Admission / Apply

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 1,300 applications were received for the 2013 entering class.

The application deadlines are January 6th for the PharmCAS application and February 15th for MWU-CPG file completion (see the Application Process and Deadlines section); however, applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early in the process as the majority of the class is expected to be filled by early January.

Evaluation of completed applications will begin in July 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.

Multiple criteria are used to select the most qualified candidates in a competitive admissions environment in which the applicant pool 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 nonremedial, prerequisite coursework from regionally accredited U.S. colleges or universities, or recognized postsecondary Canadian institutions that use English as its primary language of instruction and documentation. Grades of C or better for prerequisite courses (not C-). 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 nonremedial courses completed post-high school are used to calculate the GPA.
2. Completion of prepharmacy coursework requirements by the end of spring semester or spring quarter prior to matriculation to MWU-CPG.
3. Direct submission of PCAT scores to PharmCAS (see Application Process and Deadlines). Competitive test scores no more than 5 years prior to the planned enrollment year.
4. Demonstration of a people or service orientation through community service or extracurricular activities.
5. Motivation for and commitment to the pharmacy profession as demonstrated by previous work, volunteer work, or other life experiences.
6. Oral and written communication skills necessary to interact with patients and colleagues.
7. Completion of the MWU-CPG's on-campus interview process (by invitation only).
8. Passing the Midwestern University criminal background check.
9. 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 (for science majors) mechanics, heat, force, and motion must be included in the course	3	4
Calculus	3	4
Statistics	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

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

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

• Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE): 414/289-3400 or Fax 414/289-3411; www.ece.org
• World Education Services (WES): 212/966-6311 or Fax 212/739-6100; www.wes.org
• Josef Silny & Associates International Education Consultants: 305/273-1616 or Fax 305/273-1338; www.jsilny.com

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

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

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 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 a completed PharmCAS application and meet both the PharmCAS application deadline and MWU-CPG file completion deadline.

1. PharmCAS Application

Applicants must apply via the online 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 6th. In addition to the online application and application fee, applicants are strongly encouraged to forward official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended to PharmCAS by the January 6th 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 their PharmCAS applications and complete their MWU-CPG file 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 Pearson Assessment, 800-622-3231, www.pcatweb.info. The exam is typically offered four times per year. Only test scores earned no more than 5 years prior to the planned enrollment year are accepted.

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 by applicants planning matriculation in the same year will not be accepted. Please check with Pearson 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 prehealth 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 15th.

4. Completed Applications

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

PLEASE NOTE: Applicants are responsible for tracking the receipt of their application materials and verifying the status of their application on the University website. The Office of Admissions will send qualified applicants instructions for creating a MWU-CPG online account. Applicants must create and utilize their account to track and check their application status.

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

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. 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.

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:

• View applicants with cumulative and science grade point averages below 2.75 on a 4.00 scale with particular concern. Although 2.50 on a 4.00 scale is the minimum cumulative and science GPA for admission consideration, higher cumulative GPAs are more competitive and recommended. The average overall and science GPAs of applicants admitted in 2012 were 3.31 and 3.36, respectively, 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 in 2012 was in the 75th percentile.
• View with concern those applicants who include pre-pharmacy math and science coursework that was completed longer than 10 years ago. More recent (within five years) pre-pharmacy math and science coursework is preferred.
• Consider the reputations for quality and rigor of the institutions where applicants have taken 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.

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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 remain in good academic standing and provide 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 their application.

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

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 regionally accredited U. S. colleges or universities;
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 15th 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 recommendations. 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 new applicants. Readmission will be granted only once.

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Matriculation Process

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

1. Submit the matriculation agreement and required deposit monies by the date designated in the matriculation agreement. Deposits are applied toward the first quarter's 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 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 Program.
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 required by the Office of Admissions or college
7. Provide documentation verifying that sufficient funds have been deposited in a U.S. bank, or one of six major Canadian banks, to cover all expenses while attending the college (applies only to non-U.S. citizens or temporary residents who hold visas). Additional details and application forms are available in the Office of Student Financial Services.
8. Submit a signed Credit Policy Statement
9. Authorize and pass the MWU criminal background check and/or fingerprinting background check as required by the specific college/school/program.
10. Submit a signed MWU Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy Statement.

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

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Related Links

Pharmacy College Admissions Test

PharmCAS

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