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Pharmacy in Downers Grove
Click here to apply online at PharmCAS
Admission Requirements
Prerequisite Courses
International Students
Technical Standards for Admission
Application Process and Deadlines
Interview Process
Matriculation Process
Dual Acceptance Programs
Readmission
Reapplication Process
Transfer Admission
Related Links
CCP Admission
CCP considers for admission applicants who possess the academic and professional promise necessary for development as outstanding members of the pharmacy profession. The CCP admissions environment is highly selective; approximately 2,300 applications were received in 2008.
Completed applications received on or before the application deadline are reviewed to determine applicant eligibility for on-campus Mandatory Candidate Visits. Within its competitive admissions framework, CCP uses multiple criteria to select the most qualified candidates. Cumulative grade point average (GPA), science GPA, Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) scores, letters of recommendation, written 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 for the Entry-Level Professional Degree Program
Students seeking admission to CCP must submit the following documented evidence:
- Completion of 62 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of nonremedial, prerequisite coursework from regionally accredited U.S. colleges or universities
- Minimum cumulative GPAs and science GPAs of 2.50 on a 4.00 scale
- Grades of C or better for prerequisite courses (grades of C- are not acceptable)
- Direct submission of scores from the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) 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
- Only scores earned from the test offered in June 2005 or later are acceptable
- Demonstration of a people or service orientation as evidenced by community service or extracurricular activities
- Motivation for and commitment to the pharmacy profession as demonstrated by previous work, volunteer work, or other life experiences
- Oral and written communication skills necessary to interact with patients and colleagues
- Completion of the CCP on-campus interview process (by invitation only)
- Passing the Midwestern University criminal background check
- Commitment to abide by the Midwestern University Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy
The Pharm.D. Program at CCP is rigorous and challenging. The CCP 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:
- 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 minimum cumulative GPA for admission consideration, higher cumulative GPAs are more competitive and recommended.
- The average cumulative GPA of applicants admitted for Fall 2008 was 3.33 on a 4.00 scale
- View component and composite PCAT scores below the 50th percentile with particular concern, although there are no minimum PCAT scores
- The average composite PCAT score of applicants admitted for Fall 2008 was in the 81st percentile
- 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
- 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 lab | 8 | 12 |
| Human or Vertebrate Anatomy | 3 | 4 |
| General Chemistry with lab | 8 | 12 |
| Organic Chemistry with lab | 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 (includes courses within the areas of psychology, sociology, or anthropology) | 6 | 9 |
| General Education Electives (Any course not related to science, math, physical education or health care. Recommended courses include arts and humanities, social and behavioral sciences, foreign language, and business and computer courses.) |
8 | 12 |
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 coursework 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 non-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:
1. Education Credential Evaluators (ECE): 414/289-3400; fax 414/289-3411; www.ece.org; or e-mail info@ece.org
2. Josef Silny & Associates International Education Consultants: 305/273-1616; fax 305/273-1338; www.jsilny.com; or e-mail info@jsilny.com
3. World Education Service (WES): 212/966-6311; fax 212/739-6100; www.wes.org; or e-mail info@wes.org
Based on the official foreign transcript evaluation and the grade earned in the courses(s) the College will decide if it will apply any of these credits toward fulfillment of its prerequisites.
International Applicant Packet
Technical Standards for Admission
The The educational mission of CCP is to educate and graduate competent and motivated pharmacists who will provide pharmaceutical care in a wide range of community and institutional settings. The Technical Standards for admission set forth by CCP 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, to obtain the Pharm.D. degree.
A candidate must have abilities and skills in five areas: I) observation; II) communication; III) motor; IV) intellectual, conceptual, integrative, and quantitative; and V) 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 and 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. 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 in their professional program.
Application Process and Deadlines
CCP uses a two-step application process. The applicant must submit both a completed PharmCAS application and a college supplemental application.
1. PharmCAS Application
Applicants are required to submit online applications and application fees to PharmCAS by January 5, 2010. In addition to the online applications and application fees, applicants must forward to PharmCAS official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended to by the January 5th 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. Due to the large number of applications and the limited number of seats available, students are strongly encouraged to complete their PharmCAS application and their CCP supplemental application early in the cycle. CCP 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 scores from the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (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 June 2005 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 four times per year. However, please note to meet the application deadline dates, 1st time PCAT test takers must take the exam prior to January 2010. Please check with Harcourt Assessment, Inc. for the exam dates.
3. Letters of Recommendation
Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation from professionals to PharmCAS. The MWU Office of Admissions will only accept letters of recommendation received directly from PharmCAS. It is required that one letter be from a college professor who has actually taught the student or a prehealth advisory committee. It is preferred that the second letter be from a pharmacist. However, any one of the following type of recommenders are also acceptable: prehealth advisory committee, 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. Supplemental Application
After receiving PharmCAS applications (www.PharmCAS.org) from the application service, the Office of Admissions will e-mail a supplemental application to all applicants who meet the minimum cumulative and science GPA requirement of 2.50 on a 4.00 scale. Applicants must complete and submit their supplemental applications with the required information and their application fee to the Office of Admissions on or before March 1, 2010.
