MWU Glendale Interview Prep Guide (2025-2026)

Midwestern University College of Pharmacy–Glendale (CPG) offers an accelerated Doctor of Pharmacy program and a student-centered approach that shapes its admissions and interview process. This guide provides an in-depth look at how the Glendale campus conducts interviews, what the program values in its applicants, and the context in which the school operates. It covers the interview format (a panel-driven process), the school’s mission and values grounded in advancing pharmacy and patient care, key features of the three-year program, current pharmacy policy issues relevant to Arizona and the nation, the non-academic traits sought in candidates, and common themes from past interview questions. Important dates for the 2025–2026 application cycle are also outlined. Together, these sections synthesize crucial information to help applicants understand what to expect and how to align their preparation with the program’s expectations.

The Midwestern CPG interview is typically conducted as a panel interview with multiple interviewers, which may include faculty members, practicing pharmacists, and even current pharmacy students catalog.az.midwestern.edu. The format is generally open-file, meaning the interviewers have access to the applicant’s submitted application information, and the conversation is often friendly and conversational in tone. During the interview, the panel evaluates each candidate on essential qualities such as professional motivation, preparedness for pharmacy, communication ability, and decision-making skills using a standardized rating scale catalog.az.midwestern.edu.

Interviews are by invitation only and scheduled on a rolling basis – typically from September through May each cycle catalog.az.midwestern.edu. Applicants can choose to interview either on-campus or virtually, as the college offers both options for flexibility catalog.az.midwestern.edu. On interview day, candidates should be prepared for additional components beyond the panel interview. For example, the process often includes a short written essay exercise and may involve a group activity or group discussion with other candidates studentdoctor.net. These components allow the school to further observe an applicant’s communication skills, teamwork, and ability to articulate thoughts under time constraints.

While exact acceptance statistics aren’t published, the admissions process is competitive – the applicant pool exceeds the number of available seats catalog.az.midwestern.edu, so not every interviewee will be offered admission. Because the majority of the class is usually filled by early January under the rolling admissions process catalog.az.midwestern.edu, those who interview earlier in the cycle tend to have a better chance while seats are still open. Nonetheless, receiving an interview invitation is a strong sign; it means the applicant is considered highly by the committee, and from that point their interpersonal skills and fit for the program become critical factors in the final decision.

The mission of Midwestern University College of Pharmacy is to advance the profession of pharmacy by educating future and current pharmacists, engaging in research and scholarship, and maximizing health outcomes through patient care and public service in a diverse society catalog.il.midwestern.edu. In essence, the school is dedicated to producing pharmacists who will be competent clinicians, innovators, and community servants. Its vision statement similarly emphasizes a dedication to excellence and innovation in pharmacy education, scholarship, and service catalog.il.midwestern.edu, reflecting a commitment to continual improvement and leadership in the field.

These guiding principles set the tone for what the school values in its students. During interviews, candidates may not be asked directly to recite the mission, but they should be prepared to discuss topics that relate to it – for instance, questions about serving the community, advancing patient care, or lifelong learning can tie back to the school’s core values. Demonstrating an understanding of or alignment with Midwestern’s mission (such as expressing a genuine desire to improve patient health or engage in research) can signal to interviewers that the applicant will embody the values the college holds important.

Midwestern University’s Glendale pharmacy program is an accelerated three-year Pharm.D. curriculum, which means students attend year-round (including summers) and earn their doctorate one year sooner than the traditional four-year model pharmacytimes.com. Incoming pharmacy students complete around two years of prerequisite coursework elsewhere before matriculating, then begin the professional program at Glendale in early June each year midwestern.edu midwestern.edu. The Glendale campus is part of a larger health sciences university in the Phoenix metropolitan area, providing a small, community-like campus environment with access to the resources of a major urban healthcare hub. Below are some key facts and unique features of the program:

