Arizona Summer Wildcat

Students denied admission to Arizona's only pharmacy school may feel rejected, but for the last four years they have had the option of attending a free workshop created by one of their advisors.

Debra Tucker, an academic advisor for the College of Pharmacy, established the workshop with one purpose in mind - "to make sure the students continue their education."

Disappointment is always involved if a student is denied admission into a professional school, said Theodore Tong, associate dean of the College of Pharmacy. Rick Yerondopoulos, a second-year pharmacy student who spoke at this year's May 17 workshop, attests to that.

"When someone works towards a goal like this, it's pretty crushing when you don't get in," he said.

Yerondopoulos' goal was to get accepted to the UA College of Pharmacy and earn 212 units towards a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Although he had a high grade point average, Yerondopoulos was denied admission to the college on his first application. As a result, he attended the free workshop to learn what his options were.

After attending the workshop, Yerondopoulos said his confidence was raised and he learned that other students were in the same predicament.

Tucker said she invites academic advisors from programs with the same prerequisites as pre-pharmacy to share information with students outlining their choices.

"The main goal of me being there is to provide pre-pharmacy students information about alternatives," said exercise science advisor William Illig.

Josephine Gin, an arts and sciences pre-professional program advisor, said students need some kind of backup plan if they do not get into their professional program. She said applying to an out-of-state pharmacy school, reapplying to the UA or changing majors are all options.

By providing the workshop, Tong said the College of Pharmacy is helping rather than abandoning aspiring students. He said students spend an enormous amount of time and energy trying to get into the program.

The College of Pharmacy turns down many qualified students because of limited space, Tucker said. Only 55 out of 300 applicants were admitted this year. Students are admitted only once a year after turning in a formal application, an essay, three letters of recommendation and going through a personal interview.

Because of the competitiveness of the program, Tong said it would be worthwhile if resources were available for more workshops.