PhORCAS Quick Start Guide and FAQs

What is PhORCAS?

The Pharmacy Online Residency Centralized Application Service (PhORCAS) simplifies the process of applying to pharmacy residency programs. You start by selecting the programs you wish to apply to, then you submit one application that includes all necessary materials. Once received by PhORCAS, your application and materials go through a verification process before being transmitted to all of your selected programs.

Start your 2023-2024 application.

How long does the application process take?

It's important you apply as early as possible since completing your application can be a lengthy process, and since application processing times vary throughout the cycle. Below is a suggested timeline that includes key actions to keep the application process on track. This timeline may need to be adjusted based on your programs' deadlines and requirements.

Timeline	Key Actions
Prior to the Start of the Application Process	Research programs you wish to apply to. Pay special attention to: Cycle dates and deadline requirements. Application fees. Program Evaluation requirements. Minimum requirements, including prerequisites, standardized test scores, supplemental applications, foreign evaluations, etc. Begin contacting potential evaluators to confirm their participation. Begin drafting your personal essay. Review the instructions in this Help Center.
At Least 3 Months Prior to Deadline	Create your account. Complete the Colleges Attended section. Complete the Program Evaluations section.
At Least 10-12 Weeks Prior to Deadline	Ask your schools to send official pharmacy school transcripts directly to PhORCAS. If there are any holds on your account at a school, resolve them now to avoid delays in sending transcripts. Check in with your evaluators to confirm that they received the program evaluation request via email.
At Least 6-8 Weeks Prior to Deadline	Complete and submit your application. Monitor your application for receipt of transcripts and letters of program evaluation and follow up on any missing items.
At Least 4-6 Weeks Prior to Deadline	Continue monitoring your application until your status is Complete.
After Deadline	Download a copy of your application for your records.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Coursework, Transcripts, and GPAs	Programs and Statuses	Fees and Payments
Do I need to send transcripts? Yes, you must submit official pharmacy school transcripts to PhORCAS. See Sending Official Transcripts for more guidelines on each type of transcript. Where do I find the Transcript ID Form? The Transcript ID Form is found in the Colleges Attended section after you submit a college or university entry and opt to order mailed transcripts. Should I send my high school transcripts? No. How do I know what my primary institution is? Your primary institution is the college or university where you earned or will earn your first undergraduate college degree.	How do I remove a program? Your application must always have at least one program selected. To remove a program, click the checkmark next to the program name on the Programs tab. Can I apply to more programs after I submit my application? Yes, if the program's deadline date has not yet passed and the application cycle is open. Should I submit my application if I'm still waiting on transcripts and/or program evaluations? Yes. You can submit your application before your transcripts and/or program evaluations are received by PhORCAS. Will PhORCAS update me on the status of my application? Your application status for each program is listed in the Statuses section of the application. PhORCAS will notify you when official transcripts and program evaluations are received, and when your application is complete. When will I learn about acceptance decisions? See PhORCAS Application Cycle Dates for more information about when Match results are released.	Is there any other way to pay other than by credit card? We currently only accept payments by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover). I want a refund. What do I need to do? Refunds are not given for any reason. Review Refunding/Withdrawing Your PhORCAS Application for more information.

Coursework, Transcripts, and GPAs

Programs and Statuses

Fees and Payments

Do I need to send transcripts?: Yes, you must submit official pharmacy school transcripts to PhORCAS. See Sending Official Transcripts for more guidelines on each type of transcript.

Where do I find the Transcript ID Form?: The Transcript ID Form is found in the Colleges Attended section after you submit a college or university entry and opt to order mailed transcripts.

Should I send my high school transcripts?: No.

How do I know what my primary institution is?: Your primary institution is the college or university where you earned or will earn your first undergraduate college degree.

How do I remove a program?: Your application must always have at least one program selected. To remove a program, click the checkmark next to the program name on the Programs tab.

Can I apply to more programs after I submit my application?: Yes, if the program's deadline date has not yet passed and the application cycle is open.

Should I submit my application if I'm still waiting on transcripts and/or program evaluations?: Yes. You can submit your application before your transcripts and/or program evaluations are received by PhORCAS.

Will PhORCAS update me on the status of my application?: Your application status for each program is listed in the Statuses section of the application. PhORCAS will notify you when official transcripts and program evaluations are received, and when your application is complete.

When will I learn about acceptance decisions?: See PhORCAS Application Cycle Dates for more information about when Match results are released.

Is there any other way to pay other than by credit card?: We currently only accept payments by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover).

I want a refund. What do I need to do?: Refunds are not given for any reason. Review Refunding/Withdrawing Your PhORCAS Application for more information.