personal statement example for pharmacy degree

How to Write a Compelling Pharmacy School Personal Statement

Written by Kelly Jeroski

July 12, 2022

If you’re applying to any higher education program, you’re most likely going to run into something called a “personal statement”. Pharmacy school is no exception, and learning how to write a compelling and unique personal statement is a key part in getting accepted to school. Read on to find out how to write one that stands out! 

What is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement serves as a way to highlight your skills, interests and experiences. Personal statements tend to be somewhat autobiographical, but it is not just a lengthy personal essay of your entire life story. 

Personal statements are also not a regurgitation of all the information you’ve already included in your application and cover letter. Think of your personal statement as more of a narrative, but still keep it informative. 

In writing a personal statement, you’re aiming to give the school or program you’re applying for a snapshot of who you are and why you want to be considered for whatever position. They are as much about how you write as what you write. Schools will receive hundreds of personal statements– make sure yours stands out!  

What is the Difference Between a Personal Statement and a Cover Letter? 

A cover letter generally serves as a means to sell yourself to a company or school. It introduces your resume and all your relevant school and employment history. A personal statement, however, is meant to be more creative and introduce the school to you as a person in an engaging format. 

While an application can come off as just a list of what you’ve done, a personal statement frames all your accomplishments in a way that connects your real-life influences with the dates and degrees on your application. 

What is the Best Format for a Personal Statement for Pharmacy School?

Think of your personal statement as a narrative essay outlining how you got to where you are today, as well as where you want to go next. Within this story, relate back to pharmaceuticals and medicine and healthcare fields in an organic way. You’ve chosen this path for a reason, what are the steps that got you here? 

What Questions Should I Answer in my Personal Statement? 

Some helpful questions to aim to answer throughout your personal statement are:

✅ Why do I want to be a Pharmacist?: Think through the times where you have admired pharmaceuticals or where they have most impacted you. Or, think about when you fell in love with medicine and helped people through pharmaceuticals.

✅ What different pharmaceutical paths would I be interested in pursuing?: Are you interested in nuclear pharmacy? What about private pharmaceutical production? If you have a specific niche in mind for a career path, use this space to talk about your interest.

✅ What makes me an excellent and unique candidate for this program?: Have you taken any specialized courses that make you uniquely qualified for this program? Have you had any outstanding internships or positions within the healthcare world?

✅ What are my strengths?: Where do you excel? What specific strengths could you bring to the program and the team you work with? Use this space to highlight your gifts.

✅ Are there any gaps or inadequacies in my application? How can I explain them here?: If you have anything on your application that may confuse someone not familiar with your life circumstances, try to concisely explain it here. Admissions counselors want to be able to give you the best shot possible at being accepted, and sometimes this requires you being up-front about gaps or missing pieces to your work history. 

What Should I Avoid in My Personal Statement? 

❌ Don’t just repeat what you’ve said in your application. There’s a place for a more sterile, list-based amalgamation of your achievements, but your personal statement is not this place. Admissions staff will learn a lot more about you if you’re creative with your personal statement.

❌ Don’t steal someone else’s work. Plagiarism will disqualify you from admission to pharmacy programs, and it’s also just bad practice for life in general.

❌ Avoid cliches throughout your writing. It may have been a dark and stormy night when you were born, but that is neither relevant nor original. Find fresh ways to tell your story and engage your readers.

❌ Avoid grammar and spelling mistakes. These can be avoided through several rounds of revision

What Are Admissions Counselors Looking for in a Personal Statement? 

What makes a good candidate may vary from program to program, but there are some general things that admissions counselors look for when reviewing personal statements from applicants:

• How have you grown over the years?
• Is your personal statement well-written? Does it show care, consideration and edits?
• Are you up for the challenge of Pharmacy school?
• Do you fit our program? 

What Are the Steps to Form a Compelling Personal Statement?

The creative process for a piece like this may vary form applicant to applicant, but the general steps are as follows

1. Brainstorm

This step can be messy, and is generally the most customizable of the process. To start your brainstorming process, think about all the reasons you’re considering pharmacy school and why this program should consider you. This is also a good place to start thinking about what makes you stand out from other candidates, as well as beginning to organize your education and work history. 

Since personal statements are more narrative than list-based, start to think about how pharmacists have influenced your life and family. Compelling stories from your own experiences will help admissions counselors see you have a full-bodied connection to the program and career field.  

As part of your brainstorming, look at successful personal statements. Websites like Studential and ApplyToUni can give you a good idea of what spelled success for past applicants. Or, if you know anyone who went to pharmacy school already, you can ask them for their best tips. 

2. Outline and Draft

How do you make sense of all the information you just brainstormed out? One of the best ways to sort through your thoughts is by looking for natural connections between events in your life. Be sure to highlight the aspects of your career and schooling that will make you stand out the most. 

Make sure you’re outlining your statement in a way that makes the most sense for both your story and your reader. Linear outlines with clear progressions through your life story usually work best, but that’s not to say you can’t jump around in the story a bit, especially if pharmacology has played a lot of different roles throughout your life and you’re looking to highlight its effect on you over time. 

There are different types of personal statements, generally prompted or unprompted, but they all tend to be between 400-1,000 words long. 

Check your personal statement for basic grammatical and spelling mistakes, as well as making sure your tone is both professional and friendly. Make sure your organization makes sense. A good way to ensure this is to have someone else read it and suggest edits. The more sets of eyes you can have on your personal statement, the better chance you’ll have of submitting a flawless piece. 

Running your personal statement through a program like Grammarly or Hemingway is another good way to weed out mistakes and make sure your statement is clear.

4. Final Revisions and Submission

Do some final checks of your personal statement. Try to read it as if you’re reading it for the first time, with no context as to your own story. An early start in the writing and drafting process is key for this step, so you can take a few days away from your statement before this final revision if necessary. 

If your personal statement was one with a prompt, use this check to be sure you have answered all the questions as fully and uniquely as possible. This is another great place to ask for a second set of eyes to review your statement. 

Finally, submit your personal statement with your application to pharmacy school. Be sure that you’ve submitted it before the deadline! 

How Do I Close a Personal Statement?

In closing your personal statement, include one last push for yourself and why you’re a good fit for the program. Try to naturally conclude and wrap up all that you’ve said about yourself and your story. Be sure to highlight your interest in the program specifically and give a quick “thank you” for their consideration of your application. 

What Now?  

Now that you know how to write a great personal statement for pharmacy school, you should narrow down the schools you want to apply to. If you haven’t already, consider NEOMED’s College of Pharmacy ! Our program will prepare you to make an impact on those around you for the better, whether locally or globally. Graduates from our programs boast high NAPLEX test scores, excellent network connections and a deeper understanding of the communities they serve. Apply to NEOMED ! 

Want to learn more about pharmacy school at NEOMED? Our pharmacy program guide will help you determine if pharmacy school is the right path for you, and how NEOMED can help you begin your future.

Access our eBook "Begin Your Future in Pharmacy at NEOMED" to learn more about what it takes to become a pharmacist.

About the author

Kelly jeroski.

Assistant Director of Admission

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Writing the Personal Statement for Pharmacy School: A Checklist

You’ve likely written a personal statement at some point in your life. Perhaps while applying to your undergraduate program, some of your schools required you to include an essay describing your achievements, yourself, and what you hope to accomplish in your time at their university. Similarly, many pharmacy programs will require you to write a personal statement for their application. 

This, however, is different. You will be able to highlight your relevant accomplishments and address why you want to become a pharmacist to stand out truly . With so many applicants during each cycle, admissions officers use this personal statement to gauge whom they wish to speak with for an in-person interview.

At this phase of the application journey, you've narrowed down the pharmacy schools you’re applying to. Your transcripts are in, letters of recommendation are ready, and it’s time for your pharmacy personal statement. The good news is that, unlike undergraduate applications that sometimes have different prompts, you must answer for various schools; your one pharmacy school personal statement will be sent to every program through your PharmCAS application . That also leaves an exciting challenge: Even if you have a favorite, you must consider how you want to write this personal statement, as it shouldn’t be tailored toward one specific school. 

Determining the Narrative

When it comes to writing a pharmacy school personal statement, the most common pitfall students experience is the need for more effort placed into their writing. While your grades may be exceptional, and your letters of recommendation prove that your student-teacher relationships are healthy and you are a pleasure to have in class, having a generic pharmacy personal statement doesn’t differentiate you from other qualified applicants. If all applicants have already covered the first two things, the personal statement may be the shining piece of the application. For most students, writing this statement will be the most challenging part of the application process. 

Begin to formulate your narrative. Lay out the structure and the different sections. There’s no specific format that pharmacy schools are looking for, so make this personal statement unique to yourself. As mentioned, the “cookie cutter” approach to this part of the application is where most students stumble. Use your time wisely and start early . Additionally, you can easily find a sample personal statement on various websites to help structure your thoughts. However, remember that these should be used only as samples and that you shouldn’t rely on them to format your own statement.

Crafting a Unique Story

Each pharmacy school program wants students who demonstrate tenacity, which will help them succeed in their respective programs. One way to approach writing your pharmacy school personal statement is from the point of view of the admissions committee. Anyone charged with reading thousands of applications will focus on specific questions that signal a level of quality about the rest of the personal statement.

