Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
School of Pharmacy

Apply for the EARLY DECISION PROGRAM (EDP) if Texas Tech is your number one school. The EDP deadline is 9/3/13. The Regular Decision deadline for U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents is 12/2/13. The deadline for International Students is 11/1/13. 

  1. Contact Information ↑ 

  2. Program Deadline ↑ 

    PharmCAS Application and Transcript Deadline for the class entering fall of 2014:  December 2, 2013

  3. Program Information ↑ 

    • ACPE accreditation status: Full Accreditation
    • Institution Type: Public
    • Is your institution part of an academic health center? Yes
    • Type of academic term: 
      • Semester (two terms per academic year)
    • Dual Degree Programs Yes
    • If Yes, Check all that apply: 
      • PharmD/M.B.A
    • Structure of your PharmD program:
      • 2-4 (two years prepharmacy required)
    • Open House Information:
    • Does your institution participate in the Early Decision Program (EDP)? Yes
    • Alternative enrollment options available
    • Is your institution participating in the Centralized Criminal Background Check (CBC)?: No
    • Is your institution participating in the PharmCAS-facilitated Drug Screening Service?: No
    • Satellite/Branch Campuses:
      • Campus assignments- Abilene--four years Amarillo--four years Amarillo-first two years/Dallas-3rd/4th years Amarillo-first two years/Lubbock--3rd/4th years  

  4. Program Description ↑ 

    Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) School of Pharmacy offers the degree of Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) with this expanded role of the pharmacist in mind. The effective delivery of essential primary health care services requires a greater responsibility of the pharmacist and a greater depth and breadth of education to support it.

     

    TTUHSC School of Pharmacy’s program is student centered, focusing on problem-based educational strategies. The curriculum provides an integrated course context of pathophysiology, pharmacology, medicinal chemistry and therapeutics, built on a solid understanding of the biomedical sciences. It offers expanded practice management instruction and clinical experiences early and throughout the four-year professional program. Each of the curricular and instructional strategies has been precisely balanced to give the academic and clinical preparation to optimally succeed in any pharmaceutical profession.

     

    · TTUHSC-SOP is recognized nationally for preparing pharmacists who have the therapeutic management skills to serve patients whose lives are affected by certain chronic diseases. In fact, our students receive more clinical contasct hours than do students from any other pharmacy program in the state and almost all other pharmacy programs in the country.

     

    · TTUHSC-SOP is the only pharmacy school in the country that requires advanced professional practice rotations in both pediatrics and geriatrics. We are also one of only three pharmacy schools that require rural professional practice rotations.

     

    · TTUHSC-SOP sciences faculty have spearheaded the development of four Centers for Research Excellence: the Center for Cancer Biology Research, the Vascular Drug Research Center, the Pediatric Pharmacology Research and Development Center and the Center for Immunotherapeutic Research and Development.

     

    · TTUHSC-SOP practice faculty are nationally recognized for their collaborative practice partnerships with the hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities that serve our four campus communities. Our partnership with the Veteran’s Administration Hospital received the Crystal APPLE (Academic-Practice Partnerships for Learning Excellence) Award from the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy for two consecutive years. It was the only partnership in the country to receive such recognition in consecutive years.

     

    · TTUHSC-SOP is the only pharmacy school in the southwest U.S. to offer a joint Pharm.D./M.B.A. degree

    Note for Early Decision: We will only accept the June 2010 to July 2012 PCAT for Early Decision.

  5. Program Statistics and Criteria ↑ 

    • Estimated number interviewed for fall 2013 entering class: 335
    • Estimated number accepted for fall 2013 entering class: 155
    • Estimated fall 2013 entering class size including early assurance and transfer seats: Amarillo-115 and Abilene-40 -- Total 155
    • Estimated number of early assurance students advancing to the professional program: N/A
    • Estimated number of transfer applicants accepted: N/A
    • Estimated number of out-of-state applicants accepted: 4-10
    • Estimated percent of males in 2013 entering class: 44%
    • Estimated percent of females in 2013 entering class: 56%
    • Estimated average GPA of accepted students: 3.58
    • Estimated number of students to be interviewed: 325
    • Number of IN-STATE seats available for fall 2014 entering class: 155
    • Number of OUT-OF-STATE seats available for fall 2014 entering class: 15
    • Number of TRANSFER seats available for fall 2014 entering class: N/A
    • Minimum overall GPA considered: Overall GPA generally not reviewed.
    • Minimum prerequisite GPA considered: 3.00 (preferred)
    • Minimum composite PCAT score considered: 50 (preferred)
    • Previous college experience prior to enrolling in the school/college of pharmacy: 3 or more years, no degree (>60 sem hrs)
    • Age RANGE of entering students, excluding transfer students entering other than the first year of your program: 18-46
    • Ratio of applications received to the number of first-year students enrolled, excluding transfer students entering other than the first year of your program: 4.7:1

