Question 1: How many applications do you receive, interviews do you grant, and applicants do you accept in an average year?
We typically receive more than 1400 applications a year, grant approximately 400 interviews, and offer acceptances to seat a class of 120. Visit the competitive candidate profile page for more information.
Question 2: Does it matter that I’m older than your average applicant?
Definitely not. We find that students of all ages make unique contributions to the class. We encourage applications from qualified applicants regardless of age.
Question 3: Can I transfer into your PharmD program from another PharmD program?
No. The nature of the curriculum would place students transferring from other schools of pharmacy at a significant disadvantage.
Question 4: Do you give preference to California residents?
No. Although a significant portion of our student body is from California, this is merely a reflection of our overall applicant pool.
Question 5: Can international students apply?
Yes we do consider international students. Please keep in mind that any coursework taken out side of U.S. must be submitted to an approved evaluation service for review. For additional international student information, please visit the international student website.
Question 6: Is tuition the same for in-state and out-of-state residents?
Yes. We are a private institution, therefore the tuition assessed is the same for in-state, out-of-state and international students. For more information on tuition, scholarships and loan options please visit the financing my education page.
Question 7: Does WesternU accept PharmCAS letters of recommendation?
Yes, WesternU will only accept letters of recommendation from PharmCAS, and they must be submitted to PharmCAS by WesternU’s application deadline. For more information, view the PharmCAS Application Instructions on the PharmCAS website.
Question 8: Do you have an early decision process?
Yes, the College of Pharmacy participates the Early Decision Process through PharmCAS.
Question 9: How does the committee decide which applicants are offered seats?
The committee will review all completed applications and select approximately 400 candidates for interview. After the interview, all materials will be reviewed and applicants will be assigned a status: admit, hold or reject. After all interviews are completed (April) alternates will be selected from the hold candidates. At this time all students will be notified by mail of their final status. There is no need to call, as applicants will be notified immediately if there is a change in their status. Please visit the competitive candidate profile page for more information about what qualities the admissions committee seeks in a student. You will also find last year’s statistics on this page.
If you were selected as an alternate and will be receiving a bachelor’s degree by the end of the spring semester or quarter, you are encouraged to submit proof of degree received to the Admissions Office by June 1.
Question 10: How and when will I know if I’ve been invited for an interview?
You will be notified by e-mail between September and March, should you be selected for an interview.
Question 11: When are acceptance letters and final notification letters mailed?
Applicants are usually notified of the committee’s decision within one to two weeks of their interview. All applicants are notified of their final status in mid-August.
Question 12: I am a re-applicant. How may I improve my application or chances of gaining admission?
Take a critical review of the information that you mailed to our admissions office and see if there are any obvious voids. For example, maybe you had one or two low grades that lowered your overall and/or science GPA, or maybe you weren’t involved in community service, or merely forgot to include it on your application. You would be surprised at how much you can learn about the strengths and weaknesses of your application simply by looking at it from an admissions perspective.
It’s important to realize that sometimes there isn’t one obvious thing that you can change to be admitted. Every case is different and every year the competition is different. Above all else, it is important to realize that we receive applications from many highly qualified applicants each year and are only able to accept about 20 percent of that pool. If this is the path you are committed to, then keep trying! Please visit the competitive candidate profile page for more information about what qualities the admissions committee seeks in a student. You will also find last year’s statistics on this page.
Question 13: Can I request an application packet?
Please visit the apply now page for detailed instructions on how to apply.