ACT/SAT Waiver
For the 2022-2023 application cycle, Samford University is waiving its ACT/SAT exam requirements for admission to its prepharmacy program. For individuals applying for McWhorter School of Pharmacy’s early assurance program, they will need to meet a new requirement—a minimum 3.4 “Prepharmacy Prep Courses” GPA—in lieu of an ACT or SAT score.

Admission Requirements

To apply to Samford and McWhorter School of Pharmacy’s prepharmacy program, submit your application at samford.edu/admission/apply.

Traditionally, incoming freshmen must have a minimum ACT (or SAT equivalent) score of 22 to be eligible to declare prepharmacy as the plan of study. But for the 2022-2023 application cycle, Samford University is waiving its ACT/SAT exam requirements for admission to the prepharmacy program.

Incoming undergraduate transfer students must have a minimum total cumulative GPA of 3.0 to be eligible to declare prepharmacy as the plan of study. Incoming undergraduate transfer students with a total cumulative GPA below 3.0 may request to change into prepharmacy after two semesters of course work at Samford if the student has earned an overall minimum GPA and math/science GPA of 3.0 for the Samford course work.

Depending on the option one selects, students will apply and interview for the Doctor of Pharmacy program as either a high school senior (early assurance) or college sophomore (traditional process).

Early Assurance

Following admission to Samford University, students can apply to McWhorter School of Pharmacy's Early Assurance program. Qualifying students will be invited to apply and be interviewed for the Doctor of Pharmacy program as a high school senior and be notified of acceptance before starting their freshman year. If these students meet all progression standards throughout the two-year prepharmacy course work, they are guaranteed a seat in the first-year cohort.

Entering Requirements

  • Enroll at Samford as a first time, full-time freshman
  • Must have a minimum 3.5 GPA (overall high school) and a minimum 3.4 "Prepharmacy Prep Courses" GPA at time of application.
    • Courses included in this “Prepharmacy Prep Courses” GPA calculation include: Biology, Chemistry, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Precalculus and Calculus
    • Applicants must have completed 5 of the 7 courses listed above to be considered for early assurance.
  • Two letters of references, one being from a math or science teacher who has instructed the student and the other from the high school Advisor/Guidance Counselor specifically addressing the student's academic potential in the overall areas of Math and Science. (Letters from family members will not be accepted.)
  • Successful interview by the school’s Admission Committee. Following the interview, the Admissions Committee will decide for each applicant regarding an Early Assurance Program (EAP) admission to Doctor of Pharmacy program.

Benchmarks Once Enrolled at Samford

  • Achieve a 3.0 overall and math/science GPA each semester prior to enrollment at McWhorter School of Pharmacy
  • Complete all University Core and science courses at Samford*
  • Enrollment in FOUN 102, "Vocations Exploration in Pharmacy"
  • All prerequisite courses to be completed in two (2) academic years*
  • Not found responsible for any campus values or other conduct violations
  • Active participation in Samford’s prepharmacy club and specific EAP events each semester

*Waivers may be considered on a case by case basis for exceptional circumstances.

High school seniors admitted to other regionally accredited two- or four-year schools can be considered for early assurance admission. Contact Jon Parker at jmparker@samford.edu to learn more.

Traditional Process

McWhorter School of Pharmacy’s traditional process is for students who complete two years of prepharmacy curriculum at Samford. During their sophomore year, students then apply and interview for the Doctor of Pharmacy program.