2009 Uncesop Pharmd Applicants Info Session Handouts

SCHOOL OF PHARMACY 2009 INFORMATION SESSION 1001 Kerr Hall I.

Welcome and introductions

II.

Application process and procedures

III.

Health requirements

IV.

ECSU Partnership Program

V.

Factors considered in the admission decision

VI.

Notification dates

VII.

Profile of the class admitted for entry in Fall 2009

VIII.

Questions/Evaluations

IX.

PharmD/PhD Career Path

X.

Questions to current students regarding the PharmD curriculum or student life

XI.

Tour of the School (optional)

Reminder: Please complete enclosed survey and turn in before leaving! Follow the School online: •

The School on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/uncpharmacy

•

The admissions office on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=118164749394&ref=search&sid =787879132.531391725..1

•

The School on Twitter: http://twitter.com/UNCPharmacy

Report in progress UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL ESHELMAN SCHOOL OF PHARMACY QUICK FACTS (As of June 19, 2009) You can obtain additional information about the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy by accessing our Web site at www.pharmacy.unc.edu or calling the Office of Student Services at 919-966-2001. PROFILE OF 2009 APPLICANTS Applications Received % NC Residents % Non-Residents % Minority Asian Pacific Islander African American Native American Hispanic Other/Unknown

21% 8% 1% 3% 14%

% Females % Male % Unknown Age Range Number of States Represented Number of NC Counties

66% 32% 2% 19-53 41 66

PROFILE OF ADMITTED APPLICANTS Interviewed 284 149 Admitted-Enrolled (140 UNC, 4 ECSU) Average PCAT 381 Average PCAT % 83% Average GPA 3.5 % NC Residents 73% % Non-Residents 27% % Minority Asian Pacific Islander 16% African American 3% Hispanic 3% Native American ---Other/Unknown 9% % Females 69% % Male 31% Age Range ---Number of States Represented Countries 1 Number of NC Counties

772 44% 56%

Profile of Admitted Applicants -Continued

CLASSIFICATIONS – UNC-Chapel Hill

States/Counties Represented:

Transfers from other institutions

(Page 1 of 2)

Post Graduate Plans Doctor of Pharmacy Class of 2008 Community Post-graduate training Hospital Undecided/Unreported Nuclear

44% 32% 13% 10% 1%

Average Annual Salary of pharmacists in all settings by region: Northwest $107,378 Southwest $112,200 Midwest $105,486 Southeast $107,835 Northeast $105, 573 Source: Drug Topics March 2008

ESTIMATED AVERAGE EXPENSES FOR PHARMACY FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS Fall 2008** Resident Tuition $5,890.00 Fees 841.23 Orientation Fee* 45.00 Clerkship Fee Total 6,776.23 Nonresident Tuition $14,057.50 Fees 841.23 Orientation Fee* 45.00 Clerkship Fee Total 14,943.73

Spring 2009** $5,890.00 841.23 6,731.23

14,057.50 841.23 14,898.73

Summer 2009** $ 981.00 224.00 200.00 1,405.00

$3,018.00 224.00 200.00 3,442.00

Total l $12,761.00 1,906.46 45.00 200.00 14,912.46

$31,133.00 1,906.41 45.00 200.00 33,284.46

*Charged to all new students once in the fall semester of their first year **Based upon 2008-2009 academic cost. The University reserves the right to make changes in tuition and fees at any time. ***Tuition may increase 5-10% per year; however, this is subject to change.

(Page 2 of 2)

Estimated Average Expenses For Pharmacy First-Year Students Residents Tuition Fees Orientation Fee* Clerkship Fee

Fall 2008** $ 5,890.00 $ 841.23 $ 45.00 $ $ 6,776.23

Spring 2009** $ 5,890.00 $ 841.23 $ $ $ 6,731.23

Summer 2009*** $ 981.00 $ 224.00 $ $

200.00 1,4 05.00

$ $ $ $ $

$ $ $ $ $

$ $

3018.00 212.00

$ $

200.00 3,345.00

Total $ 12,728.00 $ 1,894.46 $ 45.00 $ 200.00 $ 14,867.46

Non-Residents Tuition Fees Orientation Fee* Clerkship Fee

14,057.50 841.23 45.00 14,943.73

14,057.50 841.23 14,898.73

$ 31,048.00 $ 1,894.46 $ 45.00 $ 200.00 $ 33,187.46

*Charged to all new students once in the fall semester of their first year **Based upon 2008-2009 academic cost. The University reserves the right to make changes in tuition and fees at any time ***Based on summer 08 rates ****Tuition may increase 5-10% per year; however, this is subject to change.

