Pre-Pharmacy Pathway

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Pharmacy Early Assurance Pathway Program for High School Students

Concordia University Wisconsin’s School of Pharmacy offers a clear, supportive pathway for high school seniors and college freshmen to gain early assurance into our Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program.

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Program Overview

Concordia University Wisconsin School of Pharmacy (CUWSOP) offers an Early Assurance Pathway into the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program for high school seniors, first-year post-secondary students, and Dual Degree students who complete their pre-pharmacy coursework at Concordia University Wisconsin and seek a clear pathway through the PharmD application and admission process. This is not a direct-admit program.

Early Assurance students benefit from personalized coaching, faculty mentorship, and a direct path to the PharmD application process.

Benefits of Concordia's Early Assurance Program

An automatic $1000 scholarship for each semester enrolled in the Early Assurance Pathway
Free fee waiver for the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS) application to Concordia University Wisconsin
Simplified PharmCAS application process and dedicated coaching for success
- This application is completed during the transition from the undergraduate program to the graduate program at Concordia University, Wisconsin
Dedicated Office of Recruitment and Admissions advising through Early Assurance progression requirements
Dedicated Concordia University School of Pharmacy faculty mentorship and career advising
Networking opportunities with other Early Assurance students, current CUWSOP students, SOP faculty, and pharmacy practitioners.
Free American Pharmacists Association (APhA) national student membership - paid for by Concordia University School of Pharmacy
Invitation to all Concordia University School of Pharmacy virtual and on-campus learning and networking events.

CUW’s Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences is the ideal major for students on the pre-pharmacy track. CUW students benefit from:

A curriculum aligned with PharmD prerequisites
Access to hands-on lab experiences
Mentored research opportunities
Early relationships with pharmacy faculty

Note: Students may also use AP credit, dual credit (e.g., PHAR1000), or transfer credits to fulfill pre-pharmacy requirements. However, those who complete their undergraduate studies at CUW receive additional scholarships and specialized support.

What to Expect

Discover your vocation in pharmacy

Eligibility

Students interested in the Early Assurance pathway must meet the following requirements:

Achieve a minimum high school GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale)
OR achieve a minimum first-year collegiate GPA (at least 12 credits) of 3.0 (4.0 scale)

Admission criteria

Candidates are reviewed based on:

Academic background
Communication skills (written and oral)
Pharmacy experience or exposure
Motivation and understanding of the profession
Leadership, service, and volunteer work
Letters of recommendation

Note: Early Assurance is managed by the CUW School of Pharmacy and is separate from traditional undergraduate admissions.

Timeline

To apply for Early Assurance, submit the following by June 1 (early applications encouraged):

Complete Early Assurance Application
Submit Two Letters of Reference
Participate in an interview (by invitation)

All applications are reviewed by the School of Pharmacy Office of Recruitment and Admissions. Qualified applicants will be invited to interview before final decisions are made.

Key dates

September 1 – Application opens
June 1 – Application deadline
Interview dates (2025):
- February 28
- April 4
- June 20
Decisions – Students typically notified within 2 weeks of interview

Expectations

How to keep your spot

To maintain your place in the PharmD program through Early Assurance, you must:

Maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA
Earn C- or better in all pre-pharmacy courses
Submit your PharmCAS application by June 1 of the year you plan to enroll

Didn’t get Early Assurance?

No problem. Students not in the Early Assurance program can still apply for PharmD admission through the standard PharmCAS process if eligible.

Questions

Have questions? We’re here to help.

Katelyn Wilson
Assistant Director of Admissions Operations
Call and Text: 262-384-5190
Email: Katelyn.Wilson@cuw.edu

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Our team is standing by to assist you with additional program details, financial aid options, and admissions questions.