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CPDG Admission

CPDG considers for admission applicants who possess the academic and professional promise necessary for development as outstanding members of the pharmacy profession. The CPDG admissions environment is highly selective.

Applications received on or before the application deadline are reviewed to determine applicant eligibility for an on-campus interview or virtual interview. Within its competitive admissions framework, CPDG uses multiple criteria to select the most qualified candidates. Cumulative grade point average (GPA), science GPA, letters of recommendation, written communication skills, verbal communication skills, health care experience, knowledge of the profession, and motivation for choosing pharmacy careers are considered when reviewing an applicant's file.

Admission Requirements

Students seeking admission to CPDG must submit the following documented evidence:

  1. Completion of 62 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of nonremedial, prerequisite coursework from regionally accredited U.S. colleges or universities, or recognized postsecondary Canadian institutions that use English as its primary language of instruction and documentation.
    • Preferred minimum cumulative GPA and science GPA of 2.50 on a 4.00 scale
    • Grades of "C" or better for prerequisite courses (grades of C- are not accepted)
  2. No Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) score is required for admission. However, if an applicant's cumulative and science GPAs are below 2.75, then the submission of PCAT scores is preferred to enhance the application.
    • Scores may be submitted to the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS) using PCAT code 104
    • PCAT exams are offered multiple times per year by Harcourt Assessment, Inc., (also known as Pearson), 800/622-3231 or www.pcatweb.info
    • Applicants currently applying to another college within Midwestern University may have scores from the MCAT, DAT, OAT, or GRE transferred, if their cumulative and science GPAs are below 2.75
    • Current MWU students wishing to apply to the college of pharmacy may have scores from the MCAT, DAT, OAT, or GRE transferred, if their cumulative and science GPAs are below 2.75
    • Only scores earned from the test offered in 2019 or more recently are acceptable
  3. Demonstration of a people or service orientation as evidenced by community service or extracurricular activities
  4. Motivation for and commitment to the pharmacy profession or general health profession as demonstrated by previous work, volunteer work, or other life experiences
  5. Oral and written communication skills necessary to interact with patients and colleagues
  6. Completion of the CPDG on-campus interview process (by invitation only). If necessary, virtual interviews may take place
  7. Satisfactory Midwestern University criminal background check
  8. Commitment to abide by the Midwestern University Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy

The Pharm.D. Program at CPDG is rigorous and challenging. The CPDG Admissions Committee will therefore assess the quality and rigor of the prepharmacy academic records presented by applicants. When assessing the prepharmacy academic records of applicants, the Admissions Committee will:

  1. View applicants with cumulative GPAs below 2.75 on a 4.00 scale with particular concern. Although 2.50 on a 4.00 scale is the preferred minimum cumulative GPA for admission consideration, higher cumulative GPAs are more competitive and recommended.
    • The average cumulative GPA of applicants admitted for Summer 2022 was 3.22 on a 4.00 scale
  2. When submitted, view component and composite PCAT scores below average with particular concern, although there are no minimum PCAT scores, and a PCAT score is not required for admission. 
  3. View with concern applicants whose prepharmacy math and science coursework was completed longer than 10 years ago.
    • More recent (within four years) prepharmacy math and science coursework is preferred
  4. Consider the reputation for quality and rigor of the institutions where applicants have taken previous coursework, the extent of completion of science prerequisites, the credit load carried per term, the difficulty level of previous coursework, and trends in applicant grades.

Prerequisite Courses

Course Sem Hrs Qtr Hrs
Biology with labs 8 12
Human or Vertebrate Anatomy 3 4
General Chemistry with labs 8 12
Organic Chemistry with labs 8 12
Physics (mechanics, heat, force, and motion must be included in the course) 3 4
Calculus (integral and differential) 3 4
English Composition 6 9
Speech/Public Speaking 3 4
Economics 3 4
Statistics (general statistics or biostatistics) 3 4
Social and Behavioral Science Electives (Any two courses within the areas of psychology, sociology, anthropology, or political science) 6 9
General Education Electives
(Any three courses not related to science, math, physical education or health care. Recommended courses include arts and humanities, foreign language, and business and computer courses.)
8 12
Total 62 90

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS

An international student must complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of coursework from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States, or from a recognized post-secondary Canadian institution that uses English as its primary language of instruction and documentation. Of the 30 semester hours, 15 hours must be in the sciences, 6 hours in non-remedial English composition, and 3 hours in speech/public speaking.

Applicants who wish to receive transfer credit for prerequisite coursework completed outside the U.S. or at a Canadian institution that does not use English as its primary language of instruction and documentation must submit an official, detailed, course-by-course evaluation obtained from one of the following evaluation services:

  • Education Credential Evaluators (ECE): 414/289-3400 (www.ece.org, e-mail: eval@ece.org)
  • World Education Service (WES): 212/219-7330 (www.wes.org)
  • Josef Silny & Associates International Education Consultants: 305/273-1616 or Fax 305/273-1338 (www.jsilny.com, e-mail: info@jsilny.com)

International applicants who do not provide documentation of acceptable US or Canadian course/degree equivalency will not receive credit, and will be required to complete all prerequisite courses at an accredited college or university in the United States, or at a recognized post-secondary institution in Canada that uses English as its primary language of instruction and documentation.

