To begin the process, all applicants to the PharmD program must submit an online application through the Pharmacy Centralized Application System (PharmCAS).
Pitt Pharmacy admits open pool applicants on a rolling basis beginning in October.
For all steps in the application process, it is the applicant's responsibility to follow all instructions, meet all requirements, and meet all deadlines. It is recommended that applications are submitted early in the admissions cycle. Applicants re responsible for monitoring the progress and status of their application.
Preparing to complete the Application
The first step is to review the Before You Apply page for a checklist. Review the Application Instructions page on PharmCAS for details on completing the application and tips, tools, and tutorials.
PharmCAS– Regular School Application deadline is in March each year
The application opens in mid-July each year for the following Fall term.
Coursework Requirements for Admission
Applicants must complete all preprofessional prerequisites courses at an accredited US or English-Speaking institution. Credits are not accepted from institutions outside these locations; WES evaluations are not accepted.
All required math and science courses must be completed by the end of spring term of year of entry in the professional program. All remaining courses should be completed by the end of the spring term and must be completed prior to the fall term of entry into the professional program.
Transcripts from all institutions attended must be sent directly to PharmCAS.
Applicants who apply early in the cycle who have courses in progress are required to complete the Fall Academic Update in PharmCAS. Note: Fall grades cannot be updated until PharmCAS verifies prior to the opening of the Fall Update.
Applicants to Pitt Pharmacy are not required to complete the Spring Academic Update unless advised to do so by the Admissions Committee.
Standardized Tests
Pitt Pharmacy does not require any standardized tests as part of the application process.
Evaluations (Letters of Reference)
Applicants are required to submit three (3) individual letters of recommendation. Committee evaluations are considered ONE letter by Pitt Pharmacy. Applicants are required to request at least two (2) letters of reference from faculty members at a college or university who worked with them in the classroom, laboratory, or as an advisor. The faculty can be from any subject with preference for science faculty.
The third letter of recommendation may be from a third faculty member, employer, faculty advisor, health care professional (who the applicant worked with), pharmacist, pre-health advisor, or supervisor.
Letters are NOT accepted from clergy, co-workers, family, friends, teaching assistants, graduate students, co-worker, or politician.
Review the application instructions for evaluations
Interview
The PharmD Admissions Committee will review verified applications to determine the applicant will be invited to interview. Interviews are held from September through March and are by invitation only.
All interviews are held online only through the Zoom platform.
Interviews are typically held on select Saturdays (weekdays may be available). Applicants will have an opportunity to interact with current PharmD students and school leadership. This is not part of the interview evaluation but is an opportunity to ask questions regarding the University and the PharmD program. A 30-minute individual interview with two faculty members will be part of the evaluation process.
Applicants who are invited to interview are asked to meet one-on-one with a Pitt Pharmacy PharmD Admissions Team member remotely prior to their interview to discuss prerequisites, interview logistics, writing assessment, and answer questions regarding the program.
Per the Interview No-Show Policy, an applicant who is scheduled to interview and is unable to keep the interview is asked to notify the Admissions Team at least 2 days (48 hours) prior to the interview. Upon notification, the Admissions Team can help to reschedule the interview. Individuals who are no-show for an interview with no notification will not be able to reschedule the interview.
Writing Assessment
Applicants who are invited to interview and required to complete the writing assessment as part of the application process.
Schools of pharmacy are required to assess written communication skills in a standardized manner as part of the PharmD admission process as part of accreditation standards.
During the prerequisite review meeting, the instructions will be reviewed and the link and password to the writing assessment will be shared.
Completion of the assessment is required for consideration for admission.
Applicants will be asked to attest that they will abide by the code of conduct and that the essay is their own original work. The writing assessment will be assessed by members of the PharmD Admissions Committee.
Admissions Decisions
The PharmD Admissions Committee will review applications within two weeks of interviews. Applicants will be notified of the admissions decision via email through PharmCAS.
If an offer is made, the PharmD Admissions Team expects an acknowledgement and decision by the specified due date. Contact the Team if there are questions or additional information needed to help make a final decision.
Applicants who receive an offer are asked to Accept/Decline Offer via PeopleSoft/HighPoint CX within 14 days of the offer. Instructions will be provided in the offer email.
To secure your place in the class, you will be asked to pay a non-refundable deposit of $200 when you accept the offer of admission following instructions provided. The full amount of your deposit will be applied towards the first term tuition.
Information regarding mandatory orientation, the first day of class for the fall term, and program-specific details will be provided upon acceptance of the offer.