First, what's the reason that this student is choosing pharmacy as their career? Are they doing this for income or genuine interest in providing the best care for patients? Does the applicant demonstrate thoughtful understanding of their strengths and weaknesses? Do their ideals align with the mission statement of the school of pharmacy? Each reviewer may concentrate on different questions, but they want to see you feel a personal drive for a career as a pharmacist. Place yourself into the seat of an application reviewer and formulate different questions that you could potentially ask students. Try answering these questions and see how genuine your answers are. How you answer may decide if you want to continue to pursue this pharmacy school path.

Focus on Your Opening

One universal method many writing courses teach you is always to have a solid opening statement. Use this as an opportunity to begin with a personal story about why you decided that pharmacy is the right career for you or maybe an inspiring quote that has always resonated with you. The reviewer may have already gone through several applications, so your first few sentences should stand out. You want to be able to make an impression from the beginning while showing an earnest drive to spend a career as a pharmacist.

Once you’ve effectively engaged the reviewer, it’s time for the “meat” of the personal statement. What do pharmacy application committees truly want to hear? 

Getting to Know You

They want to learn more about you before meeting in a live interview. Tell your own story succinctly but without cutting corners. Briefly describe how you learned to overcome obstacles like that to better yourself and those around you. Sure, you can write about your most relevant academic accomplishments. But go beyond that.

Discuss how certain clubs and organizations have helped you progress through your undergraduate experience and how those organizations may have led you to pursue the path of pharmacy school. Highlight the different leadership positions you may have held in college that have helped mold you into the leader you see yourself as today. After setting those up, discuss the skills you’ve acquired to help you in pharmacy school and how they’d make you a better pharmacist.

When you mention your relevant academic studies, please don't forget to keep repeating the pharmacy college admission test (PCAT) scores or the 4.0 GPA that you achieved. The committee has this information before them as they read; they don’t need to be reminded.

Talk in detail about your relevant work experiences, such as research or a part-time job in a pharmacy. Discuss how these different work experiences furthered your commitment to the profession. Identify what aspects of the pharmacy setting may have attracted you and what you ultimately have learned from these experiences. Some students come into this part of the application process without work experience. That’s okay. You can highlight any volunteer work related to healthcare or pharmacy. 

Close with Confidence

Finally—and we can’t stress this enough—keep your writing professional. You’re making an impression on a professional committee, and as much as you want to make your statement sound lighthearted, keep in mind that the reviewers’ time is at a premium for reviewing the essays and interviews in the next round.

Be succinct, direct, and human.

Remember to keep our advice top of mind:

The goal of your personal statement is to showcase why you would be the ideal pharmacy student and why your traits/qualities reflect those of a pharmacist.

Be as authentic as possible when detailing why you want to be part of the PharmD program. 

GPA and PCAT scores can only get you so far. Your personal statement is a chance for you to stand out in front of the other applicants who apply to the same pharmacy program as you. 

Remember, perfecting the personal statement takes time and your admission may depend on how much effort you ultimately put into your writing.

Hong Chen, PharmD

My name is Hong Kui Chen and I am a graduate of The Ohio State University Pharmacy Class of 2022. I am currently working as a clinical research associate at Medpace, Inc, a contract research organization based in Cincinnati, Ohio. My work mainly consists of traveling to various sites around the country and providing protocol training on new clinical trials or monitoring data. While I enjoyed the traditional pharmacy role of working in retail or hospital, I wanted to expand and pursue this non-traditional role to see how clinical trials operate. I have a passion for being able to impact patients in a grand scale and even though I don’t have the 1-on-1 patient interaction, the work that I do can have long lasting contributions to overall patient health. 

Opinions and information published by the author here on PharmDDegree.com are of my own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of my employer.

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The Pharmacy Personal Statement Guide w/Prompts & Examples

The Importance of Writing a Great Pharmacy Personal Statement

To become a pharmacist anywhere in the UK, you’ll need to be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and have, at minimum, a master’s degree from an accredited university. This requires you to enter into a graduate-level programme for pharmacology. When applying to these types of programmes, it’s very important that you have a strong pharmacy personal statement.

When it comes to applying to a pharmacy programme at the graduate level, there are many requirements to meet. Many of these come in the form of prerequisites you need before you can be considered for grad school.

Pharmacy Programme Prerequisites

The  common prerequisites  for applying to university for pharmacology mostly involve classes you should’ve taken before applying to the programme. These classes include three (3) A-levels in the following subjects:

• and various Maths

You must receive a grade of B or higher in each of these for it to meet the prerequisite.

You must also take five (5) General Certificates of Secondary Education, otherwise known as GCSEs, in the following subjects:

• Various Maths
• English/Language

For these courses, you must have received a grade of C or higher.

There are a few alternate routes you can take if you don’t meet the above listed prerequisites. These include having a foundational degree in the field of pharmacy, having an HNC, HND or BTEC with a science focus, having earned the equivalent qualifications at an Irish or Scottish university and a few others. Having work or internship experience with a pharmacist also helps.

Depending on the particular Uni you plan on attending, you may have some additional institutional requirements. These will be listed on the university’s website and/or in the admissions packet for the school.

Steps to Obtaining Admission

Once you’ve covered all your prerequisite courses, it’s time to start the actual process of admissions. Do your research first; find the best Uni for you and check the website to see what types of admissions requirements they have in place. Some universities require you to take the PCAT (Pharmacy College Admissions Test) and earn a certain score before they’ll consider you for admission.

If you’ve not already taken the PCAT, though, check the admissions requirements for your particular Uni to see if you need to do so. Several universities across the country are eliminating the PCAT requirement, and there’s no reason to take it if it isn’t a requirement for your specific school. The next step is to fill out and submit an application to the school.

Applications require a lot of personal information, including your name, contact information, educational history, professional resume, personal and professional references, and a pharmacy personal statement, which is one of the most important parts of the application packet. Some universities require you to pay a fee or provide them with a fee waiver when submitting your application.

After you’ve submitted your application, it’ll be reviewed by the university’s admissions team. At this point, they may call you in for  an interview . After that, you should be ready to enter the pharmacy programme.

But how do you make sure you get to the interview stage? Aside from having good grades and an impressive personal resume, writing an exceptional and memorable pharmacy personal statement is the best way to make sure you’re called in for that final step.

What is a Pharmacy Personal Statement?

A pharmacy personal statement is a personal essay you write about yourself. Many unis will give you a specific prompt to help guide your writing. For those few that don’t, there are  several things you’ll want to include , such as why you want to pursue pharmacology, what about that particular university’s programme appeals to you, any achievements or awards you’ve received, any relevant internship or work experience and why you’d make a good candidate.

There are also  attributes about yourself  you’ll want to mention in your personal statement. These are things you can’t simply write out in sentences. Instead, you’ll want to discuss relevant topics and tell personal stories that show that you have these qualities without you directly saying, “ I work well with others and have good communication skills. “

These important attributes include, but aren’t limited to:

• Excellent people skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Honesty and integrity
• Good communication skills
• The ability to work on a team
• Leadership skills
• Strong organisational skills
• Highly motivated to succeed
• A strong sense of responsibility and professionalism

All of these qualities make you a good candidate for a pharmacy programme. The more of these you can show you have, the more likely you’ll be called for an interview.

What is a Prompt, and Why Should You Follow It?

If your specific university provides you with a prompt, they’re simply giving you a question to help focus what you write about in your personal statement. There are several different prompts unis use, and we’ll discuss some of the most common of those later.

No matter what the prompt is, it’s important you answer it completely. Most universities use prompts relative to your interest in pharmacology, your educational history, or attributes that would make you a good candidate for their programme. There will occasionally be a prompt that surprises you though. In those cases, still, answer the prompt.

Be as honest and as thorough as you can, and remember, even if the prompt is something strange or unusual, there are usually still ways to work in stories that show you in your best light. You may just have to be a little more creative.

Below, you’ll find a few of the most common prompts for writing your pharmacy personal statement on your admissions applications.

Pharmacy Personal Statement Prompts

Prompt 1: tell us about yourself (kings university london).

Many universities use a very vague prompt that just instructs you to talk about yourself. As Kingston University London puts it, “You are the main topic of this essay.”

This is a great, easy prompt to get. Don’t be afraid to be honest and really talk yourself up in this kind of statement.

For this particular prompt, you’ll want to cover everything we mentioned above, particularly why you’re interested in pursuing a career in Pharmacy, what education you’ve had that qualifies you for the programme, any relevant work or leadership experience that would make you a good candidate and anything that showcases the attributes we listed above.

Again, be honest and as thorough as possible. Remember, the goal of this statement is to make you memorable and desirable. As a result, talking about all the great accomplishments or achievements you have isn’t bragging or boasting. It’s what’s required if you want to stand out from the other applicants.

Prompt 2: Demonstrate your commitment to pursuing a career in Pharmacy, and tell us why you’re better suited to the programme than other applicants (King’s College London).

This prompt is quite similar to the above “Tell us about yourself” prompt. In it, you’ll cover much of the same things, especially when you start talking about why you should be chosen for the programme over other applicants.

Just remember that there’s a direct question about why you want to work in pharmacology. Because it’s being asked directly, you want to spend a bit of time giving a complete answer. You can talk about why you became interested in pharmaceuticals in the first place. Was there a specific event in your childhood that inspired you to want to help take care of sick people? Have you had a strong love of chemistry for as long as you can remember? What inspired you to choose this field over all the over available career fields?

