Apply | Doctor of Pharmacy in Downers Grove

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

1. PharmCAS Application

Applicants are required to submit online applications and application fees to PharmCAS by June 1, 2020. In addition to the online application and application fees, applicants must forward to PharmCAS official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended by the June 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. Due to the large number of applications and the limited number of seats available, students are strongly encouraged to complete their PharmCAS 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 2015 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, first-time PCAT test takers should take the exam no later than January 2020. 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. Current MWU students wishing to apply to the College of Pharmacy may have scores from the MCAT, DAT, OAT, or GRE transferred.

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 advisory committee. It is preferred that the second letter be written by a pharmacist. However, any one of the following recommenders is 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. Completed Applications

All application materials, including the PharmCAS application, official transcripts (as submitted to PharmCAS), PCAT scores (as reported to PharmCAS), two letters of recommendation (as submitted to PharmCAS), must be received in the Office of Admissions on or before June 1, 2020. 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 website. 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

Admission for the Accelerated Graduation Option will be done on a first-apply-first-accepted basis and applicants desiring this option should apply Early Decision or early in the cycle to maximize opportunity for admission to this option. 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. 

Before invitations are issued to attend an on-campus interview, 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 an interview. Applicants may also be placed on a waiting list pending possible openings toward the end of the admissions cycle. Visits are typically held between September and April. Invited applicants must attend an interview to achieve further consideration in the admissions process.

Candidates will be required to 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. 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 key pharmacy facilities, as well as the Midwestern University campus.

Following applicant visits, their 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 within two to four weeks of their visits.

All requests for application withdrawals must be made in writing.

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 appropriate MWU criminal background check, international police clearance, and/or fingerprinting background check as required by the College. Students who fail to provide completed checks/clearances or fail to pass background checks/clearances by the end of the first month after the start of the first quarter of enrollment may jeopardize their acceptance or continued enrollment in the College, and the student may be required to take a mandatory leave of absence.
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.

Dual Acceptance Programs

Loyola University Chicago College of Arts and Sciences, Benedictine University (Lisle, IL), Dominican University, Illinois Institute of Technology, Lewis University, the University of Saint Francis (Fort Wayne, IN), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Elmhurst College, Hebrew Theological College, and Rockford University each offer a Dual Acceptance Program with CCP for selected students who successfully complete the specified prepharmacy coursework. These students will be granted early acceptances to CCP to begin a Doctor of Pharmacy degree program.

Track 1

This track is available to high school students who apply by November 1 (Early Decision) or February 15 (Regular Decision) of their senior year. To receive consideration for the Dual Acceptance Program, Track 1, students must meet the following requirements:

• Apply on-line to the CCP Dual Acceptance Program as a high school senior. Application is available at www.midwestern.edu/DAP. Apply for admission by November 1 (Early Decision) or by February 15 (Regular Decision).
• Earn admission to affiliated college or university that offers the Dual Acceptance Program.
• Apply for admission to the Dual Acceptance Program by November 1 (Early Decision) or by February 15 (Regular Decision) of their senior year
• Earn one of the following scores or higher on a college entrance exam (ACT 24 or higher; SAT 1190 or higher).
• Earn a minimum weighted cumulative GPA of 3.20 on a 4.00 scale.
• Submission of an official high school transcript

Track 2

This track is available to students who have recently enrolled in a participating DAP-affiliate school. This track may not be available at all DAP-affiliate schools. Students must be in good standing, and are completing their second semester of full-time coursework with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00, and a minimum of a C in each course. These students must not have been enrolled in any other post-secondary institution. Those students who are accepted into the DAP program in the Track 2 option have up to two years from the time of acceptance to complete all pre-pharmacy coursework. (Each new class of pharmacy students at CCP begin the Doctor of Pharmacy program in the fall quarter only. There are no mid-year enrollments at Midwestern University.)

The following items are required in the application process and due by June 6th immediately after completing the second semester of coursework: 

1. Completed online application
2. Official DAP affiliate college transcript (upon completion of the second semester)

After the Midwestern University Office of Admissions receives all completed application materials, applicant files are reviewed to determine which applicants merit invitations to attend an interview. Invited applicants must attend an interview for further consideration in the admissions process.

During the interview day, 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 the interview, their files are forwarded to the Admissions Committee for review. The committee may recommend to accept or to deny applicants for 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 to four weeks of their visits. It is critical that students understand that all of the following conditions must be met to retain admission to CCP for their respective fall quarter. Failure to meet any of the following requirements will result in the forfeiture of the student's place in his/her respective fall entering class.

