FEBRUARY 24, 2009 THE STUDENT NATIONAL PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION Pre-Pharmacy Information Session

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 Vice President: Marcia Hocutt President Elect: Gayle Tuckett

The Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) 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

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: VCU-SOP:  Key- To check this website and FAQs before calling/ ing school with questions Associate Dean- Thomas P. Reinders: Pharmcas:  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 – 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:  AACP- American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy:  NCPA- National Community Pharmacists Association:  ACCP- American College of Clinical Pharmacy:  ASHP- American Society of Health-System Pharmacists:  ASCP- American Society of Consultant Pharmacists: 

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 the vice president, at in order to be paired with a

QUESTIONS???