Advancing PharmD Admissions with Evidence, Competencies, and Recommendations for Student Readiness: Report of the 2025-2026 AACP Student Affairs Committee

In response to the growing emphasis on student readiness and competency-based education, the 2025-2026 American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Student Affairs Committee was charged with reviewing historical admissions criteria evidence that supports successful outcomes in the Doctor of Pharmacy program and developing a set of preprofessional competencies to assist colleges and schools in guiding admissions practices. Building upon previous work, the committee conducted a literature review, developed competencies, and provided recommendations to integrate these competencies into admission processes. We provided 5 recommendations to American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy and 7 suggestions to colleges and schools of pharmacy to help attract students to the profession and ensure that they are well-informed and prepared to meet the requirements of the curriculum and profession.

Published by American journal of pharmaceutical education, 2026. The guideline itself is at the source linked here.

doi.org/10.1016/j.ajpe.2026.102008