Doctor of Pharmacy Program > Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions | The PCAT | Admission Questions | Pre-Pharmacy Coursework Questions
General
Q: What is the minimum grade point average for admission to the Pharm.D. program?
A: The minimum GPA is a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. However the average for accepted students has been in the range of 3.5-3.55 for the past few years.
Q: How long does the Doctor of Pharmacy program take to complete?
A: Pre-requisite coursework takes approximately 2-3 years. The Pharm.D. professional program takes 4 years. Additionally, some Pharm.D. graduates choose to do residencies or fellowships for specialized training which can last 1-3 years.
Q: How many campuses do you have and where are they located?
A: The OU College of Pharmacy has two campuses. The Oklahoma City campus is located on the OU Health Sciences Center campus near downtown OKC and the Tulsa campus is located on the OU-Tulsa Schusterman Center campus near 41st and Yale. The campuses are connected via state-of-the-art technology and allow for a unique educational opportunity for pharmacy students in the delivery of the curriculum.
Q: How do I know if I am an Oklahoma resident?
A: Please refer to the policies governing residency at http://www.ouhsc.edu/admissions/Residency_Policy.htm. If you have additional questions, please contact the office of OUHSC Admissions and Records at 405-271-2359.
Q: Do you require pharmacy experience?
A: We do not require pharmacy experience; however, it is HIGHLY recommended. This experience may be gained either through paid or unpaid observation. It is important for applicants to understand the practice of pharmacy to solidify their reasons for wanting to be a pharmacist. Additionally, students at the College of Pharmacy begin site visits in their first semester of pharmacy school so it is beneficial to understand how a pharmacy works.
Q: I’ve applied in previous years so can you just forward those materials?
A: At this time, we are unable to forward any previous application materials. Each applicant must follow the same procedures each year and send updated materials to PharmCAS. This includes official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and PCAT scores.
Q: I’m interested in your dual degree program. How do I apply?
A: The College of Pharmacy does offer a dual Pharm.D./M.S. degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences. You would apply first to the Pharm.D. program. Once you are accepted and begin your first year of pharmacy school, you can then apply to the M.S. program. If students time their coursework and research correctly, then they can graduate in the four years with the dual degree. For more information on the graduate programs please e-mail OUPharmGrad@ouhsc.edu.
Q: When should I file for financial aid?
A: It is recommended that applicants file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as soon as possible for the academic year they are planning on attending. More than one school can be listed on the FAFSA so it is not a problem if applicants do not yet know if they will be attending the College of Pharmacy. For more information on financial aid, please contact the HSC Office of Financial Services at 405-271-2118.
Q: Are there any scholarships available?
A: The College of Pharmacy offers many scholarships; however, most of the scholarships are not available until after the first year of pharmacy school and the amounts are modest. More information on COP scholarships can be found at the financial aid for new students area. Additionally, applicants may check additional sources for scholarship opportunities. Many pharmaceutical companies, organizations, and pharmacies offer additional support. There are also search engines such as www.fastweb.com that may help you identify additional support.
Q: What are the statistics for accepted students?
A: Our most recent entering classes have had a 3.5-3.55 pre-requisite gpa and a 75th-80th percentile composite PCAT score. Around 64% of our student body is female and 32% is minority. Around 85% are Oklahoma residents. Our students come from many different backgrounds, states, and even other countries providing a rich and rewarding educational experience. More information is available at the Pharm.D admission statistics area
Q: Do you accept international students?
A: Yes, we can accept international students. International students are expected to meet the same pre-requisite requirements and follow the same application procedures as U.S. applicants. Additionally, if the international student has coursework from accredited foreign institutions then a course-by-course evaluation must be conducted by World Education Services (www.wes.org). If the international student attended a foreign pharmacy school, they are not eligible for transfer and usually must complete the full four year curriculum. Pre-requisite coursework may be satisfied by foreign coursework but some courses will most likely need to be completed at a U.S. college or university such as English, U.S. History, Speech, and U.S. Government. Please contact the Office of Pharmacy Student Affairs for specific questions regarding coursework.
Q: Do you accept transfer students from other U.S. pharmacy schools?
A: Please refer to the policy for transfer students for full explanation of the application procedures and eligibility for transfer.
Q: How can I schedule a tour of your campuses or get advisement about admissions?
A: We welcome both individual and group tours. For a tour or advisement on the Oklahoma City campus, please contact Jennifer Richardson. For a tour or advisement on the Tulsa campus, please contact Coralee Duncan.
PCAT
Q: What is the PCAT?
A: The Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) is constructed specifically for colleges of pharmacy. The PCAT is a specialized test designed to help identify qualified applicants to pharmacy colleges by measuring academic ability and scientific knowledge necessary for the completion of pharmaceutical education. The PCAT has five content areas including verbal ability, quantitative ability, biology, chemistry, and reading comprehension. Additionally, there is a writing sample the day of the test. Typically the PCAT is offered each January, June, and October although additional dates may be added if warranted. Please visit www.pcatweb.info for full information on the PCAT and registration procedures.
