PharmD Admissions FAQs - University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

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 Distinguished Teaching Professors and faculty members who are recipients of the Chancellor's Awards for Excellence. Click here for more information on Why UB.

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)?
100% of our graduates successfully complete the NAPLEX on the first attempt and often score higher than others in our state or in the country (2011)! 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 95% of our graduates complete the professional program in 4 years and the remaining 5% 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! The School will be moving to South Campus in Buffalo, NY in 2012, which is just a few miles away. Visit Us!

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 Office of Admissions and 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 (New York State versus out-of-state; UB versus transfer, etc)?
No, all regular applicants are considered equally. 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. UB SoPPS only seeks well-rounded students who are motivated to provide the highest levels of pharmaceutical care.

How many PharmD applicants are accepted each year?
UB SoPPS interviews approximately 250 applicants and admits 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 PharmD program requires four full-time years of professional study, regardless of your educational background or experiences. To be admitted into the professional program, applicants must complete 2-3 years of prerequisite courses. 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, PharmD/MS, and a PharmD/MPH.

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. High school students applying as a freshman to UB must indicate pharmacy as their intended major either on their Freshman Application (or International Freshman Application) or before the end of their first semester at UB. There is no additional paperwork to complete as an incoming freshman. Students complete the undergraduate prerequisite coursework 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 or Common Application (Undergraduate Admissions) 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 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 visit Undergraduate Admissions (or International Admissions) 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. EA students whose GPA is between 3.5 and 3.7 are strongly advised to take the PCAT and apply through PharmCAS if unsure of fulfilling the criteria to secure a place in the class through the EA program to be considered for Regular admission.

I'm a high school student in the U.S. How do I apply?
First, apply to the University at Buffalo through Undergraduate Admissions. It is important that you indicate pharmacy as your intended major. Second, complete the Early Assurance Application Form during your sophomore year 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

Do you have a certain limit to the number of transfer students you admit? No, we do not have a limit or quota for the number of transfer students who may be admitted. UB SoPPS does not differentiate between transfer and currently enrolled University at Buffalo students when making decisions regarding acceptance into the PharmD program.

I am a transfer student who still needs to finish the prerequisite courses, how do I apply?
If you would like to attend the University at Buffalo to complete your prerequisite courses, please submit the SUNY undergraduate application and indicate pharmacy as your intended major. If you are completing your coursework elsewhere, please refer to UB’s online articulation system, called "TAURUS." You can also compare course descriptions using our undergraduate catalog to be sure you take equivalent courses.

I am a transfer student who has completed all of the prerequisite courses, how do I apply?
Transfer students are expected to meet the same criteria for admission as non-transfer students. 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 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. 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 and Important Notes for International Applicants.

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?
All international applicants 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 PharmCAS Applicants

What are the criteria for admission?
In order to be considered for admission to the PharmD program, applicants must submit a PharmCAS application, complete the PharmD prerequisite courses, and take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT). We consider a minimum GPA of a 3.0 in the pre-pharmacy science and math courses and a minimum of a 300 on the PCAT. To compute the PCAT, we look at the sum of each item under the Percentile Rank (Verbal Ability, Biology, Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Ability, and Chemistry). UB SoPPS does not have a minimum 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).

How does UB SoPPS calculate repeated courses?
PharmCAS averages all courses together, including 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. For Early Assurance Program students, a maximum of three (3) of the following prerequisite college courses may be completed outside of UB (including AP or IB credit earned while in high school or college courses completed at an accredited four year college or university only): Calculus I, Calculus II, Calculus-based Physics I, Statistics. 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, or Genetics (the course must have a lecture and laboratory component). Please review the Advanced Placement (AP) credit website for articulation requirements.

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?

Experience is not required however, it is highly recommended to be a competitive applicant. Consider volunteering or shadowing at a pharmacy, hospital, nursing home, or other related facility or organization. UB students can engage in research through CURCA (the Center for Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities) or through Undergraduate Academies. Applicants should also consider becoming a member or leader of a club or organization.

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 355 - 409. 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.

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

Yes. Explore all financial aid options including loans, grants, scholarships, paid internships, work study, etc.

Begin your research with UB's Financial Aid office and the AACP Financial Aid resources page. UB SoPPS offers competitive scholarships each year to academically talented students from across the world. There is no additional application process - applicants are notified if they are chosen candidates for UB SoPPS scholarships. Many scholarships are available after the P1 year and advertised via email. To be considered for financial aid, please complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at the appropriate time. Students are advised to include parental income on the FAFSA.

5. Step 1: Initial Application Components

How do I apply to UB SoPPS?
If you are an Early Assurance student, simply indicate pharmacy as your intended major either on your initial application to Undergraduate Admissions (or International Admissions) or before the end of your first semester at UB. The PharmD Supplemental Admission Application and fee must be submitted by November 1. If you are a Regular applicant, once you complete the PharmD prerequisite courses, you may apply to the PharmD program using the online PharmCAS application by February 1. Please be aware that the PCAT exam is mandatory for all Regular applicants. Once your PharmCAS application is complete and received by UB SoPPS, you may then submit the required Supplemental Admission Application and fee by March 1.

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 and Supplemental Admission Application fee must be completed by March 1. For undergraduate, pre-pharmacy admissions information, visit Undergraduate Admissions (International Admissions).

