Early Assurance Programs

All grade-point averages (GPAs) shown are based on a 4.0 scale.

¹  Weighted cumulative high school GPA
²  From two semesters of full-time college coursework at the affiliate school
³  A minimum 2.5 GPA in science courses must also be achieved in addition to other program requirements for Early Assurance transfer into Midwestern University’s College of Pharmacy, Downers Grove Campus. 

Eligible students may access the applications via the following links:

Track 1 Application - Deadline: November 1st (early decision) or February 15th (regular decision). To apply to affiliate schools for the pre-pharmacy coursework, please contact the institution(s) directly. If you are applying to more than one affiliate school, this can be designated in the application. 

In addition, college entrance exam scores* must be forwarded directly to Midwestern University with the following codes:
ACT: 6400
SAT: 3788 
* For the 2020-2021 Early Assurance Program application cycle, the submission of ACT/SAT scores will not be required, due to the current challenges in taking these exams. This applies to the current cycle only, and the requirement could be reinstated in future application cycles. If scores are available, they may be optionally submitted as a means to enhance the application. 

Track 2 Application - Deadline: June 6th. 

For both Tracks, official transcripts should be forwarded to: Midwestern University, Office of Admissions, 555 31st Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515. (Transcripts for Track 2 applicants should reflect two semesters of full-time course work at the affiliate school.)

After the Midwestern University Office of Admissions receives all completed application materials, applicant files are reviewed to determine which applicants merit invitations to participate in the interview process.

During the interview process, candidates will:

• Participate in individual interviews, which will be used to evaluate verbal communication skills, understanding of the pharmacy profession, commitment to patient care, and other elements as determined by faculty. In the foreseeable future, interviews will be conducted via video conferencing.
• Participate in a writing sample exercise.
• Learn more about the pharmacy program and student services.

Seperately, applicants may tour the Midwestern University campus, which may be scheduled via the Office of Admissions.

Following applicant interviews, files are forwarded to the Admissions Committee for review. The committee may recommend to accept or to deny a student's conditional admission. 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 weeks of their interviews. Conditionally accepted applicants will be ensured a seat at CPDG upon successful completion of the program requirements.

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 no longer be a participant in the Early Assurance Program and 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 each spring semester.
Community college students (PPA Program) – Must achieve a 3.2 cumulative GPA at the conclusion of each fall and spring semester.

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

Students are not permitted to repeat courses for a higher grade.

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.

In order for MWU CPDG to monitor the status of students in the early assurance programs, students must request that a copy of their transcript be sent to the CPDG Dean's Office (555 31^st Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515) at the following times:

Four-year school students (DAP program) – Each spring semester
Community college students (PPA Program) – Each fall and spring semesters

MWU CPDG will follow up in writing to students regarding their academic/program status.

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.

Midwestern University College of Pharmacy, Downers Grove Campus has agreements with each of these affiliated colleges or universities to provide the transferable courses and credits necessary for students who have been accepted into the Dual Acceptance Program (DAP).

Links provide listings of prerequisite courses at this affiliate school for this program, as well as contact information at the respective schools.

Benedictine University - Lisle, IL

Dominican University - River Forest, IL

Elmhurst University - Elmhurst, IL

Hebrew Theological College - Skokie, IL

Illinois Institute of Technology - Chicago, IL

Lewis University - Romeoville, IL

Loyola University Chicago - Chicago, IL

Rockford University - Rockford, IL

University of Saint Francis - Fort Wayne, IN

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee - Milwaukee, WI

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Two-Year Campuses

GPA requirements:

¹  Weighted cumulative high school GPA
²  From two semesters of full-time college coursework at the affiliate school
³  A minimum 2.5 GPA in science courses must also be achieved in addition to other program requirements for Early Assurance transfer into Midwestern University’s College of Pharmacy, Downers Grove Campus.
⁴  This GPA must be achieved and maintained at the conclusion of each spring semester.

Midwestern University College of Pharmacy, Downers Grove Campus has agreements with each of these affiliated colleges to provide the transferable courses and credits necessary for students who have been accepted into the Pre-Pharmacy Advantage Program (PPA).

Links provide listings of prerequisite courses at this affiliate school for this program, as well as contact information.

College of DuPage - Glen Ellyn, IL

Moraine Valley Community College - Palos Hills, IL

Prairie State College - Chicago Heights, IL

GPA requirements:

¹  Weighted cumulative high school GPA
²  From two semesters of full-time college coursework at the affiliate school
³  A minimum 2.5 GPA in science courses must also be achieved in addition to other program requirements for Early Assurance transfer into Midwestern University’s College of Pharmacy, Downers Grove Campus.
⁴  This GPA must be achieved and maintained at the conclusion of each fall and spring semester.

The following agreements are not associated with the Early Assurance Programs (DAP and PPA). These are additional early assurance opportunities during the application process.

Benedictine University’s MSIP Program Applicants

If you are currently enrolled in Benedictine University's Master of Science in Integrative Physiology (MSlP) program, you may be eligible for a guaranteed interview as an applicant to Midwestern University's College of Pharmacy, Downers Grove Campus Pharm.D. program. To qualify for a guaranteed interview as part of the application process, you must meet the following criteria:

• Meet all traditional admission requirements of Midwestern University's pharmacy program.
• Apply for admission to Midwestern University using PharmCAS by the March 1st deadline for Fall enrollment at Midwestern University immediately following the completion of the MSlP at Benedictine.
• Have an MSlP program GPA of 3.5 or higher at the time of application to Midwestern University.
• No final course grade less than a "C" in Benedictine University's MSlP program.
• Have a Cumulative Overall GPA of 3.2 or higher, including courses taken in Benedictine University's MSlP program.
• Take the PCAT exam within the last five years.
• Be recommended by the Director of the MSlP program with an additional letter from a professional or academic reference.
• Patient contact experience is highly recommended, particularly to demonstrate a discernment process to enter the pharmacy profession.
• All applicants must meet Midwestern University's technical standards, which is essential to delineate the psychomotor, cognitive and affective skills needed for matriculation into, continuation in, and graduation from the educational program.
• If accepted into the program, must meet all other enrollment requirements including but not limited to medical, criminal background, and substance abuse clearance.
  
  

Arizona Christian University Applicants

If you are currently enrolled in Arizona Christian University, you may be eligible for a guaranteed interview as an applicant to Midwestern University's College of Pharmacy, Downers Grove Campus Pharm.D. program. To qualify for a guaranteed interview as part of the application process, you must meet the following criteria:

• Achieve a minimum of a 3.25 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.00 scale) in undergraduate coursework (with a 3.25 cumulative grade point average in sciences);
• Take the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) during the previous five years of the current admission cycle, and achieved a minimum composite score of 75 with no individual component less than 50;
• Have completed the minimum number of the prerequisite courses (as stated in the Midwestern University Catalog) in the prescribed subject areas at a regionally accredited college or university with a grade of C or better before the program begins;
• Have the ability to successfully fulfill all technical standards for the respective College;
• Receive satisfactory scores at theinterview with the MWU Admissions Committee members on the day of the admissions interview;
• Demonstrate a good understanding of and a sincere interest in pharmacy, including shadowing at least one pharmacy professional prior to admission;
• Personal integrity and sound moral character;
• Reflect a people/service orientation through community service or extracurricular activities;
• Abide by the Midwestern University Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy;
• Pass a criminal background check; and
• Meet all other requirements set forth by MWU, including requirements documented in the catalog and student handbook.