The School of Pharmacy admits students for Autumn Quarter entrance only. Admission is competitive and is based on a number of factors including cumulative and prerequisite grade point averages (GPAs), written communication skills as demonstrated in application essays, and interview performance. The level of competition varies from year to year depending on the size and strength of the applicant pool.
On average, we receive approximately 400 applications for 105 available positions. Due to limits on enrollment, the School of Pharmacy cannot admit all qualified applicants. Admission is contingent upon satisfactory completion of all prerequisites, eligibility to become licensed as a Washington State pharmacy intern, and satisfactory results on the Criminal Background Check and Conviction/Criminal History Information Form. Admitted students are required to meet the University and Health Sciences immunization requirements.
GPA Requirements
Cumulative GPA
- While there is no established minimum Cumulative GPA requirement, applicants with a Cumulative GPA below 2.8 are generally not considered competitive
- Cumulative GPA is calculated using grades from ALL college or university-level coursework
Prerequisite GPA
- While there is no established minimum prerequisite GPA requirement, applicants with a prerequisite GPA below 2.8 are generally not considered competitive
- All grades for repeated prerequisite courses will be factored into the Prerequisite GPA
- The Prerequisite GPA is calculated using grades from the following prerequisite courses, including labs: Anatomy & Physiology, Biochemistry, Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Calculus, Statistics, Microbiology, Public Speaking/Interpersonal Communications, Microeconomics, Social Sciences, Humanities, and English Composition
Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT)
The UW PharmD Program no longer accepts PCAT scores as part of the application and review process. Moreover, the Admissions Committee will not be reviewing any PCAT scores submitted. This approach allows us to be fair in our holistic evaluation of all candidates.
International Students – Eligibility to Apply
Non-US citizens who hold “F-1 Visa,” “Permanent Resident” or “Refugee/Asylee” Visa status are eligible to apply to the Doctor of Pharmacy Program. Applicants holding other visa classifications are not eligible to apply. A copy of the front and back of the visa must be uploaded to the PharmCAS application. The TOEFL test is only required for F-1 Visa Students and must be taken by the application deadline. H-4 Visa holders must apply for and be awarded F-1 Visa Status in order to be eligible to apply to the PharmD Program. Courses taken at a foreign school will need to be evaluated. Please visit our international students webpage for more information.
Extracurricular Activities
The composition of our student body in the Doctor of Pharmacy Program is of primary importance. In addition to academic preparedness and knowledge of the profession of pharmacy, applicants who have experiences in a variety of extracurricular activities contribute significantly to the richness of our student body. Students who participate in extracurricular activities bring diverse viewpoints, humanitarian perspectives, leadership abilities and maturity to our program. In addition to academic factors, applications will be reviewed for qualities which indicate potential to be successful in our academic program and to contribute to the strength and diversity of the School of Pharmacy and the profession.
Pharmacy Experience
The pharmacist’s role in health care delivery is evolving; therefore, it is important for applicants to carefully research the pharmacy profession and the attributes, skills and abilities necessary to provide care. Although not required, applicants are strongly encouraged to have some pharmacy experience, either as a volunteer or employee. Applicants who are unable to gain pharmacy experience are encouraged to consult with several pharmacists regarding the profession (e.g., what it involves, career opportunities, current issues and challenges, etc.). Prospective applicants may find useful information on the website of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy.
Communication Skills
Written communication skills will be assessed through a review of the PharmCAS personal statement. Applicants are expected to demonstrate narrative coherence, critical thinking, and proper grammar in their personal statements. Oral communication skills are assessed through the two one-on-one interviews.