Ferris SOP Interview Prep Guide (2025-2026)

Ferris State University College of Pharmacy offers a comprehensive PharmD program, and preparing for its interview involves understanding multiple facets of the school and the process. This guide provides a concise overview of the interview format and what to expect, highlights the college's mission-driven values, and summarizes key program facts that can inform thoughtful questions during your interview. It also discusses important pharmacy policy issues relevant to the school's context (from state legislation to national trends) and outlines the non-academic qualities Ferris looks for in applicants. Additionally, it reviews the competency frameworks underpinning the PharmD curriculum, common themes from past interview questions, and important application timelines and deadlines for the 2025–2026 cycle.

By familiarizing yourself with Ferris State's interview style and expectations, aligning your experiences with the program's values, staying informed on current pharmacy topics, and noting critical dates, you can approach the interview with confidence. Each section of this guide synthesizes the relevant information so that you can integrate these insights into your interview preparation in a cohesive and effective way.

The Ferris State College of Pharmacy typically conducts a traditional interview rather than an MMI. Most interviews are individual (one applicant at a time) and usually last around 20 minutes. Interviewers often form a small panel – commonly two people, which may include a faculty member and a P4 (fourth-year) pharmacy student. Notably, the interview is usually "closed-file," meaning the interviewers have minimal prior information about the applicant's academic record. This format allows them to focus on getting to know you personally and assess qualities like communication and problem-solving in real time.

In recent cycles many interviews have been conducted virtually, though Ferris offers both in-person options on its Big Rapids or Grand Rapids campus and online interviews. The style of the conversation is often semi-formal and conversational – most candidates describe the experience as moderately low-stress and report that interviewers are friendly and put them at ease. Because the interviewers typically haven't reviewed your full application, be prepared to discuss your motivations and experiences in depth. The post-interview outcome is decided as part of a holistic review; overall, about 39% of applicants are admitted to Ferris's PharmD program, so advancing to the interview stage means you have a significant opportunity to secure acceptance. (Some students noted that the wait for a final decision could be a few weeks or longer, as admission offers are rolled out in batches.)

Ferris State's College of Pharmacy has a clear mission and vision that drive its program. The mission is to prepare pharmacists as leaders in health care through an integrative approach to learning, interprofessional collaboration, and scholarship, ultimately advancing pharmacy practice and science. The college's vision is to be a leader in education, scholarship, and transformational change in pharmacy practice and science. These statements signal that Ferris prioritizes innovation in pharmacy and the training of practitioners who will improve patient outcomes and lead within the profession.

• Excellence in learning, practice, service, and scholarship
• Integrity and ethics, with personal accountability and a commitment to continuous improvement
• Collaboration, civility, mutual respect, advocacy, and a strong sense of community among students, faculty, and alumni
• Diversity in experiences, opportunities, cultures, and perspectives

These core values are woven into the culture of the program. In an interview context, Ferris may implicitly seek evidence of these values in your background and demeanor. For example, teamwork and respect for others (reflecting collaboration and community) or experiences serving diverse populations (reflecting diversity and service) might come up in discussion. Being mindful of the school's mission and values can help you frame your answers in a way that aligns with what Ferris stands for, demonstrating that you would be a good fit with the college's ethos.

The Ferris State PharmD program is a well-established, public pharmacy program with a long history and a significant role in Michigan's healthcare landscape. Founded in 1893, the College of Pharmacy has been training pharmacists for well over a century; it is recognized as the principal source of pharmacy practitioners for the state of Michigan. Ferris's pharmacy program operates across two campus locations – the main campus in Big Rapids and a satellite campus in Grand Rapids – allowing students to experience both a traditional college-town environment and a larger urban healthcare setting. The curriculum spans four years (following required pre-pharmacy coursework) and integrates extensive hands-on learning through labs and clinical rotations. With approximately 147 students in each incoming class, Ferris's program is one of the larger PharmD programs, yet it maintains a strong sense of community among students and faculty.

Ferris State's program emphasizes practical training and patient care outcomes. Students benefit from a variety of resources and opportunities: for instance, the college partners with Hope House to run a Pharmacy Care Clinic where uninsured patients receive free pharmacy services, and student pharmacists volunteer to provide medication therapy management and health screenings. The PharmD curriculum is broad and balanced, covering biomedical, pharmaceutical, social administrative, and clinical sciences in an integrated manner. The program prides itself on producing practice-ready graduates – evidenced by an 83% Phase 1 residency match rate for its 2025 graduates (meaning a high proportion of those seeking post-graduate residencies successfully secured a position). First-time licensure exam pass rates have been solid as well (for 2024, a 76% NAPLEX pass rate and 86% MPJE law exam pass rate). Furthermore, the college offers significant financial support: over $825,000 in pharmacy student scholarships were awarded for the 2024–25 year, underlining Ferris's commitment to student success and reducing financial barriers.