Q: What if I had my PCAT scores sent directly to OUHSC?
A: All PCAT scores must be submitted directly to PharmCAS. The release code for PharmCAS is 104. We cannot accept scores that are sent directly to OUHSC. Failure to properly release the score can result in delays in processing and review of materials.
Q: What’s the oldest PCAT score considered?
A: We will accept PCAT scores taken June 2004 or later. Please note that the Admissions Committee only considers the most recent score when making decisions, not necessarily the highest score.
Q: Do you only look at my highest PCAT Score?
A. No, the Admissions Committee only considers the most recent score when making decisions.
Application
Q: How do I apply?
A: You can apply by submitting the PharmCAS application at www.pharmcas.org. Additionally, we require completion of a supplemental application which can be found at https://app.applyyourself.com/?id=uok-phar. Applications must be submitted by November 1. Please refer to the Steps to Applying found on this website for full details on the application requirements.
Q: Why do you have a supplemental application?
A: While PharmCAS provides us with your academic information, the supplemental application allows us to gather additional information about you, specific to our college. Additionally, the supplemental application serves as your application to the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center as a whole.
Q: How can I check the status of my application?
A: You should utilize the status check that is available through PharmCAS (www.pharmcas.org). This status check is available by logging back on to your application on the PharmCAS website.
Pre-Pharmacy Coursework
Q: If I repeat a course, do you only take the highest grade?
A: No, all attempts are included in the calculation of GPAs. Although all attempts of a pre-requisite course are included in the calculation of the GPA, applicants should be aware that the most recent attempt of a pre-requisite course will be the grade on record in determining completion of requirements. This means that an applicant’s last attempt of a course must be a C or better to maintain eligibility for admission.
Q: Do I need a degree to be accepted?
A: Although we do not require applicants to have a degree, about 40% of each accepted class has a bachelor’s degree or above and that number is rising each year. Application to pharmacy school is competitive so it is important to try to exceed the minimum requirements whenever possible to have a more attractive application. Working toward a bachelor’s degree provides you with additional maturity, experience, and accomplishment which translates well in a personal interview or when determining an applicant’s ability to be successful within our professional curriculum.
Q: What should I major in?
A: We do not require any particular major but the majority of accepted applicants major in a science-related field such as biology, chemistry, or biochemistry. This allows them to complete pre-requisite courses as well as satisfy their interest in the sciences. However, you are encouraged to major in any field which interests you as long as you complete the pre-requisite courses as well.
Q: Does my pre-requisite coursework have to be taken at the University of Oklahoma-Norman?
A: Although the University of Oklahoma offers an excellent undergraduate education, we do not require applicants to take pre-requisites at OU. Applicants may take pre-requisite courses at any accredited college or university which offers them.
Q: If I take my pre-requisites at a university other than OU, how can I know what courses will be acceptable?
A: Pre-requisite courses may be taken at an accredited college or university. Although course numbers and names may be different, in general, most of the basic courses will be the same from college to college. If you have any question about whether a course is acceptable, please e-mail us at OUPharmD@ouhsc.edu.
Q: I have coursework more than 5 years old. Will you still accept it?
A: Many of the basic courses can still be accepted even if the coursework is older than 5 years. Typically, we like to see organic chemistry, biochemistry, human anatomy, and human physiology taken within the last five years. However, there are some exceptions that might make older coursework acceptable. Please contact our office for more information if you are in this situation.
Q: I did not do well my freshman year. How is this viewed?
A: Many people struggle with the transition to college their first year. It is helpful for the Office of Pharmacy Student Affairs if we can review the person’s entire academic record. We may be able to identify strategies that can strengthen your application. In some cases, the applicant may be able to appeal to the Admissions Committee for a further review of their recent academic record. Please contact the Office of Pharmacy Student Affairs for more information.
Q: How many hours of pre-requisite courses are required?
A: Approximately 70-80 semester hours are required depending on the college or university where they are earned.
Q: When do the pre-requisite courses have to be completed for entry?
A: Admitted students must successfully complete all pre-requisite courses by June 1 of the admission year. For example, if you are applying for entry into Fall 2008, the pre-requisites must be completed by June 1, 2008.
Q: Can any of the pre-requisites be waived if I have a degree?
A: An earned Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree from an accredited Oklahoma school exempts applicants from the following pre-requisite course requirements:
- Understanding Art Forms
- Western Civilization and Cultures
- Non-Western Civilization and Cultures
- Foreign Language
An earned Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree or any Associate’s degree earned in another state does not qualify for this exemption.
An earned Bachelor’s degree from any accredited college or university exempts applicants from the following pre-requisite course requirements:
- Understanding Art Forms
- Western Civilization and Cultures
- Non-Western Civilization and Cultures
- Foreign Language
Additionally, if the Bachelor’s degree was earned from an accredited U.S. college or university then an exemption can be granted for U.S. History and U.S. Government.