FAQ: PCAT

  • Required.

  • As many times as you like. In past years, we have used the highest composite score in our admissions formula.

  • You should consult the admission policies posted on our website for rules and deadlines regarding the PCAT. When considering an application, the PCAT scores represent a standardized assessment of the applicants knowledge in biology, chemistry, mathematics and communication.  As a result, it is recommended that applicants provide the admission officers with a recent assessment.

  • For an application to be considered for admission to the Doctor of Pharmacy program, the applicant must have a cumulative pre-pharmacy required course GPA of no less than 2.5 and should have a PCAT composite score which ranks them at no less than a 50th percentile. Applicants should have verbal and reading sub-score above the 25th percentile.

    In previous years, the "should" was a "must".  This meant that in the past, the College of Pharmacy would not review an application associated with a PCAT score below the 50th percentile.  The change in language from a "must" to a "should" means that a PCAT score below the 50th percentile will not result in an automatic disqualification.  Instead they will be subject to further review.  It is important to note however, that the PCAT score is an important component of the ranking formula.  Applicants should refer to our entering class statistics to see the average PCAT composite and GPA's for those admitted.

    The same interpretation should be used for the 25th percentile verbal and reading.  These are not automatic disqualification thresholds, but they do represent scores that will draw scrutiny related to the communication aptitude of the applicant.

    NOTE: Admission to the College of Pharmacy is a competitive process that is based on the criteria set forth in the admission policies.  As a result, higher PCAT composite scores will contribute to more favorable ranking.

  • Yes, but preference may be given to applicants that have taken the PCAT prior to the January test date. 

  • The College of Pharmacy does not "pre-qualify" applicants.  Absent a complete PharmCAS application, which includes information on PCAT scores and official transcripts we cannot guarantee an application will be “qualified for consideration”.  As a result, we can not tell you whether your PCAT score is "good enough" or not.  Please consult the "P-1 Class Profile" on the admission page of the College of Pharmacy.  This provides you recent averages for those admitted to the program.

    As stated in the admission criteria, PCAT score is a very important component of the ranking formula.  As a result, the best possible score is in the best interest of the applicant.  In addition, Ferris uses the highest composite score from those available.  All PCAT scores for each applicant are received from the PharmCAS system.  Given these policies, an applicant can not "hurt" their ranking (for Ferris) by retaking the PCAT.  They can only improve it.  If you are applying to multiple Colleges of Pharmacy, then be sure to consult each College's policy related to their use of repeat PCAT's.

    If you believe you meet all the qualifications for the program as outlined on our website and in PharmCAS, it is best to submit your application for review.