Early Assurance Program

Get a head start on pharmacy school

Explore NEOMED’s Early Assurance Program (EAP)

Are you thinking about becoming a pharmacist? NEOMED’s Early Assurance Program gives you the chance to reserve a future spot in pharmacy school—before you even apply through the regular process.

If accepted, you’ll be on track to earn your Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree and can start preparing early for a career in pharmacy.

What is early assurance?

The Early Assurance Program (EAP) offers conditional acceptance into a future NEOMED College of Pharmacy class.

• Your seat is saved as long as you meet the program’s requirements.
• The program is non-binding—you can still explore other schools or career options.
• EAP students get early access to career-building activities and professional development.

Who can apply?

You’re eligible if you are:

• A high school senior, or
• A college student attending a U.S. community college, college or university

How the program works

Step 1: Apply and reserve your spot
Submit your application to the Early Assurance Program. If you qualify, you’ll secure a reserved seat in a future pharmacy class.

Step 2: Stay on track and apply to NEOMED
To keep your spot, you’ll:

• Complete all EAP requirements
• Apply to NEOMED through PharmCAS by October 31 (the year before you want to start)
• Interview with a pharmacy faculty member (online or in person)

🗓 You don’t need to finish all your required courses when you apply, but you must complete at least 60 credit hours of required coursework before you enroll at NEOMED.

What happens after you’re accepted to the Early Assurance Program?

✅ The steps below apply only after you’ve been accepted into NEOMED’s Early Assurance Program.

Once you’re in the program, your next goal is to secure your seat in pharmacy school. Here’s how to stay on track:

Your responsibilities as an EAP student

1. Apply to the Pharm.D. Program

• Submit your application through PharmCAS by December 31 of the year before you plan to start at NEOMED.
• Visit PharmCAS.org for the application, details and deadlines.

2. Stay enrolled and on track

• Keep attending a regionally accredited college or university.
• You must be on track to complete all required prerequisite courses.
• If you transfer to another school, your early assurance status may transfer with you.

3. Complete your prerequisite courses

• Finish all required pharmacy prerequisite coursework by July of the year you plan to start at NEOMED.
• Earn a grade of C or better in each course.
• AP or College Credit Plus courses may count if your college accepts the credit.

4. Maintain strong grades

• Keep a 3.2 overall GPA and a 3.2 science GPA (as calculated by PharmCAS).
• If your GPA is lower, you can still apply through the regular or traditional admissions process.
• Students from schools with a NEOMED articulation agreement may have more flexibility. Check with your pre-health advisor.

5. Participate in pre-pharmacy experiences

To get the most out of the EAP and build a strong PharmCAS application, take part in professional development activities like:

• Attending Area Health Education Center (AHEC) programs
• Joining the NEOMED Pre-Pharmacy Club
• Meeting regularly with a Pharm.D. student mentor (assigned to you after you’re accepted)
• Scheduling at least one meeting per semester with the Assistant Dean of Admissions or a member of the admissions team
• Sending updated transcripts after each semester
• Working as a pharmacy technician (optional, but encouraged—NEOMED can help you find opportunities)

📅 Can I change my start year?

Yes — your planned start year is chosen when you apply to the EAP. If you need to adjust it later, you can do so with NEOMED’s approval.

See also 👀

• The traditional admissions pathway, for candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree or are within one calendar year of completing the pre-professional requirements for admission.
• College of Pharmacy Admissions
• Pre-Pharmacy Programs
• Visit campus during one of our Discovery Days. Reserve a spot on Calendly.