Your Pathway to a Pharmacy Degree
We don’t just admit students. We select future pharmacists.
At Ļć½¶Šć School of Pharmacy, we take a holistic approach to PharmD admissions because the best future pharmacists are more than their transcripts. We seek students with the integrity, character, and drive to thrive here and serve communities far beyond our campus.
Academic Qualifications
We evaluate candidates holistically, and strong academic preparation is one important part of that picture.
- PreāPharmacy GPA: Preferred minimum of 2.75 in required preāpharmacy courses
- Cumulative GPA: Preferred minimum of 2.5
- No standardized test is required
- Grades: Each prerequisite must be completed with a grade of Cā or better at a regionally accredited US institution or international institution with coursework evaluated by WES before matriculation.
- Applicants who complete all preāpharmacy coursework at Ļć½¶Šć with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher and meet all admission requirements are guaranteed an interview.
How to Apply
- Application:
All applications are .
- Transcripts:
Submit official transcripts for all college coursework with your application in . Send updated transcripts via PharmCAS during Fall and Spring Academic Update windows.
- Interview:
Receive an interview with Ļć½¶Šć School of Pharmacy (See tips below).
- Two Letters of Recommendations:
- One letter from healthcare provider (pharmacist preferred)
- One letter from a college professor (academic reference)
- Letters from family members are not accepted.
Prerequisite Coursework
All prerequisite coursework must be completed with a “C-” or better at a regionally accredited US institution or international institution with coursework evaluated by WES before matriculation.
Science
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| Human Anatomy or Anatomy & PhysiologyāÆI | 3 hours |
| Human Physiology or Anatomy & PhysiologyāÆII | 3 hours |
| General BiologyāÆI & II with labs | 8 hours |
| Microbiology with lab | 4 hours |
| General ChemistryāÆI & II with labs | 8 hours |
| Organic ChemistryāÆI & II with labs | 8 hours |
| Physics | 3 hours |
* Note that organic chemistry and life sciences courses completed seven or more years before application will not satisfy prerequisites without Admissions Committee approval.
Social Science
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| English Composition I | 3 hours |
| English Composition II | 3 hours |
| Humanities Elective: Foreign languages, Arts, Philosophy, History, Political Science, or Geography | 6 hours |
| Psychology or Sociology | 3 hours |
Math
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| Statistics | 3 hours |
| Calculus | 3 hours |
What we look for Beyond academics
Qualities & Attributes
Academic preparation gets you in the door. Character is what we’re looking for. We seek candidates who lead, serve, communicate well, and have taken real steps to understand what it means to be a pharmacist.
As part of our holistic admissions review process, we consider the following:
- Written & Verbal Communication Skills.
- Volunteerism: a history of community service
- Leadership: leadership roles and extracurricular involvement
- Professional exploration: pharmacy work experience, internships, volunteering, or shadowing
Other Considerations
- Preference may be given to applicants who:
- Hold a previous degree
- Come from rural or underserved areas of South Carolina
- Complete pre-pharmacy requirements at Ļć½¶Šć
- English Fluency: Applicants must demonstrate fluency in both spoken and written English.
- Immunizations: Applicants must also provide documentation that they have completed all required immunizations
- Background Check: Applicants must successfully complete a criminal background check prior to matriculation.
Interview Process
Ļć½¶Šć School of Pharmacy offers both in-person and virtual interview options.
The interview helps us get to know you beyond your application. We’re looking for qualities like communication skills, empathy, ethical reasoning, interpersonal skills, motivation, commitment to pharmacy, and grit.
If selected, you’ll hear from our Admissions Office by phone or email to find a date that works for you. Please respond promptly to confirm ā and if something comes up, just give us a call at 864-938-3913 to reschedule.
Plan Your Trip. You are responsible for arranging your own travel and accommodations. (Directions and accommodations).
A valid photo ID is required to participate.
Your interview day is designed to give you space to shine. During the interview, you’ll meet with two Ļć½¶ŠćSP faculty members in a blind format ā meaning interviewers have no prior knowledge of your application. This is your opportunity to share what matters most to you. Your visit also includes a campus tour, time for photographs, an application review, and a Q&A session with Admissions staff and/or the Dean of the School of Pharmacy.
Attire: Dress professionally. For women, this typically means a tailored suit, blazer with dress pants or a skirt, or a professional dress in a neutral or muted color. Keep accessories minimal and choose comfortable, closed-toe shoes. For men, dress slacks, a collared shirt, jacket, and tie are appropriate. When in doubt, classic and polished is always the right call.
Punctuality: In order to ensure you arrive on time for your interview, please allow time for the unexpected (e.g. traffic or weather delays). In the case of an unavoidable delay, you should call the Office of Admissions at 864-938-3913 immediately.
Additional Program Requirements
Insurance Requirements
Students enrolled in the School of Pharmacy must meet certain insurance requirements during the program. Students are responsible for the associated costs:
- Professional Liability Insurance: Maintain individual coverage and provide proof upon request
- Health Insurance Coverage: Maintain active coverage throughout the program
Technology Requirements
Must have on first day of orientation in your possession.
- Intel Core i5 processor or better
- Windows 10 Home or higher (Professional recommended)
- 8 GB RAM
- 500GB hard drive
- Wireless network adapter supporting 802.11n or higher
- HDMI output
MacBook Air is not recommended.
- HDMI output
- Intel Core i5 processor or better
- OS X 10.11 or higher
- 8 GB RAM recommended
- 500GB hard drive
- Wireless network adapter supporting 802.11n or higher