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January 28, 2013

ULM College of Pharmacy announces second year of PEP

The College of Pharmacy at the University of Louisiana at Monroe will admit a select group of incoming freshmen for Fall 2013 to the PEP (Provisional Entry Program).

The application process begins April 1 and ends June 1.

The program, established in 2012, is a three-year program designed to attract high achieving high school seniors who are interested in pursuing pharmacy careers.

Twelve students were admitted through the PEP program in August 2012.

College of Pharmacy Dean Dr. Benny Blaylock said the “primary advantage” of the PEP program is the opportunity for pre-pharmacy students to avoid a highly competitive application process into the professional pharmacy program.

“Students who meet the initial requirements and maintain the academic requirements during their pre-pharmacy program can avoid the competitive selection process for admission into the professional pharmacy program. This is significant in that there are 200-300 applicants for the 100 positions available,” Blaylock said.

The PEP program also allows students to connect with ULM’s professional pharmacy faculty and students much sooner in their academic careers.

“The PEP student will engage in both professional and personal relationships with College of Pharmacy faculty and upperclassmen immediately—instead of waiting until completion of the traditional three-year pre-professional program. They may also participate in professional student organizations and leadership development programs earlier in their collegiate careers, as well as being included in College of Pharmacy events,” Blaylock said.

Initial requirements for the program are a 3.8 cumulative high school grade point average (4.0 scale) and a minimum 27 composite score on the ACT.

All eligible students will be ranked based on their ACT scores and grade point averages and will be interviewed during the month of June.

Up to 20 outstanding incoming freshmen will be accepted into the PEP program and will be notified by July 15.

Once admitted to ULM, the student must maintain a 3.5 minimum pre-pharmacy GPA during the first five semesters with a 3.25 math/science minimum GPA (no grade lower than a C).

For more information about the PEP program, please contact Mary Caldwell, director of Student and Professional Affairs for pharmacy at 318-342-3803 or caldwell@ulm.edu

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