PCAT student - Pharmacy College Admission Test Updated: 2023

Undergraduate
Undergraduate students who have submitted their deposit and are eligible to apply for a deferral must complete the Deferral Request Form located in their Admission Hub. 

Parsons Paris does not permit spring deferrals. Undergraduate Parsons School of Design transfer students’ eligibility for deferral will depend on their admitted year level and major.

Students who have not yet submitted a tuition deposit and are seeking a deferral for financial reasons are advised to contact the Office of Financial Aid and should only submit their nonrefundable $500 tuition deposit after they have a better understanding of the cost of attendance. All deferral requests are subject to approval by the director of Admission, and students will be notified 10 to 15 business days after receipt of the Deferral Request Form.

Undergraduate Deferral Request Deadlines

• Students admitted to the spring term must submit their deferral request by January 15.
• Students admitted to the summer term must submit their deferral request by June 1.
• Students admitted to the fall term must submit their deferral request by August 1.

Students who have not yet submitted a tuition deposit and are seeking a deferral for financial reasons are advised to contact the Office of Financial Aid and should only submit their nonrefundable $500 tuition deposit after they have a better understanding of the cost of attendance. All deferral requests are subject to approval by the director of Admission, and students will be notified 10 to 15 business days after receipt of the Deferral Request Form.

Graduate
Although deferrals for students admitted to a graduate program are rarely granted, those admitted to a degree program can request a deferral by submitting a Deferral Request Form. This request must be made by the enrollment response deadline indicated in the student’s admission letter.

In the rare instance that a deferral is granted, the student will be required to submit the standard non-refundable $500 tuition deposit. This will be credited to the student’s account and applied toward the first term tuition bill. 

Graduate Deferral Request Deadlines

Students must submit the deferral request by the enrollment response deadline indicated in the admission letter.

Deferral Terms

• All deferral requests are subject to approval. The deferral will only be granted for up to one year from the start of the term admitted, with exceptions made for required military service. Students wishing to postpone their start for more than a year from their admit term must reapply.
• Undergraduate deferral requests are considered only for students who have submitted their non-refundable tuition deposit. The tuition deposit will be applied to the new term.
• Undergraduate students are not permitted to enroll as degree-seeking students or non-degree-seeking students at another college or university during the period of their deferral. Undergraduate students who enroll in any college-level coursework for credit during their deferral period will invalidate their deferral and will be required to reapply to The New School as a transfer student. This includes students who choose to enroll in a gap year program where college credit is earned.
• Graduate students with approved deferrals are not permitted to enroll as degree-seeking graduate students at another college or university during the time of their deferral. The transfer of graduate-level course credit  completed through non-degree study is subject to the transfer policy of the respective graduate program or school. Students with deferrals should consult with their program before enrolling in non-degree courses elsewhere.
• Admitted students approved for deferral will receive the same merit-based institutional awards offered upon admission. Need-based financial aid for undergraduate students is reassessed on a yearly basis following the submission of the FAFSA. The $500 nonrefundable tuition deposit will be applied to the start term.
• If an undergraduate deferral request is approved, the deferral status will be immediately updated to indicate withdrawal from the current term and will reflect the new enrollment term. The student's New School email address will be deactivated until the new term.
• Students with deferrals who do not enroll for their intended new semester must reapply. The $500 tuition deposit is non-refundable.
• If a graduate deferral request is approved, the student’s New School email address will be deactivated and the current application withdrawn. Students will be prompted to confirm their intent to enroll before the start of the new enrollment term. Students who do not confirm their intent to enroll by the deadline stated in the offer of admission may forfeit their seat.
• Students who do not adhere to the terms of the deferral and wish to enroll must submit new application materials, including an application and supporting documents, and forfeit the enrollment deposit.

Santa Clara University is a selective admission university that admits new students based on past performance, potential for future academic success, and contribution to the campus community consistent with the mission and Jesuit tradition of the University. Applicants are admitted as full-time, degree-seeking students. Santa Clara does not have a part-time undergraduate program option and does not enroll non-degree students except international non-degree students participating in an approved international partnership. Non-degree international student programs are administered by Global Engagement. See the limited conditions outlined in Chapter 8, Academic and Administrative Policies and Regulations.

Entering first-year and transfer students are admitted for fall and winter terms. Students are admitted for spring term only by special exception with the approval of the dean of admission.