5. Completed Applications
All application materials, including the PharmCAS application, PCAT scores (as reported to PharmCAS), two letters of recommendation (as submitted to PharmCAS), and supplemental application materials with the application fee, must be received in the Office of Admissions on or before March 1, 2010. Only completed applications received by the Office of Admissions on or before the deadline date will be reviewed for potential entrance into the program.
Please Note: Applicants are responsible for tracking the receipt of their application materials and verifying the status of their applications on the University web site. The Office of Admissions will send qualified applicants instructions 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 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 on-campus Mandatory Candidate Visits, applicants must meet the admission requirements listed previously. After the Office of Admissions receives all required application materials, applicant files are reviewed to determine whether applicants merit invitations to attend Mandatory Candidate Visits. Applicants may also be placed on a waiting list pending possible openings toward the end of the admissions cycle. Visits are typically held between October and April. Invited applicants must attend Mandatory Candidate Visits to achieve further consideration in the admissions process.
Candidates will be required to participate in group interviews with other pharmacy applicants during their Mandatory Candidate Visits. Group 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 during the visit. Visits also provide opportunities for candidates to learn more about the pharmacy program, financial aid, student services and to tour the Midwestern University campus.
Following applicant visits, their files are forwarded to the Admissions Committee for review. The committee may recommend to accept, to deny, or to 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 within two to four weeks of their visits.
Students who have been accepted for a given year must matriculate during that year. No admission deferments will be granted. Students who fail to matriculate must reapply for admission to the College the following year.
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 students receive notification of their acceptance. Students must submit both their signed matriculation agreement and their deposit by the deadline date. Students must also:
- Submit specified deposit monies by the date designated in their matriculation documents. Deposits are applied toward the first quarter's tuition.
- 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 will have 30 calendar days from their date of acceptance to submit to the Office of Admissions all official final transcripts. 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.
- Submit completed medical files as instructed in the information sent by the Office of Student Services.
- 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.
- Submit additional documents as requested by the Office of Admissions.
- Illinois residents: submit proof of Illinois residency if requested by MWU.
- Provide documentation verifying that sufficient funds have been deposited in a U.S. bank to cover all expenses while attending CCP (applies only to non-U.S. citizens or temporary residents who hold student visas).
- Submit a copy of their pharmacy technician license.
- Authorize and pass the Midwestern University criminal background check.
- Sign and submit a Midwestern University Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy Statement.
- Meet Technical Standards for the College.
- Sign and submit a Credit Policy Statement
Students who either fail to satisfy these matriculation requirements or omit or falsify information required on official admissions documents will automatically forfeit their seats at CCP. Students will not receive further notification from CCP regarding forfeitures.
Related Information
Dual Acceptance Programs
Loyola University Chicago College of Arts and Sciences, Benedictine University, Dominican University, Illinois Institute of Technology, Milliken University, Lewis University, and the University of Saint Francis (Fort Wayne, IN) each offer a Dual Acceptance Program with CCP for selected students who successfully complete the specified coursework. These students will be granted early acceptances to CCP. To receive consideration for the Dual Acceptance Program, students must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Apply to the CCP Dual Acceptance Program as a high school senior
- Earn admission to an affiliated college or university that offers a Dual Acceptance Program
- Apply for admission to the Dual Acceptance Program by February 15 in the year immediately prior to the first year's matriculation at the affiliated college or university
- Score in the top 20% on a college entrance exam (ACT 25 or higher; SAT of 1700 or higher). Applicants must submit national test scores for ACT or SAT that include a writing component score
- Earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.20 on a 4.00 scale
- Demonstrate a people or service orientation through community service or extracurricular activities
- Demonstrate motivation for and commitment to the pharmacy profession as demonstrated by previous work, volunteer, or other life experiences
- Possess the oral and written communication skills necessary to interact with patients and colleagues
Eligible students should obtain their applications from the affiliated college or university that offers the Dual Acceptance Program. The deadline for submitting completed applications is February 15.
After the Midwestern University Office of Admissions receives all completed application materials from the affiliate colleges or universities, applicant files are reviewed to determine which applicants merit invitations to attend Mandatory Candidate Visits. Invited applicants must attend Mandatory Candidate Visits for further consideration in the admissions process.
Candidates will be required to participate in group interviews with other dual acceptance applicants. Group 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 during the visit. Visits also provide opportunities for candidates to learn more about the pharmacy program, financial aid, student services, and to tour the Midwestern University campus.