This prompt also allows you to talk about your career goals. What do you want to do with your MPharm once you get it? How is this degree going to help you in those goals, and how are you going to use your skills and your degree to make the world better once you do get a job? It would also benefit you to talk about the classes you’ve already taken and the work you’ve already done to work towards your goals.

Prompt 3: What benefits do you expect to gain from admission into our programme? (Cardiff University)

For this prompt, you can still talk a little about why you chose pharmacology and what you hope to do with your degree once you’ve earned it. More importantly, though, you’ll want to answer the actual question the prompt asks. What are you hoping to gain from this particular programme that sets it apart from all the other pharmacy programmes you could have chosen instead?

Talk about specific courses or labs for which this programme is well-known. This is a great way to showcase that you’ve done your research and really looked into what this university has to offer. By highlighting particular aspects of the programme, you prove to the admissions team you didn’t just pick this university on a whim or because it was the closest one to your flat. Instead, you did some reading and compared the programme to those at other schools and decided this one was the best fit for you because…  You fill in the blanks!

Proving to a school that you know something about the school and that you hope to gain the actual knowledge and skills they’re famous for providing to students is a huge point in your favour. This specific prompt allows you to do that.

Prompt 4: Tell us about any work experience, internships, leadership positions you’ve held or outside activities that would support your application for admission (The University of Manchester).

This prompt is another one that’s similar to the “ Tell us about yourself ” prompt. In answering this prompt, you’ll be able to talk about yourself, your history, your past accomplishments, your interest in pharmacy, and more. You’ll want to put your largest focus, though, on the actual work you’ve done to prepare you for entrance into this programme.

This could include any of the following:

• Working in an actual pharmacy or closely related field
• Internships, volunteer experience or other placements within a pharmacy or related field
• Any work experience you’ve had where you were part of a team or, even better, the leader of a team
• Educational experience that would prepare you for the programme
• Any honours you’ve received that show you to be exceptional in any relevant field

These are only a few examples of things you could discuss in response to this prompt.

Standard Pharmacy Personal Statement Format

No matter the specific prompt you’re given, there’s a general format you’ll use for most personal statements. Occasionally, a university will provide you with specific formatting instructions. If they do, you always want to follow those instructions exactly. If you aren’t provided with instructions, this is the general format preferred for most UK unis and their US counterparts for essays and/or personal statements:

• MLA formatting guidelines
• One-inch margins on each side of the page
• (For the UK) Any professional font as long as the italics are noticeably different – most students use Times New Roman, Arial or Courier
• (For the US) Times New Roman or Arial font
• Font size – 12 pt.
• Double-space, but add no extra lines between paragraphs
• Indent the first line of each paragraph

Additionally, you’ll use the standard Intro-Body-Conclusion format that most MLA essays utilise.

Step 1. Introduction

Depending on the specific prompts people are given, each introductory paragraph will be a little different for each student. Generally, though, this is where you’ll introduce yourself and talk a little about why you’re interested in studying pharmacology in general and why you’re interested in studying at that university specifically. You’ll also want to catch the reader’s attention immediately, in the opening line if possible, but without using gimmicks or something overly dramatic.

According to a how-to guide on the  Birmingham City University website , “The most effective opening sentences are simple, to the point and personal to you.”

You’ll also want to  avoid writing in cliches  or using overused phrasing that everyone else uses. Be original. Be specific. Really help the admissions team understand your drive and passion for pharmacology.

Step 2. Body Paragraphs

Your body paragraphs are where you’ll put the majority of your information. These are the paragraphs where you’ll really dive into answering the question(s) the prompt asks. Unless you’re asked to write an abbreviated personal statement of just a couple hundred words, you should never have less than two body paragraphs, and it’s better to have between three and six.

You want to be comprehensive in your writing; include everything the admissions team might need to hear to sway them in your favour. This generally takes more than a couple of short paragraphs. Remember to indent the first line of each paragraph, and make sure they’re written in an order that makes sense. Don’t jump around from paragraph to paragraph. Make sure each transitions smoothly into the other.

Step 3. Conclusion

In the conclusion of your pharmacy personal statement, you’ll want to bring your entire essay to a smooth, sensible close. Don’t use your conclusion to restate everything you’ve already written. Instead, use it as a place to briefly touch on how entrance into the programme will help you succeed in your future goals.

Also, if it feels appropriate and doesn’t detract from the overall feel of your personal statement, take the time to thank the admissions team for reading it and considering you for application into their school’s pharmacy programme. Be aware that this isn’t always appropriate. If, after adding in the thank you, it seems forced or like it was written just to add more words to an essay that was a little too short, take it out.

Examples of Pharmacy Personal Statements

Example personal statement 1.

“I have gained valuable knowledge studying Chemistry, Biology and Maths which will be beneficial for the Pharmacy course. In Chemistry, I have done a series of experiments which require analytical and evaluative skills such as accurate reading when using burettes. I find the organic Chemistry module rather interesting as I enjoy studying the different reactions of aldehydes and ketones and how these reactions and organic products differ due to the different functional groups present in each compound. Another aspect of chemistry I enjoy is the purification of organic compounds.”

– Read the rest  here

This is the second paragraph of a pharmacy personal statement, and it’s a great example of how to answer a prompt that wants you to discuss any relevant experience you’ve had that could help you in the programme.

This student mentions many of the different science and mathematics courses she’s taken in pursuit of her pharmacy degree, but she doesn’t just list them. She goes into great detail about some of the things she’s done in those classes.

This is excellent for a few reasons. First of all, it’s evident in her writing that she greatly enjoyed the classes she took. This shows that she has a passion for the work she’ll have to do to obtain her MPharm. Universities much prefer to have students on campus who are truly invested in and enjoying the work they’re doing.

Additionally, she uses specific terms – “ketones,” “burettes,” “aldehydes” and more – which shows she has actual knowledge and understanding of the field. We can tell that she’s a knowledgeable, hard-working student who has, thus far, retained the information she learned in her undergraduate courses. Everything about this personal statement was done well.

Our Verdict:

Example Personal Statement 2

“I am interested in the Masters of Pharmacy (MPharm) Programme because I am interested in the modules on which it is based. I want to do the MPharm programme so as to extend my knowledge in Medicines. I would like to get a deeper understanding of how to formulate and administer drugs safely.

I would qualify for the Mpharm programme because I have recently completed BSc in pharmaceutical Science which has given me good understanding of how drugs work. The modules I have undertaken In my BSc Pharmaceutical Science will help me navigate successfully in the MPharm programme.”

This personal statement is a little less impressive than the first one. First of all, there’s not really an opening line. When writing a pharmacy personal statement – or a personal statement of any kind, for that matter – you want to have a nice first sentence that breaks the ice and starts the statement off in a fluid manner. This student just jumps right in and answers the question being asked. There’s no lead-in, no story being told.

The grammar in this particular sample isn’t great either. There are randomly capitalised words (“undertaken In my BSc”) and missing words (“given me good understanding”) and a few other problems that could have been addressed by good editing. This is a testament to why you should always  proofread and edit  your papers before submitting them. It’s even better to give them to a new set of eyes to edit for you if possible.

The two most bothersome things about this sample, though, is that it’s vague, and the sentences are choppy. The student mentions things he’s done (“ recently completed BSc in pharmaceutical Science “) and why he wants to be in the programme (“ because I am interested in the modules on which it is based “), but he gives absolutely no specifics.

He doesn’t talk about anything he learned in his BSc courses that furthered his love of pharmacology, and while he says he’s interested in the programme’s modules, he doesn’t mention a single specific module or why it interests him. We’re just given the bare minimum with no detail – the burger without the cheese and veggies. It’s boring.

Finally, his sentences are horribly choppy. With the exception of one single sentence, each of his sentences starts with the word “I” – “I am,” “I want,” “I would.” There is no variation at all to his writing. It’s boring and makes the reader lose interest. You’ll want to change up the flow and style of your sentences regularly. It adds a little flair and makes your personal statement less monotonous.

Example Personal Statement 3

“Pharmacy has the ability to change people’s lives. Whether it is at the level of the community pharmacist offering the best advice possible to common illnesses, to high-level research into drugs that could cure a range of chronic or life-threatening diseases, the role of the pharmacist cannot be overestimated. As a motivated and hardworking individual, with a desire to understand the fascinating human body along with a joy of helping other people, I strongly believe that studying pharmacy will give me one of the final and most important step towards a rewarding career in the developing field of pharmacy.”

This is another stellar example of what a pharmacy personal statement should be. The writer begins strong with a unique and memorable opening sentence. He tells us, right from the first sentence, one of the reasons he wants to work in the field of pharmacology, but he does so without monotonously and obviously saying, “ I want to be a pharmacist because I think pharmacy can change people lives .” Instead, he simply and concisely says, “ Pharmacy has the ability to change people’s lives. “

It’s a great opening line, and it gives us insight into his reasons for going into the pharmacy field as well. He follows that up with a sentence that shows he’s knowledgeable about different career opportunities in the field of pharmacology.

Then he smoothly transitions into why he, himself, would do well in this field. He tells us he’s hardworking and motivated, but he does so in a way that doesn’t just state those facts outright without context.

He then once again tells us about his interest in the field and also shows us he is someone who enjoys working with and helping others. Finally, he sums up his introduction by leading into what he hopes to gain from the programme.

