PharmD
Application Process and Requirements

Your Path to a PharmD Begins Here

We are excited to guide you through the process and help you to your first steps toward your PharmD Degree. You will apply for the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program through an external application site called PharmCAS, but admissions decisions are made by the U-M College of Pharmacy.

1

Where to Apply

2

What to Expect

3

When to Submit

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How to Stand Out

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What’s Next?

To access our PharmD application, you will be taken to an external website called the Pharmacy College Application Services (PharmCAS). PharmCAS is the national application portal that pharmacy schools use (including University of Michigan) to apply to PharmD school.

Give yourself plenty of time to collect the necessary materials and fill out the PharmCAS application.

 

You will be asked to submit: 

    • Biographical Information
    • Resume/CV
    • Personal Essay 
    • Kira Assessment – a virtual assessment of your communication skills
    • Two References: One reference must be from a paid employer or a supervisor from a volunteer or research experience
    • Academic History
      • All transcripts for the application process need to be submitted directly to PharmCAS
      • A course grade of “C” or above is required for prerequisite courses

The PCAT is no longer required for admission. The exam was retired in January 2024.

 

English Proficiency Test Scores

  • If English is not your native language and/or you completed high school abroad at a non-English speaking school, you must take the TOEFL/TSE, or other English proficiency exam. The results need to be sent directly to the PharmCAS address (Code 8246).
  • If you have completed any ESL coursework, you are required to submit English proficiency scores. 
  • Test scores of 27 or higher in each area on the TOEFL exam are highly recommended to be a competitive applicant.

Priority Application Deadline: October 1, 2024

  • By submitting your application by this date, you receive first consideration for a scholarship.

 

Final Application Deadline: March 3, 2025

  • Submit your application and materials by this date to be considered for the Fall 2025 term.

The College of Pharmacy takes a holistic approach to admissions, considering all aspects of the application. Below is a list of attributes shared by successful applicants. Be sure to highlight such qualities within your application to help us understand your interest in the field: 

  • Exposure to Healthcare (patient care experience, volunteerism, shadowing)
  • Leadership Experience
  • Interpersonal Skills & Ability to Work on a Team
  • Strong Communication Skills (both verbal and written)
  • Resilience & Adaptability
  • Evidence of Integrity & Ethical Mindset
  • Desire to Make a Positive Impact on Healthcare

Check out the makeup of our latest PharmD class.

We admit students on a rolling basis.


After submitting your application, here is what you can expect moving forward:

  • You will receive communication from PharmCAS regarding the status of your application. Once all required items have been received, you will be notified that your application is complete and ready for review.
  • After application review, qualified candidates will be invited to interview.
  • Candidates have the option to participate in an on-campus or virtual interview day. Shortly after completing the interview process, candidates will be notified of their admissions decision.
  • If offered admission, you will receive information on how to secure your spot in the program!
Tuition, Scholarships and Financial Aid

Tuition, Scholarships and Financial Aid

A PharmD at U-M might be more affordable than you think. Learn more about funding your education. 

Visit Campus or Attend an Event

Attend an Info Session or Recruiting Event

We can't wait to meet you! Sign up for an upcoming virtual information
session or we might be in your area!

Have Questions? We’re Here For You.

We know that the PharmD application process can be overwhelming and intimidating. Our team is happy to help walk you through the process and answer any questions you have. Reach out to Cari Ceo, Assistant Director of Admissions, to set up a virtual meeting.

 

 

PharmD at U-M Prerequisites

You must complete the following prerequisites prior to enrolling in the program.

Here are a few things to know about these requirements:

  • Prerequisites Do Not Need to be Completed at the Time of Application
  • A “C” or Above Must be Achieved in These Courses for Consideration
  • Prerequisite Courses Cannot be Double-Counted. This Means One Course Cannot Count for Two or More Prerequisites
  • At Least One Year of the Required Pre-Pharmacy Courses Must be Completed in a United States or Canada-Based University
  • Coursework Must be Completed at an Accredited United States or Canadian University

If you are a current University of Michigan student, click here to see what courses fulfill the prerequisite requirements.

Biology
(Two Semesters or Three Quarters)
Introductory biology course sequence for pre health students.
Full year sequence is required. Lab is not required.
AP credit with a score of four or five will satisfy the prerequisite for biology.

Organic Chemistry with Lab
(Two Semester or Three Quarters)
Introductory organic chemistry course sequence.
Full year sequence is required.
AP credit for organic chemistry is not accepted.

Biochemistry
(One Semester or One Quarter)
Introductory biochemistry course that covers the chemical and physicochemical processes that occur within living organisms.
Does not require lab component.

English Composition
(One Semester or One Quarter)
Introductory composition course.
AP credit is not accepted.
Acceptable courses can fall under the category of humanities, social sciences, political science, etc. so long as the course is writing intensive with critical feedback.

Calculus
(One Semester or One Quarter)
College level calculus course.
AP credit with a score of four or five will satisfy the prerequisite for calculus.

Genetics
(One Semester or One Quarter)
Introductory genetics course.
Acceptable courses must cover the science of genetics. Evolutionary and population genetics courses are not acceptable.

General Chemistry with Lab
(Two Semesters or Three Quarters)
Introductory general/inorganic chemistry course sequence.
Full year sequence is required.
AP credit with a score of three or higher will satisfy the prerequisite for general chemistry.

Human Anatomy
(One Semester or One Quarter)
An anatomy course that covers the entire human body. May require two or more course sequences to cover the entire human body.
Animal/mammalian anatomy does not meet this prerequisite.
Physiology is not a substitute for Human Anatomy; however a combined Anatomy and Physiology course sequence that covers the entire human body is acceptable.

Physics with Lab
(One Semester or One Quarter)
Introductory physics course with lab for pre health students
One course with lab is required. Can be algebra or calculus-based physics.
AP credit with a score of 4 or 5 will satisfy the prerequisite for physics.

Statistics
(One Semester or One Quarter)
Introductory statistics course for pre health students. Biostatistics courses are accepted.
AP credit with a score of four or higher will satisfy the prerequisite for statistics.
A course that includes ANOVA, chi square tests and multiple regression/multiple comparisons is strongly recommended.

Social Science
(Two Semesters or Three Quarters)
Social science courses are concerned with society and the relationships among individuals within a society. They can include anthropology, economics, political science, psychology and sociology.
AP credit with a score of four or higher will be accepted for one of the two courses required.

Start Your Application Today!