Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
When will I work with pharmacy faculty?
What is the application deadline?
The School operates on a rolling admission basis, considering applicants throughout the admission cycle until the class is full. Consequently, there is no absolute deadline date. However, preferred admission freshman and transfer candidates who apply before November receive prior consideration.
How do I qualify for a pharmacy scholarship?
Information about how to apply for competitive pharmacy scholarships can be obtained from the Pharmacy Scholarships page.
When should I take the PCAT?
PCAT scores are required for admission to the graduate-level, professional pharmacy curriculum. Consequently, students should take the PCAT in the summer or fall one year prior in advance of starting this curriculum. Taking the PCAT at this point will insure that scores will be available in time to be considered for admission to the professional curriculum.
How does tuition for the graduate-level, professional pharmacy program compare to undergraduate tuition?
Currently graduate-level pharmacy tuition is approximately 13% higher than undergraduate tuition at Cedarville University.
What subjects should I take in high school to prepare for pharmacy?
Generally, a strong college-preparatory high school curriculum is the best preparation for success in the pre-pharmacy curriculum. This curriculum should include 4 years of science (biology, chemistry, physics; possibly advanced chemistry and advanced biology) and 4 years of mathematics (algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus).
Should I take AP courses in high school?
Yes. The rigorous nature of AP courses provides excellent preparation for your collegiate academic experience. Even if you do not score high enough to earn credit, you should find that the enhanced study skills you develop by taking an AP course will be extremely beneficial and prepare you to be successful in college. Many of our pre-pharmacy students take AP courses in high school.
Can I use AP credit to satisfy pre-pharmacy course requirements?
Yes! Consult the AP Test Score Guide to find the score you need to earn credit and to learn how your credit will be applied.
Can I complete the 7 year curriculum in 6 years?
Yes! Many students who bring in AP credit and/or dual enrollment credit complete the three years of pre-pharmacy in two years. This approach takes careful scheduling. If you are interested in pursuing this option, please contact the Director of Admissions for the School of Pharmacy for details.
What if I do not have a high enough grade point average or ACT/SAT score to qualify for preferred admission?
While most of our pre-pharmacy freshmen enter as preferred admission students, others enroll as general pre-pharmacy students. General pre-pharmacy students take the standard pre-pharmacy curriculum and are advised by pharmacy faculty members. If you earn a cumulative collegiate gpa of at least 3.0 (the higher the better) by the end of your first year of study at Cedarville, you may be invited to interview for preferred admission. If you are granted preferred admission, you will have the same privileges as other preferred admission students.
How many students are in each pharmacy class/cohort?
53 in the Pharm.D. Class of 2016; 60 spots are available in 2017; 65 spots are available in every class thereafter.
What is the minimum PCAT score required for admission to the professional program?
For unconditional admission to the professional program, you must earn a PCAT composite score at the 50th percentile or higher.
If I take the PCAT more than once, how will my scores be considered?
The Pharmacy Admissions Committee reviews and considers scores, including all sub-scores, from every PCAT score report submitted. However, the highest composite score carries the most weight in the final admission decision.
Can I attend the Cedarville University School of Pharmacy if I completed my pre-pharmacy coursework at another university?
Yes! Each year many students who have graduated from other universities gain admission to the School of Pharmacy as post-baccalaureate students. See the post-baccalaureate admission site for details. Note that typically all of the Cedarville-specific pre-pharmacy courses are available on-line or during the summer, enabling you to apply for admission in the winter, gain admission to the program in the early spring, and complete these final requirements during the summer prior to beginning pharmacy school in August.