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Pharmacy in Downers Grove

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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 2,000 applications were received in 2011.

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.

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Admission Requirements for the Pharm.D. Program

Students seeking admission to CCP 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 you English as its primary language of instruction and documentation
   • 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)
2. 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 2008 or more recently are acceptable
3. Demonstration of a people or service orientation as evidenced by community service or extracurricular activities
4. Motivation for and commitment to the pharmacy profession as demonstrated by previous work, volunteer work, or other life experiences
5. Oral and written communication skills necessary to interact with patients and colleagues
6. Completion of the CCP on-campus interview process (by invitation only)
7. Satisfactory Midwestern University criminal background check
8. 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:

1. 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 2011 was 3.22 on a 4.00 scale
2. 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 2011 was in the 68th percentile
3. 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
4. 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

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Prerequisite Courses

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INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS

An international applicant 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 U.S. 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, e-mail: eval@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, email: info@jsilny.com)

International applicants who do not provide documentation of acceptable U.S. 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 educational mission of CCP is to educate and graduate competent and motivated pharmacists who will provide patient-centered 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: 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.

1. 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 sense of touch and is enhanced by the functional use of all of the   other senses.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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 College 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.

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Application Process and Deadlines

CCP uses a two-step application process. Applicants must submit both a completed Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS) application and a College supplemental application.

1. PharmCAS Application

Applicants are required to submit online applications and application fees to PharmCAS by January 7, 2013. In addition to the online applications and application fees, applicants must forward to PharmCAS official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended by the January 7th 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 2008 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 prior to January 2013. 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 (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. 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, 2013.

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, 2013. 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

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.

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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 September 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.

All requests for application withdrawals must be made in writing.

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Matriculation Process for the Entry-Level Pharm.D. Degree Program

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 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. 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 student 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 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.

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Related Information

Dual Acceptance Programs

Loyola University Chicago College of Arts and Sciences, Benedictine University, Benedictine University at Springfield, Dominican University, Illinois Institute of Technology, Millikin University, Lewis University, the University of Saint Francis (Fort Wayne, IN), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Elmhurst College, Hebrew Theological College and Rockford College 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:

1. Apply to the CCP Dual Acceptance Program as a high school senior.
2. Earn admission to an affiliated college or university that offers a Dual Acceptance Program.
3. Apply for admission to the Dual Acceptance Program by February 15 of the year of matriculation at the affiliated college or university.
4. 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.
5. Earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.20 on a 4.00 scale.
6. Demonstrate a people or service orientation through community service or extracurricular activities.
7. Demonstrate motivation for and commitment to the pharmacy profession as demonstrated by previous work, volunteer, or other life experiences.
8. 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:

1. All prerequisite prepharmacy courses must be completed at the affiliated college or university that offers a Dual Acceptance Program within a two-year period.
2. 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.
3. Students must earn a minimum grade of "C" in all required courses. A grade of "C-" or lower is not acceptable.
4. Students may not repeat any prerequisite course for a higher grade.
5. 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.
6. 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 Chicago College of Arts and Sciences, Benedictine University, Benedictine University at Springfield, Dominican University, Illinois Institute of Technology, Millikin University, Lewis University, University of Saint Francis (Fort Wayne, IN), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Elmhurst College, Hebrew Theological College or Rockford College.

Students who fail to complete the program may reapply to CCP using the standard procedures.

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Readmission After Dismissal for Poor Academic Performance

1. 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.
2. 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
3. Earn at least a "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.

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Reapplication Process for the Entry-Level Professional Degree 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.

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Transfer Admission from Another Pharmacy School

CCP may accept transfer students from other ACPE-accredited pharmacy schools for students who are currently enrolled, are 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:

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.
2. A completed CCP 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 their 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 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, 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 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.

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Related Links

Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT)

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