These distinctive features of Ferris's program not only prepare students for careers but also provide talking points you can leverage in your interview. Demonstrating that you are informed and enthusiastic about what the program offers can leave a positive impression. It's a good idea to think of a few insightful questions to ask your interviewers that show you have done your research and care about the quality of your pharmacy education.

For example, based on the program description and offerings, you might consider asking questions like:

• "Ferris has pharmacy program sites in both Big Rapids and Grand Rapids. How do students split time or choose between the two campuses during the program, and what are the advantages of each location?"
• "I saw that Ferris pharmacy students volunteer in the Hope House free clinic. Can you tell me more about how students get involved in community service or patient care initiatives through the program? For instance, what is the scope of student participation in the Pharmacy Care Clinic?"
• "The college's recent graduating class had an 83% success rate in the Phase I residency match. How does Ferris State support or prepare students who are interested in pursuing residencies or other advanced practice opportunities after graduation?"

Pharmacists operate within a complex healthcare system, so being aware of current policy issues and trends is valuable for interview discussions. Ferris State's College of Pharmacy, being in Michigan, exists in an environment with its own state regulations and healthcare challenges, all within the broader national context. Showing that you are informed about these can demonstrate your interest in the profession beyond the classroom. Some relevant policy and healthcare topics for this program's context include:

• Expanded Pharmacist Scope in Michigan: Michigan has recently enacted laws expanding pharmacists' scope of practice. For example, a 2023 state law now allows pharmacists to independently order and administer certain vaccines and lab tests and to dispense certain medications under protocol. This reflects a growing recognition of pharmacists as direct care providers and could be something to mention or discuss (as it aligns with Ferris's focus on pharmacy innovation).
• Telepharmacy and Rural Health Access: Given Ferris's presence in a region that includes rural communities, telepharmacy has become an important topic. Michigan's policy developments have introduced definitions and guidelines for "remote pharmacies" connected via technology. This is aimed at improving access to pharmacy services in underserved or rural areas. An awareness of how telepharmacy can expand care (and any challenges it brings) would be pertinent in discussion, especially if interested in serving rural populations.
• Provider Status and Reimbursement: Nationally, one of the major pharmacy advocacy issues is achieving federal "provider status" for pharmacists. Currently, pharmacists are not recognized as independent healthcare providers under Medicare, which means they cannot directly bill Medicare for clinical services in most cases. Efforts are underway (through proposed federal legislation and state-level initiatives) to change this. Understanding this issue shows that you're tuned into the profession's future – it ties into Ferris's mission of advancing practice and may come up if the conversation turns to the evolving role of pharmacists.
• Opioid Crisis and Public Health: The opioid epidemic remains a critical health issue in Michigan and the country. Pharmacists play a key role in public health interventions – for instance, Michigan permits pharmacists to dispense naloxone to the public under a standing order to help prevent overdose deaths. Additionally, pharmacists are involved in pain management initiatives and medication safety efforts. Demonstrating awareness of how pharmacists contribute to addressing the opioid crisis or similar public health challenges can underscore your commitment to the societal aspect of pharmacy.

Staying informed on topics like these not only prepares you in case they come up during an interview (whether through a direct question or casual conversation), but it also equips you to pose your own thoughtful questions. It shows the interviewers that you think about the role of pharmacists in the wider healthcare system, which is a quality of a forward-looking pharmacy professional.

Like most pharmacy schools, Ferris State uses a holistic admissions approach – in other words, beyond your GPA, coursework, and any test scores, the admissions committee is very interested in who you are as a person and future professional. The college's mission and values give clues to the non-academic attributes they prioritize. Ferris explicitly aims to "prepare pharmacists as leaders in health care" and values excellence in practice and service, ethical integrity, interprofessional collaboration, and diversity. This suggests that qualities such as leadership, teamwork, community engagement, ethical decision-making, and cultural competence carry significant weight in their selection process.

In practical terms, this means the committee will be looking at your experiences and activities for evidence of these attributes. Demonstrated leadership might be seen through holding offices in student organizations, leading projects, or taking initiative in work settings. Commitment to service could be reflected in volunteer work, community service (for example, volunteering at hospitals, clinics, or health fairs), or involvement in mentoring/tutoring roles. Exposure to research or a track record of intellectual curiosity aligns with the value placed on scholarship and continuous improvement. Even hobbies and teamwork experiences can highlight communication skills and balance. During the interview, you may be prompted to discuss some of these experiences – be prepared to articulate what you learned or how you grew from them, as this can underscore the personal qualities Ferris is seeking.