Although the next paragraph isn’t listed here, it, too, is a smooth transition into the educational and work experiences he’s had that prepared him to do well in the programme. Everything about this personal statement is well-organised, with each paragraph flowing smoothly into the next, and the whole thing covering everything that should be covered in a personal statement.

Example Personal Statement 4

“I am interested in studying chemistry and biology because I would like a career that plays crucial role in public’s health.

I was previously working as a retail assistant and the experience has led me to deal and understand different kind of people. I learnt to keep myself calm, whilst working under pressure environments.

This job has also taught me to work in a fast-paced environment to meet the customer`s demands. This skill will be useful to meet the deadlines while doing my course and working as a pharmacist will enable me to provide good customer services.”

This personal statement is another example of  what not to do  when writing your own statement for admission into the pharmacy programme.

First of all, the introduction paragraph, shown here in its entirety, is much too short. You have to be an excellent writer to turn one sentence into a paragraph and make it work, and this writer didn’t do that. Your introduction should never be only one sentence. It needs to be fleshed out and thoroughly written. There are some glaring grammatical errors as well.

The next problem with this statement is that the work experience the student writes about isn’t really relevant to the programme she’s trying to enter into. She does an admirable job of trying to make it relevant, by talking about how it helped her learn to work with a multitude of different people and taught her to work quickly, but it doesn’t really work.

Most unis want to know that you have relevant work experience. If you don’t, it’s better to mention placement experiences or internships you’ve had that are relevant as opposed to irrelevant work experience. Even if you only worked in a pharmacy for a day as part of a class project, that’s okay. You can learn a lot in a day, and you can make that work in your writing.

Unless you’re really good at making non-relevant experience seem like it has actual relevance to the programme, it’s better to leave it out altogether. That’s not to say you can’t mention having retail or fast food experience, but you have to make sure that you meticulously explain how that experience is relevant to the pharmacology field.

Example Personal Statement 5

“The enthusiasm I have for the sciences – specifically Chemistry – encouraged me to think about my future career and how a chemistry-related degree could be a possibility for me. I have always enjoyed maths and science throughout my education and I have recognised that I can combine both in a career in pharmacy. I believe pharmacy to be a fast-developing profession and recognise that pharmacists are heavily involved in the introduction of new medicines for all kinds of illnesses, and I find the prospect of working in this field inspiring.”

While this isn’t the best example of a personal statement, it’s far from being the worst. This is considered an average statement. The writer does a good job hitting all the points he should cover in his introduction – why he became interested in the field of pharmacy, a basic knowledge of the job description of a pharmacist and why he wants to work in the field in the future – but doesn’t do it in a way that’s incredibly memorable.

It isn’t the strongest introduction paragraph to a personal statement, but at the same time, it’s fair; it isn’t bad. It’s well-organised; the grammar is mostly as it should be, and the subject of why he wants to enter the programme is well covered. It doesn’t grab our attention and make us want to read more though. In short, this is an introductory paragraph that could go either way.

Although not shown here, the rest of this statement turned out pretty good. The writer found his flow and dived into the subject with an appropriate amount of detail, good grammar and a few memorable points. The strength of his body paragraphs and conclusion made up for his less-than-exceptional introduction, and that’s okay.

We included this sample to show that sometimes you get off to a bit of a slow start and can still finish well. It’s better to start strong, but introductions can be tough. As long as the intro isn’t bad and you make up for the average intro in your body paragraphs and conclusion, you’ll usually be okay.

A Few Final Notes

hile it’s certainly true that grades and work experience are important when applying to uni to work on your MPharm, your pharmacy personal statement is equally important. Universities get huge volumes of applications for their pharmacy programmes. They get so many applications that many of them have a “Due to the large volume of applications we receive…” disclaimer on their websites.

Your personal statement is where you can be creative and ensure your essay stands out from the rest. Be sure you check out the formatting requirements ahead of time and stick to them exactly.

Also, make sure you read the personal statement prompt well and understand it before you start writing. Finally, make sure you edit your paper several times before submitting it.

Have a friend, loved one, mentor or former professor look over it as well. Where possible, get a  reputable online personal statement review service to help ( me shamelessly plugging in our services page lol )  Sometimes, a fresh set of eyes can find mistakes your own eyes can’t.

Be honest and thorough in your response to the prompt, and never try to plagiarise someone else’s work. It never works. It helps to  run a plagiarism checker  on your final draft- just to be sure!

Finally, be sure you stick to the length requirements. If the statement is supposed to be between 500 and 750 words, make sure that’s what it is. Don’t stop at 490 words and assume it will be enough, and don’t go over an extra 50 words and assume the admissions team will be okay with it. These people read a lot of personal statements; they set a maximum word count for a reason.

Most importantly, do your best, and fill your personal statement with passion. If an admissions team can tell that you’re passionate about your education and your subsequent career in pharmacy, you’ve already won half the battle.

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Pharmacy Personal Statement Examples

In this article, we discuss pharmacy personal statement examples and how to write a strong statement for pharmacy school.

Find out how a chemistry set and a mom who was a nurse put one candidate on the path to becoming a pharmacist, and how another candidate learned about patient advocacy in rural Cameroon. We’ll also find out how a potential international student plans to contribute to the community in the USA.

The pharmacy personal statement is one of the most important parts of your application. It’s your chance to show who you are as a person and why you want to study pharmacy.

Your personal statement should be well-written, honest, and specific to you as an individual. To help you get started, we’ve put together some pharmacy personal statement examples below.

Table of Contents

What is a pharmacy personal statement, how to write a strong personal statement for pharmacy school, pharmacy personal statement example 1, pharmacy personal statement example 2, pharmacy personal statement example 3, faq (frequently asked questions), more personal statement tutorials.

It’s a short personal essay written about yourself that is used to help graduate schools decide if you would make a good candidate for their programme.

It explains why you want to pursue pharmacology, any awards or achievements you have received, any relevant work or internship experience, and attributes that make you a good candidate, such as excellent people skills, strong attention to detail, and strong organisational skills.

It can also provide an opportunity to showcase qualities that can’t be easily articulated in words, such as empathy, leadership, and motivation. Ultimately, it can be the deciding factor in your acceptance into a pharmacy programme.

Step 1: Explain your USP (unique selling point)

When writing a personal statement for pharmacy school, it is important to determine your approach – what do you need them to know? What is your USP?

You should consider your motivation for pursuing pharmacy as a career, the experiences that have prepared you for pharmacy school, your personal qualities that make you a strong candidate, and how you fit with the pharmacy school you are applying to.

By reflecting on these factors, you can develop a clear and compelling personal statement that highlights your strengths, experiences, and passion for pharmacy.

As an international student, I am committed to bringing a unique perspective to the classroom and contributing to the cultural diversity of the pharmacy program. I believe that my background and experiences will enable me to connect with patients and colleagues from different cultures and build strong relationships based on mutual respect and understanding. I particularly look forward to volunteering with Spanish speakers in the local community during my time at pharmacy school.

Step 2: Read and reread the institution’s instructions

When writing a pharmacy personal statement, it is important to carefully read and reread the instructions provided by the institution to ensure that you meet all the requirements and guidelines.

Start by reading the instructions thoroughly, taking notes on key points, highlighting important details and asking for clarification if needed.

Make sure to pay attention to what is to be included in your personal statement (for example a key question) and if there is a word limit.

Step 3: Consider getting help from an expert

• Identify potential experts. You can do this by reaching out to your academic advisor, contacting your local pharmacy association, or searching online.
• Reach out to them respectfully
• Provide them with the necessary information such as your academic history, work experience, and goals for pursuing pharmacy.
• Listen to their feedback carefully
• Express your gratitude for their time and expertise.

Remember to be respectful of their time and follow up in a timely manner.

Step 4: Write your personal statement

• Begin by summarising your suitability for the role. Make sure to write from the first-person viewpoint.
• Outline your qualifications and experience, followed by your relevant skills. Be sure to emphasize your enthusiasm for the field of pharmacy and the role you are applying for.
• Keep your personal statement brief and include details relevant to the role.
• Be open and honest in your writing. Being honest in your personal statement will help to prevent any exaggeration or incorrect information.
• Talk about how you solved a problem, really connected with a patient or learned something important relating to pharmacy studies.
• During a placement in Cameroon, I learned to ask the obvious and not so obvious questions. Why were several HIV patients from one village suddenly presenting with stomach ulcers? It turned out that some villagers only ate once a day and without support, could not follow the instructions to take medications twice a day with food. A local NGO helped with training on nutritious plants that were safe to eat, in order to take the second dose of medication. I realised that I want to be the type of pharmacist that goes the extra mile to understand the everyday healthcare challenges in the lives of her patients, and support them where needed.

Step 5: Determine your target audience and message

To determine your target audience and message for your pharmacy personal statement:

• Research the pharmacy program: Learn as much as you can about the pharmacy program you are applying to, including its mission statement, values, and requirements. This will help you to understand what the program is looking for in its applicants.
• Identify the target audience: Consider who will be reading your personal statement, such as admissions officers or faculty members. Think about what they are looking for in an applicant and what they might be interested in hearing from you.
• Consider your message: Think about what you want to convey in your personal statement, such as your passion for pharmacy, your experiences that have prepared you for pharmacy school, and your goals for your pharmacy career. Make sure that your message aligns with the values and mission of the pharmacy program you are applying to.
• Tailor your message to the audience: what are you most interested in learning about? For this candidate, it’s the way in which pharmacists can use new technology.