  6. Program Prerequisites ↑ 

    • Total number of college SEMESTER HOURS that must be completed prior to matriculation: 75 appx.
    • Total number of basic science college SEMESTER HOURS that must be completed prior to matriculation: 44 appx.
    • Applicants must successfully complete ALL course prerequisites by the end of the: Spring 2014 term
    • Course Prerequisites Table:
      Course Title Semester Hours Quarter Hours
      Total 75 appx.   
      Biology--Biology I for Majors with lab  4   
      Biology--Biology II for Majors with lab  4   
      Biology--Microbiology with lab  4   
      Chemistry--Chemistry I for Majors with lab  4   
      Chemistry--Chemistry II for Majors with lab  4   
      Chemistry--Organic Chemistry I with lab  4   
      Chemistry--Organic Chemistry II with lab  4   
      Physics I with lab (trig or calculus based accepted)  4   
      Speech (Public Speaking)  3   
      English Composition (two 3-hour courses-not used in GPA calculation)  6   
      English/British/U.S./Ethnic/Women's Literature (not used in GPA calculation)  3   
      Humanities/Social Sciences (five 3-hour courses-not used in GPA calculation)  15   
      Economics (macro-preferred or micro)  3   
      Math--Calculus I  4   
      Math--Statistics  3   
      Biology--3000-level Human-Based Science (not 2000-level from a Community College--must be Upper Division Junior or Senior level)--with or without lab  3-4   
    • Additional Information: 

      A three thousand level course (or above) is required in the broad field of human-based sciences. It can't be from a Community College. Specific branches may include anatomy, biology, biochemistry (highly recommended), bioengineering, bioinformatics, biomechanics, biomedical research, biophysics, biotechnology, developmental biology, genetics, histology, microbiology, molecular biology, neurobiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, physiology, and virology. Some schools may use a three digit numbering system. Applicants wishing to have a course evaluated for approval may submit a request to the Office of Student Services by emailing pharmacy@ttuhsc.edu .

       

      Exemption from English and Humanities/Social Sciences if applicant has earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university prior to enrolling in the School of Pharmacy.

       

      Humanities/Social Sciences include: Anthropology, Communications (excluding Public Speaking prerequisite), Economics (excluding Economics prerequisite), Ethnic Studies, Family Living/Human Development, Geography, History, Journalism, Philosophy, Political Science (Government), Psychology, and Sociology.

       

      Note: Performing and Fine Arts (including Music), Physical Education, Foreign Languages, Religion, Computer Science, or similar courses will not meet Humanities/Social Sciences Requirement.

       

      Prerequisite groupings for Humanities/Social Sciences, e.g., 6 hours of history and 6 hours of government, are not required. Any combination of Humanities/Social Sciences is acceptable.

       

      Advance Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), CLEP, and Dual Credit courses are accepted if listed on an accredited U.S. college or university transcript.

       

      Courses are accepted from any regionally accredited U.S. college or university. A course-by-course evaluation is required for any foreign institution courses that are used for our prerequisites.

       

      Courses completed prior to seven years previous to admission date must be approved. Send your approval request to pharmacy@ttuhsc.edu . Include the course name, course number, year and semester completed, school at course completed, work experience since completing the course.

       

      English, Humanities/Social Sciences, Economics, or Public Speaking may be taken during Summer I prior to admission with approval by emailing pharmacy@ttuhsc.edu .

       

      http://www.ttuhsc.edu/sop/prospective/prerequisites.aspx">http://www.ttuhsc.edu/sop/prospective/prerequisites.aspx

  7. Supplemental Application ↑ 

    • Supplemental Application required? Yes
      • Details: A submitted supplemental Merlin application is required of all applicants. Additional documents are also required from International Students (does not include U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents).
      • Deadline: January 7, 2013 Postmarked by deadline
      • Supplemental Application fee: $100.00
      • Obtaining the Supplemental Application: 

        http://www.ttuhsc.edu/sop/prospective">http://www.ttuhsc.edu/sop/prospective

         

        A submitted supplemental Merlin application is required of all applicants.

  8. Tests ↑ 

    • PCAT required? Yes
      • The oldest PCAT considered: June 2010
      • Details: 

        June 2010 to January 2013 (including new October and November 2012 tests) are accepted. PCAT's prior to three years from date of admission are not accepted. Select PharmCAS Code 104 to report PCAT scores directly to PharmCAS.

         

        June 2010 to July 2012 are the only PCAT's accepted for Early Decision applicants.

      • Note: select PharmCAS Code 104 to report PCAT scores directly to PharmCAS. 
    • TOEFL® required? Yes
      • Details: 

        For International Students (does not include U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents)

         

        ·         All academic records as identified in the Information for Prospective International Students brochure must be received before the application can be evaluated. Please utilize the checklist available on our web site.

