International Assessment (IA) Exam FAQ 

Question 1: What is the IA exam? 
The Internal Assessment (IA) exam is a test that is written and graded by the Pharmaceutical Sciences faculty at Western University. There are two main purposes of this exam as follows:

1. Since IPBP students by-pass the first year of the curriculum, this exam is intended to evaluate the candidate's strengths and weaknesses in topics that are taught in the first year of the Western University Pharm.D. curriculum. The weaknesses identified by taking the IA exam will allow Western University faculty to suggest further student review in basic pharmaceutical sciences and foundation skills in preparation for the rigorous Pharm.D. curriculum.
2. The IA exam serves as an entrance exam for admissions into the IPBP program. Scores from the test play a significant role in the overall admissions process.
    

Question 2: Is anyone exempt from taking the IA?
No. It is mandatory for all candidates applying for the IPBP program to take the IA exam.

Question 3: What is the expiration date on the IA scores?
All passing IA exam scores are valid for 1 year only. Thus, all applicants for the IPBP program will be required to take the exam every year in the event they are not admitted into the program.

Question 4: Is there a fee for the IA exam? 
Yes. The fee structure is as follows:

1. IA Examination Study Guide Access Fee: $250. All new applicants must submit this mandatory fee to purchase the IA examination study guide. Once this fee is received, electronic access to the study guides will be provided.
2. IA Examination Fee: $250. All applicants (new and re-applicant) selected for an interview must pay this fee on the day of the interview without exception. Non-payment of these fees will result in the applicant(s) not being allowed to take the IA exam and the Interview.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING IA EXAM FEE PAYMENT:
All fees must be paid in two installments, i.e., the first installment of $250 for study guide access will be due upon submission of initial application. The second installment of $250 for the IA exam will be due on the day of the interview, if invited. Payments not made in this fashion will be promptly returned to the applicant.

• This may result in the delay of his/her application process.
• All checks must be payable to the College of Pharmacy Western University of Health Sciences.
   

Question 5: What happens to my IA Examination Study Guide Access fee if I do not get selected for an interview?
If after preliminary evaluation of your file, you are not selected for an interview but you have already purchased and accessed the study guide, you will forfeit the $250 study guide access fee. However, the study guides are valid for two consecutive admission cycles, thus you will not need to purchase another study guide if you choose to reapply the following year. Alternatively, you may choose to wait until an interview decision has been made on your application before submitting the requisite fee for the IA study guide. However, please be aware that since the deadline for applications is February 2, 2009 and interview decisions will be made during that time, and provided you are selected for an interview, it will reduce the amount of time for preparation of the IA exam scheduled for April 23 and 24, 2009. If you purchased the study guide but did not access the materials via the Bb (Blackboard), you may request a refund as per our refund policy below.

Question 6: When will the IA test be administered?
The date for the IA exam and interview has been set for April 23 (Thursday) and 24 (Friday), 2009.

Question 7: Where will the IA exam be administered?
All admission related events including the IA exam will be held on the campus of Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, Ca. Please visit our website for directions to campus.

Question 8: How will the IA exam be graded?
An applicant must achieve a score of at least 60% to receive a "PASS" for the IA exam. Also, if areas of weaknesses are identified, the candidate may be asked to take remedial courses prior to being admitted as a student.

Question 9: Will my IA exam score make a difference in the overall admission process?
Yes. IA exam scores are a significant factor in the admissions process. Therefore, a high score in the IA exam will definitely improve your overall chances of being admitted into the program.

Question 10: How do I study for the IA exam?
Upon notification of your application being received from the Western University admissions office, candidates will receive online access to an information packet containing study guides, sample exams and a syllabus of review information.

In order to obtain the information packet, all prospective students must have access to a computer and a valid email address (your email address should be clearly filled out in the application form). All relevant study materials will be placed on the Western University server. No hard-copy documents will be provided. Prospective students will be given "guest student" account access thereby allowing them to download the study material from the server. Detailed instructions will be provided on how to download documents from the Western University server.

Once the study materials are received by the candidate, it will be the responsibility of the candidate to study at his or her own pace and take the IA exam at the designated date and time.

Important! Although the deadline for applications is February 2, 2009, candidates are encouraged to send in, at the least, their admission applications (with requisite IA study guide access fees) as early as possible so that access to study materials can be provided for them. This will allow more time for the applicant to study the materials provided.

Question 11: What is the format for the IA exam?
The entire examination will consist of multiple-choice questions. The test will be divided into four sections: (A) Pharmaceutics, Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacogenomics (B) Immunological Sciences (C) Pharmacology and (D) Acid-Base Chemistry. Approximately 200 questions are anticipated for the entire test. The questions will include all the above mentioned sections. Most of the questions for the IA will be based on the information provided in the study guides.

Question 12: When will the study materials be available for download?
Study materials will be available for distribution by mid-November 2008. Applicants interested in the program should submit applications early to access the study materials. Although the deadline for applications is February 2, 2009, candidates are encouraged to send in their admission applications as early as possible such that access to study materials can be provided for them. This will allow them more study time for the IA exam. However, the applicant can also choose to wait until the preliminary decision on the interview has been made, as explained in the FAQ.

Question 13: When will the results of the IA exam be announced?
Results of the IA test will be announced within 2 weeks after the exam. Passing IA scores are valid for 1 year.