Admission Requirements

Students seeking admission to the College of Pharmacy, Downers Grove Campus (CPDG) 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.
   • Preferred minimum cumulative GPA and science GPA of 2.50 on a 4.00 scale
   • Grades of "C" or better for prerequisite courses (grades of C- are not accepted)
2. No Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) score is required for admission. However, if an applicant's cumulative and science GPAs are below 2.75, then the submission of PCAT scores is preferred to enhance the application.
   • Scores may be submitted 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
   • Applicants currently applying to another college within Midwestern University may have scores from the MCAT, DAT, OAT, or GRE transferred, if their cumulative and science GPAs are below 2.75
   • Current MWU students wishing to apply to the college of pharmacy may have scores from the MCAT, DAT, OAT, or GRE transferred, if their cumulative and science GPAs are below 2.75
   • Only scores earned from the test offered in 2019 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 or general health 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 CPDG on-campus interview process (by invitation only). If necessary, virtual interviews may take place
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 CPDG is rigorous and challenging. The CPDG 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 preferred minimum cumulative GPA for admission consideration, higher cumulative GPAs are more competitive and recommended.
   • The average cumulative GPA of applicants admitted for Summer 2022 was 3.22 on a 4.00 scale
2. When submitted, view component and composite PCAT scores below average with particular concern, although there are no minimum PCAT scores, and a PCAT score is not required for admission.
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.

Prerequisite Courses 

Courses	Semester Hours	Quarter Hours
Biology with labs	8	12
Human or Vertebrate Anatomy	3	4
General Chemistry with labs	8	12
Organic Chemistry with labs	8	12
Physics (mechanics, heat, force and motion must be included in the course)	3	4
Calculus (integral & differential)	3	4
English Composition	6	9
Speech/Public Speaking	3	4
Economics	3	4
Statistics (general statistics or biostatistics)	3	4
Social and Behavioral Science Electives (Any two courses within the areas of psychology, sociology, anthropology, or political science).	6	9
General Education Electives (Any three courses not related to science, math, physical education, or health care. Recommended courses include arts and humanities, foreign language, business, and computer courses).	8	12
Total	62	90

Application Process and Deadlines 

1. PharmCAS Application:
   Applicants are required to submit a completed Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS) application and pay application fees to PharmCAS by May 1st each year. In addition to the online application and application fees, applicants must forward to PharmCAS official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended by the May 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. Students are strongly encouraged to complete their PharmCAS application early in the cycle. CPDG will consider completed applications on a first-come, first-served basis until all seats are filled. 
2. Pharmacy College Admissions Test:
   No Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) score is required for admission. However, it is preferred that applicants whose cumulative and science GPAs are below 2.75 arrange for scores from the 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 2019 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 multiple times per year. It is recommended that first-time PCAT test takers should take the exam no later than January 2024. 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, which is preferred if their cumulative and science GPAs are below 2.75. Current MWU students wishing to apply to the college of pharmacy may have scores from the MCAT, DAT, OAT, or GRE transferred, which is preferred if their cumulative and science GPAs are below 2.75.
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 advisor. It is preferred that the second letter be written by a pharmacist. However, any one of the following recommenders is also acceptable: prehealth advisor, 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 PharmCASs application, verification of transcripts by PharmCAS, and two letters of recommendation (submitted to PharmCAS), must be received by the Office of Admissions on or before May 1st each year to 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 applications on the University website. The Office of Admissions will send instructions to qualified applicants 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 College of Pharmacy, Downers Grove Campus uses a rolling admissions process in which applications are processed and reviewed during regular intervals in the admissions cycle until the class is filled.  

Interview Process

Before invitations are issued to attend an interview, applicants must meet the admission requirements listed previously. After the Office of Admissions receives 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.

Interviews are typically held between September and May. Invited applicants must participate in an interview to achieve further consideration in the admissions process. 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 on that same day. Interview Days also provide opportunities for candidates to learn more about the pharmacy program, financial aid, student services, as well as tour (or virtually tour) the Midwestern University campus and pharmacy school facilities.

Following applicant interviews, only completed 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 shortly after their visit.

All requests for application withdrawals must be made in writing.

Dual Acceptance Programs

These offer applicants the opportunity to gain an early acceptance into Midwestern University's College of Pharmacy and complete prerequisite courses at an affiliated school. If all program requirements are fulfilled, then applicants earn a seat in the College of Pharmacy and may then begin the three-year Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum at either the Downers Grove, IL campus or Glendale, AZ campus. (Note: Although CPDG is frequently referenced in this Dual Acceptance Program section, the option to attend CPG on the Glendale, AZ campus remains.)

