Applying to Pharmacy School: PharmCAS 2017 is Now OPEN!

As of mid July the 2016 – 2017 cycle of the PharmCAS is officially open!

In case you’ve somehow missed it: The Pharmacy College Application Service

aka the PharmCAS ready to be conquered!

 The Pharmacy Centralized Application Service (PharmCAS) is the general web-based application used to submit applications to one or multiple pharmacy programs is the U.S.

Keep in mind decision on admission comes completely from the schools and programs you are applying to and not from PharmCAS; they are only a service you submit your applications and transcripts through.

 

pharmcas-logo

 

Completing your PharmCAS application is a big deal and not a task to be taken lightly!

So let’s go over a few keys things to get you started on the road to being accepted to pharmacy school!

 

Before You Apply

Read the instructions! FULLY & CAREFULLY.  The PharmCAS website stressing this a lot and it’s important to know exactly what your getting into anyway so read it all!

Then you’ll create an account to get started on your application here.

Note: The PharmCAS suggests not to use a Hotmail email address. (Who still uses Hotmail? Just don’t.)

 

$ Cost $

Completing the PharmCAS costs $150 and includes sending it to one school. Each school beyond that is an additional $55. So to look at the math it’ll look like this…

Screen Shot 2016-08-23 at 3.49.15 PM

Remember, specific schools may include secondary applications resulting in secondary application fees.

Plus considering possible expenses for traveling to different schools for visits and interviews, the whole application process can really add up so you’ll want to really do your research to narrow down the programs you want to apply to!

 

Deadlines

Here are some important dates to keep in mind and below are the schools’ with deadlines in 2016 to prioritize on you list of possible pharm programs…

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FYI Early Decision Deadline = September 6, 2016!!! 

 

PSA: the PharmCAS has provided a handy Application Checklist to help keep you on track!

With all the expense and stress of applying to pharmacy school, save yourself some trouble and check out PCAT Cracker for you PCAT prep and stay tuned to the blog for more topics on the application process like Getting Letters and Recommendation! That’s all for now!

 

Happy Applying

Applying to Pharmacy School: PharmCAS 2016 is Now Open!

As of mid July the 2015 – 2016 cycle of the PharmCAS is officially open!

The time has come to put all your hard work and preparation to “paper” (really to the online application)! The Pharmacy Centralized Application Service (PharmCAS) is the general web-based application used to submit applications to one or multiple pharmacy programs is the U.S. Keep in mind decision on admission comes completely from the schools and programs you are applying to and not from PharmCAS; they are only a service you submit your applications and transcripts through.

The application is open until April but you’ll need to start thinking about a lot sooner (like now!) and keep in mind specific pharm school deadlines.

 

pharmcas-logo

 

Completing your PharmCAS application is a big deal and not a task to be taken lightly!

So let’s go over a few keys things to get you started on the road to being accepted to pharmacy school!

 

Before You Apply

Read the Instructions! Fully and carefully. The PharmCAS website stressing this a lot and it’s important to know exactly what your getting into anyway so read it!

Then you’ll create an account to get started on your application here. Important note: the PharmCAS website strongly suggests not to use Hotmail as they have had problems with it in the past.

Also important though: Who’s still using Hotmail? Apparently enough people that they had to say something!! Anywho…

Check out this handy PharmCAS Checklist here to make sure you’re getting everything you need in and are on the right track along the way!

 

$ Cost $

Completing the PharmCAS costs $150 and includes sending it to one school. Each school beyond that is an additional $55. So to do some adding up that goes like this…

 

Screen Shot 2015-08-13 at 1.51.56 AM

 

Remember, specific schools may include secondary applications resulting in secondary application fees. Plus considering possible expenses for traveling to different schools for visits and interviews, the whole application process can really add up so you’ll want to really do your research to narrow down the programs you want to apply to!

 

Early Decision

The Early Decision deadline is September 8th and is coming up fast!

As the name entails this option gives applicants a chance to find out early/asap if they’ve been accepted to their first choice school. A couple things to keep in mind when considering applying for Early Decision…

– In addition to completing the PharmCAS application, all of your transcripts and documents must also be in by the September 8th deadline. If your transcripts or application fee arrive after September 8th, your application will be automatically changed over to regular decision.

– It is a ‘binding option’ meaning if you get accepted through this option you are obligated to accept. You get a special opportunity for Early Decision admission to one school and one only. So choose carefully because once you’re in, you’re in!

Interested in learning more? Find out if your dream school participates in the Early Decision programs and get the full lowdown here.

 

With all the expense and stress of applying to pharmacy school, save yourself some trouble and check out PCAT Cracker for you PCAT prep and stay tuned to the blog for more topics on the application process like Getting Letters and Recommendation! That’s all for now!

 

Happy Applying

Applying to Pharmacy School: The Interview

The admissions process is long, stressful, and at times it feels like a lot of waiting and uncertainty. During this trying time there’s one clear sign in the process before a rejection and congratulations letter that your doing well… getting the call or email about setting up an

INTERVIEW!

Reaching this point in the admissions process is exciting and promising but don’t blow it now!

You’re not in yet!

 

You look good enough on paper to make it this far but are you really what pharmacy schools want?… prove it

So let’s talk about the interview and how to ace it!

 

Professional Basics

You know these things but they are important enough to drill into your head some more now…

BE ON TIME. DRESS PROFESSIONALLY. BE POLITE. Easy enough, right? DO IT!

 

Projecting “FOMO”

FOMO = Fear Of Missing Out and you basically need to instill in a admissions committee the fear of missing out on what an awesome prospect you are! The interview is a two-way conversation and you not only what to be prepared to answer their questions, you want to be engaging and have questions of your own. You are interviewing them as a potential school as much as they are interviewing you as a potential student and you gotta make them want you. This may be your top choice school… but hey, you’re a catch and half and got other options too so you want them to win YOU over too. Note that this kind of confidence isn’t cocky but reflects a genuine and avid interest in what the program has to offer. You are evaluating the school as much as they are evaluating you.

 

Be Honest

Besides your Personal Statement, the interview is the only place to speak of yourself in your own words. The school is trying to further get to know YOU and understand your motivations towards pharmacy. Be prepared to talk about pitfalls and flaws in your application, like a less than stellar GPA or PCAT score, to come up in the interview. This is your chance to shine and reassure them of any doubts and reservations they may have about you as a candidate. Speaking openly and honestly in the interview is always to way to go.

 

Be “On” At All Times

Each pharm program’s admission interview is unique. Some schools do one-on-one interview while others opt for a committee-style set up. Most include all day visits with tours of the school, meeting professors, etc. and it’s important to understand that the entire you’re there is essentially your interview. While you’re on campus act as if you’re always being watched and examined by the admissions committee because you basically are. Making a good impression all day can lead to another professor mentioning something to the committee for instance like, “hey that candidate seemed great and asked really interesting questions on the tour earlier”; keep in mind that this works vise-versa too! So you gotta be on at all times!

 

Bonus!

Here’s some interview preparation advice from PharmCAS,

“Those who have researched and gained direct exposure to the profession will be better prepared to respond to the interview questions.”

 

With these things in mind you can have a winning interview and be one step closer the congratulations acceptance letter! Until then you can work on getting a winning PCAT score to get you to the interview step with PCAT Cracker. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions or advice to add on interviews!

 

Happy Practicing!