In particular, I am interested in exploring the ways in which technology can be leveraged to improve patient outcomes and streamline healthcare delivery. During the recent pandemic, apps such as HealthPass made it much safer for more vulnerable patients to participate in daily life. As the healthcare landscape continues to shift towards a more patient-centered, value-based model, I believe that pharmacists must be at the forefront of innovation and change.

Step 6: Keep your personal statement concise and clear

Make sure that each point is concise. Paraphrase and condense the content where possible. Make sure that your final statement does not exceed one page.

The order of your paragraphs must make sense. Make sure your points flow logically and that there is a smooth transition from one point to the next.

Step 7: Share your personal statement with a trusted reviewer

Have an expert review your personal statement. Ask someone you trust to read over your statement and provide feedback on the grammar, structure, and content.

Make any necessary changes. Based on the feedback you receive, adjust your statement to make it stronger.

As a dedicated and passionate student of pharmacy, I am committed to making a difference in the lives of others through my work. I believe that pharmacists have a unique opportunity to improve the health and well-being of patients, and I am eager to contribute to this important field.

My interest in pharmacy began at a young age when I saw first-hand the impact that medications can have on a person’s quality of life. I witnessed my grandmother struggle with a chronic illness, and I was inspired by the role that her pharmacist played in helping to manage her condition. This experience motivated me to pursue a career in pharmacy, and I have been working diligently towards this goal ever since.

Throughout my academic career, I have taken a rigorous course load that has prepared me well for the challenges of pharmacy school. I have excelled in courses such as organic chemistry, biochemistry, and pharmacology, and I have gained practical experience through internships and volunteer work. I am confident that my academic background has prepared me well for the challenging curriculum of pharmacy school, and I am excited to continue my education in this field. In addition to my advocacy experience and academic accomplishments, I possess a number of personal qualities that I believe make me a strong candidate for pharmacy school. I am detail-oriented and meticulous in my work, and I am committed to providing the highest level of care to patients. I am also an excellent communicator, and I believe that effective communication is essential to building strong relationships with patients and healthcare providers.

During a placement in Cameroon, I learned to ask the obvious and not so obvious questions. Why were several HIV patients from one village suddenly presenting with stomach ulcers? It turned out that some villagers only ate once a day and without support, could not follow the instructions to take medications twice a day with food. A local NGO helped with training on nutritious plants that were safe to eat, in order to take the second dose of medication. I realised that I want to be the type of pharmacist that goes the extra mile to understand the everyday healthcare challenges in the lives of her patients and support them where needed.

Ultimately, my goal as a pharmacist is to improve the health and well-being of patients through compassionate care and innovative solutions. I am committed to lifelong learning and professional development as a pharmacy professional, and I am excited to contribute to the dynamic and constantly evolving field of pharmacy. Thank you for considering my application.

As a very young child playing with a $10 chemistry set, I was sure that if I tried hard enough I could mix up a medicine that could save all the sick people in the hospital where my mother worked as a nurse! As a dedicated and motivated student of pharmacy, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to pursue an advanced degree in this exciting and constantly evolving field. Throughout my academic career, I have been driven by a passion for helping others and a deep curiosity about the science of medicine.

I believe that pharmacy is uniquely positioned at the intersection of science and patient care, and I am excited to explore the many ways in which pharmacists can make a difference in the lives of patients. From a young age, I was fascinated by the stories of patients my mother would tell, explaining how medicines had helped them to get better. I realised that as researchers work on developing new drugs and therapies to provide education and counselling to patients, pharmacists play a critical role in improving healthcare outcomes and promoting wellness.

In particular, I am interested in exploring the ways in which technology can be leveraged to improve patient outcomes and streamline healthcare delivery. During the recent pandemic, apps such as HealthPass made it much safer for more vulnerable patients to participate in daily life. As the healthcare landscape continues to shift towards a more patient-centred, value-based model, I believe that pharmacists must be at the forefront of innovation and change.

In pursuing an advanced degree in pharmacy, I am excited to collaborate with other healthcare professionals and experts in the field to explore new solutions and approaches. I am eager to learn from experienced professionals, conduct research, and apply my knowledge and skills to real-world challenges to make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of patients and the ongoing evolution and growth of the field. I am so excited to embark on this exciting new chapter in my academic and professional journey.

As an international student, I am excited to have the opportunity to pursue a degree in pharmacy in the USA. I am drawn to the USA’s reputation for excellence in healthcare and its innovative approach to pharmacy education.

My passion for pharmacy began in my home country, where the numbers of hospitals and doctors per capita are very low and most people would go to a pharmacy rather to a private doctor. I can see the critical role that pharmacists play in promoting wellness and managing chronic conditions. In Mexico, the obesity crisis means that around 14 million adults are living with diabetes, a rise of about 10% in the last few years. This number includes eight of my relatives and without supportive, empathetic pharmacists, I believe that some of my family members would not have survived. As a biology major for my undergraduate degree, I am eager to build on the foundation and gain a deeper understanding of the science of medicine, as well as the complex healthcare systems that underpin patient care.

I am confident that studying pharmacy in the USA will provide me with the knowledge, skills, and experience I need to excel in this challenging and rewarding field. I am particularly excited about the opportunities for hands-on learning and practical experience, as well as the chance to collaborate with other students and professionals from diverse backgrounds.

My goal as a pharmacist is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and to contribute to the ongoing advancement of healthcare in my home country and beyond. I am confident that studying pharmacy in the USA will provide me with the knowledge, skills, and networks I need to achieve this goal, and I am excited to embark on this exciting new chapter in my academic and professional journey.

Some of these questions were already covered in this blog post but I will still list them here (because not everyone carefully reads every paragraph) so here’s the TL;DR version.

What are the essential components of a strong pharmacy personal statement?

A strong pharmacy personal statement should include:

• an introduction
• knowledge and interest in pharmacy
• work or voluntary experience, hobbies and interests
• why you want to pursue pharmacy
• what about that particular university’s programme appeals to you
• any achievements or awards you’ve received
• any relevant internships or work experience
• why you’d make a good candidate
• qualities such as excellent people skills, strong attention to detail, honesty and integrity, and good communication skills.

What qualifications do I need to apply to a pharmacy school program?

In order to apply to a pharmacy school program, you need to have a foundational degree in the field of pharmacy.

A pharmacy degree program in the United States usually involves at least 2 years of specific undergraduate coursework followed by 3-4 years of professional study.

Finally, it’s important to note that depending on the particular university you plan on attending, there may be some additional institutional requirements. These will be listed on the university’s website and/or in the admissions packet for the school.

How do I demonstrate my enthusiasm for a career in pharmacy?

Below are a few tips to help you demonstrate enthusiasm for a career in pharmacy including some examples.

Describe any relevant work experience you have gained in local pharmacies.

This work experience has helped me gain a better understanding of how pharmacies work, as well as how to build trust in dealing with customers. I have also demonstrated empathy, active listening, and confidence in customer interactions.

Discuss the knowledge you have gained from working in different pharmacies.

Through my work in different pharmacies, I have developed an understanding of over-the-counter and prescription medications, treatments, relief, and side effects for common conditions including asthma, diabetes, and hypertension.

Showcase your commitment to learning and development.

I have taken part in self-directed learning to stay abreast of the dynamic field of pharmaceuticals. Through workshops, conferences, and courses, I have learned more about natural treatments, the human body, medicine, and recovery.

How can I demonstrate my suitability for a pharmacy degree programme?

• Academic preparation: Show that you have the necessary academic preparation for a pharmacy degree programme by highlighting your performance in relevant courses, such as biology, chemistry, and mathematics.
• Relevant experiences : Highlight any relevant experiences that demonstrate your interest in pharmacy, such as work or volunteer experience in a pharmacy or healthcare setting.
• Personal qualities: Emphasize the personal qualities that make you a good fit for a pharmacy degree programme. This can include qualities such as attention to detail, strong teamwork and communication skills, the ability to work well under pressure, and a commitment to patient care.
• Career goals : Discuss your career goals and how a pharmacy degree will help you achieve them. Show that you have a clear understanding of the profession and how you see yourself contributing to the field in the future
• Community involvement : Discuss any involvement in your community, such as volunteering at a hospital, patient advocacy or participating in community health initiatives. This can help to demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others.

What information is required in the body paragraphs of a pharmacy personal statement?

The applicant’s knowledge and interest in pharmacy, work or volunteer experience, and hobbies and interests.

The applicant’s values, goals, and motivations for wanting to pursue a career in pharmacy.

Any relevant awards, certifications, or other accomplishments that set them apart from other applicants.

The applicant’s unique qualities, such as enthusiasm and dedication, will benefit the pharmacy program.

How can I demonstrate my knowledge of the healthcare profession and pharmacology?

• Research extensively on pharmacology and the healthcare profession, including current trends and related topics.
• Organise work experience at pharmacies, paying close attention to how pharmacists interact with customers and handle various prescription drugs.
• Take a course related to the healthcare profession and pharmacology.
• Volunteer with charities or organizations that are related to the healthcare profession, such as Oxfam.

What types of work experience placements are appropriate for pharmacy school applications?

These placements can be found in both the public and private sectors.

In the public sector, pharmacy placements may be available in hospitals and healthcare facilities. Placements may involve assisting with the dispensing of medications, managing the inventory of medications, and providing customer service to patients.