For clarification about recognized post-secondary institutions in Canada that use English as a primary language of instruction and documentation, international applicants should contact the Midwestern University Office of Admissions.

Additional Information

Technical Standards for Admission

The Technical Standards set forth the nonacademic abilities considered essential for students to achieve the level of competence required by the faculty to obtain the academic degree awarded by the college.

Candidates must be able to perform the following abilities and skills:

  1. Observation: The candidate must be able to accurately make observations at a distance and close at hand, including those on a computer screen or electronic device. Observation necessitates the functional use of vision and sense of touch and is enhanced by the functional use of all of the other senses.  [The candidate must be able to accurately auscultate lung/breath, heart and bowel sounds to complete the curricular requirement to individually complete physical examination of a patient/client]
  2. Communication: The candidate must be able to communicate in English, proficiently and sensitively, in verbal and written form, and be able to perceive nonverbal communication.
  3. Motor: Candidates must be able to coordinate both gross and fine motor movements, maintain equilibrium and have functional use of the senses of touch and vision. The candidate must possess sufficient postural control, neuromuscular control and eye-to-hand coordination to perform profession-specific skills and tasks.  Candidates must be able to lift 20 lbs vertically and horizontally.
  4. Intellectual, Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities: The candidate must be able to problem solve, measure, calculate, reason, analyze, record and synthesize large amounts of information in a timely manner.  The candidate must be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and understand spatial relationships.
  5. Behavioral and Social Attributes: The candidate must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of the candidate's intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, the consistent, prompt completion of all responsibilities, and the development of mature, sensitive and effective relationships.  Candidate must be able to tolerate physically, mentally and emotionally taxing workloads and to function effectively under stress.  The candidate must be able to adapt to changing environments, to display flexibility, and to learn to function in the face of uncertainties.  Compassion, integrity, concern for others, effective interpersonal skills, willingness and ability to function as an effective team player, interest and motivation to learn are all personal qualities required during the educational process. The candidate must agree to participate in touching/palpating on the skin and being touched/palpated on the skin by individuals regardless of gender in all academic settings. These activities will take place in large and small group settings as directed in the College’s curricular requirements.

Candidates are required to verify that they understand and are able to meet these Technical Standards at least 4 weeks prior to matriculation (or if admitted later, within 1 week of deposit).  Candidates who may only meet Technical Standards with accommodation, must contact the Office of Student Services to make a formal request for accommodation.  The Dean of Students, in consultation with the College Dean/Program Director, will determine what reasonable accommodations can be provided.  The College is not able to grant accommodations that alter the educational standards of the curriculum. 

Students must meet the Technical Standards for the duration of enrollment at the College.  After matriculation, if a student fails to continue to meet the Technical Standards during subsequent enrollment, the student may apply for accommodation by contacting the Office of Student Services.  If the accommodation needed to meet the Technical Standards alters the educational standards of the curriculum, the student’s ability to satisfactorily progress in the curriculum will be evaluated by the appropriate College’s Student Graduation and Promotion Committee.

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Application Process and Deadlines

Applicants must submit a completed Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS) application.

1. PharmCAS Application

Applicants are required to submit a completed Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS) application and pay application fees to PharmCAS by May 1st each year. In addition to the online application and application fees, applicants must forward to PharmCAS official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended by the May 1st date. PharmCAS will not consider an application complete and will not begin the verification process until all official transcripts are received. (Students who have taken coursework and/or earned a degree from a foreign institution must also submit an evaluation of their transcripts from an approved foreign transcript evaluation service).

Students must apply for admission via the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS) at www.PharmCAS.org. Please refer to the PharmCAS application instructions for specific details about completing the PharmCAS application, required documents, and processing time. PharmCAS applications are typically available beginning in June of the academic year preceding the year in which the applicant plans to matriculate. Students are strongly encouraged to complete their PharmCAS application early in the cycle. CPDG will consider completed applications on a first-come, first-served basis until all seats are filled.

2. Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT)

No Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) score is required for admission. However, it is preferred that applicants whose cumulative and science GPAs are below 2.75 arrange for scores from the PCAT to be sent directly to PharmCAS using PCAT code 104. Only test scores received directly from PharmCAS and scores earned from the test offered in 2019 or more recently will be accepted. This exam is offered by Harcourt Assessment, Inc., (also known as Pearson), 800-622-3231; www.pcatweb.info. The exam is typically offered multiple times per year. It is recommended that first-time PCAT test takers should take the exam no later than January 2024. Please check with Harcourt Assessment, Inc. for the exam dates.