Ferris State's PharmD curriculum is designed around defined ability-based outcomes that align with national pharmacy education standards. In fact, the program's learning outcomes encompass all four major competency domains for pharmacy education: foundational knowledge, essentials for practice and care, approach to practice and care, and personal and professional development. These domains correspond to the competencies outlined by accrediting bodies (often referred to in pharmacy as CAPE outcomes), ensuring that Ferris graduates are well-rounded in scientific knowledge, practical skills, problem-solving ability, and professional attitude. The curriculum integrates knowledge from the biomedical/pharmaceutical sciences with clinical application and emphasizes progressive skill development. Students get a mix of classroom learning and real-world practice experiences arranged to steadily build their competencies – ranging from early practice experiences in community and hospital settings to advanced rotations in diverse environments (from rural pharmacies to urban medical centers).

Another key framework incorporated into Ferris's program is the Pharmacists' Patient Care Process (PPCP), a standardized approach to patient-centered care endorsed by national pharmacy organizations. For example, in Ferris's skills laboratory courses, students practice communication, physical assessment, and other care activities that fit into the Joint Commission of Pharmacy Practitioners' PPCP model. By training students in this process, the college ensures that graduates are proficient in critical competencies like collecting patient information, formulating assessments, collaborating with healthcare teams, and following up on patient outcomes. For an interviewee, being aware that Ferris uses these frameworks helps you understand the college's educational philosophy – it shows that Ferris expects its students (and future graduates) to not only master factual knowledge, but also to develop strong clinical reasoning, teamwork, and self-improvement skills. You won't necessarily be quizzed on these frameworks in the interview, but understanding them can inform how you describe your academic interests or learning style (for instance, appreciating an integrated, patient-focused approach to pharmacy education).

Students who have interviewed at Ferris State College of Pharmacy in previous years have reported a variety of interview questions. While every interview is different, there are clear themes that tend to recur. Interviewers often ask behavioral or situational questions aimed at understanding your personal qualities, how you handle certain situations, and why you are pursuing pharmacy. Below are some common themes from past interview questions at Ferris (drawn from applicant feedback):

• Diversity & Cultural Competence: Interviewers may probe your experiences working with people from different backgrounds. For example, you might be asked about a time you helped someone who faced a language barrier or someone from a different culture or group than your own. These questions gauge your empathy, communication skills, and ability to work with diverse populations.
• Adaptability & Problem-Solving: You should be ready for questions about how you handle unfamiliar situations or solve problems when the answer isn't immediately evident. One reported question was, "What do you do when you don't know how to do or solve something?" The interviewers want to see that you can stay calm, resourceful, and willing to learn when faced with challenges.
• Resilience and Constructive Criticism: It's common to be asked to describe a time you received criticism or made a mistake and how you dealt with it. For instance, an interviewer might say, "Describe a time someone criticized you and what you did in response." Such questions assess your maturity, willingness to improve, and ability to handle feedback – critical traits for pharmacists working in team environments.
• Communication Skills: Ferris's interview often includes prompts that test how well you can communicate or teach information. For example, candidates have been asked to explain how to perform a simple everyday task ("Describe how you brush your teeth.") clearly and step-by-step. In some cases, interviewers even asked applicants to teach them something from the applicant's hobbies (like demonstrating how to kick a soccer ball). These questions put a spotlight on your ability to convey information effectively – a key skill for pharmacists counseling patients.
• Motivation & Fit: You can expect questions about why you chose pharmacy as a career and why you're interested in Ferris State in particular. Interviewers commonly inquire about your motivation for pursuing pharmacy, and many candidates have been asked, "What makes Ferris a school that you'd want to attend?" When answering, it's important to convey genuine passion for the profession and to tie in specific aspects of Ferris's program that appeal to you (this shows that you've done your homework and are enthusiastic about what the school offers).
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Given the emphasis on interprofessional collaboration in the curriculum, interviewers often explore your ability to work in teams. You might be asked about a group project experience – for example, describing a situation where you had to work with others on a team or deal with a team conflict. Be prepared to share an example that highlights how you communicate in a team, show leadership or compromise, and resolve issues with peers.
• Personal Interests & Balance: To get a sense of you as a well-rounded individual, Ferris interviewers have asked about what you do for fun or how you manage stress outside of academics. One candidate mentioned being asked about their hobbies and how they balance them with school (such as doing Zumba for exercise and stress relief). Don't be surprised by these lighter questions – they're an opportunity to showcase your personality and demonstrate that you have healthy ways to cope with the rigors of a professional program.

