Submit the Application

Complete and submit a PharmCAS application with all supplemental materials including:

Official Transcript(s)

Before we review your application, we will need to review an official transcript from each university you have attended. Applications are considered by the admissions committee only after transcripts on file show completion of no fewer than 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of college work. Applicants for admission to the VCU School of Pharmacy must complete, at minimum, 52 semester hours or 78 quarter hours of coursework and complete the specified course requirements prior to admission.

Tip: PharmCAS only accepts official electronic transcripts through Parchment and National Student Clearinghouse. To determine if your university’s registrar participates in either service, please check the Parchment and National Student Clearinghouse directories. If not listed in either directory, arrange for the registrar to mail an official paper transcript directly to PharmCAS.

Personal Statement

A strong personal statement should answer these questions:

• Who are you?
• What do you value?
• Why are you interested in pharmacy school?
• How have you prepared for pharmacy school?
• What academic or volunteer experiences led you to apply or sparked your interest in this field?
• Why do you want to attend VCU School of Pharmacy?
• How will you contribute to the incoming class?
• What life experiences have shaped you?

Tip: Your personal statement is the only place on your pharmacy school application to describe who you are and advocate for your admission to the program. Remember to check your writing for grammar and spelling.

Three Letters of Recommendation

Your letters of recommendation should give the admissions committee insight into your character, engagement with others, accomplishments and more. Three letters are required to gain admission to the Pharm.D. program.

Ideally, you should submit one letter of recommendation each from:

• a professor/faculty member
• an employer 
• a health care professional

Tip: If you are unable to secure a recommendation from a health care professional or employer, a letter from a faculty member or volunteer coordinator is acceptable. Do not request letters from colleagues, teaching assistants, faith leaders or family members. When in doubt, a good option is to secure a recommendation from a professor/faculty member who can speak to your academic pursuits in science or math.