recommendation?
UB SoPPS does not accept letters of recommendation sent directly to the school. You must have your references submit them to PharmCAS. You may check the status of your application materials on your PharmCAS application using the status tool.

Can my evaluators submit letters of recommendation before I apply to the PharmD program?
No. You may ask your evaluator(s) to write a letter of recommendation, save it electronically, and later submit it during the application cycle in which you are applying. In addition to a letter, evaluators must also submit a character rating sheet, which will be emailed to them by PharmCAS when you apply. Please have your evaluators refer to the List of PharmCAS Questions for Evaluators (http://www.pharmcas.org/applicants/evalquestions.htm) so they can prepare a complete evaluation in advance.

Can I submit my application before I complete my prerequisites?
Yes, you may submit your PharmCAS application if you are currently taking, or plan to take, the PharmD prerequisite courses before the end of the spring semester prior to fall admission. The PCAT may also be taken anytime before the application deadline.

I completed some of my prerequisite coursework more than 5 years ago. Will they still be considered?
Applicants may complete their prerequisites at UB and then apply to the PharmD program, or they may complete their prerequisites at another accredited institution. All regular applicants must complete the equivalent of two years of college coursework and successfully complete all prerequisite courses with a grade equal to or greater than C- by the spring semester prior to fall admission. All applicants must complete their prerequisite courses within 5 years preceding admission. For more information, visit www.pharmacy.buffalo.edu/materials/PharmD/5YearPolicy.pdf.

Can I enter in the spring semester?
Admission into the professional school is for fall only. If you need to complete the pre-pharmacy coursework, you may apply to Undergraduate Admissions for spring entry and later apply to the professional program.

My application was late. Will you still accept my application?
No, we will not consider applications that are incomplete or applications that are submitted or postmarked after the deadline. Be sure to check the status tool on your PharmCAS application.

1. About UB SoPPS

2. About UB SoPPS Applicants

2.1 Early Assurance Students

2.2��Transfer Students

2.3��International Students

3. Minimum Eligibility Requirements for Regular/PharmCAS Applicants

4. Costs, Financial Aid & Awards

5. Step 1: Initial Application Components

6. Step 2: Supplemental Application

7. After Submitting Your Application - Interview Process

8. After Submitting Your Application - Admissions Decisions

9. Living in Buffalo, New York

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