EDUCATING LEADERS IN PHARMACY AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES SINCE 1886
PharmCAS for College Students
Current and former college students can apply via the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS).
Admission Requirements
You are ready to apply to the PharmD via PharmCAS when you plan to have all prerequisite courses completed by the end of the summer prior to fall matriculation. We accept students enrolled in 2- or 4-year accredited institutions, graduates with bachelor's or post-baccalaureate degrees, former and current UB students.
Why #UBuffalo?
We are proud to be the No. 19 ranked pharmacy school in the nation and No. 1 in New York State.*
We are ranked the 12th most affordable pharmacy program in the country.**
*2024 U.S. News and World Report Best Graduate School Rankings
**College Affordability Guide
PharmCAS Application Steps
Once you’ve decided to pursue a career in pharmacy, begin making connections and gain experience in the field. Experience is not required; however, it is expected. You can begin following these tips even before coming to UB!
Find a mentor
Connect with a person that can give you advice and answer your questions about the field. This could be a professor, school counselor, family member, local pharmacist or health professional.
Talk to current students
Current pharmacy students are available to speak with you about preparing for pharmacy school, research, getting involved, special programs, course selection, and other advice and tips. View a list of PharmD students ready to chat with you!
Gain pharmacy experience
Most successful applicants to pharmacy school have demonstrated their commitment to a career in health care by obtaining experience. Shadow or volunteer at a pharmacy, hospital, nursing home, medical office, or other related health care facility or organization. Seek research opportunities with professors once enrolled at UB. Come prepared with questions to do informational interviews.
Work in a pharmacy
Students can find part-time or summer jobs in a pharmacy such as cashiers, clerks or assistants. Keep in mind, however, that pharmacy is a diverse field and community/retail pharmacy is only one option.
Students choosing this path are not given preferential treatment for admission.
The SPPS admissions committee values intellectual competence, communication skills, leadership ability, community service, healthcare-related or research experience and motivation for pursuing a career in pharmacy.
The school completes a holistic review of applicants to assess candidates’ potential for success in SPPS degree programs. An important part of this review is performance in college math and science coursework as well as the overall academic record and standardized test scores (when recommended or required). Additional important components of the holistic review include personal statements, letters of recommendation, and noncognitive attributes. SPPS considers an applicant’s full capabilities by carefully reviewing personal initiative, experiential factors, ability to overcome challenges, and other evidence of achievement. To assist in this review, we strongly encourage applicants to complete their admissions application thoughtfully and thoroughly.