• Founded in 1998 (private, non-profit institution) pharmacytimes.com.
• Class size historically around 150 students per cohort pharmacytimes.com (recently, smaller cohorts have been enrolled, with only 46 students in the latest entering class) pharmcas.org.
• Accelerated year-round curriculum – a three-year Doctor of Pharmacy program that forgoes traditional summer breaks pharmacytimes.com.
• Located in Glendale, Arizona (a suburb of Phoenix) on a health sciences campus, offering proximity to hospitals and various practice sites while maintaining a safe, close-knit campus feel midwestern.edu.
• State-of-the-art learning facilities, including an advanced Simulation Center, for hands-on skills training with cutting-edge technology midwestern.edu.
• Extensive experiential learning: diverse rotation opportunities in the community, hospital, industry, and other settings, contributing to high job placement rates for graduates midwestern.edu.
• Dual Acceptance Program (early assurance) available for select high school and community college students, allowing them to secure a spot in the Pharm.D. program ahead of the typical admissions cycle midwestern.edu.

These distinctive features of the Glendale program are great material for applicants to be aware of and even bring up during their interview. Showing that you have done your homework on the program – for example, mentioning the three-year schedule or the simulation training – can demonstrate enthusiasm and fit. Candidates might ask the interviewers questions about how the year-round schedule works, what types of clinical rotations are available, or how the school’s dual acceptance pathway is structured. By engaging with the program’s specifics, applicants signal genuine interest and can build a more meaningful conversation, rather than giving generic answers. In turn, interviewers often appreciate when an applicant connects their own goals to the program’s offerings (for instance, expressing excitement about the high-tech simulation center or the opportunity for early hands-on experiences).

Pharmacy practice is greatly influenced by healthcare policy and regulations at the state and national level. Midwestern’s Glendale campus, located in Arizona, prepares students to enter a professional landscape shaped by these policies. Being informed about current issues and debates in pharmacy can help applicants stand out in interviews, as it shows awareness of the context in which they will practice. Some policy topics and trends that are particularly relevant include:

• Pharmacist Provider Status – Ongoing efforts at the federal level to recognize pharmacists as providers under Medicare (through legislation like the Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act) have been consistently reintroduced in Congress pharmacytimes.com. While not yet passed, this initiative reflects a push to allow pharmacists to bill for clinical services, and it underscores the expanding role of pharmacists in healthcare teams.
• Expanded Scope of Practice in Arizona – Arizona has joined many states in broadening pharmacists’ scope; for example, as of 2023, Arizona pharmacists can provide certain hormonal contraceptives to patients without a doctor’s prescription azmirror.com. This change (along with pharmacists’ authority to administer vaccines and other point-of-care services) highlights how state laws are empowering pharmacists to improve access to care.
• Opioid Crisis and Public Health – Pharmacists have been on the front lines of combating the opioid epidemic by dispensing naloxone (an overdose-reversal drug) and counseling patients on opioid use. Discussions around how pharmacies can mitigate substance abuse, ensure safe prescribing, and provide public health services (like naloxone distribution under standing orders) are very pertinent. An applicant might be expected to have thoughts on how pharmacists can contribute to solutions for public health crises like opioid overdoses.
• Healthcare Access and Pharmacy Deserts – Recent trends of pharmacy closures in certain areas (including parts of the Western U.S.) have raised concerns about pharmacy “deserts” in underserved urban and rural communities apnews.com. This is a policy and business issue that affects patient access to medications and care. Candidates aware of these developments can speak to the importance of community pharmacies and how pharmacists might adapt (e.g., through telepharmacy or advocacy for vulnerable communities).

For interview purposes, familiarity with such topics demonstrates that an applicant is thinking beyond the classroom – about real-world issues pharmacists face. Interviewers may ask broadly about a significant healthcare issue or a recent change in pharmacy practice; having concrete examples from Arizona or national policy to discuss will show preparedness. It’s not about taking a particular stance on a political issue, but rather about showing that you stay informed and care about the evolving role of pharmacy. Especially at a school that emphasizes leadership and service, being able to articulate how pharmacists can impact healthcare through policy and advocacy aligns well with the values of the program.

