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Pharmacy in Glendale

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Admission Requirements
Prerequisite Courses
International Applicants
Technical Standards for Admission
Application Process
Professionalism
Reapplication Process
Transfer Admission
Readmission
Matriculation Process
Related Links

CPG Admission

Midwestern University's College of Pharmacy–Glendale (MWU-CPG) considers for admission those applicants who possess the academic and professional promise necessary to become outstanding members of the pharmacy profession. The admissions process is highly selective; approximately 2,220 applications were received for the 2007 entering class.

The next application deadlines are January 5, 2010 for the PharmCAS application and February 15, 2010 for the MWU-CPG supplemental application (see the Application Process section); however, applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early in the process as the majority of the class is expected to be filled by January 1st.

Evaluation of completed applications will begin in July 2009 and continue until all seats in the class are filled. This initial evaluation will determine which applicants are eligible for on-campus interviews, and a final evaluation will determine which applicants are eligible for acceptance.

Given the competitive admissions environment, multiple criteria are used to select the most qualified candidates from an applicant pool that exceeds the number of seats available. Grade point averages (GPAs), Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) scores, letters of recommendation, professional preparedness and motivation, personal qualities, communication skills, teamwork skills, and decision-making skills will all be considered when applicant files are reviewed.

Admission Requirements

Students seeking admission to MWU-CPG must submit the following documented evidence:

  1. Completion of 62 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of non-remedial, prerequisite coursework from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, or a recognized post-secondary Canadian institution that uses English as its primary language of instruction and documentation.
  2. Grades of C or better in each prerequisite course (not C-).
  3. Minimum cumulative GPA and science GPA of 2.50 on a 4.00 scale. The Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS) calculates the cumulative and science GPA. Grades from all non-remedial courses completed post-high school are used to calculate the GPA.
  4. Completion of pre-pharmacy coursework requirements by the end of spring semester or spring quarter prior to matriculation to MWU-CPG. See chart below.
  5. Direct submission of PCAT scores to PharmCAS (see Application Process section). NOTE: Only test scores earned in June 2005 or later are acceptable.
  6. Demonstration of a people or service orientation through community service or extracurricular activities.
  7. Motivation for and commitment to the pharmacy profession as demonstrated by previous work, volunteer work, or other life experiences.
  8. Oral and written communication skills necessary to interact with patients and colleagues.
  9. Completion of the MWU–CPG's on-campus interview process (by invitation only).
  10. Passing the Midwestern University criminal background check.
  11. Commitment to abide by the Midwestern University Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy.

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Prerequisite courses

Courses Sem Hrs Qtr Hrs
English Composition 6 9
Biology with lab (for science majors) 8 12
Anatomy: human or vertebrate 3 4
General Chemistry with lab (for science majors) 8 12
Organic Chemistry with lab (for science majors) 8 12
Physics: must include mechanics, heat, force, motion (for science majors) 3 4
Statistics 3 4
Calculus 3 4
Speech: public speaking 3 4
Economics: micro, macro, or general 3 4
Social Sciences: divided among psychology, sociology, anthropology, or political science 6 9
General Education: divided among humanities, fine arts, foreign language, business, or computer sciences (science, math, physical education, and health care courses are NOT acceptable) 8 12
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS 62 90

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International Applicants

An international student must satisfy all of the requirements for admission to the College that apply to a student who has completed all of his/her prerequisite course work in the U.S. at a regionally accredited college or university. In addition, an international student must demonstrate proficiency in the English language. This may be accomplished by satisfying both of the following requirements:

  1. The international student has completed a minimum of two full-time semesters or three full-time quarters of instruction at a postsecondary institution in the U.S. Completed coursework must include a minimum of 50% of the prerequisite science coursework for the College, 6 semester hours of no-remedial English composition, and 3 semester hours of public speaking/speech.
  2. The international student must submit official TOEFL scores. A minimum passing score is 550 (paper version, maximum score 677) or 100 (internet version, maximum score 120). The TOEFL scores must be from an exam taken within two years of the anticipated date of matriculation into the College.