PREREQUISITES Applicants Entering College Prior to Fall 2006 Students with a baccalaureate degree prior to enrolling in the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy must only complete the math and science prerequisites. Students who do not have a baccalaureate degree are required to meet the general education requirements, as well as the math and science prerequisites. For additional information regarding transfer equivalencies, please refer to https://s4.its.unc.edu/sis/adm/xfereq.html. Old Course Number Chemistry 11/11L

Math and Science Prerequisites

New Course Number and Title Chemistry 101/101L (General Chemistry I with lab)

Hours 4

Chemistry 21/21L

Chemistry 102/102L (General Chemistry II with lab)

4

Chemistry 41/41L

Chemistry 241/241L* (Separations/Analytical Char with lab) *Only required for UNC-Chapel Hill students

3

Chemistry 61

Chemistry 261 (Organic Chemistry I with lab)

3-4

Chemistry 62/62L

Chemistry 262/262L (Organic Chemistry II with lab)

4

Biology 11/11L

Biology 101/101L (Principles of Biology with lab)

4

Biology 45/45L

Biology 252/252L (Human Anat/Physiology with lab)

4

Microbiology 51 or 55

Microbiology 251 or 255 (Microbiology)

4

Physics 24/24L

Physics 104/104L (General Physics I with lab)

4

Physics 25/25L

Physics 105/105L (General Physics II with lab) *Not required of UNC students completing Chemistry 241/241L

4

Math 31

Math 231 (Calculus of One Variable) or 241

3

Statistics 11

Statistics 151 or 155

3

General Education Requirements

English 101 and 102 (English Composition)

6

Fine Art

3

Literature

3

Pre-1700 History

3

Historical

3

Social Science

3

Cultural Diversity

3

Philosophical

3

Physical Activity (two one-hour physical activity courses)

1

Foreign Language (through level 3 — intermediate)

9

PREREQUISITES Applicants Entering College Fall 2006 or After Students with a baccalaureate degree prior to enrolling in the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy must only complete the math and science prerequisites. Students who do not have a baccalaureate degree are required to meet the general education requirements, as well as the math and science prerequisites. For additional information regarding transfer equivalencies, please refer to https://s4.its.unc.edu/sis/adm/xfereq.html. Old Course Number Chemistry 11/11L

Math and Science Prerequisites

New Course Number and Title Chemistry 101/101L (General Chemistry I with lab)

Hours 4

Chemistry 21/21L

Chemistry 102/102L (General Chemistry II with lab)

4

Chemistry 41/41L

Chemistry 241/241L* (Separations/Analytical Char with lab) *Only required for UNC-Chapel Hill students

3

Chemistry 61

Chemistry 261 (Organic Chemistry I with lab)

3-4

Chemistry 62/62L

Chemistry 262/262L (Organic Chemistry II with lab)

4

Biology 11/11L

Biology 101/101L (Principles of Biology with lab)

4

Biology 45/45L

Biology 252/252L (Human Anat/Physiology with lab)

4

Microbiology 51 or 55

Microbiology 251 or 255 (Microbiology)

4

Physics 24/24L

Physics 104/104L (General Physics I with lab)

4

Physics 25/25L

Physics 105/105L (General Physics II with lab) *Not required of UNC students completing Chemistry 241/241L

4

Math 31

Math 231 (Calculus of One Variable) or 241

3

Statistics 11

Statistics 151 or 155

3

General Education Requirements

Foreign Language — completion through level three (intermediate) in a single language. If placed into level four, applicant must complete it.

9-10

U.S. Diversity — one course

3

Social and Behavioral Sciences — three courses from at least two different departments or curricula. One of these courses must engage in historical analysis

9

Global Issues — one course

3

Humanities and Fine Arts — one course in philosophical analysis that contains significant content in ethics and moral reasoning (Philosophical and Moral Reasoning), one course in literature and one course in visual or performing arts (Visual, Performing, and Literary Arts).

9

Lifetime Fitness — one course

1

English 101 and 102

6

English Composition and Rhetoric — two courses

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS GENERAL What is the doctor of pharmacy degree? The doctor of pharmacy degree, also called the PharmD degree, is the entry-level professional degree for pharmacy. It is neither an undergraduate degree nor a graduate degree, but rather a professional degree similar to a doctor of medicine (MD). This means that regardless of whether you have completed an undergraduate degree program previously, after earning a doctor of pharmacy degree and successfully passing a licensure exam, you are eligible to practice as a pharmacist in a variety of settings. How long does it take to complete the PharmD program? The pre-pharmacy coursework can be completed in two years and the professional program is completed in four years. Ten months of the professional curriculum is spent working “in the field” under the direction of other pharmacists. Is there an accelerated or bridge program for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from a foreign institution? No, we do not have an accelerated program. To join our program, you must commit to four years of full time coursework upon completion of required prerequisites. What is the difference between a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree and a PhD in pharmaceutical sciences? The PharmD program results in the Doctor of Pharmacy degree, which is the professional degree for pharmacists practicing in a retail, hospital, clinical, or ambulatory care environment. The PhD program is designed for those interested in a research career. For more information on our programs, please check http://www.pharmacy.unc.edu/programs . What is the average GPA of admitted students? The average GPA of admitted students is 3.5 (4.00). Do you accept out-of-state students into your program? We do accept out-of-state students into our program. Because we are a state-supported school, we do not exceed 18% from out-of-state. How do I establish North Carolina residency for tuition purposes? For information and a guide for students interested in applying for resident tuition status, please go to the following Web site: http://regweb.unc.edu/residency/index.php. It is very important to note that this is a guide and completion of all items on the “list” will not guarantee classification as a resident for tuition purposes.

How many students apply to the PharmD program? How many are accepted? Approximately 800 applications were received this past year. We plan to accept 155 students into the program. (142 on the UNC Chapel Hill campus and 10-15 on the ECSU campus) What are my chances of acceptance to the PharmD program? Your chance of admission to the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy will depend on your competitiveness with other applicants applying to the program. The School of Pharmacy Admissions Committee makes all decisions. The committee looks at each applicant on an individual basis considering academic performance, PCAT exam score, interview assessments, and all written information submitted with the application. Therefore, if you have additional information that you need the committee to know, you should put this information in writing. What are the differences between the Chapel Hill and Elizabeth City-based options for the PharmD program? The School of Pharmacy offers one PharmD program with the option of completing degree requirements on either the Chapel Hill campus or at a satellite campus at Elizabeth City State University (ECSU). The first students were enrolled in the PharmD program through this partnership with ECSU in the fall of 2005. The goal of this partnership is to provide educationally equivalent experiences to students on both campuses. All students are enrolled in the UNC Chapel Hill PharmD program, pay the same rate of tuition and fees, and receive financial aid (when eligible) from UNC Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill-based students pay all of their tuition and fees to UNC Chapel Hill while ECSU-based students pay tuition to UNC Chapel Hill and fees to ECSU. Students remain on their campus of admission for the first three years of the professional program before completing a year of professional experiences. Admission criteria and curriculum requirements for PharmD degree completion are the same for students on both campuses, but there are some noteworthy differences between the experiences offered on each of the campuses, including class size, methods of instructional delivery, and community environment. Most of the required coursework in the PharmD program is taught by faculty on the Chapel Hill campus. However, the instruction can be delivered in either direction (from Chapel Hill to Elizabeth City or from Elizabeth City to Chapel Hill). ECSU-based students remain on the ECSU campus for the first three years of instruction in the PharmD program, with the exception of orientation and special events, and participate in PharmD classes through synchronous, two-way interactive video-teleconference (VTC). VTC classes may be supplemented with web-based instruction and/or instruction by faculty at ECSU, and students at ECSU have a variety of opportunities to interact with faculty and advisors on both campuses. Students on both campuses have access to professional electives taught by School of Pharmacy faculty. Additional elective courses are selected from courses available on the campus of residence or those available on-line from either campus. Students from both campuses complete the experiential component of the program through the AHEC system. Some students may prefer the smaller class size (currently 15-20 students vs. 140 students) at ECSU or the relaxed atmosphere of its smaller campus and coastal community. While the Chapel Hill campus offers easy access to fast-paced, tertiary institutional health care and established community-based pharmacy practices in urban and suburban settings, the Elizabeth City area offers unique opportunities to participate in the development of innovative hospital and community-based pharmacy practices in a rural setting. Students who would like to be considered for admission to the program on the ECSU campus for fall 2010 should complete a PharmCAS application for the UNC program and note their campus preference on the required form in the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy supplemental application materials. PharmCAS will be available by June 2, 2009 and the supplemental will be available on our Web site by August 1, 2009.