In the private sector, placements may be available in retail stores such as supermarkets and drug stores. Placements may involve managing the inventory of medications, providing customer service to customers, and assisting with the dispensing of medications.

Additionally, placements may be available in pharmaceutical companies. Placements may involve assisting with research and development, managing the inventory of medications, and providing customer service to customers.

How do I make sure my pharmacy personal statement is free of spelling and grammar errors?

To make sure your personal statement is free of spelling and grammar errors, it is important to follow these steps:

• Start writing your pharmacy personal statement as early as possible. This gives you the time to brainstorm some ideas, and then begin your first draft.
• After writing your first draft, carefully revise and edit it first. Then, ask classmates or an academic advisor for feedback and incorporate their comments and suggestions.
• Hire a professional editor to proofread your writing or use a do-it-yourself tool like Grammarly to check for any grammar and spelling mistakes.
• Finally, make sure that your pharmacy personal statement is just on or below the required word count.
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• Pharmacy Personal Statement Example

Find this Pharmacy Personal Statement Example as an inspiration to write your own and make it perfect for the University admission board. Don’t forget to apply via the UCAS Application website.

Science, challenge, and making a difference in people’s lives are all aspects of pharmacy that I look for in my career. Providing better health and well-being to communities is one of the most important roles of pharmaceuticals in society. As an academically accomplished student, with work experience, skills, and a passion for science, I am a strong candidate to study Pharmacy .

Work experience in local pharmacies has confirmed my vocation as a pharmacist. I have gained a better understanding of how pharmacies work through my placement in a community pharmacy. I gained trust and responsibility in dealing with customers because of my commitment and enthusiasm. Before giving the morning-after pill to an under-sixteen girl, I had to complete a mini-questionnaire. Pharmacy ethics require pharmacists to provide patients’ treatment and medication in a confidential manner, without judgement. In regular customer interactions, I demonstrated empathy, active listening, and confidence by demonstrating excellent communication skills. For patient well-being, it is important to build positive relationships with customers, where emotions, capacities, and complications may vary.

The current work experience I have in another local pharmacy gives me a unique insight into how a busy pharmacy operates. Working with a large group of healthcare professionals, where the team is focused on providing high-quality, comprehensive care while also allowing for patient autonomy, is one of my favourite aspects of my job. Having worked with a variety of healthcare professionals, I understand that there will be ideas that are consistent and alternative to one’s own. During my studies and in my future career, my ability to rationalize, consider other opinions, and learn from them will be beneficial.

For pharmacists to stay abreast of the dynamic field of pharmaceuticals , self-directed learning is essential. During my experience at a Medical Leech Biopharm, I worked with scientists who provided leeches to hospitals and clinics around the world. As a result of this experience, I learned that natural treatments can sometimes be a better alternative to some drugs. A workshop on arthritis was provided by the Departments of Infection, Immunity, and Biochemistry. Having completed the Silvery Pre-Healthcare Diploma, I have a solid understanding of the effects of current medical and scientific affairs on everyday life, including asthma, diabetes, and hypertension.

Throughout these experiences, I have gained a greater understanding of over-the-counter and prescription medications, treatments, relief, and side effects. For a pharmacy and customer relationship to be productive, cohesive, and successful, effective communication skills, attention to detail, and problem-solving are essential.

By participating in Model United Nations Conferences and hosting the Cultural Event at college, I have developed leadership and presentation skills. The British Red Cross course I completed demonstrates my interest in the human body, medicine, and recovery. My philanthropic endeavours include volunteering for Oxfam, where I enjoy taking part in charitable projects.

During my free time, I enjoy boxing and football because both are physically demanding, allowing me to maintain a good level of fitness and participate in competitive games. In order to maintain a healthy body and mind, regular exercise is essential for better study and work performance. At university, I hope to continue these sports.

A strong foundation for a career in pharmacy is my enthusiasm, motivation, and commitment along with my passion for pharmacy. In order to become an effective and successful healthcare professional, I wish to develop my pharmacological knowledge, practical experience, and research skills.

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• UCAS Reference Letter: Ultimate Writing Guide
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Personal Essay

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In this section, write a personal essay that addresses why you selected pharmacy as a career and how the Doctor of Pharmacy degree relates to your immediate and long-term professional goals. Describe how your personal, educational, and professional background will help you achieve your goals.

Do not personalize your essay for a particular pharmacy degree institution. You cannot edit your personal essay after you submit your completed application.

Requirements

• Keep your essay topic general : Follow the prompt to write your statement. Keep the statement general as this essay is sent to all the programs you apply to. If you plan to only apply to one program, we still strongly recommend keeping your statement general in case you later apply to additional programs. Once you submit your application, the statement cannot be edited or changed.
• Do not exceed the maximum length : You can see both the word and character count below the field in the application. The right-hand number shows the maximum number of characters that you can use in your essay. As you type, you can see how many characters are still available and the associated word count. Characters include spaces, carriage returns, and punctuation. You cannot save your essay if it exceeds the 4,500 character limit.
• Use your own words : Plagiarizing any part of your essay is a violation of the Applicant Code of Conduct and may subject you to sanctions. See the Plagiarism section below for more information.
• Use simple formatting : Formatting such as tabs, italics, multiple spaces, etc., will not be saved. To delineate paragraphs, type a double return between each paragraph.
• Copy and paste from Notepad : Some formatting characters used in Microsoft Word (i.e., angled quotes, accents, special characters, bold, underline, or italic text) do not display properly in PharmCAS. We recommend copying and pasting your statement from Notepad, or a similar plain text editor.

Proofreading

Be sure to read over your essay several times to catch any spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc., errors before submitting. Once you submit your application, you cannot edit your essay. If you find an error after submission that you believe could have major effects on your application, we recommend sending a corrected copy directly to the programs you applied to.

Your personal statement is subject to a similarity review via iThenticate/Turnitin (an online plagiarism checker used by PharmCAS) for detection of plagiarism and other potential violations of the Applicant Code of Conduct. Submitted personal statements and other materials may be used as source documents in the iThenticate/Turnitin for Admissions reference database solely for purposes of detecting plagiarism of such documents.

• Pharmacy School

Winning Pharmacy Residency Statement Examples

If you’re in pharmacy school and planning you’re future, you know that you don’t need a residency or pharmacy residency personal statement examples to be a licensed pharmacist. That’s one advantage pharmacy school grads have over medical school grads, who need to do a minimum one year of residency before they can take the USMLE Step 3 . But you also know that doing one or two post-graduate years of a pharmacy residency will increase your chances of getting into other sectors of the industry among many more benefits, which we’ll explore later. If you are thinking about doing a pharmacy residency, we have what you need. You will need to submit an online application, but don’t use your old pharmacy school personal statement . We’ll help you write a new one and explain a little about how to apply to pharmacy residency programs in the US and Canada. 

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

Article Contents 15 min read

Should you pursue a pharmacy residency.

Maybe you have your mind set on going into retail pharmacy; there's nothing wrong with that, but there are some things you should know about the retail pharmacy landscape. Over 60% of the pharmacists practicing in the US work in retail pharmacies as part of giant chains like Walgreens and CVS.

However, as big box stores and other retail chains introduce pharmacies into their stores, small, independent pharmacies, are being pushed out. What’s more, many of these giant retail pharmacies are closing stores. If that weren’t enough, labor statistics predict sluggish job growth in the retail pharmacy sector over the next five years, so there’s that too.

We say all this to encourage you to think about the value of a pharmacy residency, and how applying to any number of the pharmacy residency programs in the US or Canada can give you a head-start on your career. One study noted that a pharmacy residency leads to the development of research, leadership and clinical skills in those who complete the program, far beyond what is taught in pharmacy school.

Want to know how to avoid residency application red flags? Watch this video:

Types of Pharmacy Residencies

If you’re not sure about what type of pharmacy you want to go into, we’ll explain a little about the three main ones in both the US and Canada, which are related to the variety of roles a pharmacist can fill. They include:

• Academic-based residencies (at universities and medical schools)
• Hospital-based residencies
• Industry-based residencies

But one unique aspect of pharmacy residencies is that you can go directly into the private sector and learn within the environment you’ll most likely be working at after you finish, so you don’t have to go learning how to find a job after residency .

You can do these residencies at an accredited pharmacy school or university that confers the entry-level PharmD degree. According to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), there are close to 2400 different residency programs in the US. In Canada, there are much fewer; only 30 programs in total offered by schools such as the University of Toronto , the University of British Columbia , Dalhousie University, and Laval University.

Academic-based residency programs are good places to do residencies because you have a variety of specializations, a diverse teaching curriculum, and a lot of research opportunities. So, even though we repeat it a lot, you need to research each program carefully to find one that matches your research interests and career goals. For example, the University of Toronto has two programs:

• Hospital Pharmacy Residency
• Industrial Pharmacy Residency

Hospital-Based Pharmacy Residency

A hospital-based pharmacy residency does for you what a family medicine residency and an internal medicine residency does for medical students: it puts you in the middle of a clinical environment where you have direct patient experience, the opportunity to train with exemplary faculty mentors, and the chance to be a part of or lead a healthcare team. This is the best choice for you, if you see yourself staying in healthcare, whether it be a hospital, clinic or some other medical environment.

Of course, every hospital-based residency will offer you different opportunities and clinical settings. The teaching curriculum can have a specific focus or have unique electives that you can choose based on your own goals and interests, which is why it bears repeating that you need to examine what each program offers to make sure it's right for you.