If the international student wishes to receive credit for prerequisite coursework completed at a college or university outside the U.S., he/she must submit an official, detailed, course-by-course evaluation of this coursework. The student must obtain this evaluation from one of the following services:

Based on the official foreign transcript evaluation and the grade earned in the course(s) the College will decide if it will apply any of these credits toward fulfillment of its prerequisites.

International Applicant Packet

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Technical Standards for Admission

The technical standards for admission set forth by MWU-CPG outline the nonacademic abilities considered essential for students to achieve the level of competence required by the faculty and by the ACPE, the pharmacy-accrediting agency, in order to obtain the Pharm.D. degree.

A candidate must have abilities and skills in five areas: 1) observation; 2) communication; 3) motor; 4) intellectual, conceptual, integrative, and quantitative; and 5) behavioral and social. Technological compensation can be made for some limitation in certain of these areas, but a candidate should be able to perform in a reasonably independent manner.

I. Observation: The candidate must be able to accurately make observations at a distance and close at hand. Observation necessitates the functional use of the sense of vision and somatic sensation and is enhanced by the functional use of all of the other senses.

II. Communication: The candidate must be able to communicate effectively, efficiently, and sensitively in both oral and written form and be able to perceive nonverbal communication.

III. Motor: Candidates must be able to coordinate both gross and fine muscular 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.

IV. 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.

V. Behavioral and Social Attributes: The candidate must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of his/her intellectual abilities; the exercise of good judgment; the consistent, prompt completion of all responsibilities, and the development of mature, sensitive, and effective relationships. Candidates 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.

Candidates are required to certify that they understand and meet these technical standards. Candidates must provide such certification prior to matriculation. Candidates who may not meet the technical standards must inform the Director of Admissions, who will then contact the Dean of Students. The Dean of Students, in consultation with the academic dean, will identify and discuss what accommodations, if any, the College would need to make that would allow the candidate to complete the curriculum. Students must meet the technical standards for the duration of enrollment in their professional program.

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Application Process and Deadlines

MWU-CPG uses a two-step application process. Applicants must submit both a completed PharmCAS application and a College supplemental application and meet both the PharmCAS application deadline and the MWU-CPG supplemental application deadline.

1. PharmCAS Application

Applicants must apply via the Web-based PharmCAS application, which is usually available in June of the academic year preceding the year in which applicants plan to matriculate. Please refer to the PharmCAS application instructions for specific details about completing PharmCAS applications, required documents, and processing time. Applicants who have taken coursework or earned degrees from foreign institutions must also submit to PharmCAS an evaluation of their transcripts from an approved foreign transcript evaluation service (See Admission Requirements).

The deadline for submitting the PharmCAS application is January 5, 2010. In addition to the on-line application and application fee, applicants are strongly encouraged to forward official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended to PharmCAS by the January 5th date. PharmCAS will not consider an application complete and will not begin the verification process until all official transcripts have been received.

Due to the large number of applications and the limited number of seats available, students are encouraged to complete thier PharmCAS applications and their MWU-CPG supplemental applications early in the cycle. MWU-CPG will consider completed applications on a first-come, first-served basis until all seats are filled.

2. Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT)

 

Applicants must arrange for sending scores directly from the PCAT to PharmCAS using PCAT code 104. MWU-CPG will only accept test scores received directly from PharmCAS. (See Admission Requirements for more details). PCAT scores sent directly to the Office of Admissions will not be accepted. This exam is offered by Harcourt Assessment (also known as Pearson), 800-622-3231, www.pcatweb.info. The exam is typically offered four times per year. Only test scores earned in June 2005 or later are acceptable.

PLEASE NOTE: It is highly recommended that applicants take the June, August, or October PCAT exams in the year prior to their planned matriculation. For first-time test-takers, PCAT exams taken in January 2010 by applicants planning matriculation in the same year will not be accepted. Please check with Harcourt Assessment for more details regarding exam dates.

