PharmD Admission Criteria and Technical Standards

The FWSOP Holistic Approach

The FWSOP follows a holistic approach to consideration of applicants to our program. The FWSOP utilizes PharmCAS® for online applications for first-time admission to the FWSOP.

Admission to the FWSOP requires that applicants meet the requirements outlined in the PharmCAS system and the High Point University Graduate and Professional School Bulletin (https://www.highpoint.edu/graduate/bulletins/) prior to matriculation into the program. Applicants must also comply with all policies and guidelines outlined in the PharmCAS system and the High Point University Graduate and Professional School Bulletin. Offers for admission may be denied or rescinded if an applicant fails to meet the admission requirements and/or does not follow all policies and guidelines outlined in the PharmCAS system and the High Point University Graduate and Professional School Bulletin within the required timeline.

Admission Criteria – Academic Expectations

Overall Prepharmacy GPA* (cumulative)
Core GPA* (science and math)

*The minimum preferred Cumulative and Core GPAs to be considered for admission is 2.50 on a 4.00 scale.

Admission Criteria – Non-Academic Expectations

Written Communication Skill
Individual and Group Interview Performance
Letters of Reference
Pharmacy Practice Experience
Leadership Experience
Extracurricular Activities
Professional Standards (see below)
Technical Standards (see below)
Completion of All Immunization & Screening Requirements (see below)
Required Personal History Disclosures (see below)

Professional Standards

The FWSOP Code of Conduct provides a framework for ethical decision-making and professional conduct that aligns with the values of the pharmacy profession. The purpose of the FWSOP Code of Conduct is to outline expectations for student behavior in academic settings, clinical sites, and interactions with colleagues, faculty/staff and patients. It is intended to foster a culture of professionalism, respect and accountability among students and to promote a community where all individuals are treated with respect and civility, free of all harassment and discrimination.

The FWSOP Code of Conduct consists of the following specific commitments and policies:

General Expectations
Oath of a Pharmacist
Code of Ethics
Pledge of Professionalism
Honor Code
Dress Code
Student Attendance and Participation
Student Background Check Requirements
Student Drug Screen Requirements
Alcohol and Drug Use
Social Media Use

All students are obligated to adhere to all elements of the FWSOP Code of Conduct and to report any behaviors that are inconsistent with or in violation of any elements of the Code using the Process for Reporting and Reviewing Alleged Violations of the FWSOP Code of Conduct outlined in this document. Students who have knowledge of a policy violation and fail to report the violation, or who actively or passively allow others to engage in a violation of the FWSOP Code of Conduct may be held accountable under this policy.

Student pharmacists must demonstrate conduct and behavior consistent with that expected of a pharmacist professional. All FWSOP students are expected to follow all applicable federal, state, local and professional laws, regulations and ordinances as well as the University Conduct Code outlined in the High Point University Student Guide to Campus Life (https://www.highpoint.edu/studentlife/studentguidetocampuslife/).

For the complete listing of professional standards, see the Code of Conduct section of the FWSOP Student Handbook.

Technical Standards

The FWSOP Technical Standards define the essential non-academic requirements necessary for admission, progression, promotion, and graduation from the Doctor of Pharmacy program. Technical standards are physical, behavioral, emotional, and cognitive skills that an applicant must already possess before enrolling in the FWSOP and must consistently demonstrate throughout the duration of the program.

For the FWSOP list of required Technical Standards and the complete Technical Standards and Accommodations Policy click here.

Immunization & Screening Requirements

Students enrolled in the FWSOP must comply with immunization requirements established by the State of North Carolina and by the FWSOP to promote the health of our students and to minimize transmission of communicable diseases within our program and the campus community. Students must meet all immunization requirements prior to matriculation and maintain compliance with these requirements through graduation from the program.

See all details related to this requirement listed under Immunization and Screening Requirements in the FWSOP Student Handbook.

Required Personal History Disclosures

In order to be admitted to the FWSOP, applicants must be in good standing with the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy and the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) and eligible for registration as a pharmacy intern and licensure as a pharmacist. Applicants must undergo the following personal history disclosures prior to matriculation:

A criminal background and sex offender (CBSO) check
A drug screen
If an applicant has attended another school or college of pharmacy, they must also be in good academic, professional / conduct and financial standing with their prior institution(s). The applicant must request that a letter of standing verifying their academic, professional / conduct and financial standing be sent directly to the FWSOP Assistant / Associate Dean of Student and Professional Affairs (ADSPA) by their prior institution(s).

Failure to complete admissions criteria may lead to the rescission or withdrawal of an admissions offer or the failure of a conditional acceptance for admission to be fulfilled.

For more information about the criteria listed above please use the following references:

The HPU Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy Student Handbook

The HPU Graduate School Bulletin

Contact Dr. Betsy Abbot, Assistant Dean for Student and Professional Affairs with any questions about this information at [email protected].