Pre-Pharm Timeline

  1. Office & Department Directory
  2. Biology Department
  3. Pre-Pharm Timeline

First Year

1. Focus on academics- This is the time to establish strong study skills and habits that will enable you to excel in upper level courses. #PRE-PHARM LEARNING

2. Start shadowing- Get into the pharmacy and begin to shadow pharmacists.  Use this opportunity to become sure that this is the career for you.  Check out other health careers as well (OT, RN, NP, PA, MD, RDN, etc).  Pharmacy schools want to know that you have a clear idea of the career you’re getting into- start gaining this understanding early and often.  #EXPERIENCE

3. Choose activities wisely- Pharmacy programs want to see that you care about people and are a good communicator.  Get involved in organizations and activities that get you out into the community.  It doesn’t have to be a health-specific activity, just something that shows a drive to help others.  Start an activity now and carry it through the next four years.  #SHOW YOU CARE

4. Meet with a pre-health advisor in the spring semester- Even if this person is not your major advisor, it’s good to establish a connection with someone who will help guide your academic and extracurricular decisions as you aim for pharmacy school.  You should routinely evaluate your academics and activities, and an advisor helps you think realistically and objectively before making big decisions.  #PRE-PHARM ADVICE

5. Consider study abroad opportunities- Most students can fit in study abroad (typically during junior year) with careful planning and guidance from their advisors.  Most biology majors choose the programs in Denmark, Kenya, New Zealand, and Australia, though other programs are certainly an option.  Even if you decide not to go abroad for a semester, consider these summer opportunities:  Health Care Delivery (Kenya), Extreme Physiology (Africa), Neuroscience of Fear (Denmark), Learn Spanish in Nicaragua (Health Careers Language and Internship) (Nicaragua).  #EXPERIENCE THE WORLD

6. As the year is ending, consider applying to be a TA for next year- As a TA or tutor, you will be tasked with communicating with and supporting students in their learning.  This is an excellent way to keep your knowledge of a particular topic fresh in your mind and will challenge you to communicate information in creative ways to help others understand.  And not to mention the great letter of recommendation you’ll get from the profs you work with…. #BE KNOWN

7.  Sign up for the SLU Health Careers Listserv  to get all of the latest information.  #BE IN THE KNOW

Sophomore Year

1. Stay focused academically- You will encounter tough courses this year, so draw upon the skills you developed as a first-year and learn new ways to study as you move into upper-level courses.  Identify 5-6 programs you plan to apply to and make note of their requirements.  There is a lot of variety in pre-requisite courses, so be sure to make a comprehensive list of courses you plan to complete so you are eligible for your programs of interest.  #PRE-PHARM STUDY

2.  Keep up with shadowing.  You should continue to periodically shadow pharmacists to demonstrate sustained interest in the field AND to observe different sub-specialties/work environments.  #MORE SHADOWING

3. Keep up with extracurriculars- Be sure to make some time for the people-focused activities you started last year.  #CONTINUED CARE

4. Consider research- An increasing number of students who get accepted to healthcare programs have research experience.  This doesn’t necessarily have to be research in biology or chemistry, but can also include projects in psychology and sociology.  Talk to a professor whose course you liked or approach faculty whose projects sound interesting to you (read up on the department websites!) to find out what opportunities might be available to you.  Even if you don’t get involved as a sophomore, you can make plans to apply for a SLU Fellowship or external summer research programs.  Involvement in research shows that you’re interested in new ideas and continuing to learn. #ASK QUESTIONS

5. Consider applying for SLU Health Coaches- This is an excellent opportunity to get patient experience.  In the fall semester, you will learn the foundational concepts for working with patients to achieve change, and in the spring semester, you will meet with your patient and help them follow their care plan.  Apply during the spring semester for the course next fall. #SLU HEALTH COACHES

6. Meet with your pre-health advisor again in the spring- Be sure you’re still  #ON PRE-PHARM TRACK.

7. Use your summer- This is a great time to do more shadowing or work/volunteer within the health care environment.  (Some students have even been able to work as pharmacy technicians.)  Even if you have another non-health related job, reserve some time to work on the experience portion of your #PRE-PHARM PREP.

Junior Year

1. Academics, shadowing, extracurriculars- You get it by now, maintain your #PRE-PHARM FOCUS.

2. Make your plan for studying for and taking the PCAT exam- This exam is required for application to pharmacy schools.  Take some scored, full-length practice exams during the spring semester.  Don’t wait until the last minute to “pre-test” yourself, in case you need to study more to improve your score.  Since most pharmacy schools begin reviewing applications in the fall (during your senior year), you should begin studying during your junior spring semester and plan to take the exam during the early summer.  This will allow you enough to time to complete other portions of the application after taking the exam.  #PCAT PREP

3.  Consider applying for a SLU Fellowship to perform summer research with a faculty mentor. Start planning this in the fall semester. #SLU SCHOLAR

Senior Year

1. Don’t slow down before reaching the finish line- Continue to challenge yourself academically and don’t ease up on your dedication to courses. #LIMIT SENIORITIS

2. Stick to the plan that’s gotten you here- Don’t give up your people-focused community activities.  Taking time to help others helps to keep your life in perspective. #MAKE A DIFFERENCE

3. When you begin to submit your applications, take a moment to consider your online presence.  “Google” your name to be sure that no concerning content appears.  Change your Facebook and other social media accounts to “private” and verify that all publicly viewable information and profile pictures are appropriate.  Graduate and professional schools will look at these media sources when considering your application.  Be sure that any media or online resources linked to you provide a positive, professional impression of who you are. #PROFESSIONAL PRESENCE

4. Finish your applications.  Ask for any additional recommendation letters well ahead of time to allow your recommenders time to complete the submission process.  #APPS COMPLETE

5. Go to interviews- Research the schools at which you will be interviewing- become familiar with their curriculum and the unique aspects of their program.  Have specific questions to ask if given the opportunity.  #PHARM SCHOOL OPTIONS