All five of the following academic conditions must be met to retain admission to CPDG for the respective summer quarter. If any conditions are not met, then the student will be encouraged to apply to MWU CPDG via the traditional application process (i.e. complete a full PharmCAS application, interview again, etc.).
Condition #1
All pre-pharmacy prerequisite courses must be completed at the affiliated college or university within a two-year period for Track 1 students, and within two years upon acceptance into the Early Assurance Program for Track 2 students. (All courses must be completed by end of spring semester just before transition into CPDG.) Refer to the appropriate required coursework for a particular affiliated college or university.
- Students cannot take summer classes at another college or university, even if that school is an Early Assurance Program (DAP or PPA) affiliate school.
- Note that some affiliated colleges or universities require placement exams and have special requirements for students who earn advanced placement credit.
- Some exceptions to the "affiliate college or university only" rule may apply. For example: Recognized AP credit granted for work completed prior to beginning at the affiliated college or university. If the institution recognizes and grants a student credit and the credit appears on that student's transcript, then that credit will be accepted.
Condition #2
Minimum cumulative grade point averages (GPAs) must be achieved and maintained to remain in the program, as follows:
Four-year school students (DAP program) – Must achieve a 3.0 cumulative GPA at the conclusion of the summer term after the first full year in the program.
Community college students (PPA Program) – Must achieve a 3.0 cumulative GPA at the conclusion of the summer term after the first full year in the program.
Only courses taken at the affiliated college or university are to be used in the final cumulative GPA calculation.
Condition #3
A minimum pre-pharmacy science grade point average (GPA) of 2.50 must be also achieved and maintained.
Condition #4
Student must earn a grade of C or higher in all required prerequisite courses. Grades of C- (minus) are not accepted.
Condition #5
In the first year of the program, students may repeat one course for a higher grade one time. Both attempts will be included in the cumulative GPA calculation.
In addition to meeting these academic conditions, Early Assurance Program students must:
- Upon acceptance, submit a signed Letter of Understanding to the Midwestern University Admissions Office.
- Complete a free abbreviated PharmCAS application. Only certain portions will be required and will not require letters of recommendation, PCAT scores, and other pre-determined sections.
- Sign and return a College of Pharmacy, Downers Grove Campus Matriculation Agreement and Technical Standards Certification Form. Both of these agreements will be sent to qualified students in the fall before their completion of their pre-pharmacy coursework in the following spring. The Matriculation Agreement will outline deposit requirements, transcript submission, proof of immunization, proof of insurance, and mandatory health testing requirements.
- Submit required matriculation deposit fee (amount and deadline date will be designated in Matriculation Agreement.)
In order to enhance their performance when later attending CPDG, students should consider these additional experiences:
- Involvement in extracurricular/leadership activities in the community or affiliated college or university.
- Volunteer or paid healthcare experiences (pharmacy, if possible)
Progress Checks
Program students should meet with their affiliated college or university's assigned academic advisor every semester. The advisor monitors the progress of students and will advise CPDG of any students failing to meet the requirements.
A review of academic status by CPDG will take place at the conclusion of the summer term after the first full year of pre-pharmacy coursework at the affiliate school. The submission of transcripts will take place via the abbreviated PharmCAS application, which will be free to program participants. Upon review of these transcripts/PharmCAS applications, formal decisions of acceptance into CPDG will be rendered by the Dean's Office, and matriculation documents will be forwarded to those who have successfully met program requirements.
Any student who fails to meet the program requirements will be encouraged to apply to CPDG via the traditional route (submit full PharmCAS application, interview again, etc.). NOTE, the traditional application process is competitive, hence former Early Assurance Program students must compete for available seats and are not guaranteed admission via this route.