Dual Acceptance Program: Lewis University and  Midwestern's Chicago College of Pharmacy

The Biology program at Lewis University is designed to prepare undergraduate students for a graduate health professional school. In this unique partnership with Midwestern University, qualified students make application to both Lewis University and Midwestern’s Chicago College of Pharmacy (CCP) concurrently during the senior year of high school. If accepted by both institutions, the student would spend the first two years at Lewis University as part of a broad-based curriculum that includes courses in biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and mathematics. Students who maintain a 3.2 grade point average in required coursework, with no grade less than a “C,” then matriculate to CCP in the fall of the third year to begin their doctoral studies in Pharmacy. While at Midwestern, students take coursework with a distinctly clinical focus, alongside dedicated, skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals. After extensive practice experiences in diverse environments, CCP graduates choose careers in community pharmacies, hospitals, educational settings, laboratories, pharmaceutical corporations, and managed care organizations.

Program Eligibility

1. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.2, with special consideration of mathematics and science courses.
2. Students must score in the top quartile on a College Entrance Exam (ACT composite: 25 or SAT: 1175).
3. All prerequisite course work must be completed at Lewis University within 2 years.
4. A minimum overall GPA of 3.2 must be maintained.
5. A grade of “C” or higher must be obtained in all courses (“C-” is not acceptable).
6. Students may not retake courses to achieve a higher grade and maintain eligibility.

Please Note that the student does NOT receive an undergraduate degree if they enter and successfully complete this program. After completing courses at Lewis University, the student continues on to doctoral studies. Consequently, no major hours/total credit hours associated with the degree apply, which is a familiar format for undergraduate program information sheets. Students in the program who do not meet the appropriate GPA (3.2) and who do not enter the CCP program and who otherwise meet the requirements of a Biology major have the option of completing a Lewis University bachelor’s degree in Biology.

Matriculant Data

Students/parents should be aware that for the dual admission program, like many health professions programs, the minimum scores (i.e., ACT composite 25, GPA 3.2) do not necessarily reflect the "competitive applicant pool." Though standardized tests are not the only measure used for potential success in this process, the applicant should understand that the average ACT for all applicants this past year was a 29, with the matriculant (successful applicant) average being even higher. The same can be said of the applicant’s academic background (i.e., GPA). While the 3.2 is the minimum requirement, the average applicant has a substantially higher GPA with heavy emphasis on science/mathematics courses that should be readily apparent in the transcript. Students should also be aware that some experience in the field through work in a pharmacy or involvement with some type of “pre-Pharm program” (such as one offered by Midwestern University to high school juniors) is highly desirable, as it generally is accompanied by a more mature, educated appreciation of the profession.

Application Process

Students must apply to Lewis University and submit a concurrent application (fee $25) to CCP. Both applications will be reviewed by the Office of Admissions at Lewis University and by the pre-professions director. Provided the students meet all criteria outlined above, the pre-professions director will forward the application to CCP Office of Admissions at Midwestern University. All successful applicants will be notified by mail of their status at Midwestern University. Students accepted into the Dual Acceptance Program are required to sign a matriculation agreement and to submit a $1,000 deposit fee at the end of the first undergraduate year. The fee is applied to the student’s first quarter tuition at CCP. If the student does not successfully complete (or chooses to withdraw from) the program, a refund is granted, less a $150.00 administration fee to CCP. Students who do not fulfill all the eligibility requirements can apply to CCP via the traditional route (i.e.: complete an application, take and submit PCAT scores, attend a mandatory campus visit, etc.).

3+3 and 4+3 programs: Lewis University and Roosevelt University’s College of Pharmacy

The Biology program at Lewis University is designed to prepare undergraduate students for a graduate health professional school. In this unique partnership with Roosevelt University, qualified students make applications to Roosevelt University after completing at least one semester in the Biology program as a full-time student. If accepted by Roosevelt, the student in the accelerated three-year program would complete all specified prerequisites, including all university general education courses, in three years. Provided the student maintains a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (2.75 in the major), with no grade less than a “C,” they would matriculate to Roosevelt University in the fall of the fourth year to begin their doctoral studies in Pharmacy. While at Roosevelt, students take coursework with a distinctly clinical focus, alongside dedicated, skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals. Specific courses from the first year would be transferred back to Lewis University to allow students to complete their B.S. in Biology after four years.  Students who are admitted to the four-year program would simply complete their B.S. in Biology at Lewis University and, provided they meet the same GPA requirements (3.0 cum; 2.75 major), would matriculate to Roosevelt University upon graduation. 

Program Eligibility

1. Students must submit an online application to the Roosevelt Direct Entry Program (DEP) before the end of their second semester at Lewis University to be eligible for the 3+3 program.  This same application can be made by the fall of the senior/fourth year for students interested in the 4+3 program.
2. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (cumulative) with a 2.75 in Biology major coursework.
3. All prerequisite course work must be completed at Lewis University.
4. Students must submit unofficial academic transcripts to Roosevelt University upon completion of each term at Lewis University.
5. A grade of “C” or higher must be obtained in all courses (“C-” is not acceptable).
6. Students may not retake courses to achieve a higher grade and maintain eligibility.

Students in the program who do not meet the appropriate GPA (3.0 cum; 2.75 major) and who do not enter the Roosevelt University program and who otherwise meet the requirements of a Biology major have the option of completing a Lewis University bachelor’s degree in Biology.

Application Process

For the 3+3 program, students must apply to Roosevelt University no later than the second semester of their first year. Students interested in the 4+3 may apply as late as the first semester of their final (i.e., senior) year at Lewis University.  All students will participate in a pre-matriculation interview in the fall term of their final year at Lewis University. After a successful interview, students will need to submit a deposit to Roosevelt University to hold their place in the class. This deposit will be credited toward the student’s first year tuition. Students must then complete all other Roosevelt Pharmacy admissions requirements prior to matriculation. Students who do not fulfill all the eligibility requirements can apply to Roosevelt University via the traditional route (i.e.: complete an application, take and submit PCAT scores, attend a mandatory campus visit, etc.).

Non-Degree