Below is a list of frequently asked application questions, grouped by program:
Pre-Pharmacy Guaranteed Seat
Yes. You first must apply and be accepted to Wilkes University. If you indicate on the application you are interested in pharmacy, you will have access to the Pre-Pharmacy application.
The PPGS contract states that the program must be completed within 2 years. Only under extenuating circumstances and through a formal petition can this requirement be changed.
The PPGS only accepts students from high school who have never attended another college or university full-time. This does not prevent the PPGS student from taking college-level courses while in high school through a dual enrollment program or during the summer prior to beginning the PPGS program. Students who do not meet the requirements can attend Wilkes as a pre-pharmacy parallel student. Non-Wilkes students may apply directly to the professional program if transferring from another institution. A student is not required to have a degree to apply to the professional program.
We accept ~80 PPGS first-year college students each year.
No, we no longer require a recommendation letter from a pharmacist. You may solicit a pharmacist’s recommendation if you choose. Your invitation to interview will state you must research the profession of pharmacy on your own. You will be asked to reflect on the profession and what internal motivations will help you succeed. It is in your best interest to do some “homework.” Additionally, it is advised to not use family members for letters of recommendation.
Please submit no more than three letters.
The interview will cover your knowledge of pharmacy as a career, leadership experience, your past and present involvement in extracurricular and/or community service activities and your assessment of the strengths and weaknesses you would bring to a career providing patient care.
Please consult our tuition and costs listing. Specific questions may be directed to the Student Service Center at 570-408-2000.
Pre-Pharmacy students should be particularly aware of the following situations and contact the Financial Aid Office for more specific information.
- Entering first-year college students are considered “undergraduate” and eligible to receive full financial aid packages during their pre-pharmacy years and through the second year of the professional program.
- After the second professional year, students are considered “graduate” level. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for more information.
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
The Nesbitt School of Pharmacy uses PharmCAS, which charges an application fee of $175.
This fee is for professional applicants only. Students applying to our Pre-Pharmacy Guaranteed Seat program are not subject to an application fee.
No. Students who are accepted into the School of Pharmacy are automatically accepted into the University.
At present the curriculum is designed only for full-time students.
Students wishing to transfer from another school of pharmacy must present an official transcript showing that the Wilkes University School of Pharmacy prerequisites have been completed. Students must also have been in good standing at the time they left their previous institution(s) school of pharmacy. Students must request a letter of good standing be sent directly from the dean’s office of their previous school(s) of pharmacy to the Wilkes University Nesbitt School of Pharmacy. As class size is limited, transfer is also dependent upon space being available.
Graduates of foreign schools of pharmacy who wish to pursue a PharmD at Wilkes must make formal application and provide evidence that they meet all of the pre-professional course requirements by having their foreign transcripts evaluated by World Education Services. Scores of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) also must be provided.
Courses may be in progress at the time of application. All courses must be completed by the end of the spring semester, with a grade of 2.0 or better, prior to entering pharmacy school.
No, we no longer require a recommendation letter from a pharmacist. You may solicit a pharmacist’s recommendation if you choose. Your invitation to interview will state you must research the profession of pharmacy on your own. You will be asked to reflect on the profession and what internal motivations will help you succeed. It is in your best interest to do some “homework.” Additionally, it is advised to not use family members for letters of recommendation.
We will accept the higher score for calculating the pre-requisite GPA.
The entering class size each year is 62.
The majority of the 62 seats in the professional pharmacy program are taken by Wilkes pre-pharmacy students who meet the criteria to claim their guaranteed seat. Remaining seats are competed for by Wilkes students and transfer students.
Please submit no more than three letters.
No.
The University Admissions Office, assisted by academic departments, does the review of your transcripts for their equivalence to Wilkes University courses. If you have any questions contact: Pharmacy Transfer Coordinator, 84 West South Street, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, 18766; telephone: 570-408-4298.
Admission procedures emphasize academic ability, leadership, work experience and breadth of life experiences. The Committee evaluates applicants’ potential to succeed in and profit from the pharmacy program and to develop as a leader. In addition, the Committee seeks to create a body of students who will bring unique contributions from their diverse backgrounds and who will actively participate in the School of Pharmacy program and life.
Please consult our tuition and costs page. Specific questions may be directed to the Student Service Center at 570-408-2000.
Pharmacy students should be particularly aware of the following situations and contact the Financial Aid Office for more specific information.
A pharmacy student is considered an undergraduate student for the first two years (P-1 and P-2) of the professional program, and a graduate student for the last two years of the professional program (P-3 and P-4).
Entering pre-pharmacy first-year college students are eligible to receive a full financial aid package during their pre-pharmacy years and through the second year of the professional program. Starting Fall 2020, incoming first-year college students will be eligible to receive 30% of their merit scholarship in the final two years of the professional program.
Students transferring into the professional program with a previous academic degree (seeking a second degree) may be eligible for the federally funded Stafford Loan or the PLUS Loan. Students joining the professional program who have previously earned a bachelor’s degree or who are transferring from another institution are eligible for the Wilkes University Transfer Merit Scholarship for the first two professional years.
The third and fourth year of the professional program (fifth and sixth cumulative year) is considered professional or graduate level for financial aid purposes. These students are eligible for subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford Loans. However, these students may qualify for scholarships granted by individuals or corporations for students enrolled in the School of Pharmacy.
A decision will be shared within two weeks of the interview.
Application files are maintained for two years. Applicants reapplying within two years of a prior application do not need to resubmit an entire application but must submit updated transcripts and a request in writing to have their application re-activated.