Entering first-year students are admitted to the University and to a specific school and in some cases major based on the preference indicated on their admission application. Students wishing to change schools may apply for a transfer only at the end of their first year of attendance.

Admission of Entering First-Year Students

Admission of applicants to Santa Clara University as entering first-year students is based on their academic record in high school including course rigor, results on standardized tests when submitted, and other criteria outlined below. While Santa Clara University does not have a specific high school grade point average or standardized test score requirement, potential for successful academic performance in the rigorous undergraduate program at Santa Clara is correlated with high academic performance in high school. Santa Clara also bases admission on demonstrated potential for contribution to the campus community consistent with the mission and Jesuit tradition of the University, but only after assessment of academic performance and potential.

Applications for admission as an entering first-year student are evaluated using the following criteria:

• Overall quality of high school courses and appropriately challenging coursework

• Academic performance in high school, including the cumulative grade point average from the first year of high school through the junior year of high school (grades from the first term of the senior year may also be included)

• Results of standardized SAT or ACT tests (optional)

• One teacher evaluation from an 11th or 12th grade core academic class

• Involvement in school and community activities

The basic subject recommendations for admission as an entering first-year student include:

• History and Social Science: 3 years

• English: 4 years

• Mathematics: 3 years required; 4 years recommended

• Laboratory Science: 2 years required; 3 years recommended

• Language other than English: 2 years required; 3 years recommended; 4 years preferred

• Visual and Performing Arts: 1 year recommended

• College Preparatory Electives: 1 year

Admission of first-year student standing at Santa Clara depends on a continued high level of performance during the remainder of the applicant's senior year in the curriculum provided on the application and upon receipt of a high school diploma. If a significant change occurs in the applicant's academic performance during the senior year, his or her admission status may be reevaluated by the University.

Early Decision I Track

Applicants to the Early Decision I Track must submit complete applications by November 1 of their senior year. Early Decision applicants are notified of the final admission decision by the end of December. Santa Clara's Early Decision I Track is a binding program that requires commitment and confirmation of intent to enroll by those admitted under this program. Financial aid awards will be sent to admitted students who meet deadlines for filing required forms. Deposits must be received by January 7. After admission, all applications for admission to other colleges or universities must be withdrawn. Some Early Decision I applicants who are competitive but not clearly admissible will be deferred and evaluated with other applicants under the Regular Decision Track. Students denied under the Early Decision I Track may not reapply under the Regular Decision Track for the same academic year.

Early Action Track

Applicants to the Early Action Track must submit their applications by November 1 of their senior year. Early Action applicants are notified of the admissions decision by the end of December. Santa Clara's Early Action Track is non-binding; consequently, students admitted under the Early Action Track are not required to withdraw other college applications and have until May 1 to confirm enrollment at Santa Clara. Some Early Action applicants who are competitive but not clearly admissible will be deferred and evaluated with other applicants under their choice of Regular Decision Track or Early Decision II Track. Students denied under the Early Action Track may not reapply under the Regular Decision Track for the same academic year.

Early Decision II Track

Applicants to the Early Decision II Track must submit complete applications by January 7 of their senior year. Early Decision II applicants are notified of the final admission decision by mid-February. Santa Clara's Early Decision II Track is a binding program that requires commitment and confirmation of intent to enroll by those admitted under this program. Financial aid awards will be sent to admitted students who meet deadlines for filing required forms. Deposits must be received by March 1. After admission, all applications for admission to other colleges or universities must be withdrawn.

Regular Decision Track

Applicants to the Regular Decision Track must submit their applications by January 7 of their senior year. Regular Decision applicants are notified of the admission decision by the first week of April and have until May 1 to confirm enrollment at Santa Clara.

Application Procedure

Prospective first-year students must submit the following application materials to be considered for admission to Santa Clara:

• The Common Application

• The Santa Clara supplement to the Common Application

• Application fee

• One teacher evaluation

• The Secondary School Report

• Official high school transcript

• Official or Self-Reported SAT or ACT scores (optional)

• Mid-year Report (Regular Decision applicants)

Admission of Transfer Students

Santa Clara University admits transfer students for fall and winter quarter enrollment, principally at the sophomore and junior levels, based on potential for academic success and contribution to the campus community consistent with the mission and Jesuit tradition of the University. Admission of applicants to Santa Clara University as entering transfer students is based on their academic record at other colleges or universities in conjunction with evaluation of an official high school transcript and other criteria outlined below. While Santa Clara University does not have a specific grade point requirement, potential for successful academic performance in the rigorous undergraduate program at Santa Clara is highly correlated with prior academic performance in challenging courses. Santa Clara also bases admission on demonstrated potential for contribution to the campus community consistent with the mission and Jesuit tradition of the University. Transfer applicants for fall term are notified of the admissions decision on a rolling basis until enrollment capacity has been reached.

