The Daniel K. InouyeCollege of Pharmacy

Pre-Pharmacy Pathways

Smiling students wearing kiheis, a traditional hawaiian wrap

The Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy (DKICP) along with participating University of Hawaii (UH) campuses offers two pre-pharmacy pathways for UH students who are interested in receiving preferred admission to the DKICP PharmD Program.

Early Admission for UH Hilo Students

DKICP Early Admission is an intensive three-year pre-pharmacy pathway. Students who complete the Early Admission curriculum (minimum of 85 credits) over three years while maintaining the desired GPA will receive preferred enrollment to the DKICP PharmD Program. Additional requirements include submitting a PharmCAS application, submitting the required supplemental documents and fee, and successfully interviewing with DKICP representatives.

Eligibility

All students applying to DKICP Early Admission must meet the following requirements:

  • Students must be accepted at UH Hilo.
  • Students must submit a Early Admission application. The deadline for applications for the DKICP Pre-Pharmacy – Early Admission is June 1, 2025.
  • For high school students: have a minimum high school grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher, and a minimum combined SAT score of 1280 or minimum ACT composite score of 27.
  • For college students: have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
  • Must have expressed interest and commitment to the study of Pharmacy.
  • Desirable experiences include: demonstration of achievement in leadership, research, volunteer and/or community service activities with a priority to those related to health.

Maintaining Eligibility

While in the DKICP Early Admission pathway, students must:

  • Spend a minimum of two years enrolled in the DKICP Early Admission pathway;
  • Maintain full-time student status at UH Hilo (minimum of 12 credits/semester) for the duration of the pathway;
  • Meet at least once each semester with their undergraduate advisor and at least once a year with a DKICP representative
  • Earn a grade of C or better in all classes;
  • Maintain a 3.25 GPA for each academic year of the program;
  • Apply via PharmCAS and successfully interview with DKICP representatives;
  • If a student’s GPA for the academic year drops below 3.25 they will be dismissed from the Program. The student may appeal that decision to the DKICP Dean.

Application

Applicants must (1) complete the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Undergraduate Application and (2) submit the following items directly to DKICP:

Please submit all application materials by: June 1, 2025.

Email to pharmacy@hawaii.edu with the subject line Pre-Pharmacy – Early Admission

or mail to:
UH Hilo DKICP
Pre-Pharmacy – Early Admission
200 W Kāwili St
Hilo, HI 96720

Preferred Admissions Pathway for Students from Participating Campuses: Hawaii CC, Kapiolani CC, Leeward CC, Windward CC, UH Manoa, UH Maui College, and UH West Oahu

DKICP Pre-Pharmacy Preferred Admissions (PPA) Pathway allows UH students who complete the pathway requirements to receive preferred admission to the DKICP PharmD Program. Students must participate in the PPA Pathway for at least one and a half consecutive years.

There are four different tracks from which students can choose:

  1. Prerequisite Coursework
    • Must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher.
  2. Certified Pharmacy Technician (with Prerequisite Coursework)
    • Must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
  3. Associate of Arts Degree/Associate of Science in Natural Sciences Degree (with Prerequisite Coursework)
    • Must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
  4. Baccalaureate Degree (with Prerequisite Coursework)
    • Must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher

Eligibility

Student applying to the DKICP PPA Pathway must meet the following requirements:

  • The student’s home campus must be at one of the following UH institutions:
    • Hawaiʻi Community College
    • Kapiʻolani Community College
    • Leeward Community College
    • University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
    • University of Hawaiʻi Maui College
    • University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu
    • Windward Community College
  • Students must submit a DKICP PPA application. The deadline for applications is June 1, 2025.
  • Must have expressed interest and commitment to the study of Pharmacy.
  • Desirable experiences include: demonstration of achievement in leadership, research, volunteer and/or community service activities with a priority to those related to health.

Maintaining Eligibility

Accepted PPA Pathway students must:

  • Maintain enrollment at their home campus;
  • Meet at least once each semester with their home campus advisor and a DKICP advisor;
  • Maintain the respective GPA depending on the track selected (Prerequisite Coursework Track will need to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher and the Certified Pharmacy Technician, Associate Degree and Baccalaureate Degree Tracks will need to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher);
  • Participate in the PPA Pathway for at least one and a half consecutive years;
  • Complete the required prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better by the end of the summer term preceding enrollment into the PharmD Program;
  • Submit a complete application to DKICP via PharmCAS within five years, successfully interview with DKICP representatives and complete all required documentation.

Application

To be considered for the PPA Pathway, applicants must complete the DKICP Pre-Pharmacy Preferred Admissions Pathway Application Form, Personal Statement, and Two Letters of Recommendation (PDF). Applicants must also submit official college transcripts (for institutions outside the UH system). STAR transcripts are accepted for coursework taken within the UH system.

Please submit all application materials by June 1, 2025.

Email to pharmacy@hawaii.edu with the subject line Pre-Pharmacy Preferred Admissions Pathway

or mail to: UH Hilo DKICP
Pre-Pharmacy Preferred Admissions Pathway
200 W Kāwili St
Hilo, HI 96720