Predictors of on-site interview selection and admission for a doctor of pharmacy program using the pharmacy college application service (PharmCAS) variables

Abstract

IntroductionThe study aimed to identify predictors of selection for on-site interview and admission into the doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) program using variables from the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS). MethodsAdmission data (de-identified) was obtained from University of Houston's College of Pharmacy for the years 2015 and 2016. The data consisted of relevant variables from the PharmCAS application system for all applicants during 2015 and 2016 admission cycles. Primary dependent variables were the admission committee decisions of (i) selection for on-site interview and (ii) admission into PharmD program. Descriptive frequency distributions, bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the predictors of admission decisions. ResultsA total of 968 completed application records were obtained out of which 651 were selected for on-site interview and 413 were offered admission into the PharmD program. The logistic regression analyses indicated that as compared to pre-pharmacy grade-point-average (GPA) score of <3.2, applicants with a score of 3.2–3.49 (C.I 2.52–9.66) and ≥3.5 (C.I. 2.49–12.42) were more likely to be selected for interview. Applicants with pharmacy college admissions test (PCAT) score of 70–79 (C.I. 3.37–13.96) and ≥80 (C.I. 7.73–33.83) were more likely to be selected for interview as compared to those with PCAT < 70. With respect to admissions, female gender (C.I. 1.01–2.12), pre-pharmacy GPA ≥ 3.5 (C.I. 1.62–4.82), PCAT ≥ 80 (C.I. 2.33–6.61), letters of reference score ≥ 3.7 (C.I. 1.04–2.29) and at least one known additional language (C.I. 0.47–0.99) influenced the likelihood of being admitted into the PharmD program. ConclusionThe study findings can be used to optimize the applicant review process by assigning more weightage to the significant predictors in decision making towards admission into PharmD programs. Future studies evaluating the influence of the predictors on academic performance are warranted.