Applicants for admission to Santa Clara University as entering transfer students must have completed at least 8 semester or 12 quarter transferable units at an accredited college or university. Applicants with fewer than 8 semester or 12 quarter transferable units at the time of application should follow the application procedure for entering first-year students. Note that if a transfer applicant has not already completed 30 semester or 45 quarter transferable units when the application is submitted, it is optional to submit an official SAT or ACT score report for consideration.

The entire academic history of the applicant is considered in the admission review. Course selection and consistency of performance by the applicant are also considered. Applicants on academic or disciplinary probation or suspension at another institution are not considered for admission.

Recommended Courses for Transfer Students

Applicants for admission to Santa Clara University as entering transfer students enhance their chances for admission by completing as many courses that fulfill the Santa Clara Core Curriculum requirements as possible before transferring. Preference will be given to students who have completed the following courses:

College of Arts and Sciences

• English Composition (2 semesters or 2 quarters)

• College-level Mathematics:

• Natural Science with a Lab (1 semester or 1 quarter)

Leavey School of Business

• English Composition (2 semesters or 2 quarters)

• Calculus and Analytic Geometry (2 semesters or 2 quarters)

• Accounting (2 semesters or 3 quarters)

• Microeconomics and Macroeconomics (1 semester or 1 quarter each)

School of Engineering

• English Composition (2 semesters or 2 quarters)

• Calculus and Analytic Geometry (2 semesters or 3 quarters)

• Chemistry (1 semester or 1 quarter)

• Physics (2 semesters or 3 quarters)

Transfer Credit

Entering transfer students generally receive credit after admission for courses from other colleges and universities that are similar to courses offered at Santa Clara University.

• Courses from accredited institutions are generally transferable if they are similar in nature to courses listed in the Santa Clara University Undergraduate Bulletin.

• Courses from California community colleges are also generally transferable under the same conditions and if designated as transferable to the University of California.

• Courses from colleges not accredited, trade schools, extension programs, or correspondence programs do not transfer.

Transfer credit is awarded only for courses in which the student earned a grade of "C" or better. Courses taken on a pass/no pass or credit/no credit basis are not eligible for transfer* (see Note below for Spring 2020 term exceptions). Students may transfer a maximum of 58.33 semester or 87.5 quarter units to the College of Arts and Sciences or the Leavey School of Business. The School of Engineering will grant credit for up to one-half of the degree requirements toward the major.

(Note: Spring 2020 Term Exception: Regarding transfer credits for work completed in Spring Term 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, course work receiving a grade of Pass or Credit is transferable. We encourage students continuing on in those subject areas to consult with their departments and advisors to ensure they are adequately prepared for the next level courses.)

Application Procedure

Prospective transfer students must submit the following application materials to be considered for admission to Santa Clara:

• The Common Application for Transfer Admission

• The Santa Clara supplement to the Common Application

• Application fee

• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended

• Official high school transcript

• Mid-term report (upon request)

Admission of International Students

Santa Clara University admits international students using the same general criteria for entering first-year and transfer students described in the two preceding sections. There are additional admission requirements for international students that are outlined below. In order to be eligible for enrollment, an international applicant must be accepted as a full-time, degree-seeking student. Non-degree international student programs that are part of an approved international partnership are administered by Global Engagement.

Transcripts

All foreign university-level transcripts must be evaluated through World Education Services (WES). WES is a certified professional credential evaluation service that provides a course by course evaluation and grade point average for course work completed outside of the United States. Secondary school transcripts must be submitted as official documents and a certified English translation of all secondary school documents must be provided at the time of application.

English Proficiency Examinations

International applicants must submit the results of at least one of the following tests when English is not their first language: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam, Duolingo English Test (DET) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam. The minimum acceptable TOEFL score is 90 (Internet based) or 575 (paper based). The minimum Duolingo English Test score is 115. The minimum accepted IELTS score is 6.5. College-level English courses cannot be used to satisfy the English Proficiency requirement. Santa Clara University does not accept TOEFL's MyBest test, TOEFL ITP Plus Edition or TOEFL iBT At Home Edition.