3. Letters of Recommendation

Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation from two professionals directly to PharmCAS. MWU-CPG will only accept letters received directly from PharmCAS. It is preferred that one letter be written by a college professor who has actually taught the applicant or a pre-health advisory committee, science professor, or a health professional who knows the applicant well. Please refer to the PharmCAS application instructions for specific guidelines and requirements for submitting letters of recommendation. The deadline for submission of the letters of recommendation is February 15, 2010.

4. Supplemental Application

After receiving PharmCAS applications from the application service, the Office of Admissions will send supplemental application forms to applicants who meet the minimum cumulative and science GPA requirement of 2.50 on a 4.00 scale. The deadline for submitting the College supplemental application to the Office of Admissions is February 15, 2010.

NOTE: All application materials, including the PharmCAS application, verification of transcripts by PharmCAS, PCAT scores (as reported to PharmCAS), two letters of recommendation (submitted to PharmCAS), and the MWU-CPG supplemental application with the application fee must be received in the Office of Admissions by February 15, 2010. Only completed applications received by the Office of Admissions on or before the deadline date will be reviewed for potential entrance into the College.

Applicants are responsible for tracking the receipt of their application materials and verifying the status of their application on the University website. The Office of Admissions will send qualified applicants instructions for creating an account along with the supplemental application. Applicants must create and utilize their account to track and check their application status online.

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

Midwestern University
Office of Admissions
19555 North 59th Avenue
Glendale, AZ 85308
888/247-9277
623/572-3215
admissaz@midwestern.edu

5. On-Campus Interview

The Director of Admissions and the Admissions Committee review applicant files when complete and use GPA and PCAT scores to determine applicant eligibility for interviews. Invitations are sent to eligible applicants for on-campus interviews, which are scheduled on a first-call, first-scheduled basis. No interviews will be granted until an individual's application process is complete. Interview invitations typically extend from September through February.

During the interview process, applicants will meet with an interview panel that may consist of pharmacy faculty members, pharmacists, and pharmacy students. Panel members will evaluate professional motivation and preparedness, personal qualities, communication skills, and decision-making ability by rating applicants on a standardized evaluation scale. The interview panel will also review MWU-CPG supplemental applications for their applicants to facilitate the interview process. After reviewing the applicant's completed application and interview evaluation, the Admissions Committee recommends accepting, denying, or placing applicants on an alternate list. Recommendations are then forwarded to the Dean for final approval.

Applications to MWU-CPG are processed and reviewed during regular intervals in the admissions cycle until the class is filled.

NOTE: Applicants accepted for a given year must matriculate during that year. No admission deferments are allowed. Students who fail to matriculate must reapply the following year for admission to the College.

The PharmD program at MWU-CPG is rigorous and challenging. The Admissions Committee will therefore assess the quality and rigor of the pre-pharmacy academic records presented by applicants. When assessing the pre-pharmacy academic records, the Admissions Committee will:

 

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Professionalism

Pharmacy applicants are expected to act professionally in all of their dealings with Admissions Office staff and College personnel. Applicants are expected to follow instructions properly and meet deadlines. Responsible behavior, respect for others, good judgment, and cooperation are qualities valued by the pharmacy profession. Applicants should demonstrate these qualities, beginning with the application process.

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Reapplication Process

After receiving either denial or end-of-cycle letters, applicants may reapply to MWU–CPG for the next enrollment cycle. Before reapplying, however, applicants should seek the advice of an admissions counselor.

To initiate the reapplication process, applicants must submit new applications to PharmCAS. Applications are then processed by the standard application procedures.

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Related Information

Transfer Admission From Another Pharmacy School

MWU-CPG may accept transfer students from other ACPE-accredited pharmacy schools or colleges, as long as these students are in good academic standing and have legitimate reasons for seeking transfer.

All requests for transfer information should be referred to the Office of the Dean where potential transfer applicants can receive counseling prior to receiving and submitting an application.