Industrial-Based Pharmacy Residency

This type of pharmacy residency is a good option if you are interested in research and being part of the development of new treatments and medications. But it involves so much more. An industry-based pharmacy residency gives you the chance to learn marketable skills that are specific to the global pharmaceutical industry, such as learning about international pharmaceutical markets, national regulatory frameworks and how to create new drugs according to these frameworks.

If you’ve made the decision to do a pharmacy residency (good choice, by the way), this will be a short run-down of how to apply, even though you may be familiar with the process.

Here is where the paths of pharmacy grads and med school grads converge, as students from pharmacy schools in the US and pharmacy schools in Canada must apply to pharmacy residency programs through centralized residency match services; the Pharmacy Online Residency Centralized Application Service ( PhORCAS ) in the US; the Pharmacy Residency Application and Matching Service ( PRAMS ) in Canada. However, you do not need PARMS to apply directly to academic-based programs; you can apply to directly to the school. PARMS is for hospital-based residencies.

These programs work much in the same way as other residency match services , such as ERAS and the NRMP in the US; and CaRMS in Canada. You gather your specific application materials for each service, choose your programs (academic, hospital, or industry) and send your application. You will be notified of your candidacy status by the institution you applied to and run the same gamut as a med school grad would to enter a residency: application, interview(s) (if you qualify), decision.

Here are some of the general pharmacy residency requirements for each country:

Canadian Pharmacy Residency Requirements

• Be registered with the Canadian Pharmacy Residency Board (CPRB)
• Have graduated from a pharmacy school program accredited by the Canadian Council for the Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP)
• Be a Canadian citizen or have legal permission to work and live in Canada
• Have a licence to practice pharmacy or be in the process of obtaining their licence with the PEBC Qualifying Examination – Part I Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQ) and Part II Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)

These are the base requirements, but each program, depending on the type of residency you want to enter, may have additional ones that applicants must meet, which can vary from:

• Being registered with the Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists
• Being a registered student with the university or institution offering the residency
• Never being expelled from any other Canadian residency program

US Pharmacy Residency Requirements

The residency system for graduates from pharmacy schools in the US has both general and program-specific requirements. The PhORCAS application service, which is administered by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) functions similar to other residency match services in the US and organizes all residency applications to match them to the various residency programs offered throughout the country.

General Requirements

• Currently holding or in the process of receiving a licence (where, depends on program)
• Graduated from an ACPE-accredited pharmacy school
• Hold a PharmD degree
• Be a US citizen or have permanent resident status

To apply for a pharmacy residency through PhORCAS, you must submit the following:

• Personal information
• Academic history (pharmacy and undergraduate schools)
• Extracurriculars
• Residency CV
• Residency personal statement or residency letter of intent
• Rank order list
• Letters of recommendation

These are the main components of the PhORCAS application, but different residency programs will have their own requirements, so students need to ensure they meet all their programs requirements and submit any supplemental materials either through PhORCAS or to the program directly.

You will only need a pharmacy residency personal statement if you are applying to an academic or hospital-based residency. The industry-based residencies usually only ask you for a research proposal or letter of intent - some academic programs ask for a letter of intent as well - so we’ll show you examples of what to include in your personal statement for academic and hospital-based residencies.

You’ve probably written one or two personal statements in the past, and, as we hear from many of our students, it is not easy. While it may seem like a no-brainer to you on why you want to enter a residency, the goal is to articulate and communicate that desire in 600 words or less (PARMS personal statements must not exceed 600 words) in a professional and well-written statement.

Fortunately, both PhORCAS and PARMS offer you advice and guidelines about what to write, but here we’ll do something a little different. We’ll use the same strategies we used with BeMo students who applied to pharmacy residencies (and got in!) and break-down how to construct your own personal statement with your own experiences, words, and goals.

PhORCAS and PARMS suggest the following, which is good advice, but you need something more personalized and specific, which is what we’ll do with the proceeding pharmacy residency personal statement examples.

• What are you looking for most in a residency program?
• Why should we choose you?
• What are you goals and research interests?
• What do you hope to gain from our residency program?

These are the questions you have to answer, but how do you write it in a way that conveys your enthusiasm, knowledge, and writing skills? Keep reading to learn how to infuse paragraph with style and verve so you get into the residency of your choice.

Writing your Pharmacy Residency Personal Statement

All good personal statements tell a story. But great ones reveal a complex, multi-faceted, constantly evolving human being behind them who has experienced challenges in life, overcome them and has the potential to do great things.

However, a pharmacy residency personal statement has to show a little more. Depending on the type of pharmacist you want to be (industry or healthcare-based), you may have to adjust your statement to reflect the unique skill sets you have to excel in that particular industry sector. 

If you are applying to an industry residency, you won’t have a lot of direct patient experience or any clinical rotations, so it makes no sense to talk about how you want to interact with patients. Instead, it is mostly your research capabilities, experiences in the lab, and project goals that will make you an attractive applicant to an industry-based residency.

If you are applying for a hospital-based residency, here is where you would highlight previous direct patient experiences, shadowing, cross-collaboration with various teams, and your past makes more sense to talk about here.

This is why we constantly tell our students to, “show, don’t tell”, as a simple reminder to let them know that showing what you did during the time leading up to a pharmacy residency (or whatever professional goal you are trying to achieve) and how you developed into the resilient, dedicated and passionate individual that you are matters more than reciting your resume or academic achievements.

Take these two opening paragraphs for a pharmacy residency personal statement:

Pharmacy Residency Personal Statement Example Opening #1

I am excited to apply for the Pharmacy Residency Program as it represents an invaluable opportunity for my professional development and growth. I am eager to further enhance my clinical skills, expand my knowledge base, and contribute to the field of pharmacy. Pharmacy residency programs provide a unique learning experience that goes beyond what is obtained during pharmacy school. The chance to work closely with experienced preceptors, engage in interdisciplinary collaborations, and rotate through various clinical settings is unparalleled.

Pharmacy Residency Personal Statement Example Opening #2

I can think of no greater fear-inducing event than struggling to breathe. I woke up like that one morning. I had the symptoms of a cold – coughing, sore throat, congestion – and my doctor had prescribed antibiotics. But the day after I started them, I woke up breathless. Fortunately, I was not alone. My partner called an ambulance, because I couldn’t speak. The paramedics came and gave me oxygen. With each complete breath, I calmed down. I was so soothed by the oxygen that I started to cry from how good it felt to breathe again.

Now, can you tell the differences between the two?

The first sample conveys no humanity and feels like the rote, lifeless copy written in a brochure. It gives no detail and says nothing important or new. But the second example grabs our attention right away by relating to us through a universal fear (not being able to breathe) and setting us up to find out what happens next.

The above samples are both fictional, but then the challenge becomes, what is something unique to you and your experience that you can talk about? Remember, it’s a “personal” statement, so don’t be afraid to talk about setbacks, failures, tragedies but always with an eye toward how that experience has prepared you for now.

To do this with a full example, we’ll first create an applicant profile. In this profile, we’ll give a short autobiographical sketch of the applicant, and then use that information in the provided pharmacy residency personal statement example. We’ll also address the statement to a real pharmacy residency program in either the US or Canada. When you read the statement, you’ll see bold text that explains how the information from the profile is being used, so you get an idea of how to do it on your own.

Every time I’ve seen someone brought back to life by Narcan, I think about the one life it did not save. Here you are not only relating the experience, but relating how it affected you. Remember to keep that cause-and-effect formula throughout your writing. You also want to build some mystery and reveal only a few details, but be selective. The more you withhold, the more your reader will want to continue. I first heard of naloxone in an intro to biochemistry class. My professor explained the chemistry of the drug, but also added a tragic aside: the drug’s creator, Dr. Jack Fishman, lost his step-son, Jonathan to an overdose, even though Narcan existed at the time, only, it was not readily available. You can usually wait until the second or third paragraph to mention something academic, but CAMH has a 300-word limit for its personal essay, so we are making an exception. But, again, remember that anything academic or professional you mention has to relate back to something personal, some change in you.

Hearing that was sobering. My professor said a story like that should motivate us to create drugs that would save lives, but to remember not to always expect miracles, even with a miracle drug like Narcan. I took that as a challenge to learn all I could about addiction, drug policy, harm reduction, the neuroscience behind chemical dependencies and the prevalence of co-occurring disorders, where addiction and mental illness meet. This is where you make the connection to your experience, and mention how learning this knowledge (whatever it may be) put you on the path that you are on now and what you did to show your commitment.

I did a six-month internship at the Ontario Harn Reduction Network and got the opportunity to meet and learn from Drug Culture Consultants who had lived with substance use problems. Hearing about all the obstacles they faced to getting Narcan or other treatment options made me realize that pharmaceutical companies and regulatory agencies alone should not be the ones deciding drug policy. They should collaborate with public health authorities and other non-profits who work directly with affected population groups who would benefit most. This section is another “stepping stone” to something you want to say about your goals and desires and what motivates you, but also demonstrates you have an informed opinion about an important issue. That’s what interests me about the CAMH; the advocacy on behalf of people with substance use and mental health disorders and all the research done here on their behalf. Here, at the end, is where you can connect your mission to the program’s and make your case for why you are a good fit for the program.

