Practice test sign-ups reveal strong interest in pharmacy program for 2008

Janel Shoun | 

An unexpectedly large number of students signed up this summer to take a practice admissions test for pharmacy school, offered for the first time on the Lipscomb University campus. The strong response has left College of Pharmacy officials optimistic about the number of potential future applicants for Lipscomb’s first doctorate program.

“We have already seen a lot of interest in the program through telephone calls and e-mails from potential students. But the fact that more than 70 students from throughout the state showed interest in practicing for their Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) in the middle of the summer, shows that these students are really serious about their future careers in pharmacy,” said Roger Davis, dean of Lipscomb’s College of Pharmacy. “I am expecting an impressive number of applicants when the application becomes available next month.”

Lipscomb’s Career Development Center began hosting practice tests, offered by Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions this past spring. At that time, about 100 students total signed up to practice taking the GRE, the MCAT, LSAT and other tests for graduate school admission.

The various admissions tests will be offered through the career center for Lipscomb students again in October and February. The College of Pharmacy will also offer additional PCAT practice tests for all potential applicants to the college in 2008.

Due to the timing of the official 2007 PCAT testing dates, the College of Pharmacy arranged for a practice test to be held this summer, and Kaplan noted that the number of registrants was remarkably good for just one admissions test in the summer.

“It certainly speaks to a high level of interest,” said Carina Wong, Kaplan Communications Director. “This is certainly a strong showing for a practice test for a school of this size. My understanding is that there are students from all parts of the state, which a testament to Lipscomb’s outreach effort.”

The College of Pharmacy is on track to begin enrolling its first students in fall 2008. Officials intend to post an official application online in September, which should be good news to all those who have been calling every day asking about the application process, noted Sandra Hood, director of operations for the college. The college will accept applications through January 2008.

In response to a growing need for highly qualified pharmacists throughout the nation, Lipscomb University announced in November that it would create the third College of Pharmacy in the state, the first in Middle Tennessee. The goal is to enroll 75 students in the first class.

The university marked the beginning of the $10.1 million renovation and addition to the A.M. Burton Building for the College of Pharmacy in June.

For more news on the College of Pharmacy, click here.