Objective: First-generation college students (FGCSs) comprise a large demographic of health professions programs. Although FGCSs in pharmacy education have been studied, robust data describing FGCSs who pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy degree are sparse. The objective of this study was to describe the FGCS applicant population within pharmacy education from 2017 to 2023 and compare them with continuing-generation college student (CGCS) applicants.
Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study using national Doctor of Pharmacy application data from the Pharmacy College Application Service between 2017 and 2023.
Results: Of the 83,446 applicants, 26% identified as an FGCS, with analysis demonstrating the breadth of differences between FGCS and CGCS. FGCSs were found to be older, more likely of minority status, and more likely to come from disadvantaged backgrounds. FGCSs also submitted a greater number of applications per student, were less likely to matriculate, and were more likely to be denied by at least 1 program.
Conclusion: Important differences between FGCSs and CGCSs in the pharmacy school applicant pool were identified. These differences highlight the importance of studying recruitment strategies and support programs for FGCS pharmacy applicants, strategies to increase completed applications, and decrease melt in FGCSs once they are accepted into programs.
Keywords: Admissions; Applicant; First-generation college students.
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