Students requesting transfers must meet MWU-CPG's general requirements for admission. They must also submit the following documents by January 15, 2010:

  1. A letter to the Director of Admissions indicating their reasons for requesting transfer and explaining any difficulties encountered at their current institution;
  2. A completed MWU-CPG transfer application;
  3. Official transcripts from all schools attended — undergraduate, graduate, and professional;
  4. Catalogs and detailed pharmacy syllabi for any courses for which advanced standing consideration is requested;
  5. A letter from the dean of the college of pharmacy in which the student is enrolled that describes the current academic status and terms of withdrawal or dismissal;
  6. One letter of recommendation from a faculty member at the current college of pharmacy;
  7. Additional documents or letters of recommendation as determined necessary by the Director of Admissions or Dean.

    The Office of Admissions will collect and forward students portfolios to the Office of the Dean for review. When reviews are positive, candidates will be invited for interviews with the Admissions Committee. The Committee will provide recommendations to the Dean.

    When transferring students are admitted and request advanced standing, the Office of the Dean will forward these student requests to the appropriate faculty. No advanced standing credit will be awarded for professional pharmacy coursework completed at a foreign college of pharmacy.

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    Readmission After Dismissal for Poor Academic Performance

    Students dismissed for poor academic performance may reapply for admission to MWU-CPG if they:

    1. Seek academic counseling from the Office of the Dean prior to enrolling in the required advanced pre-pharmacy curriculum;
    2. Complete at least two semesters or three quarters of full-time study (i.e., at least 15 credit hours per semester or quarter) of a curriculum at the advanced pre-pharmacy level or higher at a regionally accredited U. S. college or university;
    3. Earn grades of at least C (not C–) in all courses taken;
    4. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or better.

      Students fulfilling these requirements will be permitted to reapply to the University and MWU-CPG.

      Students should obtain their applications from the Dean's Office and not through PharmCAS. Completed readmission applications must be submitted by February 15, 2010 to the Office of the Dean. The completed application of reapplying PS-1 students will be forwarded to the Admissions Committee for review and recommendation. The completed application of a reapplying PS-2 or PS-3 student will be forwarded by the Office of the Dean to the Student Promotion and Graduation Committee for review and recommendation. The respective committees will review applications for evidence of improved academic potential. Committee recommendations are forwarded to the Dean for final action.

      No guarantee of admission is implied, and questions related to advanced standing and similar issues will be addressed as they are for any new applicant. Readmission will be granted only once.

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      Matriculation Process

      The matriculation process begins after students receive notification of their acceptance. Students must return their signed matriculation agreement and their deposit by the deadline date. Student must also:

      1. Submit deposit monies by the dates designated in their matriculation documents. Deposits are applied toward the first-quarter tuition.
      2. Submit official final transcripts from all colleges attended post-high school by the deadline of two weeks (14 calendar 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, they 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.
        NOTE: PharmCAS does not forward transcripts to MWU-CPG.
      3. Submit a completed medical file as requested by the Office of Student Services.
      4. 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.
      5. Non-U.S. citizens/nonpermanent residents must provide documentation verifying that sufficient funds have been deposited in a U.S. bank to cover all expenses while attending MWU-CPG (for non-U.S. citizens/temporary residents who hold a student visa).
      6. Authorize and pass the Midwestern University criminal background check.
      7. Sign and submit a Midwestern University Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy statement.
      8. Complete a physical exam and submit the appropriate form.
      9. Sign and submit a Credit Policy Statement.
      10. Provide documentation that any additional coursework or service requirements stipulated by the Admissions Committee have been completed.
      11. Submit additional documents as requested by the Office of Admissions.
      12. Meet the Technical Standards for the Program.

        Students who either fail to satisfy the above matriculation requirements or omits or falsify information required on official admissions documents automatically forfeit their seat at MWU-CPG. Students will not receive further notification from MWU-CPG regarding this forfeiture.

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        Related Links

        Pharmacy College Admissions Test

        PharmCAS

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        Downers Grove, IL Campus
        555 31st Street
        Downers Grove, IL 60515
        630-515-6171
        Glendale, AZ Campus
        19555 North 59th Avenue
        Glendale, AZ 85308
        623-572-3215