Affiliated Schools 

There are affiliation agreements with the following schools for the completion of prerequisite courses:

Four-Year Institutions: 

• 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

Community Colleges: 

• College of DuPage - Glen Ellyn, IL
• Moraine Valley Community College - Palos Hills, IL
• Prairie State College - Chicago Heights, IL

Available Tracks

Track 1: 

• Must be a senior in high school at the time of application.
• Apply to one or more of the affiliate schools and later gain acceptance (choose one school to attend).
• Must have a weighted cumulative high school GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
• Optional: If desired, applicants may submit scores on college entrance exams:
  • ACT of 24 or higher (submit scores directly using code 6400)
  • SAT of 1190 or higher (submit scores directly using code 3788)
• Completed application and official high school transcripts are due to Midwestern University on the following dates:
  • Early Decision: November 1st
  • Regular Decision: February 15th
• All pre-pharmacy coursework must be completed within two years at the chosen affiliate school.

Track 2: 

• Must be a full-time first-year student (freshman) already attending one of the affiliate schools at the time of application.
• Must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.
• Completed application and official affiliate school transcripts are due on June 6th. Transcripts must reflect two semesters of full-time coursework at the affiliate school.
• All pre-pharmacy coursework must be completed within two years at the affiliate school from the time of Dual Acceptance Program acceptance.

Applicants should additionally reflect a motivation for and commitment to the pharmacy profession. Upon review of completed applications and submitted transcripts, invitations for participation in Interview Day will be extended, after which conditional admission decisions are rendered.

Applications and Admissions Process 

Eligible students may access the free applications. 

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 applying to more than one affiliate school, this can be designated in 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 coursework 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 attend an on-campus or virtual Interview Day. 

During the Interview Day, candidates will: 

• Participate in personal interviews that evaluate verbal communication skills, understanding of the pharmacy profession, commitment to patient care, and other elements as determined by faculty.
• Participate in a writing sample exercise.
• Learn more about the pharmacy program, student services, as well as tour (or virtual tour) the Midwestern University campus and pharmacy school facilities.

Following applicant visits, applicant files are forwarded to the Admissions Committee for review. The committee may recommend to conditionally 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 weeks of their visits. Conditionally accepted applicants will be ensured a seat at CPDG upon successful completion of the program requirements.

Program Conditions 

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 Dual Acceptance Program and will be encouraged to apply to MWU CPDG via the traditional application process.

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 Dual Acceptance Program for Track 2 students. (All courses must be completed by end of spring 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 a Dual Acceptance Program (DAP) 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 

Student must achieve a 3.0 cumulative GPA at the conclusion of the summer term after the first full year in the program. 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 

In the first year of the program, students may repeat one course for a higher grade one time. Both attempts will be included in the cumulative GPA calculation.  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 and submit a modified PharmCAS application, which will include the submission of transcripts for coursework completed at the affiliate school.
• 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, final transcript submission, proof of immunizations, 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.

Any student who fails to meet the program requirements will be encouraged to apply to CPDG via the traditional route (submit PCAT scores, if the cumulative or science GPA is below 2.75). NOTE, the traditional application process is competitive, hence former Dual Acceptance Program students must compete for available seats and are not guaranteed admission via this route.

Additional Agreements 

The following agreements are not associated with the Dual Acceptance Program (DAP). These are additional early assurance opportunities during the application process.

Benedictine University’s MSIP Program Applicants

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

• Meet all traditional admission requirements of Midwestern University's pharmacy program.
• Apply for admission to Midwestern University using PharmCAS by the May 1st deadline for Summer 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.
• Submit PCAT scores, if the student has a cumulative and science GPA below 2.75.
• 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 

Students currently enrolled in Arizona Christian University, may be eligible for a guaranteed interview as an applicant to Midwestern University College of Pharmacy, Downers Grove Campus's Pharm.D. program. To qualify for a guaranteed interview as part of the application process, students 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).
• Submit scores from the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) during the previous five years of the current admission cycle if the student has a cumulative and science GPA below 2.75.
• 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.
• Meet all other requirements set forth by MWU, including requirements documented in the catalog and student handbook.

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

CPDG 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.  

Transfer applicants should not apply via PharmCAS.

All requests for transfer information should be referred to the CPDG 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 January 15th: 

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.
2. A completed CPDG 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 Office of the Dean for review. When reviews are positive, candidates will be invited for interviews and their applications will be forwarded to the Admissions Committee which will provide a recommendation. 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.

Following the interview, 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 one to two weeks of the interview. When transferring students are admitted and request advanced standing, the CPDG 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.

Readmission After Dismissal for Poor Academic Performance

Students dismissed or who withdraw due to poor academic performance may reapply for admission to CPDG if they: 

1. Seek academic counseling from the Office of the Dean prior to enrolling in the required advanced prepharmacy curriculum;
2. Complete at least two semesters or three quarters of full-time study (i.e., at least 15c credit hours per semester or quarter) of a curriculum at the advanced prepharmacy level or higher at a regionally accredited U.S. college or university;
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 CPDG. Students should obtain their applications from the Office of the Dean 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-I students will be forwarded to the Admissions Committee for review and recommendation. The completed application of a reapplying PS-II or PS-III student will be forwarded by the Office of the Dean to the Student Promotion and Graduation Committee for review and recommendation. The respective committees will review applications for evidence of improved academic potential. Committee recommendations are forwarded to the Office of the Dean for final 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. Readmission will be granted only once.