Following applicant visits, their files are forwarded to the Admissions Committee for review. The committee may recommend to accept or to deny student admissions. These recommendations are then forwarded to the Dean for final approval. The Dean-via the Office of Admissions-notifies applicants of their status within two to four weeks of their visits. Accepted applicants will be ensured a seat at CCP upon successful completion of the program requirements:
- All prerequisite prepharmacy courses must be completed at the affiliated college or university that offers a Dual Acceptance Program within a two-year period.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.20 must be achieved at the end of the spring semester/quarter of the first and second prepharmacy years and at the end of all prepharmacy coursework at the affiliated college or university.
- Students must earn a minimum grade of C in all required courses. A grade of C- or lower is not acceptable.
- Students may not repeat any prerequisite course for a higher grade.
- Students must submit all required deposit fees according to the schedule in their letters of understanding, which are provided to students at the time of acceptance to the Dual Acceptance Program.
- Students must comply with the requirements outlined in the matriculation agreement and Technical Standards certification form, which are provided to students in the spring of their second prepharmacy year.
The PCAT and PharmCAS applications are waived for students who successfully complete the Dual Acceptance Program at Loyola University, Benedictine University, Dominican University, Illinois Institute of Technology, Milliken University, Lewis University, or the University of Saint Francis.
Students who fail to complete the program may reapply to CCP via the standard procedures.
Readmission After Dismissal for Poor Academic Performance
Students dismissed for poor academic performance may reapply for admission to CCP if they:
- Complete at least two semesters or three quarters of full-time study (i.e., at least 15 credit hours per semester or quarter) at an advanced prepharmacy level or higher at regionally accredited U.S. colleges or universities after seeking academic counseling from the CCP Dean's Office. The Dean will inform students of the Student Promotion and Graduation Committee's recommendations.
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better for the two semesters or three quarters of full-time study at the advanced prepharmacy level or higher
- Earn at least C (not C-) in all courses taken
Students fulfilling these requirements will be permitted to reapply to the University and to the College. Students should obtain their applications from the CCP Dean's Office (not through PharmCAS). The application deadline is April 1st. Completed applications of reapplying PS-I students will be forwarded by the CCP Dean's Office to the Admissions Committee for review and recommendations. Completed applications of reapplying PS-II, PS-III, or PS-IV students will be forwarded by the CCP Dean's Office to the Student Promotion and Graduation Committee for review and recommendations. Each committee's recommendations are forwarded to the Dean for action.
No guarantee of readmission is implied, and questions related to advanced standing and similar issues will be addressed as they are for new applicants. Reapplications are allowed only within the first two years following dismissal. Readmission will be granted only once.
Reapplication Process for the Entry-Level Professional Degree Program
After receiving either denial or end-of-cycle letters, applicants may reapply for the next enrollment cycle. Before reapplying, however, applicants should seek the advice of an admissions counselor. To initiate the reapplication process, students must submit their applications to PharmCAS. Applications are then processed by the standard application procedures.
Transfer Admission from Another Pharmacy School
CCP may accept transfer students from other ACPE-accredited pharmacy schools for students who are currently enrolled, remain in good academic standing, and provide legitimate reasons for seeking transfer.
Transfer applicants should not apply via PharmCAS.
All requests for transfer information should be referred to the CCP Dean's Office, where potential transfer applicants can be counseled prior to receiving and submitting applications.
Students requesting transfers must meet the College's general requirements for admission. They must also submit the following documents by March 1:
- A letter to the Dean or Director of Admissions outlining their reasons for requesting transfer and explaining any difficulties encountered at their current institutions
- A completed CCP transfer application
- Official transcripts from all schools attended-undergraduate, graduate, and professional
- Catalogs and detailed pharmacy syllabi for any courses for which advanced standing consideration is requested
- A letter from the dean of the college of pharmacy in which students are enrolled that describes their current academic status and terms of withdrawal or dismissal
- One letter of recommendation from a faculty member at the current college of pharmacy
- Additional documents or letters of recommendation as determined by the Director of Admissions or Dean
The Office of Admissions will collect and forward student portfolios to the CCP Dean's Office for review. When reviews are positive, candidates will be invited for a Mandatory Candidate Visit. As part of their visits, candidates will be required to participate in group interviews with other pharmacy applicants. Group 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 during the visit. Visits will also provide candidates with opportunities to learn more about the pharmacy program, financial aid, and student services, and to tour the Midwestern University campus.
Following applicant visits, files are forwarded to the Admissions Committee for review. The Committee may recommend to accept, to deny, or to place the student 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 within two to four weeks of the visit. When transferring students are admitted and request advanced standing, the CCP Dean's Office will forward student requests to the Student Promotion and Graduation Committee (see relevant section below). No advanced standing credit will be awarded for professional pharmacy coursework completed at foreign colleges of pharmacy.
PCAT scores are optional and may be provided by transfer student applicants.
Related Links
Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT)
