Prospective Pharm. D. Student
Frequently Asked Questions
This Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) list is a collection of questions and answers about the application process for the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm. D.) degree.
- How many students apply?
We usually have between 500-600 students apply for admission each academic cycle, though joining PharmCAS (in 2007) will impact the number of applications we receive.
- How many students do you enroll each year?
Our goal is to enroll a class of approximately 96 students.
- Are freshman students admitted directly into the professional Pharmacy program?
No. Students must complete two years of pre-pharmacy curriculum before enrolling (if accepted!) in the professional Pharmacy program.
- When should I apply to the James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy?
Students apply for admission to the professional program during their second year of pre-pharmacy. For example, if a student wanted to begin the professional Pharmacy program in September 2009, they would apply during 2008.
- Does the James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy participate in PharmCAS?
Yes. Since 2007 (starting with the 2008 Admission cycle), we fully participate in PharmCAS. PharmCAS is the Pharmacy College Application Service.
- Where can I get application materials?
During July-January, the PharmCAS application is available on the PharmCAS website (http://www.pharmcas.org). The UC Pharmacy application is available between August 1, 2008 and December 1, 2008 on our website, http://pharmacy.uc.edu along with step-by-step instructions. Do not submit the UC Pharmacy application without a PharmCAS ID, which is generated upon submission of your PharmCAS application.
- What is the minimum GPA?
The minimum GPA is 2.75, however the average GPA of those students that we admit is over a 3.6 on a 4.0 scale.
- Can I see statistics for the most-recently enrolled students?
Sure! Follow this link.
- Can you give me an overview of the application process?
Yes. You'll complete the following steps to apply: PharmCAS Application; the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT); University of Cincinnati Graduate Application; and the UC Pharmacy Application.
- How much is tuition for the Pharm. D.?
Students pay the "Graduate" tuition rate found in various university publications and websites.
- I have academic credit from an institution outside of the United States. How do I get these credits evaluated?
The University of Cincinnati James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy does not maintain a staff trained in the evaluation of international educational systems. Applicants are requested to submit their records for evaluation to one of several national agencies, the most prominent of which is World Educational Services. Submission of WES's evaluation along with other application materials assures that students will be treated equitably in all degree programs at the university. Contact World Educational Services at:
World Educational Services
568 Broadway, Suite 301
P.O. Box 745
Old Chelsea Station
New York, N.Y. 10013
http://www.wes.org/
Additionally, international student and students with international credits should carefully examine the website of UC's International Student Services Office (http://www.isso.uc.edu) and familiarize yourself with the requirements listed there.
- Do all pre-pharmacy courses have to be completed before I can apply?
No.The pre-pharmacy courses do not have to be completed when you APPLY, but they must be completed before you will be permitted to ENROLL into the professional program (assuming you're accepted, of course!). So, applying in 2008 for a start in September 2009 is just fine, as long as you finish all of your pre-pharmacy requirements by the end of Summer Quarter 2009.
- I have been admitted to the James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy and have discovered that I am not going to finish my pre-pharmacy courses before professional classes begin. Can I take the remaining requirements while I am enrolled in the professional Pharmacy program?
No. All pre-pharmacy requirements must be completed before enrolling in the James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy. There are no exceptions to this requirement.
- Can I take a pre-pharmacy course via the Internet, or correspondence?
Yes, if the class is from an accredited institution and you get approval from the University of Cincinnati James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy prior to taking the class. You will be responsible for providing official transcripts from every academic institution where you have done work, correspondence work included.
- Do I HAVE to work in a Pharmacy setting in order to be admitted to the James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy?
We strongly encourage students to work in a Pharmacy setting before they apply. This will allow students to qualify their interest in Pharmacy before dedicating their academic lives (and future careers) to the program. However, previous Pharmacy work experience is not required. It is a good idea to test out the career you're thinking about spending a lot of time, energy, and money on BEFORE you expend all that time, energy, and money.
- I heard that UC will have an entrance requirement of a BS degree. Is this true?
No. At this time, we have no intention of changing our prepharmacy requirements from the posted pre-pharmacy requirements.
- Can I attend the James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy part time/evenings?
No. Classes in the professional Pharmacy program are available only full-time, day-time.
- Can I start Pharmacy classes in Winter/Spring/Summer Quarter?
No. We admit only in the Autumn Quarter.
- What if I'm not accepted this year?
You are welcome and encouraged to apply again next year. All application cycles are self-contained, meaning that you would need to resubmit all application materials for consideration for the next year. Applications are not 'rolled-over' from year to year. If you apply this year and are not admitted, please consider making an appointment with us to find out the factors that led to your not being accepted. This way, you can find areas which we felt needed improvement, and address them for application in subsequent years.
- Are you on semesters or quarters?