For additional information about the UNC-ECSU Pharmacy Partnership Program, send inquiries to [email protected]. For information about life on the ECSU campus, go to www.ecsu.edu. PREREQUISITE COURSEWORK Does it matter at which school I take my pre-pharmacy coursework? Generally, no. However, the School of Pharmacy does consider the rigor of the institution where the courses were completed, along with the number of courses taken concurrently. The School of Pharmacy does not accept credit for coursework unless the institution is a U.S. accredited institution of higher learning. Applicants whose education is from institutions of higher learning in Canada are accepted also. Please be sure to check the transfer equivalency Web site at https://s4.its.unc.edu/sis/adm/xfereq.html to make sure that you are taking the correct courses. Where do I look if I want to take my prerequisites at UNC Chapel Hill? To take your prerequisites at UNC Chapel Hill, you would need to attend the University as a full-time student admitted through our Office of Undergraduate Admissions or as a part-time student through Continuing Studies located at the Friday Center. Does UNC accept my AP, IB, or CLEP scores for prerequisites? Yes, UNC Chapel Hill will accept AP, IB, and CLEP scores for some courses. Please visit http://admissions.unc.edu/academics/placement.htm to see what scores UNC Chapel Hill will accept. Does it matter what size academic load I carry during my pre-pharmacy coursework? We recommend that applicants carry a full academic load (i.e., 15-16 credit hours) per semester and suggest taking a minimum of three science courses each term. This gives you a chance to preview what is in store for you in pharmacy school (i.e., a full course load that cannot be taken part time). At the same time, it gives us a better opportunity to evaluate your chances of success in pharmacy school. What if a grade of less than C minus is received in a math and science prerequisite course? Grades below C minus are not acceptable and you should repeat the course with a goal of achieving at least a B. If I already have a baccalaureate degree, do I need to fulfill the General Education prerequisites? No, you only need to make sure you have completed the math and science prerequisites with a grade of C minus or better. Must I have completed all required courses before I apply? No: However, all math and science courses must be completed prior to enrolling in the School of Pharmacy and students must present a grade of C minus or better with these courses. There can be no exceptions to this rule. It is highly recommended that applicants complete all math and science prerequisite courses by the 2010 spring semester. Applicants who have already completed or will complete math and science prerequisites by the end of the spring semester (prior to enrolling) will be given first priority for admission.

If I take coursework after submitting my application, how will the School of Pharmacy know this? You should update your PharmCAS application. This information will be forwarded to us. FOREIGN CREDITS If I have credit from a foreign college or university, how can I have this coursework evaluated? The School of Pharmacy DOES NOT evaluate courses for transfer credit from schools outside of the United States and Canada. Please visit our Web site for evaluation of foreign credit policy and procedures (http://www.pharmacy.unc.edu/admissions/pharmd/prerequisites/transfer-equivalency). This process takes some time, so plan well in advance. Can my native language fulfill the UNC foreign language requirement? Non-degree foreign applicants with English as their second language should contact the UNC Chapel Hill department of their native language to determine if this can be used to fulfill the General Education foreign language requirement. ADMISSION TESTING Is the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) required for admission? When should I take the PCAT? Yes, the PCAT is required for admission. This test is given in June, August, October and January. It is highly recommended that applicants take the exam in June or August and no later than October for the 2010 admission cycle. Students taking the exam for the first time in January 2010 will be considered for wait-list status only. How should I prepare for the PCAT? A set of sample examination questions is included in the registration booklet. To receive a registration booklet, contact: Pearson PSE Customer Relations - PCAT 19500 Bulverde Road San Antonio TX 78259

1-800-622-3231 www.pcatweb.info Commercial preparatory books are also available through most university bookstores. If you have a previously identified weakness in one or more of the five test areas (reading comprehension, verbal ability, chemistry, biology, mathematics), you should concentrate on improving your skills before taking the test. What is the minimum acceptable PCAT score? There are several scores reported on the PCAT score report. The UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy reviews all the scores, but reports the composite percentile rank. Applicants should strive to achieve a composite percentile rank above 70%. The average PCAT composite percentile rank score of students admitted in the past few years has been 85%.

