The Concordia University Wisconsin School of Pharmacy (CUWSOP) offers an Early Assurance Pathway into our Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program for high school seniors who complete their pre-pharmacy coursework at Concordia University Wisconsin or Concordia University Ann Arbor.
Eligibility requirements
- Achieve a minimum high school GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale)
- Be admitted to Concordia University Wisconsin or Concordia University Ann Arbor
- Must indicate pre-pharmacy as a program of study on their application for admission
Application requirements
- Complete and submit the Early Assurance application by June 1 of their high school senior year
- Submit two letters of reference by June 1 of their high school senior year using this form
- Interview with Concordia University Wisconsin, if invited, their high school senior year
Application timeline
Qualified students will declare their interest in the Early Assurance pathway by submitting the necessary requirements listed above.
- September 1: Early Assurance Pathway application materials open
- June 1: Early Assurance Pathway application materials deadline (early application is encouraged to assure students secure a spot within the program)
- Interview at Concordia University School of Pharmacy, if invited
- SOP Admissions Committee reviews interviewed candidates for Early Assurance Pathway eligibility
- Students are typically informed of their status in the Early Assurance Pathway 2-3 weeks after the interview
Once approved for the Early Assurance Pathway, the student will be expected to meet all of the PharmD progression requirements listed above.
Selection process
Students seeking eligibility for the Early Assurance Pathway who complete the requirements above will be reviewed by the Concordia University Wisconsin School of Pharmacy Admissions Committee.
Eligibility will be determined using the following selection criteria:
- Academic background
- Communication skills (oral and written)
- Pharmacy experience
- Motivation for pursuing pharmacy and understanding of the profession
- Service, leadership, and volunteer activities
- Letters of reference
Application for the PharmD program
To progress to the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program after pre-pharmacy coursework has been started, Early Assurance students must:
- Submit the PharmCAS application by June 1 of the year you plan to enroll in the PharmD program. (The PharmCAS application is completed during the transition from undergraduate programs to the graduate program at the School of Pharmacy)
- Maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA and a C- or better in all pre-pharmacy courses taken prior to submission of the PharmCAS application.
- Pre-pharmacy coursework should be completed at Concordia University Wisconsin or Concordia University Ann Arbor.
- At the point of submitting the PharmCAS application, all pre-pharmacy courses that have been completed must be done so without withdrawing from or repeating any of the required courses.
Students who are successfully progressing in the Early Assurance pathway and meet the criteria above do not have to interview or take the PCAT to progress into the PharmD program.
Benefits to students
Pre-pharmacy students who are on the Early Assurance Pathway and are meeting the PharmD progression requirements will benefit from:
- Access to the Pharmacy Admissions Team to review progression requirements and to help develop pharmacy career interests
- Dedicated School of Pharmacy faculty mentorship
- Free fee waiver for the PharmCAS application (application is completed during the transition from undergraduate programs to the graduate program at the School of Pharmacy)
- Dedicated coaching for success through the PharmCAS application
- Networking opportunities with other Concordia Early Assurance students, current School of Pharmacy students, faculty, and current pharmacy practitioners.
- Invitation to all virtual and on-campus learning and networking events
- Access to the online school store
PharmD admission without early assurance
Pre-pharmacy students who aren’t part of the Early Assurance Pathway or didn’t maintain eligibility in the Early Assurance Pathway are still eligible and encouraged to apply for admission to the PharmD program. All students are eligible to apply as regular applicants through the PharmCAS application. Students who aren’t on the Early Assurance Pathway and wish to pursue a PharmD degree are guaranteed an interview if they meet the following criteria:
- C- or better on pre-pharmacy coursework included on PharmCAS application
- Minimum of 2.75 cumulative college GPA
Contact us
The Office of Recruitment and Admissions is here to help you through the application and admission process. Please contact us with any questions you have.