FEBRUARY 24, 2009THE STUDENT NATIONAL PHARMACEUTICAL
ASSOCIATION
Pre-Pharmacy Information Session
SNPhA
Student organization promoting the profession of pharmacy and healthcare in underserved communities.
Develop a positive image of minority healthcare professionals within the community.
SNPhA Contacts
President: Brittany Cannon([email protected] )Vice President: Marcia Hocutt([email protected] )President Elect: Gayle Tuckett([email protected] )
The Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT)
www.pcatinfo.web 240 multiple choice questions, 5partsVerbal Ability (48 questions)Quantitative Ability (48 questions)Biology (48 questions)Chemistry (48 questions)Reading Comprehension (48 questions)
The Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT)
Writing Section 2 Writing Topics One is definitely a problem solving
essay Grades from 1-5 (5 being the highest)
Each section is 30 minutes, and plus the time for breaks the exam is 4 hours in length
2009-2010 Test Dates
June 20, 2009 (App. Deadline 5/08/09)Aug 22, 2009 (App. Deadline 7/10/09)Oct 17, 2009 (App. Deadline 09/04/09)Jan 23, 2010 (App. Deadline 12/11/09)
APPLY EARLY!!!
Online Application and Booklet available Online Application $150, Paper is $200
How do I Prepare?
There is a Prep class offered by Kaplan
PCAT Application Booklet
PCAT prep book/detailed MCAT prep book
Old Tests & Notes
Online practice test
Applying to Pharmacy School
What to consider? MOST IMPORTANT: Accreditation
Done by ACPE (Accreditation Council of Pharmacy Education) Look at how often ACPE visits school Info. can be found on website: http://www.acpe-accredit.org/
VCU-SOP: www.pharmacy.vcu.edu Key- To check this website and FAQs before calling/e-mailing
school with questionsAssociate Dean- Thomas P. Reinders: [email protected] Pharmcas: www.pharmcas.org
General application for most pharmacy schools. Not all pharmacy schools participate with Pharmcas, so check
requirements for each school because they differ Schools are grouped by states
Early admission is recommended because your application will be considered twice.
Apply to pharmacy schools other than VCU to increase your chances of getting into one.
VCU Pre-requisite Courses
Be aware of changes!Sciences- 40 semester hoursMath – 6 semester hoursEnglish/Public speaking- 9 semester hoursElectives – 35 semester hours
Recommended- Genetics, Immunology, and/or Cell Biology
Make sure there’s balance
Total number of semester hours- 90
VCU Interview section
www.studentdoctor.net – Student Doctor Network Has a compilation of various student blogs and forums concerning their
interviews, as far as the style, format, etc.KEY: If you are invited for an interview, make a good use of
your opportunity. Looking for assessment of verbal/communication skills Warmth Relax & Be Yourself!!!
You need to be able to answer simple questions such as: Why have you chosen the field of pharmacy? Why VCU? Where do you see yourself in 10 years?...etc.
If you don’t get in the first time, Don’t give up, apply again while working on more classes focused on health sciences.
VCU Pharmacy school does not penalize you for taking the PCAT more than once; your best score is chosen.
Additional Websites
APhA –American Pharmacists Association: www.pharmacist.com
AACP- American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy: www.aacp.org
NCPA- National Community Pharmacists Association: www.ncpanet.org
ACCP- American College of Clinical Pharmacy: www.accp.com
ASHP- American Society of Health-System Pharmacists: www.ashp.org
ASCP- American Society of Consultant Pharmacists: www.ascp.com
SNPhA Mentoring Program
Interested Pre-Pharmacy Students will be paired with a current pharmacy student at VCU School of Pharmacy. SNPhA Mentor program is designed to help undergraduate pre-pharmacy students gain knowledge about Pharmacy School preparation or admission by forming an ongoing mentor relationship with current pharmacy students.
Please e-mail the vice president, at [email protected] in order to be paired with a mentor
QUESTIONS???