How long are my PCAT scores good? There is no limitation on the length of time scores are valid. However, we recommend that scores are no older than three years. How many times may I take the PCAT? There is no limit to the number of times that you can take the PCAT. However, we recommend a maximum of four attempts. I took the PCAT in October. Will I still be able to apply to the PharmD program, even though the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy may not receive my PCAT scores before the application deadline? Yes, you may still apply to the PharmD program if you take the PCAT in October. We have accounted for this in our admissions schedule. However, everything else in your Phase I and Phase II application must be complete by the posted deadline in order for us to accept your application. HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES Are there any health requirements for pharmacy students? Because pharmacy students are health care workers, the School of Pharmacy requires you to complete immunizations designed to protect you from blood and air borne pathogens. In addition to the University vaccination requirements, you must be fully immunized against hepatitis B. This is a three-injection series that takes six months to complete. All students must have completed this series prior to the first day of classes. With this in mind, it will be necessary to complete this series PRIOR to finding out if you have been accepted to the School of Pharmacy. In addition, you must provide evidence of varicella immunity and complete a TB skin test dated after April in the year you will be beginning school. No student will be allowed to begin classes in the School of Pharmacy unless they provide verification that they meet the vaccination and immunity requirements of our program. Finally, you must purchase and maintain a health insurance policy for the duration of enrollment. For your own safety and for the safety of your patients, there can be no exceptions to these rules. Please visit www.pharmacy.unc.edu/about-us/school-organization/studentservices/health-insurance for more information. If you have any additional questions, please contact the Office of Student Services immediately. PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE Do I have to have a degree to apply to the School of Pharmacy at UNC? A degree is not required for admission into the School of Pharmacy. An individual may enter our program after successful completion of the prerequisite courses. Some applicants will already have completed an undergraduate or even a graduate degree before attending pharmacy school. If you have a bachelor’s degree, you are not required to complete the general education coursework. Effective fall 1999, students who transfer with an AA or AS degree and who followed the common curriculum as outlined by the North Carolina community college system, will satisfy the general college requirements for admission with the following exceptions: foreign language, PE and the prerequisite math and science courses required for pharmacy admission (this is assuming all course requirements are completed in the North Carolina community college system).

Do I have to have worked in a pharmacy to be accepted to the School of Pharmacy at UNC? It is not a requirement for admission that you have worked in a pharmacy prior to beginning school. However, applicants who have substantial pharmacy or health care experience typically fare better during the interview sessions because they know more about the profession. If you do not have any pharmacy experience, consider volunteering, shadowing a pharmacist, or speaking extensively with a variety of health care providers prior to your interview session. Do I have to apply to Undergraduate Admissions as well as the School of Pharmacy? No. Applicants applying to the School of Pharmacy must submit an application through PharmCAS (Phase I) and a supplemental application (Phase II) through the School of Pharmacy. APPLYING FOR ADMISSION When do I apply to the School of Pharmacy? The deadline for fall 2010 applications (Phase I and Phase II) is November 2, 2009. This includes receipt of the application fee, residency confirmation (if claiming North Carolina residency) and signature sheet. Applications postmarked after November 2, 2009, will NOT be accepted for fall 2010 entry. There are no exceptions to this rule. Phase I (the PharmCAS application) for fall 2010 can be completed beginning June 2, 2009. Phase II (the supplemental application) for fall 2010 should be completed after completing Phase I. It is important to note that the supplemental application (Phase II) will not be available until August 1, 2009. How will I know that my application has been received and is complete? You may check the status of your phase I application through PharmCAS at any time. It is highly recommended that you send the required supplemental application documents (Phase II) via certified mail so you will know that it’s been received. Please do not contact the Office of Student Services to see if your application is complete. You will receive notification via email once your file is processed and complete. When will I be notified of acceptance? After your application is complete and you have been interviewed, the Admissions Committee makes its decision. Admission decisions cannot be made without PCAT scores. All acceptances are conditional that you complete remaining prerequisite science and math courses with scores of C minus or better and provide the required health documentation. Applicants are usually notified of the admission decision no later than mid March. INTERVIEWING Is an interview required for admission into the pharmacy program? Yes. Interviews are scheduled December through early March and are a very important part of the admission process. Students seeking admission to the ECSU campus will interview on the ECSU campus.

