Do I need to complete all prerequisite courses before I apply?

[phdpharmd]

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I am an international student. I took most of the courses in my home country. I probably won’t have time to finish the rest of those courses including microbiology and physiology. Someone told me that I don’t have to complete all the courses, if they give you offer, they will work out a list of courses that you should take. And they may waive some courses. She got into a PharmD program last year. I am wondering if most of the schools do that, or how strict they are. I am applying to Maryland, Purdue, Minnesota, OSU, and UNC. Could anyone share some information on that? I would appreciate any help. 🙂

 

[ALLNuclear]

This is a matter of school policy, so while some people on these forums may know the answer for a particular school, your best bet is to contact these programs directly.

I've heard of schools waiving courses if you can prove you've taken an equivalent course. If you're looking for a "special" exception to the rule, though, I think you're out of luck.

If I'm wrong, someone please correct me. It's just that I'm thinking about 800 people apply for about 100 seats... why would there be a scenario in which it's OK that you did not finish your prereqs?

 

[phdpharmd]

Thanks though. I am also always wondering about this. If for example, I took human anatomy at my school for 4 quarter hours, but the prerequisite asks for 5 quarter hours, does the course I took meet the prerequisite? Do most people finish their prerequisite before they apply?

 

[GT500]

Email or call each pharmacy school you are interested in applying. The school's website should provide you with this information. If you call, ask to speak with an admission counselor. This will help clear any type of confusion. I highly doubt any of the schools will waive prerequisite courses. From what I have seen, you must finish all your prerequisite courses before matriculating into pharmacy school. You do not have to finish all your prerequisite courses before you apply but it would be nice to have finished most or all of your science core classes because the adcoms will be able to make a more well-informed decision regarding your application.

 

[ALLNuclear]

Thanks though. I am also always wondering about this. If for example, I took human anatomy at my school for 4 quarter hours, but the prerequisite asks for 5 quarter hours, does the course I took meet the prerequisite? Do most people finish their prerequisite before they apply?

Is there really a physiology worth 5 hours floating around somewhere?

Most importantly, rely on the school's answers to this question. But I think in a scenario like this... it would depend on if the course was equivalent.

The only scenario I can think of that is really like this would be if you took a Chem 3 credit course (a course without a lab) and the school required a Chem 4 credit (one with a lab tacked on). In this scenario, the Chem 3 probably wouldn't transfer. You're an international student, though, so it may be one of those "lost in translation" things -- the credit hours.

 

[laimyours]

I took physiology worth 5 units, but i think it's typically 4. I would ask them. As far as the pre reqs go, you should put them in your planned course work and they will accept you on the condition that you pass those classes. Some schools state they give priority to the students that have completed all or most of the pre reqs. So if you have like 1 or 2 pre req classes to take, you're in good shape. But, if you are taking 5 of the 10 pre req classes you will be at a disadvantage. You can go ahead an apply and see what happens. I would just assume a student with the same stats but, all pre reqs completed will have an edge on you.

 

[IrishRxMan]

The thing nobody has said is, if you will finish your pre-reqs before you sit for the first day of class, you should apply. You first need to figure out if the classes you have already will transfer/translate to the programs you wish to apply.