CAMH hosts one of the most revered pharmacogenetics research centers in Canada, which is an area of pharmacology I would like to explore further, as it holds promise to create new drugs to treat substance use and mental health disorders with medication made specifically for them . Given the opportunity, I am confident that I will be able to make a meaningful impact and contribute to CAMH's mission of transforming lives through leading-edge research, comprehensive care, and innovative treatments.

Applicant Profile #2

Name: Grace Chao

Education: Touro College of Pharmacy, PharmD 

Grace was first interested in the tech sector, and majored in computer science. But she added biology as a minor in her second year because of the recommendation of a professor and has been interested in the intersection of medicine and information technology ever since. She went to pharmacy school in order to learn more about the medication that she, as someone with ADHD, takes on a regular basis and whether information technology can improve medication delivery systems in major hospitals.

Residency Program: Mount Sinai Brooklyn

Pharmacy Residency Personal Statement Example #2

I was only fourteen when I was diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and it made me scared. Here you are being vulnerable and open about a personal issue, which is exactly the kind of thing personal statements are for; don’t be afraid to open up and mention an obstacle, setback or challenge, so long as you talk about its effects on you (cause-effect). I didn’t know what it was and my doctor’s explanations were confusing. It made me scared because I loved school and I was afraid that I might not be able to keep going to school the way I was used to. My doctor prescribed medication and it was when our pharmacist, Mr. Chee, talked to me about my ADHD that I finally felt better.

Mr. Chee took the time to explain the effects of the prescribed medication and patiently discussed the potential side effects, along with strategies to mitigate them. This compassionate approach is something that I never forgot and it proved pivotal later on in my career, when I was deciding what to do after I graduated. The “inciting incident” can come in any time in your narrative, but the way you talk about it can vary. You can be explicit and say “this person made me decide to be a pharmacist” or in a more implied way, like here.

There are various requirements for each program, as is standard for residency applications. The PhORCAS system in the US is similar to the AMCAS medical school application service, in that it sets the word limit to 600 words. In Canada, as evidenced by the Center for Addiction and Mental Health, each program has its own letter and length requirements. 

It depends on the program. Some may ask for a personal statement, while others ask for a statement of interest more focused on your research history and goals within the residency. 

There are dozens of different residencies for pharmacy school graduates that are reflective of all the versatility of the pharmacy profession. In the US, there are many more opportunities, given there are so many pharmacy schools in the US, so applicants can apply to a community clinic residency, outpatient or drug rehabilitation center residency, or a traditional hospital-based residency, to name a few. 

It depends on your interests and where you see yourself in ten years. Do you want to create new medications? Do you want to continue researching? Do you want to go practice at a public hospital? Do you want to enter your own private practice? These are the questions you have to answer to choose which residency is best for you. 

Again, each program has its own requirements, but they typically ask you to explain why you want to enter this program, and this specific residency. Talk about your experiences in pharmacy school and how they helped influence your decision to pursue a residency, as it is an optional move and not required to receive a pharmacy license. 

Do not write your entire life story or dwell too long on certain experiences. Keep the narrative moving forward and do not use unprofessional language or talk negatively of others, including other healthcare professions. 

There is objective best when it comes to a pharmacy, or any specialty, residency program. The “best” program for you is one that coincides with your research interests, professional goals, and educational background. 

No. AI cannot write in detail about your experiences, your emotions, and what you’ve done to prepare yourself for this residency. An AI-generated personal statement is easy to spot because it will generate a generic, incoherent repetitive mess that will surely get you rejected before the rest of your application is viewed. 

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Pharmacology personal statement example 2.

From a young age, being interested in sciences led me to realise this is the field that I would like to pursue. I have always found it fascinating how the human life could be influenced by pills, a spoon of syrup or an injection, how they have an impact when used individually or combined and how they manage to treat symptoms and cure diseases. Thinking back, this was only the beginning of my journey in choosing Pharmacology.

When entering secondary school my form teacher played an essential role in helping me get prepared for science oriented studies and make the most out of my capacities. Since Pharmacology brings together Biology and Chemistry and offers endless professional development opportunities, it made me want to be a part of this field of the scientific world.

Regarding my formal education, beginning with the third year of secondary school I started attending facultative Biology and Chemistry lessons where I had the opportunity to improve my problem-solving abilities, which require good critical, logical and analytical thinking as well as the ability to work under pressure during science activities and experiments. I also participated, as a coordinator, in the annual Science Fair, where we organised many spectacular experiments in a fun and kid-friendly manner, encouraging the younger ones to be more curious towards science.

To further enhance my knowledge in this chosen area, I attended some extracurricular activities. I had the opportunity to take a closer look into the pharmaceutical industry. Seeing how those powders and liquids are being compressed into a solid dose by using a tablet press machine and how every step is being mechanised was a mind-blowing experience. While I was taking part in various scientific investigations, I gained some practice and insight into the work of a research laboratory - by using modern laboratory equipment, we made active substance investigations and chemical composition analysis.

I have spent precious hours experimenting numerous reactions within the confines of the school laboratory. The one I enjoyed the most was titration, as I know it to be one of the most fundamental procedures in the pharmaceutical industry, mainly because it ensures quality control. Furthermore, doing detection tests of functional groups gave me the ability to recognise different organic substances.

Thanks to an EU project that my family has submitted a successful application for, a new pharmaceutical factory is going to be built in my hometown in the course of 2019. This is where I am planning to volunteer during the summer in order to get an even clearer perception of this industry. I believe this volunteering will prove valuable in my future studies.

In my opinion, in today's technology-oriented economy it is crucial to have adequate computing skills, therefore I am continuously improving my research skills by reading scientific articles so I am always up-to-date with the current advances in this field.

I enjoy spending my spare time wisely. I am an active member of the local Scouts association. Being a patrol leader for the past 5 years has helped me develop useful strategy, teamwork and leadership skills which I could benefit from in a potential scientific career. I have been practising canoeing at a professional level for 4 years now, which also requires strong ambition and devotion. I always used to have post-training muscular cramps, and it amazed me every time how a simple additional magnesium intake can make them disappear by maintaining a normal muscle function and energy metabolism! The fact that medication plays such a vital role in our daily lives, highlights the importance of Pharmacology.

I do know this degree may be challenging, but with the determination and persistence I have cultivated over the years I am confident that I will be able to overcome any obstacles I may encounter. I am self-motivated, I have conceptions regarding my future and I am driven to accomplish my goals.

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Personal statement example pharmacy mpharm personal statement.

Submitted by Imaan

Pharmacology will give you a range of career options

Gain a highly sought-after qualification by studying Pharmacology and benefit from the state-of-the-art STEM labs at Bedfordshire.

Pharmacy MPharm Personal Statement

My experience of shadowing a community pharmacist was a watershed in which I realised the full extent of roles of this profession in its setting. Changing demographics of the UK population have placed high demands on the National Health Service. Recent changes, allowing pharmacists to be independent prescribers have, however, introduced person-centred characteristics, thus making available more healthcare professionals to the benefit of service users, to alleviate the situation.

Studying Chemistry and Biology has awakened my fascination for the compositions of compounds and their characteristics and behaviour, and desire to study them at a higher level. I enjoy the mathematics of Chemistry and the high precision involved in interactions between molecules, as this allows application of my analytical skills, and gain insights, not only of their manufacturing dynamics, but also their kinetic characteristics.

Biology has enhanced my understanding of basic physiological and behavioural characteristics of the human body, and resulting intricacies of their interactions. Of particular personal relevance is my improved knowledge and cognisance of the regulation of blood glucose, which has facilitated the support I provide for a close relative with Type II Diabetes. The retail element of pharmacy is crucial to effective control of drugs, placing the demand for trustworthiness on pharmacists.

Religious Studies, as my third subject has enhanced my understanding of the ethical implications of this responsibility to the public. This has also provided me with the sensitivity to communicate only medically relevant information to patients whilst allowing them to make their own decisions regarding compliance and/ or adherence, according to their respective beliefs. Being a pharmacist requires having a range of skills, some of which I developed through various roles at school and in extra-curricular activities.

My fluency in spoken and written Urdu and Punjabi will be beneficial in reducing language barriers among service users within my local community. In school, my roles as originator and administrator of a student-run blog and social platform have enhanced my writing and leadership skills.

Membership of my school's Fairtrade Committee has provided the opportunity to plan and run events, as well as public speaking to raise awareness of global fair trade. These efforts have enhanced my confidence, organisational and communication skills as well as my sense of equity. I also run a drama club, serve as Biology and Religious Studies mentor, and a Key Stage prefect for junior students, which have increased my interpersonal skills, since these roles involve using strategies to motivate participants towards smooth transition to their senior years. I have previously volunteered in a charity shop where I organised stock and used the cash till.

My previous work experience session at a local pharmacy, in addition to shadowing a community pharmacist, involved carrying out various functions. I am currently beginning another session at a different shop, performing similar roles of helping in stock control and prescription deliveries. I realise the need for effectiveness and efficiency in pharmacy practice, especially in challenging situations. My drive for these work attributes were recognised by being nominated for team leadership during the 2016 National Citizenship Service, with tasks to delegate and motivate team members towards target attainment.

My ability to accept challenges was also rewarded by attainment of my school's Bronze, Silver and Gold Spirit of Queen Mary's, as well The Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award, both based on completing a series of specified tasks.

I believe I have the requisite background academic knowledge and experience to pursue an intensive Pharmacy course at university level that allow me to embark on a career that will be rewarding to both myself and the community or any other setting that I find myself in.

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