The University of Cincinnati James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy operates on the 10 week quarter system. There are three quarters of instruction per regular academic year, plus an optional summer quarter. Most professional Pharmacy courses are taught only during Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters; however, pharmacy students attend year-round (including summer term) during their fourth professional year.
- How does the transfer of semester hours to quarter hours work?
One semester hour is equal to one and one half quarter hours. Therefore, if you took a 3 semester hour class, it could transfer as 4.5 quarter hours.
- Which of my classes will transfer?
Only classes in which you have earned a "C-" or better are eligible for transfer into the James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy. Grades of "D" or below, while transferable to UC, do not count as satisfying the pre-pharmacy curriculum.
- I want to make sure that my classes match the pre-pharmacy requirements. Can I just stop in and see someone?
You need to first make an appointment with Andrea Wall (andrea.wall@uc.edu or 513.558.3784). If you live outside of reasonable driving distance from the University, contact Ms. Wall to make other arrangements to evaluate your transcripts.
- Do you require letters of recommendation?
Yes. We require three letters of recommendation be submitted to PharmCAS.
- To whom are letters of recommendation addressed?
Address letters of recommendation to "The Admissions Committee".
- Can I send recommendations in myself, or do they have to come directly from the author?
The letters of recommendation must be submitted directly to PharmCAS. The College of Pharmacy can only accept letters of recommendation through PharmCAS. PharmCAS accepts electronic letters of recommendation (eLOR) or paper letters of recommendation. Refer to the PharmCAS website for more information.
- How many letters of recommendation may I submit?
We require three letters of recommendation.
- Must my recommendations have to come from certain people?
Recommendations should come from people who know you in particular capacities. We suggest that the letters come from your employer (hopefully a pharmacist); an academic instructor; and/or someone of your choosing. Letters of recommendation from currently-enrolled students in the James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, your family members, politicians, friends, co-workers, or clergy are not acceptable. Refer to the PharmCAS website for more information.
- Can I use my institution's Letters Office for recommendations?
Certainly. If you would like to use your institution's Letters Office, that is fine. Each recommendation should have the student's first and last name and, optionally, the student's PharmCAS ID on it, as well as the name and contact information for the person writing the recommendation.
- Can I send transcripts in myself, or do they need to come directly from the college/institution?
You must request official transcripts (sealed in an institution envelope and not opened by the student) from ALL institutions where you have earned academic credit and have them sent to PharmCAS. University of Cincinnati students: You must have official transcripts sent to PharmCAS.
- Is the GRE required? The GMAT?
The University of Cincinnati James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy does not require or recommend the GRE, or GMAT.
- Is the PCAT required?
Yes. The PCAT is required. All applicants must submit PCAT scores from PCAT examinations taken June 2006 or later to PharmCAS (code: 104). Older PCAT scores are not acceptable. We do not accept the January 2009 PCAT for the 2009 Admission cycle. Information on the PCAT is available here.
- Can I take the January 2009 PCAT?
The January 2009 PCAT is not considered for the 2009 Admissions cycle.
- Can I take the PCAT multiple times?
Yes. The James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy will receive scores for each PCAT examination you take and will consider the highest composite and the associated sub-scores. We do not mix-and-match scores between attempts. There is no penalty for taking the PCAT multiple times.
- Can I print my UC Pharmacy Supplemental Application essays on a separate sheet?
Yes. Many students choose to type their essays on a computer so they can spell-check. Make sure that your full name, social security number, and a page number appears on each and every page.
- Do I have to type my UC Pharmacy Supplemental Application essays?
We suggest that you do whatever you can to put your best foot forward on the application. If you feel that typing makes your application look better, then type it. If you choose to write your application, make sure that it is written very neatly.
- Can I drop my completed UC Pharmacy Supplemental Application off to your office?
The UC Pharmacy Supplemental Application should be sent to the address below. PharmCAS materials must be submitted directly to PharmCAS.
University of Cincinnati
James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy
ATTN: Pharm. D. Admissions
3225 Eden Avenue
Cincinnati, Ohio 45267-0004
- Can I send my application materials via certified mail, FedEx, UPS, or another carrier?
Yes. The address is listed above.
- How do I check the status of my PharmCAS application?
Click this page. #info# [PharmCAS status page]
- How do I check the status of my UC Pharmacy Supplemental Application?
The best way to check is via email to: andrea.wall@uc.edu or call at 513.558.3784. We send out Information Status Letters periodically. These letters tell you what information we have received and what information we're missing.
- Do you consider late or incomplete applications?
Under no circumstances will late or incomplete applications be given consideration. It is your responsibility to insure that all information is received in a timely manner. We recommend that you complete your PharmCAS application as soon as possible and submit your UC Pharmacy application before the Thanksgiving holiday.
- Can I stop in the office to check the status of my application?
You should use one of the methods listed above to check the status of your application.
- What are the deadlines?