Like many health profession programs, Midwestern University’s College of Pharmacy in Glendale uses a holistic admissions approach. In addition to academic metrics (such as GPA and any test scores), the school places significant weight on personal and professional attributes that predict success as a pharmacist. The interview and application review process will assess these non-academic criteria closely:

• Service Orientation and Community Involvement – A demonstrated commitment to helping others through volunteer work or community service is expected catalog.az.midwestern.edu. The admissions committee looks for evidence that an applicant has a "people-oriented" mindset and a desire to contribute positively to society.
• Motivation and Commitment to Pharmacy – Applicants should show a genuine dedication to the pharmacy field catalog.az.midwestern.edu. This can be reflected in experiences like work in a pharmacy, shadowing pharmacists, relevant healthcare exposure, or clear articulation of why they are passionate about becoming a pharmacist.
• Communication Skills – Strong oral and written communication abilities are crucial in pharmacy, and the school seeks students who can articulate their thoughts clearly and listen effectively catalog.az.midwestern.edu. This is evaluated through personal statements, the interview conversation, and the on-site writing sample.
• Teamwork and Collaboration – Pharmacy is a collaborative profession, so the ability to work well in team settings is highly valued catalog.az.midwestern.edu. Experiences where you have been part of a team (through work, school projects, or extracurricular activities) and learned how to cooperate or lead are looked upon favorably. The interview may include group interactions partly to observe how candidates engage with peers.
• Ethical Decision-Making and Professionalism – The faculty and interviewers will be assessing your integrity and judgment catalog.az.midwestern.edu. You might be asked about a time you faced an ethical dilemma or how you handled a conflict, to gauge your sense of responsibility and ethics. Professional conduct during all aspects of the admissions process (communications, interview day behavior) is also taken into account.
• Leadership and Initiative – Holding leadership roles in clubs, jobs, or community organizations is a strong positive, even if not formally required. The program recognizes those who step up to lead or initiate projects, as it aligns with the pharmacy outcome of developing leaders in healthcare pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Leadership experiences can set you apart by showing that you take responsibility and can motivate others, skills that are beneficial in any pharmacy career.
• Research and Scholarly Activity – While not mandatory, involvement in undergraduate research or other scholarly projects can enhance an application. Midwestern CPG offers opportunities for student research (such as elective special projects) catalog.az.midwestern.edu, so an applicant who has research experience may be seen as someone who will take advantage of those opportunities and contribute to the advancement of the field.

Many of these qualities will be probed during the interview via specific questions or scenarios. In fact, the interview panel uses a standardized evaluation form to rate attributes like communication, teamwork, professionalism, and preparedness catalog.az.midwestern.edu. Candidates should be ready to provide examples from their own experiences that illustrate these traits (for instance, a story about a volunteer project that sparked their interest in community health, or a time they led a team through a challenge). By reflecting on these criteria beforehand, you can ensure you highlight the aspects of your background that align with what the school is looking for. Remember that the goal is to show you have not only the academic ability to succeed in a rigorous Pharm.D. program, but also the interpersonal skills, empathy, and drive to become an excellent pharmacist.

Midwestern University’s pharmacy curriculum is guided by several key competency frameworks and standards that ensure the education is comprehensive and in line with national expectations. Understanding these frameworks can give insight into the program’s priorities and may indirectly inform the interview experience (since the qualities they seek in students often relate to these competencies). Some of the major frameworks include:

