PharmSTEP

The PharmSTEP (Pharmacy Students in the Eastern Panhandle) program is for incoming freshmen at Shepherd University who have a desire to attend pharmacy school.

The PharmSTEP program assures that bright, dedicated students attending Shepherd University may automatically continue their training to become pharmacists at the WVU School of Pharmacy and receive superb guidance, supervision and educational opportunities not generally available to college students. We are looking for college students who are committed to becoming pharmacists in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.

PharmSTEP Admission Requirements:

  • Graduating high school GPA ≥ 3.5 (send official school transcript)
  • ACT composite score ≥ 26 or SAT composite ≥ 1250 (send an official copy of scores)
  • ACT math score ≥ 26; or SAT math scores ≥ 620 (send an official copy of scores)
  • Apply to Shepherd University

Apply to PharmSTEP Program:

  • Complete and submit the following forms by March to Michelle Alder at the address below.
    • Application
    • Letter of recommendation from your high school science teacher (accompanied by recommendation form)
    • Letter of recommendation from your high school principal or guidance counselor (accompanied by recommendation form)
    • Personal statement describing your interest in becoming a pharmacist and in entering the PharmSTEP program
  • Interview – students selected will be interviewed during the month of March

PharmSTEP Program at Shepherd University:

  • Enroll in pre-pharmacy courses (semesters 1-4)
  • Maintain a GPA of ≥ 3.0
  • Participate in the STEP activities and shadowing
  • Prepare and register for the July PCAT during the 2nd semester
    • Score ≥ 50th percentile composite score
  • Apply through PharmCAS for WVU School of Pharmacy Early Decision

Admission to WVU School of Pharmacy:

  • Notification of admission by mid-October
  • Finish prerequisites by end of the 4th semester and maintain a GPA of ≥ 3.2

Applications and Questions may be addressed to:

Michelle Alder
Coordinator of Student Programs
WVU Health Science Center, Eastern Division
2500 Foundation Way
Martinsburg, WV 25401
Phone: 304-596-6312
E-mail: alderm@wvumedicine.org