        ·         Uncertified copies and notarized copies of academic records are not acceptable. Proficiency in English is required. An official TOEFL score report indicating a minimum of 650 paper-based/280 computer-based/114 internet-based is required. Photocopies are not acceptable.

        ·         Deadline for all required documents must be received by December 1 of the year prior to admission.

         

         

      • Note: select code 8246 to report your TOEFL® and/or TSE® scores directly to PharmCAS. 
    • Other required tests or credentials: 

      Applicants must also provide documentation that they have completed all required immunizations and CPR certification prior to matriculation. Upon acceptance, a Criminal Background Check is required.

       

      New Early Decision Option Now Available for Applicants Taking September PCAT

       

      If you would like the opportunity to receive an offer of admission in October, and if you have taken the PCAT or plan to take the PCAT in September, we encourage you to apply as an Early Decision applicant.  

       

       Offers of admission to those taking the September PCAT will be made with the understanding that the offers are dependent upon results of the September PCAT.  Please email (pharmacy@ttuhsc.edu) or fax (806-356-4017) your preliminary September PCAT scores by September 30th.   

       

      On your PharmCAS application, be sure to choose Early Decision status.  (See page 31 of the PharmCAS Application Instructions for an explanation of the Early Decision designation.) The PharmCAS and supplemental application deadline for Early Decision applicants is September 4th.

       

      We are excited to be able to offer the early decision option to an expanded number of applicants.  Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. 

  9. Experience ↑ 

    • Is health care-related experience required? Yes, required of all applicants

  10. Residency ↑ 

    • Is proof of state residency required? Yes
    • Details: Residency information is gathered in the supplemental application. http://www.ttuhsc.edu/sop/prospective
    • Is preference given to state residents? Yes
    • Is preference given to residents of other states? No

  11. Foreign Applicants ↑ 

    • Is proof of U.S. residency required? No
    • Are foreign citizens considered? Yes
    • Are U.S. permanent residents considered? Yes
    • Are Canadian citizens considered? Yes
    • Policy for accepting non-U.S. coursework (excluding study abroad): Send a foreign transcript evaluation report (FTER) to PharmCAS
    • Deadline for receiving foreign transcripts/evaluations: December 1, 2012 Postmarked by deadline
    • Details: 

      The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy only accepts English translations. A second supplemental application is required for International Students in addition to the supplemental Merlin application. The course-by-course evaluation must be from an evaluation service listed in the PharmCAS www.pharmcas.org instructions. See International Students at http://www.ttuhsc.edu/sop/prospective .

       

      TOEFL Score Requirement --

      An official TOEFL score report indicating a minimum of 650 paper-based/280 computer-based/114 internet-based is required.

  12. Letters of Reference ↑ 

    • Are letters of reference (LORs) accepted? Yes
      • Number of LORs you accept: Three (3)
      • Are LORs required? Yes
      • Do applicants send the LORs to PharmCAS, or directly to your school? to PharmCAS
    • Institution Specific Details: 

      We prefer LOR's from people who know you well (non-family).

    • LOR types that are REQUIRED: 
    • LOR types that are RECOMMENDED BUT NOT REQUIRED: 
      • Employer
      • Pharmacist
      • Professor (Science)
    • LOR types that are CONDITIONALLY ACCEPTED: 
    • Note: please verify the institution specific details regarding CONDITIONALLY ACCEPTED LOR types. 
    • LOR types that are NOT ACCEPTED: 
      • Family Member
    • Are Committee Letters accepted? Yes
      • A Committee Letter is: Conditionally Accepted
      • Details: Health Professions Committee letters are accepted.
      • Does it count as more than one LOR? No
    • Are Composite Letters accepted? Yes
      • A Composite Letter is: Conditionally Accepted
      • Details: Composite evaluation similar to Texas A&M Office of Professional and Graduate School Advising is accepted but must be accompanied by letters of evaluation from Texas A&M, etc. An LOR will be counted for each professor/advisor. Call (806) 354-5457 for clarification.
      • Does it count as more than one LOR? Yes

  13. Interviews ↑ 

    • Does your institution conduct interviews? Yes
    • Interview Dates:
      • October & January to March 

  14. Accepted Applicants ↑ 

    • When are acceptance letters mailed to regular applicants? THE TTUHSC SOP uses a policy of rolling admissions. Under rolling admissions, candidates are invited and offered admission on a continual basis.
    • When is the response to the acceptance offer due? The deadline is in the Offer of Acceptance letter. Normally, a candidate is given about two weeks in which to accept or reject the offer.
    • Is there a deposit to hold an acceptee's place in the class? Yes
      • Amount: $100.00
      • Due: Acceptance Letter deadline
      • Refundable? No
    • New Student Orientation Information: 
      • July 30, 2013 
      • Details: Required participation beginning July 30, 2013 through August 10, 2013.
    • First day of classes and/or matriculation: Monday -- August 13, 2013
    • Are requests for deferred entrance considered? Yes
      • Details: Each request is evaluated individually.