• ACPE Accreditation Standards – The program adheres to the standards set by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, which define the required outcomes and competencies for Pharm.D. graduates midwestern.edu. These standards ensure that students gain knowledge in biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences, develop practical skills for patient care, and inculcate professional values. In essence, they guarantee that an accredited program like Midwestern–Glendale covers all the domains necessary for a competent pharmacist.
• CAPE Educational Outcomes – The Center for the Advancement of Pharmacy Education (CAPE) outcomes serve as a target for what pharmacy students should be able to do by graduation. The 2013 CAPE outcomes, for example, outline competencies in four broad domains: foundational knowledge, essentials for practice and care, approach to practice (including problem-solving and ethics), and personal and professional development pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Midwestern’s curriculum is designed with these outcomes in mind, meaning students are trained not just in facts but in how to think and act like a pharmacist. Interviewers, correspondingly, often look for indicators of these domains (like critical thinking or ethical reasoning) in applicants.
• Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process (PPCP) – This is a framework endorsed by national pharmacy organizations that describes the step-by-step process pharmacists use to deliver patient care. It involves Collecting information, Assessing the patient’s needs, formulating a Plan, Implementing that plan, and following up (Monitor/Evaluate) – a cycle for ensuring optimal health outcomes. Midwestern incorporates this patient care process into its training. It’s a reflection of how pharmacists are expected to practice consistently across different settings jcpp.net. An awareness of PPCP shows that a student appreciates the systematic approach to patient care that they will be taught.
• Interprofessional Education (IPE) Competencies – Given the Glendale campus’ emphasis on interprofessional learning, the program aligns with the core competencies for collaborative practice (developed by the Interprofessional Education Collaborative). These include values and ethics for teamwork, understanding of each profession’s roles, effective interprofessional communication, and team-based care skills. Students in the program will learn alongside peers in other healthcare fields and engage in multidisciplinary activities midwestern.edu. The emphasis on teamwork in the interview reflects this competency – the school seeks those who can function well in healthcare teams and appreciate collaboration.

In an interview context, you won’t be quizzed on the details of CAPE outcomes or asked to recite the steps of the Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process. However, the influence of these frameworks is felt in the qualities and knowledge the interviewers are looking for. For example, if you’re asked about how you solved a problem or handled a difficult situation, they’re indirectly seeing how you approach challenges – a nod to the problem-solving aspect of the curriculum outcomes. If you discuss working with others in a team, it ties to interprofessional readiness. Recognizing that the program trains students to meet these nationally recognized competencies can help you better understand and convey how you fit into that picture. It reinforces the idea that the school isn’t just checking boxes during interviews; they are looking for future pharmacists who will fulfill those competency areas through their education and career.

Through reports and feedback from previous applicants, certain common themes have emerged in the kinds of questions Midwestern–Glendale tends to ask in interviews. Knowing these themes can help applicants prepare relevant examples and thoughts. Common areas of focus include:

• Motivation for Pharmacy and Why Midwestern (Glendale) – Interviewers almost always explore why you chose to pursue pharmacy and why you are interested in this particular program. You should be ready to discuss what attracts you to pharmacy as a career and what aspects of Midwestern University (Glendale campus) align with your goals studentdoctor.net. This can include personal anecdotes about what sparked your interest in pharmacy and specific features of the school (curriculum, location, opportunities) that make it a good fit for you.
• Qualities of a Good Pharmacist (and How You Exhibit Them) – Many questions revolve around the key attributes needed for success in pharmacy, such as empathy, attention to detail, integrity, teamwork, and communication. Expect to be asked either directly or indirectly about these qualities studentdoctor.net. For instance, you might be asked, "What qualities make a successful pharmacist?" or "How have your experiences prepared you to be a pharmacist?" Be prepared with examples from your life that demonstrate traits like compassion (perhaps through patient or volunteer interactions) or responsibility and reliability.
• Teamwork and Conflict Resolution – Working well with others is essential in healthcare. Interviewers often pose questions about teamwork, such as describing a time you collaborated on a team project, or how you handled a situation when you disagreed with a team member studentdoctor.net. They might ask scenario questions like, "What would you do if you were part of a team and someone wasn’t pulling their weight?" or inquire about your role in a specific team experience. These questions assess your collaboration skills, leadership potential, and professionalism in dealing with interpersonal challenges.
• Ethical or Professional Challenges – Pharmacy professionals must make ethical decisions and uphold professionalism. You may be asked to consider a hypothetical ethical dilemma (for example, encountering a prescription error or a colleague doing something inappropriate) and explain what you would do. Alternatively, interviewers might ask about a moral challenge you’ve faced in your own experience studentdoctor.net. They are looking for evidence of your integrity, honesty, and moral reasoning. When answering, it’s important to show that you prioritize patient safety, follow ethical guidelines, and seek guidance when needed.
• Awareness of Healthcare and Pharmacy Issues – Some interviews include questions about current trends or problems in healthcare and pharmacy. You could be prompted with, "What do you see as one of the biggest challenges in pharmacy today?" studentdoctor.net or "How do you think the role of the pharmacist is evolving?" This is an opportunity to demonstrate that you stay informed about the field – for instance, you might talk about the impact of healthcare policy on pharmacy (like medication costs, provider status, or the opioid crisis) or discuss how technology is changing pharmacy. There isn’t a single right answer to such questions; the key is to show you are engaged with the profession beyond just your own application.

