Pre-Pharmacy Information
Session
FEBRUARY 24, 2009
THE STUDENT NATIONAL PHARMACEUTICAL
ASSOCIATION
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
(cannonbn@vcu.edu )
 Vice President:
Marcia Hocutt
(hocuttmd@vcu.edu )
 President Elect:
Gayle Tuckett
(tuckettg@vcu.edu )
The Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT)
 www.pcatinfo.web
 240 multiple choice questions, 5parts
 Verbal 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 questions
 Associate Dean- Thomas P. Reinders: tpreinde@vcu.edu
 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 hours
 Math – 6 semester hours
 English/Public speaking- 9 semester hours
 Electives – 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 snphamentor@gmail.com in order
to be paired with a mentor
QUESTIONS???