Who will interview me? A combination of faculty, staff, students, and alumni will participate in your interview session. Generally, a panel of two individuals (faculty and/or alumni) will interview each applicant. You are encouraged to bring questions for your interview. How should I dress for the interview? Professional dress is required. Jeans, shirts without ties, shorts or skirts well above the knees, tennis shoes, etc. should not be worn. You must remember that this is a professional environment and you should dress accordingly. LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION How many letters of recommendation are required? We no longer accept free-form letters of recommendation. All applicants are required to submit a minimum of two statements of recommendation using the form available on the PharmCAS Web site. The maximum number students can submit is three. The Admissions Committee will review only recommendations submitted through PharmCAS. If I submit more than the maximum number of letters of recommendation for my PharmD application, will all of them be reviewed? No. It is important to note that the maximum number of references PharmCAS will accept is three. Therefore, the Admissions Committee will review all three recommendations if submitted through PharmCAS. Additional references will not be reviewed. Please do not send references directly to the School of Pharmacy. Who would be the best person to ask for a letter of recommendation? The best person to write a letter of recommendation for you is someone who knows you very well and can comment on the characteristics that will make you a good pharmacist. Employers are an excellent source of recommendation. Political figures and alumni (other than those with whom you have had direct contact) are not suggested. Recommendations from family members and/or current students in the PharmD program are not acceptable. FINANCIAL AID Is financial aid available through the School of Pharmacy and the University? Yes, please refer to enclosed insert regarding scholarships, grants, and loans. How do I apply for financial aid? All students may apply for financial aid through the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid. The priority deadline is March 1 of each year. Information can be found at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Note that all financial aid for students on both campuses originates from the Chapel Hill campus and students should complete FAFSA information designating UNC-Chapel Hill. Requests for financial aid through ECSU cannot be honored and will slow or disqualify you for an aid package at UNC-Chapel Hill.

How am I classified for financial aid purposes? Applicants who have completed a previous undergraduate degree are classified as a graduate student for financial aid purposes the entire four years of the PharmD program. Applicants without an undergraduate degree will be classified as an undergraduate for the first three years of the program, and then as a graduate students for the final year. Can international students qualify for financial aid? As an international student applicant, you are required by United States federal regulations to certify that you have sufficient funds to pay for your expenses at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for the entire length of your studies and will be asked to complete an “International Student Financial Certificate” at the time of admission. Students who hold I-151 or I-551 Alien Registration Cards can be considered for need-based federal and institutional funds. MISCELLANEOUS Does the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy print PharmD brochures or paper applications? No, we do not print PharmD brochures or paper applications. All of this information is available and can be printed from our Web site. Should I work while I am in the PharmD program? We typically recommend that students do not work for the first year to adjust to our program. However, we do have students that must work and we recommend no more than 10-15 hours a week. It is important to note that our coursework is very challenging, and you would be taking at least two classes with labs every semester. Will I complete my pharmacy practice experiences (clerkships) in the Chapel Hill area? All students will be placed in one of the ten Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) across the state of North Carolina for ten months of professional experience. Although you will have some input into this process, most students must leave the Chapel Hill area for the entire last year of study. Note that marriage or owning a home in the Chapel Hill area does not give you preference for local assignment. Is a laptop computer required/recommended? The School of Pharmacy does not have a laptop computer requirement. However, we do recommend that all students have access to a personal computer (Pentium 4 chip minimal) with high speed Internet access. Microsoft Office 2003 and antivirus software are recommended as well, but you will be able to purchase these at a reduced rate through the University at the beginning of classes. You can find information about computer initiatives at the following Web site: www.unc.edu/cci. May I make an appointment to speak with the admissions manager? Due to large demands, we are not able to meet with applicants individually. However, we invite you to come to one of our information sessions to learn more about our prerequisites and the application process. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions of current students, take a tour of the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, and meet faculty and staff. Please see http://www.pharmacy.unc.edu/admissions/pharmd/how-to-apply/info-sessions for more information.

If you cannot attend an information session, we invite you to contact us at [email protected] if you have additional questions.