1. All pre-pharmacy prerequisite courses must be completed at the DAP-affiliate school within a two-year period for Track 1 students, and within two years from the time of acceptance for Track 2 students
2. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 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
3. A minimum prepharmacy science GPA of 2.50 must also be achieved and maintained
4. Students must earn a minimum grade of "C" in all required courses. A grade of "C-" or lower is not acceptable
5. Students may not repeat any prerequisite course for a higher grade
6. 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
7. 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
8. Demonstrate a people or service orientation through community service or extracurricular activities
9. Demonstrate motivation for and commitment to the pharmacy profession as demonstrated by previous work, volunteer, or other life experiences
10. Possess the oral and written communication skills necessary to interact with patients and colleagues.

The PCAT and PharmCAS applications are waived for students who successfully complete the Dual Acceptance Program.

Students who are not accepted to or fail to complete the program may reapply to CCP using the standard procedures.

Pre-Pharmacy Advantage Program

Pre-Pharmacy Advantage Program (PPA) with the College of DuPage (COD), Henry Ford College, Prairie State College, and Moraine Valley Community College are cost-effective, early assurance programs for select high school seniors and those newly enrolled in community college. The program provides students who are motivated to become pharmacists with a clear path to achieving their goal. Students admitted to the PPA who successfully complete specified prepharmacy coursework and requirements at COD, Henry Ford College, Prairie State College, or Moraine Valley Community College then transition into CCP to begin a Doctor of Pharmacy program.

Students may enroll in one of two available PPA Tracks. Eligible students may access PPA applications at www.midwestern.edu/PPA.

Track 1:

This track is available to high school students who apply to the PPA by November 1 (Early Decision) or February 15 (Regular Decision) during their senior year in high school.  To be eligible, students must have a weighted GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale, a minimum composite ACT score of 24 or composite SAT score of 1190. Applicants must submit their national test scores. To complete Track 1, students must complete all pre-pharmacy coursework within two years.

The following items are required in the application process and due by November 1 (Early Decision) or February 15 (Regular Decision):

1. Completed application
2. Official high school transcript
3. ACT or SAT test scores (writing component scores are not required)

Track 2:

This track is available to students who have recently enrolled at COD, Henry Ford College, Prairie State College, or Moraine Valley Community College, are in good standing, and are completing their second semester of full-time coursework with a minimum GPA of 3.20, and a minimum of a C in each course. These students must not have been enrolled in any other post-secondary institution. Those students who are accepted into the PPA program in the Track 2 option have up to two years from the time of program acceptance to complete all pre-pharmacy coursework. (Each new class of pharmacy students at CCP begin in the Pharm.D. program in the fall quarter only. There are no mid-year enrollments at Midwestern University.)

The following items are required in the application process and due by June 6th:

1. Completed application
2. Official community college transcript (upon completion of the second semester)

After the Midwestern University Office of Admissions receives all completed application materials, applicant files are reviewed to identify those applicants who merit invitations to attend an on-campus Interview Day.

During the interview day, candidates will be required to participate in group interviews with other program 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, 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.

It is critical that students understand that all of the following conditions must be met to retain admission to CCP for their respective fall quarter. Failure to meet any of the following requirements will result in the forfeiture of the student's place in his/her respective fall entering class.

1. All pre-pharmacy prerequisite courses must be completed at the affiliate college within a two-year period for Track 1 students, and within two years from the time of program acceptance for Track 2 students.
2. A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.20 must be achieved and maintained at the end of each semester. Only courses taken at the affiliate college are used in the PPA cumulative GPA calculation.
3. A minimum pre-pharmacy science grade point average (GPA) of 2.50 must be also achieved and maintained.
4. Student must earn a grade of C or higher in all required prerequisite courses. (C- (minus) grades are not acceptable.)
5. Students are not permitted to repeat courses for a higher grade
6. 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 PPA Program.
7. 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 pre-pharmacy year.

The PCAT and PharmCAS applications are waived for students who successfully complete the PPA Program.

Students who are not accepted to or fail to complete the program may reapply to CCP using the standard procedures.

Additional Affiliations

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 Chicago College of Pharmacy’s 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 Chicago College of Pharmacy’s 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 the interview 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.

Readmission After Dismissal for Poor Academic Performance

Students dismissed for poor academic performance may reapply for admission and will be considered for a seat in either the SGO (Standard Graduation Option) or AGO (Accelerated Graduation Option) Program. Placement in the AGO will be based on availability at the time of admission as well as the readmitted student's determined academic program plan to CCP if they:

• Complete at least two semesters or three quarters of full-time study (i.e., at least 12 credit hours per semester or quarter) at an advanced pre-pharmacy 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 2.50 or better for the two semesters or three quarters of full-time study at the advanced pre-pharmacy 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 Pharm.D. Program

After receiving a denial letter, 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 who are currently enrolled, are in good academic standing, and provide legitimate reasons for seeking transfer. Accepted transfer students will be considered for a seat in either the SGO (Standard Graduation Option) or AGO (Accelerated Graduation Option) Program. Placement in the AGO will be based on availability at the time of admission.

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 institution.
• 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 the student is 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 an interview. 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, deny, or 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 students' 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.

Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT)