Other Information
This page applies to: PharmCAS
Language Proficiency
Select your native language (the language of your birth). If you speak additional languages, click Add Another Language. Then, select the language(s) and the level of your proficiency in each.
Military Status
If you have US military experience, select your anticipated status at the time of enrollment from the drop-down. Select Not a member of the military if this does not apply.
Felony and Misdemeanor Convictions
Indicate whether you've ever been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony. Note that most programs require satisfactory background check results as a condition of acceptance. Failure to disclose and provide accurate information about prior convictions may have serious consequences, such as annulment of acceptance offers, program dismissal, or other sanctions.
Background checks reflect all prior convictions, guilty pleas, city ordinance citations (such as public intoxication), illegal possession(s) including possession of alcohol under the legal age, payments of fines (including traffic violations), and, in some cases, prior records thought to have been expunged. Note that in some states, common traffic violations may be considered misdemeanors.
Candidates with criminal records due to felony offenses are encouraged to be aware of the potential impact for program acceptance and future licensure. Contact the programs you wish to apply to and state licensing agencies where you hope to practice for advice if you have a felony conviction or a criminal record. If you are uncertain of the status of a charge versus a conviction on your record, or if you are uncertain as to whether your offense was an infraction, misdemeanor, or a felony, contact the city, county, or state jurisdiction where the incident occurred.
Pharmacy degree programs may require criminal background checks and/or drug tests in order to verify an individual’s suitability to participate in experiential education rotations, to confirm a student’s eligibility for pharmacy licensure, and to ensure patient safety. Contact your designated pharmacy degree programs directly for specific policies.
PharmCAS requires you to report any felony or misdemeanor convictions. You may also be required to report one or more of the following types of records directly to your designated pharmacy degree programs with details about the judgments or disciplines.
- Arrests for misdemeanors and felonies
- Adjudication withheld
- Nolo contendere
- Plea bargain
If you are convicted of a misdemeanor or felony prior to matriculation, it is your responsibility to IMMEDIATELY inform your program(s).
Contact the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) to determine if a criminal conviction will prevent you from obtaining a license to practice pharmacy in a particular state:
NABP
1600 Feehanville Drive
Mount Prospect, IL 60056
Tel: 847.391.4406
Fax: 847.391-4402
http://www.nabp.net/
The PharmCAS application limits its collection of applicant criminal history to information regarding felony and misdemeanor convictions. The application does not request information regarding arrests, criminal charges that were dismissed or were disposed of other than through conviction (for example, through pretrial diversion), or criminal matters that have been expunged or sealed. Laws regarding the ability to request and consider such information in connection with an application for higher education or in an application for professional licensing vary from state to state. In some jurisdictions, a pharmacy school or ultimately a state licensing board may be authorized to and may request and consider criminal history information beyond that collected through the PharmCAS application. Such information could also appear on certain criminal background checks. Applicants with any criminal history, including arrests or charges that were resolved other than via a conviction, are encouraged to independently determine whether those matters may appear in a criminal background check or may be considered by a pharmacy school or licensing board to which they intend to apply and whether they may present a barrier to acceptance or ultimate licensure.
Please note that PharmCAS does not provide legal advice regarding these matters.
License Infraction
Indicate whether you have ever had any certification, registration, license, or clinical privileges revoked, suspended, or in any way restricted by an institution, state, or locality. If yes, enter an explanation in the spaces provided.
Previous Attendance at a Health Profession Program
Indicate whether you previously attended a health profession program anywhere in the world, regardless of completion. Pharmacy technician and pre-pharmacy programs do not qualify. If you select Yes, enter details about the program.
Background Information
Programs fully recognize the importance of diversity in their student body and in the work force. Accordingly, programs strongly encourage applications from persons from all socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, religious, and educational backgrounds and persons from groups underrepresented in the industry. Please select any and all of the options in this section which you feel best apply to you. Please note that PharmCAS uses this section for statistical purposes only and it in no way affects your application or financial aid eligibility.
Low Income Levels for AY 2017-2018
If applicable, use the following chart to help you determine if you come from an economically disadvantaged background.
| Size of Family** | Income Level*** |
| 1 | $24,120 |
| 2 | $32,480 |
| 3 | $40,840 |
| 4 | $49,200 |
| 5 | $57,560 |
| 6 | $65,920 |
| 7 | $74,280 |
| 8 | $82,640 |
| For each additional person add: | $8,360 |
*The low income level is based on 200 percent of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services poverty guidelines. It is used to determine what constitutes a low-income family for the purposes of the SDS and LDS programs for the Academic Year 2017-2018.
** Size of family means the number of exemptions listed on the qualified income tax return forms. For example, a family size of 4 may include two parents and two dependents.
*** Income Level refers to the ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME stated on the 2016 filed federal income tax return 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ.
Special Life Circumstances
Describe any special life circumstances, including, but not limited to, your cultural background and overcoming adversity.
Future Enrollment Plans
Indicate if you are currently enrolled or planning to enroll in any courses in Fall 2017 and/or Spring 2018. Note that this does not replace entering your planned/in-progress courses in the Transcript Entry section of the application; however, if you answer Yes to either of the questions, ensure that the coursework is entered as planned/in-progress in that section.
Academic or Professional Infractions
Indicate whether you were ever the recipient of any action (e.g., a grade lowering penalty, failing grade, disqualification, suspension, probation, dismissal, etc.) by any faculty member, college, or university, PharmCAS, or health licensing board for academic or professional misconduct (e.g., cheating, plagiarism, harassment, misuse of university facilities, stealing destroying or damaging university property etc.). If yes, enter an explanation in the space provided.