Pre-Professional

• Biology BA/BS
• Biomedical Informatics
• Cytotechnology*
• Environmental Science
• Epidemiology*
• Exercise Science*
• Health Sciences*
• Medical Humanities and Health Studies*
• Medical Laboratory Science (formerly Clinical Laboratory Science)*
• Neuroscience

*Majors advised by the Health and Life Sciences Advising Center

• Africana Studies
• American Sign Language
• Anthropology
• Art History
• Communication Studies
• Criminal Justice
• Economics
• English
• French
• Geography
• German
• Global and International Studies
• History
• Informatics
• Journalism
• Law in Liberal Arts
• Philosophy
• Political Science
• Psychology
• Religious Studies
• Social Work
• Sociology
• