Student Admissions

I am an undergraduate student ready to start my PharmD application. Click here to apply to the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy.

I'm an undergraduate student at the University of Iowa or another 2-4 year institution, I already have a degree, or I'm a non-traditional student.

Become A Strong Applicant!

Explore the field of pharmacy with pharmacyforme.org! Use interactive tools, resources, and firsthand testimonials to gain insight into career opportunities in pharmacy.
Learn about the tasks, skills, and knowledge needed for pharmacist careers on O*Net.
Connect with the PharmD Admissions team to request an informational interview with students, faculty, or alumni from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy!

In Iowa, you only need to be 18-years-old and have a high school diploma to work as a Pharmacy Support Person. From there, you can complete training to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician, gaining valuable experience working with patients, handling medications, and learning directly from pharmacists!
Seek out job shadowing opportunities with pharmacists in various specialty areas. If shadowing isn’t available, consider requesting an informational interview to learn more!

Join pre-pharmacy or pre-health careers organizations to connect with like-minded peers, gain insights into the pharmacy field, and access valuable resources and networking opportunities.
Get involved in student organizations on campus to broaden your skills, build connections, and enhance your college experience.
Volunteer to give back to the community, develop essential skills, and demonstrate a commitment to service – qualities highly valued in healthcare careers.
Pursue leadership roles within student organizations, volunteer groups, or jobs to build leadership skills, teamwork experience, and a strong foundation for future professional growth.

Seek leadership roles in student organizations to enhance your communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
Take initiative in group projects or volunteer activities to demonstrate responsibility and build trust among peers and mentors.
Mentor or guide newer members within your organization to foster a supportive environment and strengthen your leadership presence.
Collaborate with other leaders on campus to expand your network, share ideas, and learn from diverse leadership styles.

Develop effective study habits and time management skills to stay on top of coursework and prepare for the rigorous demands of pharmacy school.
Seek academic support and resources early, such as tutoring or study groups, to ensure you’re fully grasping key concepts.
Aim for excellence in prerequisite courses to strengthen your knowledge base and enhance your readiness for advanced pharmacy studies.

Create a document or note where you regularly jot down moments that affirm your desire to become a pharmacist—this will be invaluable when it’s time to write your personal statement.
Meet with the admissions team to learn more about the program and get answers to your questions. We’re here to support you!
Think about who might write your recommendation letters and ensure they can speak to your recent achievements and skills.
Practice your interview skills through mock interviews or online practice tools to build confidence, readiness, and enhance your communication skills.
If offered an interview, be sure to dress for success! We encourage but do not require candidates to wear business casual attire for their PharmD interview.