All application materials must be in the James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy office before December 1, 2008.
- When do you begin calling for interviews?
We begin calling students in late November to schedule interviews in December.
- Do all students who apply get interviewed?
No. Only students who are determined to be eligible for admission into the program are interviewed. All admitted students have been interviewed -- no one is admitted without having an interview.
- You haven't called me to schedule an interview. Can I call you and request one? Can I just stop in for an interview?
No. We will contact you if you're selected for an interview. Make certain that we always have your current address, phone number, and email address (so that if we need to get in touch with you, we can!).
- How long are interviews?
Interviews are usually 30-45 minutes in length, but sometimes they're as short as 10 minutes or as long as 90 minutes. Interviews are generally followed with a short tour of the James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy.
- Will I be faced with a panel of interviewers?
No. Most of the time, interviews will be conducted by two members of the admissions committee. Occasionally, an additional interviewer may sit in as an observer.
- What is the timeframe for interviews?
Interviews are conducted from mid-December through early March.
- Does it matter when I'm interviewed?
No. The likelihood of being admitted is not associated with the timing of your interview.
- I received an Information Status Letter stating that I have until April 15th to update my application, but I go to a semester school and won't have grades by then. What should I do?
Ask your professors to write 'mid-term' reports for you telling us what your current average is and what you would be awarded if you maintained the current level of performance. Submit those reports to the James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy.
- Is there a form for the mid-term report from my professors?
No. Just ask them to write a short note on their university letterhead with your first and last name and the requested information.
- I've completed classes in Winter, Spring, and/or Summer term. What do I do with those transcripts?
Request official transcripts to be sent from your institution directly to the James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy at the following address:
University of Cincinnati
James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy
ATTN: Pharm. D. Admissions
3225 Eden Avenue
Cincinnati, Ohio 45267-0004
- My Information Status Letter said something about submitting "non-academic information". What's that?
Pretty much what it sounds like -- information about you that ISN'T related to academic performance. For example, evaluations from your employer, citations for your work with a volunteer agency, personal statements, or letters of recommendation all fit into this category.
- I received my Pharmacy degree from a foreign institution. How can I become licensed to practice Pharmacy in the United States of America?
There are two ways to accomplish what you wish:
* Graduate from an accredited Pharmacy program in the United States.
or
* Take the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivilancy Examination and then take the NABPLEX examination. The Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivilancy Examination is administered by NABP. Contact the State Board of Pharmacy in the state in which you wish to practice for details of their examination. NOTE: Some states do not require the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivilancy Examination.
- I just received a "PENDING" status letter, but I have already been accepted to other schools of Pharmacy and they have given me a tight deadline. What should I do?
If you have not yet received notice from all the institutions to which you have applied, you cannot make a fully-informed decision about your academic future. Ask the colleges that have already offered you admission for an extension on their deadline. Good colleges want you to make an informed choice, and should gladly extend their deadlines to give you time to consider all your options. As a matter of courtesy, we ask for you to respond within two weeks of receiving our offer of admission. However, if it is going to be difficult to reach a fully-informed decision within that timeframe, please contact at the college office. We are happy to work with you.
- Can I call and find out the status of my application?
No. We do not give application status over the phone under any circumstances.
- Is there an orientation program for incoming students?
Yes. In June we host a Summer Registration and Orientation Program. We also have a two-day orientation/professionalization program the two days before school begins. This two-day program is mandatory!
- What about reciprocity for Northern Kentucky?
The James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy offers a metropolitan rate for several counties in Northern Kentucky which offers in-state tuition with a surcharge. These counties are: Boone, Bracken, Campbell, Carroll, Gallatin, Grant, Kenton, and Pendleton. However, reciprocity is not automatic. You must complete a form prior to the beginning of Fall Quarter in order to be considered for reciprocity. More information is available here.
- Who do I notify if my address, phone number, or email address changes?
Send an email with your name and NEW and OLD information to: andrea.wall@uc.edu or call at 513.558.3784. Remember to include the area code with your phone number.
- What happens after I am admitted?
Once you're admitted, you're sent a confirmation form that you complete and send back with a non-refundable $250 deposit that is applied to your tuition. This confirms your intention to attend the University of Cincinnati James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy.
Applicants who have been issued conditional admission will be reviewed again prior to the beginning of Fall term. Those with continued satisfactory progress will be given unconditional admission when they document the completion of all pre-pharmacy requirements by submitting appropriate official transcripts and pay the confirmation fee. Admitted students must submit an acceptable criminal background check at their expense. Details of this background check will be provided to admitted students. Individuals who have not been granted unconditional admission by the start of Fall Quarter will have their enrollment cancelled.
Prior to the start of classes, incoming students must participate in and complete a "shadowing" experience -- usually a total of 16 hours at 2 different pharmacy settings. Details of this experience are mailed to students after confirmation.
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