Timetable for Pre-Pharmacy Coursework

Suggested Timetable for Pre-Pharmacy Coursework and Application

There is no single timeline that students must follow when applying to the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy. The below timeline is a suggested framework for undergraduate students who are considering applying to the college upon completion of a Bachelor’s degree.  Please note: The college prefers applicants who have completed, or will complete by the time of enrollment, a bachelor’s degree. Students may also work with their undergraduate advisors to develop a plan that is compatible with their institutions’ course offerings to complete pre-requisite coursework.    

 Year 1

• Begin general chemistry and general biology courses 
• Begin math courses in preparation for the required calculus course 
• Select additional prerequisites such as English composition, behavioral science courses, public speaking, economics   
• Participate in extra-curricular activities
• Begin volunteer service 
• Begin exploration of the pharmacy profession: Work or volunteer in a pharmacy, job shadow pharmacists in different settings, explore different areas of the profession 
• Join a pre-pharmacy club at your school (if available)
• Familiarize yourself with the College of Pharmacy’s selection criteria 

 Year 2 

• Complete organic chemistry sequence
• Complete calculus
• Complete additional remaining prerequisites (English composition, behavioral sciences, economics, public speaking)
• Attend Pharmacy Preview Day in either the Twin Cities or Duluth
• Continue involvement with extracurricular activities, volunteer activities
• Continue exploring the profession through job shadowing, informational interviewing, volunteering and/or working in a pharmacy. 

 Year 3

• Complete physics sequence
• Complete microbiology
• Complete human anatomy 
• Register to take the PCAT during summer or fall following completion of  this year 
• Identify three people to write letters of recommendation for you

 End of Year 3/beginning of Year 4

• Apply through PharmCAS. The college begins accepting applications as early as June for enrollment. For example, if you wish to apply for admission for September 2008, you can apply beginning in June 2007.    
• Complete the Supplemental Application after submission of your PharmCAS application. 
• Remember to submit your application early in the rolling admissions cycle to increase chances for admission. 
• • Only applicants with an overall PharmCAS GPA of at least 3.00 (or at least 3.20 during the most recent 60 semester credits) who have submitted complete applications (PharmCAS application, Supplemental application, 3 letters of recommendations, fees, and PCAT scores) will be considered for an interview     

Year 4

• Complete any remaining prerequisites
• Interview with the College of Pharmacy