Exceptions are granted for the following: Applicants whose native language is English, or attended their entire secondary school career at a school where English was the language of instruction, or achieved a 630 on the Evidence-Based practicing and Writing section of the SAT or 27 on both the ACT practicing and English sections.

For the purpose of admission, all international students are required to submit the Santa Clara University Financial Resource Statement and supporting documents. Santa Clara University is need-aware for international students as no need-based financial aid is offered. International first-year students are eligible for merit scholarship consideration.

Santa Clara University is certified to issue the Form I-20 required to apply for an F-1 student visa to study in the United States. To secure a Form I-20, an international student must be admitted and deposited to the University and show adequate proof of ability to meet all academic and personal expenses while in the United States.

Our undergraduate, graduate, and student teams host a wide range of admission events throughout the year. You can learn all about our programs, the process of applying or transferring, preparation of a portfolio or audition repertoire, and life inside our classrooms and on our New York City campus.

Our Welcome Center building is located at 72 Fifth Avenue, on the corner of 13th Street, and is currently open to external visitors. Effective March 1, guests and visitors to The New School no longer need to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test results. For more information, visit our COVID-19 Community Guide.

Our in-person offerings include pre-scheduled admission counseling appointments, information sessions, and campus tours accommodating a maximum of ten prospective students with one guest each. Visitors without appointments can interact with Welcome Center staff in the Welcome Center lobby. 

Those interested in learning more about our academic programs, admission requirements, or campus life are invited to connect online with a Welcome Center student assistant through our Welcome Center Virtual Desk. Virtual desk hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST Monday through Friday. No appointment is necessary.

If you are unable to schedule an in-person tour, we encourage you to take our virtual tour and connect with us through one of our many additional online events. 

International students receive a link to the online I-20/DS-2019 request form when they reply to the offer of admission and their application status page is updated. Also provided is the link to eShipGlobal, where they will register and pay for having their documents shipped to them in their home countries. The student receives the I-20/DS-2019, admission letter, and other documents relating to the visa process and information about the International Student Orientation.
Based on federal regulations, CGPS is required to submit detailed information regarding a student’s eligibility to study in the U.S. In order to complete an I-20/DS-2019 request, students must provide the following after they have been officially admitted to a UD program:

• A copy of his/her passport, valid for at least six months from the date of entry to the U.S. (also valid passports for any dependents*)

• F-1 Visa: Proof of funding that meets or exceeds the University’s required amount for the first year of their academic program.

• J-1 Visa: Proof of funding that meets or exceeds the University’s required amount for the entire duration of the program.

*Dependents: to qualify for a dependent visa (F-2 or J-2), the person(s) must be the spouse or unmarried minor (under age 21) child(ren) of the student.

After the student’s I-20/DS-2019 request has been reviewed and found to be complete, CGPS will create the I-20/DS-2019. If the request is not found to be complete, CGPS will contact the student to request any further information. Incomplete requests, such as missing documents, insufficient funds, or conditions on the student’s admission, may delay I-20/DS-2019 processing.

ApplicationApplication Procedures and Requirements

In general, the University of Massachusetts Lowell will accept on an hour-for-hour basis semester credits with grades of C- (1.70 on a 4.00 scale) or better as shown on official transcripts of record which are received directly from other regionally accredited collegiate institutions and which are applied to an initial baccalaureate degree. No credit will be recognized for the grade of P unless the catalog of the transferring institution specifically states that P is equivalent to a final course grade of C-. Quarter credits are recognized on a prorated basis of three quarter credits to two semester credits. (Students who are interested in transferring credits for an additional baccalaureate degree should consult the appropriate section below concerning such admission.) Preference for admission to the University is based upon the record of each individual transfer applicant at the end of the semester preceding admission. All credits to be transferred must be identified at the time of application for transfer. The University reserves the right to deny credit for course work taken by the student prior to admission if it is identified and presented after transfer.