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

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 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. Click here for more information about the 5 Year Policy.

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.

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6. Step 2: Supplemental Application

Is the Supplemental Application and Fee required?
Yes, the Supplemental Admission Application and Supplemental Admission Application fee are required in order to be considered for admission. There are no exceptions. The application must be submitted by March 1.

How do I submit the Supplemental Application and Fee?
You will be notified via email when we have obtained your application from PharmCAS and instructed to download and follow the directions on the UB SoPPS Supplemental Admission Application. A $50.00 Supplemental Admission Application fee can be paid online (payment site included in application) or money orders may be mailed directly to UB SoPPS. To pay online using the online supplemental fee payment system, you must have a PharmCAS ID or UB Person Number readily available. Be sure UB SoPPS has received the supplemental materials by the March 1 deadline.

7. Step 3 - Interview Process

Are interviews required?
Yes, on-site interviews are mandatory. However, not all applicants will be invited for an interview. Approximately 250 candidates are selected for an interview and will be invited via e-mail, if selected.

Who will interview me?
Interviewers include SoPPS faculty, staff, and alumni. Candidates are randomly assigned to interviewers.

What shall I expect for the interview?
The interview consists of two parts: an oral interview and a writing test. You will have one 45-minute interview with two faculty, staff, or alumni of UB SoPPS. An assigned topic will be distributed to each candidate to write on for 20 minutes. The interview process will assess the candidate's motivation for pharmacy, understanding of the pharmacist's role in the health care system, potential to be a caring health care professional, ability to work effectively with other individuals and patients, communication skills, writing skills, leadership ability and critical thinking/problem solving skills. Candidates will have an opportunity to meet current students and faculty members and tour the School after the interviews have been completed.

How should I dress for the interview?
Professional attire is expected.

What should I bring to the admissions interview?
To participate in the interview process, proof of identification, including picture ID, is required. Pens will be distributed for your writing sample. Refreshments will be available after the interviews are complete.

8. Admissions Decisions

I really need to know if I've been accepted. When will I find out?
We begin reviewing applications in the fall and continue until our class is filled. Generally, our class is filled by April or May for entrance into the fall entering class. Applicants on the wait list may be notified anytime through the end of August.

If I am offered admission, how will I be contacted?
We will immediately contact you after the Admissions Committee makes a decision via e-mail. Therefore, it is very important to keep contact information updated. If we cannot reach you by e-mail or mail, we presume you are not interested and we will make an offer to another candidate.

Why was I wait-listed?
The Admissions Committee initially makes decisions to reject, hold, or accept a candidate before or after interviewing them. It is a very competitive application cycle and we have to deny very good candidates and wait list excellent candidates. Those who were initially selected and offered admission excelled in 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 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.
The wait list status is not a reflection on your qualifications, but is due to the large numbers of highly qualified students who have applied for admission to the University at Buffalo. The University at Buffalo SoPPS Admissions Committee was impressed by your credentials and knows you would make significant contributions to our outstanding community, which is why we would like you to remain on our wait list.

How do spaces in the entering class become available to applicants on the wait list? What are my chances? How many alternates are accepted each year?
The number of wait-listed applicants we accept can vary significantly from year to year. Based on the number of candidates rejected or who decline our offer of admission, candidates on the wait list may be invited for an interview (if they have not been interviewed) and ultimately accepted. Since reasons for declining an admission offer or rescinding an offer are often related to unexpected situations, it is impossible to predict the number of alternates that will be offered admission. While we cannot provide you with information regarding your likelihood of admission, we can assure you that we will work diligently to make admission offers if space becomes available. We anticipate the earliest date that this would occur to be sometime in the middle of May.

Where am I on the waiting list? How soon will I know if I am selected?
We do not rank the waiting list. After the deadline has passed for admitted applicants to accept, the Admissions Committee meets to review everyone on the waitlist to determine who will fill the space(s). The waiting list remains open until the end of August.

Why was I denied?
Every year, qualified students are denied simply because there aren't enough available spaces. We have limited seats available and have to choose the "best of the best." Learn more about the profile of incoming students.

I was denied. May I apply again in the future?
Yes. Take advantage of the year to improve your credentials by taking further coursework to improve your GPA, retaking the PCAT, joining professional organizations, holding an office of a student organization, or volunteering or working in a pharmacy. The application cycle for PharmCAS applicants will reopen in June - we encourage you to apply early! Note: applicants who reapply are not given special considerations and are reviewed along with the rest of the applicant pool.

9. Living in Buffalo, New York

Where can I find information regarding housing?
If you are interested in living on-campus, contact UB Residence Halls & Apartments. For students seeking off-campus housing, Buffalo has many affordable housing options with the convenience of inter-campus shuttles and a metro link to the downtown and suburban areas. Start with these helpful websites: Sub-Board I's Guide to Off Campus Housing, Metro Community News Classified Ads, Buffalo News Classified Ads, and UB Student Affairs.

What is the cost of living in Buffalo?
In Buffalo, the cost of living is low and the standard of living is high. The cost of living makes the Buffalo metropolitan area among the most affordable in the U.S. with housing costs at 15 percent less than the national average.

What hotels are near the campus?
There are a number of affordable and comfortable hotels located near the University at Buffalo. Visit http://admissions.buffalo.edu/visit/accommodations.php for a list compiled by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

1. About UB SoPPS