What does the admitted applicant pool look like? Can I get in?

For the fall 2007 class we received 734 applications for 125 spots.

Consequently, the application process is very competitive. Grade point average is important. The entering class averaged a 3.5 GPA on the required prepharmacy classes and a 3.35 GPA on prerequisite math/science classes.

The PCAT Examination (Pharmacy College Admissions Test) composite score for the entering class averaged 84%.

Approximately 50% of the students accepted have earned a BS degree or higher upon enrollment.

The average age for the entering class is approximately 24.

Our classes are approximately 60% female and 40% male. We are a very similar racial mixture to that seen in the city of Houston, consisting of Asian Americans, Asian Indians, Mexican Americans, African Americans and Whites, along with a few other ethnic groups.

I need help filling out the Academic Course Resume of the application.

The Resume section should be completed using your transcript(s) for the information. Here is an example:

Will my application be accepted if I have courses remaining in the spring and summer semester when I apply?

Our college only admits students in the fall semester. When you apply for admission for the fall semester you may still have courses remaining. You may take courses in the spring and summer before you plan to enter the College of Pharmacy that fall semester. However, ALL science or math courses must be completed no later than the spring semester. Non math/science courses may be taken in the summer semester. Your acceptance could be granted pending satisfactory completion of coursework.

What can I do to improve my chances of being accepted into pharmacy school?

• Keep your grades up and do not take too many college hours and risk lower grades. The average GPA (grade point average) of the fall 2007 entering class was 3.5.
• Learn now how to balance your time and money. You will need to have very good study habits and time management abilities. Because of the rigor of the college and demanding class schedule, it will be difficult to schedule work. Most of our students choose not to work if at all possible. Therefore good budgeting habits now are essential.
• Research your career choice and make sure you have looked at other options and the pros and cons of each.
• Get work experience that enriches your knowledge base and will give you a better grasp of knowledge about the pharmacy profession.

How do I go about getting a good letter of recommendation?

• Some applicants will gain minimum experience working in a particular practice and then ask for a letter. While there is no minimum number of hours required, most evaluators are uncomfortable recommending someone they do not know well. Get to know the person and let them get to know you.
• Do not ask the evaluator at the 11th hour for a letter.
• Ask for a "good letter." Some evaluators may have a hard time saying "no," and will write a letter that is superficial. It is important that the applicant ask for a "good letter" and give the evaluator a way of saying no if s/he is not enthusiastic about writing for you.
• Begin working on this in your second semester in college and definitely no later than the spring of your freshman year.
• Look for the professor/pharmacist who you believe you have something in common or they are in a research or employment environment you are interested in.
• Respect their time.
• Be a positive addition to their time and life.