Disclaimer: The Preferred Admission program replaces the former Assured Admission program. While the structure and benefits remain the same, the name change more accurately reflects the expectations of the pathway. 

Preferred Admission

As admission to pharmacy school becomes more competitive, the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy’s Preferred Admission program provides a strategic advantage for qualified students. The program reserves 60 seats in the PharmD program for students who complete two years of prerequisite coursework and successfully complete the application and interview process. Throughout their undergraduate studies, participants receive tailored advising, mentorship, and professional development resources to strengthen their candidacy.

How do I apply?

High school students that want to apply for Preferred Admission must first apply and be accepted to the University of Iowa as a “Pharmacy Interest” student. Upon admission, if the student meets the academic requirements, they will be sent a supplemental application in their MyUI portal. Admission requirements listed below: 

  • 3.8 Cumulative GPA 

AND/OR 

  • 25 ACT (1200 SAT) 

The University of Iowa College of Pharmacy has two deadlines for Preferred Admission applications:

  • Priority Deadline: November 1st 
  • Final Deadline: February 1st 

Standard Admission

Students who do not qualify for the Preferred Admission Program or value obtaining a Bachelors degree can pursue admission to the College of Pharmacy by enrolling as “Pharmacy Interest” students through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Standard Admission students remain eligible to complete their prerequisite coursework within two years and apply to the PharmD program afterward. 

How do I apply?

Incoming first-year students interested in pursing a Doctor of Pharmacy degree should first apply for admission to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and declare "Pharmacy Interest" as their program of study.  

66%

of our PharmD cohort are Standard Admission students

A video about the day in the life of a undergraduate pre-pharmacy student at the University of Iowa

 

52%

of Iowa's Pharmacists

are UI College of Pharmacy trained

97%

Graduation Rate

3-year average of graduating within four years

5600

Alumni live and work in all 50 states

173 live outside of the U.S.