Getting into pharmacy school is highly competitive, with each slot in a PharmD program eliciting many eager applicants. A well-written letter of recommendation can go a long way toward helping an applicant stand out from the crowd.
In this comprehensive guide, learn how to craft an outstanding pharmacy school recommendation letter that portrays the applicant in the best possible light
Who Should Write a Pharmacy Recommendation?
Most pharmacy schools require each applicant to submit 2-3 letters of recommendation with their application. These letters should come from people who know the applicant well professionally or academically and can speak in depth about their abilities, achievements, and potential.
Common pharmacy letter writers include
- College professors the applicant has taken courses with
- Pharmacists or pharmacy managers the applicant has worked or interned under
- Science and math teachers at the high school level
- Physicians or other healthcare professionals familiar with the applicant
- Academic advisors or counselors monitoring the applicant’s progress
The most compelling letters are written by established professionals in healthcare or academia who have seen the applicant’s talents firsthand and enthusiastically endorse them pursing a pharmacology career.
Pharmacy Recommendation Letter Content
The content of a pharmacy recommendation letter generally includes:
Overview of the Relationship
A brief background explaining how the letter writer knows the applicant and in what capacity – such as a college organic chemistry professor for 2 semesters or a pharmacist who oversaw a summer internship program the applicant participated in.
Applicant Strengths & Achievements
Specific examples that speak to the applicant’s academic abilities, intellect, work ethic, communication skills, leadership qualities, problem-solving, etc. This should provide convincing evidence to admit the applicant by highlighting stellar grades, awards won, impressive test scores, research projects, and healthcare or pharmacy related experience.
Personality Traits & Potential
Discussion of positive personal characteristics that will enable the applicant to succeed in pharmacy school and as a future pharmacist. Kindness, integrity, teamwork, dedication, maturity and other attributes show the applicant has the right temperament.
Overall Endorsement
A strong summary statement endorsing the applicant’s acceptance into the PharmD program and underscoring why they show promise as an outstanding future pharmacist.
7 Tips for Writing a Stellar Pharmacy Recommendation
Follow these tips for crafting a pharmacy school letter of recommendation that truly wows:
1. Follow the School’s Instructions
Before drafting your letter, carefully review any guidelines provided by the applicant’s pharmacy schools. Some may offer specific prompts to address or have formatting requirements such as length and font preferences.
2. Open With a Strong Statement of Endorsement
Grab the admissions committee’s attention right away by clearly stating your unequivocal endorsement of the applicant upfront. For example:
“It is with great confidence and enthusiasm that I recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to your PharmD program. In my [X years] of teaching/working with [Applicant], I have found them to possess exceptional intellect, work ethic, and promise as an upcoming pharmacist.”
3. Focus on Detailed Examples
Avoid vague generalizations that could describe any applicant. Instead, provide clear, descriptive examples that illustrate the applicant’s assets and achievements. Quantify their accomplishments with relevant metrics when possible.
4. Align with Pharmacy Values
Ensure the letter paints a picture of someone aligned with the values of the pharmacy profession, such as intelligence, dedication, integrity, compassion, attention to detail, and commitment to healthcare service.
5. Note Any Areas of Improvement
Address any past shortcomings or weaknesses positively. Frame them as showing the applicant’s self-awareness, accountability and ability to evolve. But keep the letter’s tone overwhelmingly positive.
6. Emphasize Unique Traits
Highlight interesting hobbies, leadership roles, or personal stories that provide a well-rounded portrayal of the applicant as an individual beyond academics. This can set them apart.
7. Proofread Extensively
Be sure to carefully proofread your letter before sending it. Check for any spelling or grammar errors that could undermine your endorsement as careless mistakes.
Pharmacy Recommendation Letter Examples
Here are two sample recommendation letters showcasing the ideal content and format for a pharmacy school applicant:
Sample 1: From a College Professor
March 15, 2022
PharmD Admissions Committee
ABC Pharmacy School
123 Campus Way
Anytown, CA 12345
Dear Admissions Committee Members:
I am pleased to strongly recommend Jane Doe for admission to the Doctor of Pharmacy program at ABC Pharmacy School. As Jane’s Organic Chemistry II professor for the past semester at XYZ College, I have seen firsthand her exceptional intellect, work ethic, and passion for pharmaceutical sciences.
In my class, Jane earned an A grade while demonstrating deep understanding of complex concepts and keen problem-solving abilities. She consistently scored over 90% on exams that challenged most other students. Jane came to office hours with insightful questions that reflected her intellectual curiosity and desire to learn. She also helped tutor other struggling students.
I also oversaw Jane’s independent study into new drug development techniques. The thorough, well-researched proposal she produced was truly Ph.D.-level work from an undergraduate student. Jane’s exceptional research and scientific writing abilities will enable her to thrive in your rigorous PharmD curriculum.
Beyond her outstanding academic abilities, Jane shows promise as a dedicated, compassionate pharmacist who will greatly impact her future patients and community. She demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and a genuine passion for helping others improve healthcare outcomes.
In closing, I wholeheartedly believe Jane Doe has enormous potential to excel in your PharmD program and blossom into an exemplary pharmacist. She has my highest recommendation, and I would be happy to furnish any further information needed. Please feel free to contact me directly at 123-456-7890 or [email protected].
Sincerely,
John Smith, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Chemistry
XYZ College
Sample 2: From a Pharmacist
April 1, 2022
Pharmacy School Admissions
University of Anytown
456 Campus Blvd
Anytown, CA 98765
Dear Admissions Committee:
I am writing this letter enthusiastically recommending Michael Clark for your Doctor of Pharmacy degree program. As the pharmacy manager at ABC Pharmacy for the past 3 years, I have directly supervised Michael through his pharmacy technician role and summer internships here. He has consistently proven himself to be an incredibly bright, motivated, dependable team member who shows great promise as a future pharmacist.
Michael possesses exceptional intellect and learning ability. He rapidly masters complex technical pharmacy systems and procedures that usually take months for technicians to learn. His esteemed professors from XYZ University have praised Michael’s stellar coursework and exam performance in advanced scientific and mathematic coursework required for pre-pharmacy preparation.
In addition to his intellectual gifts, Michael shows dedication, integrity, and passion in serving pharmacy customers each day. Our patients frequently provide positive feedback on Michael’s friendliness, patience, and attentiveness. He also has stepped up as a leader by mentoring new pharmacy technicians and interns.
Michael Clark will undoubtedly be an asset to your PharmD program and an outstanding pharmacist. I cannot give a stronger recommendation for his acceptance. Please contact me at 123-456-7890 or [email protected] if I can provide any further information on this exceptional candidate.
Sincerely,
Michele Johnson
Pharmacy Manager
ABC Pharmacy
Summary
A compelling pharmacy school recommendation needs to paint a vivid picture of the applicant, highlighting their intellectual abilities, work ethic, integrity, commitment to healthcare service, and potential to excel as both a student and eventual pharmacist.
Follow the tips and guidelines here to draft a pharmacy recommendation letter that truly captures what makes the applicant special and gets them accepted into the competitive PharmD degree program of their dreams!