In general, the University of Massachusetts Lowell will accept departmental test credits with grades of C- or better as shown on official transcripts of record which are received directly from other accredited institutions.  No credit will be recognized for the grade of P or S unless the catalog of the transferring institution specifically states that P or S is equivalent to a final minimum course grade of C-

Students who transfer from four-year institutions must complete a minimum of 30 semester credits at the University of Massachusetts Lowell to be eligible for a Lowell baccalaureate degree. The University will not reduce the minimum residency requirement of 60 semester credits for students who present 60 or more semester credits from a two-year college. The records of applicants 1) who have completed associate degree programs, who have completed military courses or training, or who have established matriculation at other accredited institutions of higher education and 2) who are eligible to return to such institutions for the semester in which they seek  admission to the University are routinely processed by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions for regular transfer admission.

RequiredRequired Credentials for Transfer Applicants

It is the responsibility of students seeking transfer to arrange for all official transcripts and notations on courses in progress to be forwarded to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions directly from all previous institution(s).

Additionally, final transcripts of all completed courses must be forwarded to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions following the completion of previously designated courses in progress. Transfer students whose records are incomplete on the first day of semester classes may be prohibited from attending courses and may be required to withdraw from the university.

An applicant who has attended one or more institutions must request each registrar to mail directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions a transcript of his or her record, even if credits were not earned or credits are not presented for transfer.

Transfer students must meet one of the following criteria:

1. 12 or more transferable college credits and a minimum of 2.500 college GPA;
2. Up to 23 transferable college credits, a minimum 2.000 college GPA, and a high school transcript that meets the admission standards for freshmen applicants; or
3. 24 or more transferable credits and a minimum 2.000 college GPA.

Transfer students who have fewer than 12 transferable college credits must meet the admission standards for freshmen applicants.

EvaluationEvaluation of Transfer Credentials

A preliminary evaluation of course credits to be transferred to the University is made by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at the time of application. Students seeking transfer should be aware that this evaluation by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions is preliminary in nature and that acceptance of transfer credit and assignment of a year of graduation or other status is subject to final review by the student’s major department when the student is formally accepted for matriculation by one of the colleges of the University. Credit which is acceptable according to general University standards is not necessarily acceptable for specific programs. This is especially true when program transfer quotas have been imposed. The Office of Undergraduate Admissions will advise applicants when their admission to the University does not certain acceptance into their preferred professional programs. The applicability of grades received in transferred courses for the determination of the grade-point average of the student’s major at the University of Massachusetts Lowell is determined by policies of each of the colleges.

Massachusetts public community colleges may award other associate degrees and certificates with a primary objective other than student transfer to a four-year institution. Course credits from such programs presented for transfer will be evaluated by the four-year institution for applicability to Core Curriculum requirements, to unrestricted elective courses, and to requirements in the student’s major field.

To view the list of courses approved by departments for transfer into the University of Massachusetts Lowell, visit the Office of the Registrar website.

UniversityUniversity Restrictions Concerning Transfer Credit Recognition

Courses completed at non-public institutions which are not accredited by the major regional accrediting associations will not be credited to degree programs of the University. Nor will credit be granted for courses which are unacceptable to the transfer institution for its own associate or baccalaureate programs or which are completed within post-secondary school diploma programs. Non-credit CEU courses, adult-enrichment or refresher courses, and secondary school correspondence and home study courses also are not recognized for transfer credit. The University reserves the right to refuse recognition for courses which were taken more than ten years prior to the date when a student applies for transfer when, in the opinion of department chairpersons and program directors, the knowledge attained in such courses is deemed to be out of date and/or in need of verification. Competencies which a student has achieved through such courses, or by any other means, may be recognized for credit if Checked by the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) or departmental examinations.

CollegeCollege and Program Restrictions Concerning Transfer Credit

Many colleges and programs impose additional restrictions on the acceptability of transfer credit. The College of Health Sciences and the Manning School of Business have special regulations governing the acceptance of transfer credits for professional courses. Transfer applicants to these colleges should consult the dean of the college or the appropriate department chairperson concerning transfer credit for these courses.

As a general rule, courses of a professional nature from any curriculum are not accepted in transfer when a student seeks admission to a different curriculum or program at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Transfer applicants should consult the appropriate dean or departments for current regulations.

InitialInitial Review of Transfer Students for Compliance with University Retention Standards

For the purpose of determining academic standing, student records are reviewed each semester. Transfer students are initially evaluated for retention purposes at the end of the semester in which they have attempted their first 18 credits at the University.