In reviewing these themes, it's clear that Ferris's interview is not about grilling you on technical knowledge, but rather about understanding your character, motivations, and communication skills. When preparing, think of concrete examples from your life that illustrate each of these themes – having those in mind will help you respond smoothly if a similar question comes up. Remember, honesty and reflection are key: the interviewers want to get to know the real you and how you've grown from your experiences.

• PharmCAS Application Opens: July 2025 – The PharmCAS application for the 2025-2026 cycle (entering Fall 2026) is expected to open in summer (around July). Students can start their applications and submit as early as the cycle opening date.
• Early Decision Deadline: Early September 2025 – Ferris State participates in PharmCAS's Early Decision Program. Applicants who select Ferris as their sole Early Decision choice must submit by the early September deadline (exact date set by PharmCAS, typically early September) and in return receive an admissions decision by October. This option is ideal for candidates who are certain Ferris is their top choice, as Early Decision involves a commitment to enroll if accepted.
• Priority Deadline: November 3, 2025 – Ferris sets a priority application deadline in early November. Applications submitted by this date will receive priority review, and those applicants are considered for priority scholarships. Meeting the priority deadline can be advantageous, as you'll be in an earlier pool of interviews and have a chance at scholarship opportunities; however, it's non-binding (you are not required to attend if accepted).
• Final Application Deadline: June 1, 2026 – This is the final cutoff for submitting your PharmCAS application to Ferris State for Fall 2026 entry. Since the program uses rolling admissions, it's possible that the class will fill before this date, but the college will consider all applications received by the final deadline as long as seats remain. It's generally recommended to apply well in advance of this deadline if possible.
• Interview Invitations: Sent on a rolling basis – Ferris reviews applications and extends interview invitations periodically throughout the cycle (fall, winter, and spring) rather than all at once. If you apply by the priority deadline, you might expect an interview invitation as early as late fall 2025. Those who apply later could be scheduled in winter or spring 2026. Note that interviews can be attended in person at the Big Rapids or Grand Rapids campus, or conducted virtually online, according to the college's flexible interview options.
• Admission Decisions: Rolling admissions means that after your interview, the admissions committee will typically make a decision in a relatively short timeframe, though the exact timing can vary. Some candidates may hear back (acceptance, denial, or waitlist) within a couple of weeks of their interview, while others might wait longer if additional interview sessions are still ongoing. (In feedback, a few interviewees noted it took a while to hear a final result.) If accepted, you'll receive an official offer of admission, and if waitlisted, you may be notified of final decisions late in the cycle as spots open up.
• Seat Deposit: None – Uniquely, Ferris State does not require an upfront deposit to hold your seat in the class once you're admitted. Many pharmacy schools ask for a $100–$500 tuition deposit from accepted students to secure their spot; Ferris forgoes this, which can be a relief financially. Instead, you would just need to confirm your intent to enroll by the deadline stated in your acceptance letter, without a monetary commitment.
• Start of Classes: Late August 2026 – The PharmD program for the incoming class will begin in late August (the university's academic calendar typically starts the fall semester around the last week of August). For reference, the first day of classes for Fall 2026 is scheduled to be August 24, 2026. Prior to that, there may be an orientation program for new pharmacy students. Mark this date as the beginning of your journey in the professional program.

Keeping track of these deadlines and planning ahead is crucial. Ferris State's rolling admissions means earlier applicants have the advantage of earlier consideration (and potentially earlier decisions). Make sure to allocate enough time for completing PharmCAS, writing your personal statement, and securing any needed documents well before the deadlines. If Ferris is your top choice, consider the Early Decision route; otherwise, aim for the priority deadline to maximize your scholarship opportunities. And if you do find yourself interviewing later in the cycle, don't be discouraged – slots sometimes open up later, and the admissions team will evaluate you fully as long as you meet the final deadline. The key is to stay organized and responsive throughout the process.

In conclusion, preparing for a Ferris State University College of Pharmacy interview involves a multifaceted approach. By understanding the interview format (a personal, closed-file conversation) and being aware of the program's mission and values, you can tailor your mindset and responses to what the school appreciates. Staying informed about relevant pharmacy issues – from state policy changes to broader healthcare trends – will help you engage in thoughtful discussion and show that you're a proactive future pharmacist.

Equally important is reflecting on your own experiences and how they illustrate the qualities Ferris seeks, such as leadership, teamwork, and commitment to service. The common themes from past interview questions serve as a reminder to think about examples you can draw upon in areas like communication, adaptability, and ethical reasoning. With solid knowledge of the program's features and expectations, and a clear sense of your personal journey and goals, you will be well-equipped to present yourself as a compelling candidate. Approach the interview with confidence and authenticity, and you'll be able to show the Ferris State interviewers how you align with their community and why you're excited to join their College of Pharmacy.