Early Assurance – PharmDirect

The Early Assurance PharmDirect Program (EAP) provides high school seniors and college undergraduates with a clear roadmap to admission into pharmacy school at The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, College of Pharmacy (also known as HSC College of Pharmacy).

The EAP offers eligible students a pathway to a future Doctor of Pharmacy class, dependent upon continued success in meeting prerequisite and admissions criteria. Students with an aptitude for chemistry and the life sciences, strong communication and leadership skills, and a desire to improve the health of patients through a team-based healthcare approach are excellent applicants for the program.

What Are the Benefits?

Students who meet the requirements for entry into their respective pathways will be guaranteed an interview with the Doctor of Pharmacy program. Remaining in the EAP and promotion to the Doctor of Pharmacy program will be dependent upon fulfilling the requirements outlined herein. Students who fulfill the requirements for promotion to the Doctor of Pharmacy program will not compete against the traditional admissions pathway pool of applicants and will not be required to take the PCAT.

Requirements for Acceptance

To gain acceptance to the program, students must meet requirements for the high school or undergraduate college pathway. Acceptance into either pathway will be determined by the HSC College of Pharmacy Admissions Committee per its established procedures. Learn more about the requirements for each pathway handouts below.

Application and Letter of Intent (LOI)

Students seeking entrance into the EAP via either the High School Pathway or Undergraduate College Pathway must complete the online application process for Early Assurance via PharmDirect by the May deadline and pay an application fee.

A Letter of Intent (LOI) must also be submitted by the applicant to the HSC College of Pharmacy Admissions Office. Applicants accepted into the EAP shall be notified by the Admissions Office and provided with a copy of their LOI signed.

Additional Requirements

To remain in the HSC College of Pharmacy EAP and gain promotion to the Doctor of Pharmacy program, students must meet the following requirements:

  • Students entering via the high school pathway must enroll in an accredited community college, 4- year college, or university within 18 months of graduation, unless all prerequisite criteria have been completed.
  • Maintain a minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA at an accredited community college, 4-year college, or university.
  • Maintain a minimum 3.2 cumulative prerequisite courses GPA for admission to the HSC Doctor of Pharmacy program.
  • No grade below a “C” or equivalent in any of the prerequisite courses for admission to the HSC Doctor of Pharmacy program.
  • Complete the prerequisite courses for admission to the HSC Doctor of Pharmacy program.
    • Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and College Level Examination Program (CLEP) credits will be accepted provided that they appear on the official transcript of the applicant’s primary school.
    • Courses completed in high school as part of a Dual Credit Program will be accepted provided, they appear on the official transcript of the applicant’s primary school.
    • Courses may be completed at an accredited community college, 4-year college, or university.
    • Online course instruction from an accredited college or university is acceptable.
  • Remain in good academic and disciplinary standing at their primary school.
  • Remain enrolled in an accredited community college, 4-year college, or university continuously until the prerequisite courses for admission to the HSC Doctor of Pharmacy program have been completed.
  • Provide a positive letter of recommendation from a healthcare professional who observed or supervised the student during a healthcare-related experience by the priority deadline the year prior to matriculation.
  • Provide updated transcripts at the end of each semester no later than 30 days following posting of transcripts at the primary school.
  • Apply to and meet the requirements for the Early Decision Admissions process of the HSC Doctor of Pharmacy program.
  • Once the prerequisite courses for admission to the Doctor of Pharmacy program have been completed, students must submit an application to the HSC College of Pharmacy through PharmCAS prior to the next priority deadline. See HSC Admissions Information
  • Students must successfully complete the Early Decision Admission interview process, which will occur during the fall semester of the year prior to matriculation to the Doctor of Pharmacy program.

Failure to maintain these minimum standards for the EAP will lead to removal from the EAP. However, students are still encouraged to apply to HSC College of Pharmacy through the Early Decision Admissions or Regular Admissions process.

Students in the EAP are not required to take the PCAT for admission.

FAQs

Q. Do I need to be advised?
A. Yes, students seeking entrance to the Early Assurance Program (EAP) through either the Undergraduate College Pathway or the High School Pathway must seek academic advisement from an academic advisor or counselor. Students seeking entrance to the EAP through the Undergraduate College Pathway must provide proof of advisement.
Q. How long will I be in the EAP before entering the UNT System College of Pharmacy?
A. This can vary; however, students will generally be in the EAP for at least one year prior to starting pharmacy school.

Withdrawal Procedure

Students accepted into the EAP may withdraw their acceptance at any time prior to the Early Decision Admission deadline.

Appeals

Appeals regarding admission into or removal from the EAP program must be submitted in writing to the Associate Dean within seven business days of receiving the decision related to admissions or removal. The appeal, along with the recommendation of the Associate Dean, will be provided to the Dean for the final decision.

 

For more information about the PharmDirect Application, please review the following instructions: PharmDirect

Applications for Fall 2023 entrance to the EAP program open August 31, 2022 and close April 1, 2023.

 

 

 

You may contact  admissions@unthsc.edu  or call 817-735-2003 for more information.