Applicants currently applying to another college within Midwestern University may have scores from the MCAT, DAT, OAT, or GRE transferred, which is preferred if their cumulative and science GPAs are below 2.75. Current MWU students wishing to apply to the college of pharmacy may have scores from the MCAT, DAT, OAT, or GRE transferred, which is preferred if their cumulative and science GPAs are below 2.75.

3. Letters of Recommendation

Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation from professionals to PharmCAS (www.PharmCAS.org). The Office of Admissions will only accept letters of recommendation received directly from PharmCAS. One letter should be written by a college professor who has actually taught the student or by a prehealth advisor. It is preferred that the second letter be written by a pharmacist. However, any one of the following recommenders is also acceptable: prehealth advisor, science professor, or another health care professional who knows the applicant well. Please refer to the PharmCAS application instructions for specific guidelines and requirements for submitting letters of recommendation.

4. Completed Applications

All application materials, including the PharmCASs application, verification of transcripts by PharmCAS, and two letters of recommendation (submitted to PharmCAS), must be received by the Office of Admissions on or before May 1st each year to be reviewed for potential entrance into the College. 

Please Note: Applicants are responsible for tracking the receipt of their application materials and verifying the status of their applications on the University website. The Office of Admissions will send instructions to qualified applicants for checking the status of their application materials online.

Applicants are also responsible for notifying the Office of Admissions of any changes in their mailing address or e-mail address.

Midwestern University
Office of Admissions
555 31st Street
Downers Grove, IL 60515
630/515-7200; 800/458-6253
admissil@midwestern.edu

Rolling Admissions

The Chicago College of Pharmacy uses a rolling admissions process in which applications are processed and reviewed during regular intervals in the admissions cycle until the class is filled. 

Interview Process

Before invitations are issued to attend an interview, applicants must meet the admission requirements listed previously. After the Office of Admissions receives required application materials, applicant files are reviewed to determine whether applicants merit invitations to attend an interview. Applicants may also be placed on a waiting list pending possible openings toward the end of the admissions cycle. Interviews are typically held between September and May. Invited applicants must participate in an interview to achieve further consideration in the admissions process.

Interviews will be used to evaluate verbal communication skills, understanding of the pharmacy profession, commitment to patient care, and other elements as determined by faculty. Applicants will be required to participate in writing sample exercises on that same day. Interview Days also provide opportunities for candidates to learn more about the pharmacy program, financial aid, student services, as well as tour (or virtually tour) the Midwestern University campus and pharmacy school facilities.

Following applicant interviews, only completed files are forwarded to the Admissions Committee for review. The committee may recommend to accept, deny, or place students on the alternate list. Recommendations are then forwarded to the Dean for final approval. The Dean, via the Office of Admissions, notifies applicants of their status shortly after their visit.

All requests for application withdrawals must be made in writing.

Matriculation Process for the Entry-Level Pharm.D. Degree Program

The matriculation process begins after applicants receive notification of their acceptance. To complete the matriculation process, applicants must:

  1. Submit the matriculation agreement and required deposit monies by the dates designated in the matriculation agreement. Deposits are applied towards the first quarter's tuition.
  2. Submit official final transcripts from all colleges attended post-high school by the deadline of two weeks (14 days) prior to the first day of classes. Students who are accepted to MWU less than one month prior to the first day of classes will have 30 calendar days from the date of their acceptance to submit all official transcripts to the Office of Admissions. Any special circumstances or requests for exceptions to this policy must be sent to and approved by the Office of the Dean of the college. Students who fail to submit all official final transcripts by the stated deadline may jeopardize their acceptance or continued enrollment in the College.
  3. Submit completed medical files documenting completion of a physical exam, immunizations, tuberculosis and titer blood testing as instructed by the Office of Student Services and detailed in the Student Handbook.
  4. Meet the Technical Standards for the College.
  5. Submit proof of medical and disability insurance coverage. Students may select either a plan offered by an MWU-approved carrier or a comparable plan offered by an outside carrier of their choice, as determined by the Office of Student Services. Insurance must be maintained throughout the entire period of enrollment.
  6. Submit additional documents as requested by the Office of Admissions or College.
  7. Students who are requesting an F-1 visa or who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents must prepay tuition and in some cases other mandatory program fees for the first year of their educational program 6 weeks before the first day of the first quarter of each academic year. Furthermore, the student must prepay tuition and in some cases other mandatory program fees for each successive year at the start of each academic year on the University’s stated due date.
  8. Submit a signed Credit Policy Statement.
  9. Authorize and pass the MWU criminal background check and/or fingerprinting background check as required by the specific College/School/Program.
  10. Submit a signed MWU Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy Statement.

Applicants who fail to satisfy these matriculation requirements or who omit or falsify information required on official admission documents automatically forfeit their seat in the program. Any individual accepted for admission to the college/program who does not comply with stated timelines for submission of all required materials receives no further notification from the college regarding the forfeiture of their seat.

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