PharmD Articles

On our website, we include information on how PharmD admission averages are calculated. However, we know questions about admission averages might still come up, and misinformation circulates. That’s why we are addressing three common myths in this article. 

If you have courses in progress for Term 2 (January–April 2026), the Undergraduate Admissions Office (UAO) will require a final transcript to calculate your final admission average. The UAO will ensure that all admission requirements (including a 70% admission average and completion of all prerequisite courses) are fulfilled.

Additional Note: Please make sure to review information available here for the deadline and procedures to submit your official documents.

Your admission averages (both interim and final) are calculated on your most recent 30 undergraduate credits of completed coursework. The Undergraduate Admissions Office does not calculate a separate average using only prerequisite courses.

This is just one example of the many statements circulating online about competitive admission averages for the PharmD program. Here are some other misconceptions we would like to clarify: 

• The PharmD program only requires an average in the high 70s and completed prerequisites.
• Students who got in with low 70s are special cases. Most students got in with averages in the mid 80s. 

We understand that knowing a specific number can feel helpful, but competitive averages can change from year to year because they depend on each applicant pool. That said, the minimum requirement for the PharmD program admission average is 70% (2.80 GPA) on the most recent 30 credits of graded undergraduate coursework. Additionally, final admission decisions take into account factors other than your admission average (e.g., PIQS performance).

We hope you find it helpful, and good luck with the process!

Written by: Office of Student Services, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences

The Pre-recorded Interview Questions and Scenarios (PIQS) is a component of the PharmD admission process that normally takes place in early March. We know misinformation circulates about the PIQS, so we are addressing two common myths in this article.

Not true. If you have received an invitation to participate in the PIQS, make sure to complete your registration and be prepared to submit responses!

Previously, we waited for academic evaluations to be completed by the Undergraduate Admissions Office before we shortlisted candidates for the interview. We now hold the PIQS earlier, which means you may receive an interview invitation while your application is still being evaluated.

Not necessarily. While an understanding of the profession may help strengthen your responses to some of the questions, so will any other extracurricular, research, volunteer, or professional experiences.

The PIQS provides an opportunity to demonstrate your readiness for the program and your interest in the profession. The best preparation for the PIQS is being well rested and being genuinely interested in the program.

We hope you find this helpful, and good luck with the process!

Written by: Office of Student Services, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences