Selection Factors
Acceptance into the Pharmacy and/or Nutrition program is based on the calculated post-secondary Admission Average (60% of admission decision), the Test of Critical Skills (30%) and the Personal Profile (10%).
Admission Average (60%)
The Admission Average is calculated using all post-secondary (college and university) courses taken by the applicant. The Admission Average is based on the 30 credit units of required subjects [weighted as 40% of the admission average] and the cumulative average obtained on all courses at the university level [weighted as 60% of the admission average]. Grades from post-secondary institutions which use grading systems other than a percentage system are converted to percentages using established criteria provided by Student and Enrolment Services and then used in calculating the admission average. If courses are repeated, they are treated as follows: in the calculation of the “prerequisite component” of the admission average, the higher of the two grades is used, unless the original grade was greater then 60%, in which case an “average” of the two grades is used. In the calculation of the “cumulative average component” of the admission average, an average of the two grades is used. The College does not encourage applicants to repeat courses unless a failing grade has been obtained.
Test of Critical Skills (30%)
The Test of Critical Skills is in essay format. Candidates are asked to write a formal, persuasive academic essay, of at least 300 words, in response to a proposition drawn from a short reading. The topic of this essay will not be directly related to pharmacy or nutrition. Applicants are required to attain a minimum level of achievement on the Test of Critical Skills to gain consideration in the final selections (regardless of the performance in other criteria). To prepare for the Test of Critical Skills, the College recommends that applicants complete a course which emphasizes critical thinking (an example would be PHIL 140.3 [Critical Thinking] at the U of S), or other appropriate course(s), which may help develop, or further develop, the ability to read, think, and write on a critical level. Essays are assessed on three main criteria:
The College does not provide any preparatory manuals or copies of old essays/forms for applicants to use in preparation.
In the past we have had a seminar “What are Critical Skills and How Do I Improve Mine? Preparing for a Test of Critical Skills”. However, we are unsure at this time whether this seminar will be offered this year.
Personal Profile (10%)
Candidates should think of the Personal Profile as a written interview. To prepare for the Personal Profile, the College encourages all applicants to investigate the profession(s) of Pharmacy and/or Nutrition/Dietetics. Although the specific focus of the individual Profile questions may shift from year to year, candidates should be prepared to discuss why they have chosen the health care profession they want to enter and how they perceive the role of the pharmacist or dietitian. Direct pharmacy or nutrition/dietetics experience is not a specific admission requirement, but those who have gained such exposure may be better prepared to respond to at least one of the questions in the Profile. If you are unable to gain work or volunteer experience directly related to the profession you should explore other options which would help enhance your knowledge of the profession.
Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy Admission Quota
A total of 90 students are admitted to the B.S.P. program, and of these, 14 spaces are reserved for non-residents of Saskatchewan (including both out-of-province and international students). Four (4) Saskatchewan resident spaces are reserved for Aboriginal students and one (1) student may be considered for admission under special circumstances.
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Admission Quota
A total of 28 students are admitted to the B.Sc.(Nutr.) program, and of these, four (4) spaces are reserved for non-residents of Saskatchewan (including both out-of-province and international students). Two (2) Saskatchewan resident spaces are reserved for Aboriginal students and one (1) student may be considered for admission under special circumstances. If the latter spaces are not filled, they will be filled by the next most qualified applicant(s) (either resident or non-resident).
Education Equity Program for Aboriginal Students
The Education Equity Program is designed to encourage Aboriginal students
to enrol in and graduate from the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition. Each
year there are 4 spaces in the first year of the Pharmacy program, and 2
in the Nutrition program for qualified Aboriginal applicants. If there are
more applicants to the Education Equity Program than spaces available, then
students are selected on the basis of the selection criteria described below.
Applicants who wish to be considered for the Education Equity Program are
requested to indicate this on their application forms. For more information,
see Education
Equity Program for Aboriginal Students.
Admission Under Special Circumstances
Any Saskatchewan resident can apply in this category if he/she feels there are circumstances which merit special consideration. For example, if someone has had a health problem or some personal circumstance which has impacted his/her academic average in a pre-year, he/she should write a letter documenting the situation. Additional supporting documentation must also be submitted (e.g. medical information, funeral notices, etc.). Applications which are not considered in the special consideration category are automatically considered in the Saskatchewan resident pool. This position may not be filled every year.
Students With Disabilities
The University will take all measures short of undue hardship to ensure
that students with disabilities have access to the University and the
opportunity to succeed in their programs of study. Without compromising educational
standards the University will attempt to make accommodations to assist
students with disabilities in their educational endeavours.
Future students with disabilities are advised to discuss their intended
programs with the Director of Disability Services for Students who will make
a referral to our Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Affairs. The College is
in the process of developing an inventory of physical and/or other demands
associated with our programs, where those demands might be a barrier to a
student with a disability and/or require accommodations. It is realized that
some programs may include requirements that cannot be achieved by some students;
others may require modifications for individual students. The College is committed
to working with future students and the Director of Disability Services to
explore all possible options to enable the student to pursue his or her program
of choice. If this should not be possible, the College will aim to provide
referral to other programs that may be of interest to the student.
We welcome your inquiries! For more information on undergraduate program, please call (306) 966-6368 or email Undergrad-Pharmacy-Nutrition@usask.ca.
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