These themes reflect a holistic interest in who you are as a future pharmacist. Midwestern’s interviewers want to hear about your personal journey (motivation), assess whether you have the essential soft skills (communication, teamwork, ethics), and ensure you’re knowledgeable about or at least curious about the pharmacy field. When preparing, it can be helpful to outline a few key experiences that you can draw upon for various questions – such as a leadership role that taught you teamwork, a challenge that tested your ethics, or a formative experience that solidified your passion for pharmacy. That way, no matter how a question is phrased, you have a relevant story or perspective to share. The goal is to answer authentically and thoughtfully, demonstrating self-awareness and insight, which leaves a strong impression in line with the program’s expectations.

Applying to Midwestern University CPG in Glendale requires keeping track of a series of important dates and deadlines. The admissions cycle for the class entering in 2026 (the 2025-2026 cycle) operates on rolling admissions, so timing can be critical. Below is an overview of the timeline and key deadlines:

• July 2025 – PharmCAS opens for applications. Prospective students can begin submitting their application materials for Midwestern–Glendale as early as July of the year prior to enrollment midwestern.edu.
• September 2025 – Interview season begins. The college typically starts inviting applicants for interviews in early fall. Interviews then occur at regular intervals (often monthly) throughout the fall, winter, and spring catalog.az.midwestern.edu.
• Early January 2026 – Rolling admission milestone. By around January, a large portion of the incoming class has been filled catalog.az.midwestern.edu due to offers made in the fall. This doesn’t mean the process is over, but competition for remaining seats intensifies after this point.
• May 1, 2026 – Final application deadline. All applications to Midwestern’s Pharm.D. program via PharmCAS must be submitted by this date pharmcas.org. Waiting until close to the deadline is not advised (because of the rolling admissions), but this is the last date to apply for the 2025-2026 cycle.
• Early June 2026 – Classes begin for the Pharm.D. program. Admitted students will start their first coursework in the summer of 2026 midwestern.edu, marking the beginning of the three-year professional program on the Glendale campus.

Midwestern–Glendale uses a rolling admissions process midwestern.edu. This means the admissions committee reviews applications and makes interview and acceptance decisions continuously throughout the cycle, rather than waiting until after the final deadline. For applicants, the practical effect is that earlier is better: applying early (in the summer or fall) can improve your chances of landing an interview before the class fills up. By the same token, interviewees who impress the committee earlier in the year may receive offers while spots are plentiful. If you wait until close to the deadline, you might find that fewer interview slots or seats remain. Therefore, it’s wise to plan ahead: take note of the May 1 deadline, but aim to submit well in advance. Also keep an eye on related deadlines like PharmCAS verification times, and be responsive to any interview invitations or follow-up requests from the admissions office to ensure you don’t miss critical opportunities.

In summary, preparing for the Midwestern University College of Pharmacy–Glendale interview involves a blend of understanding the school and understanding yourself. Knowing the interview format and what to expect logistically can help you feel more confident on the day. Equally important is aligning with the program’s mission, values, and the qualities they seek – be ready to show how your experiences reflect their emphasis on service, teamwork, and professional growth. Stay informed about the pharmacy field, as awareness of current issues will underscore your commitment to the profession. With a clear grasp of timelines and thorough preparation on the themes outlined in this guide, you can approach the interview as an opportunity to genuinely demonstrate why you would be a great fit for Midwestern–Glendale and how you aspire to advance the pharmacy profession in line with the school’s ideals.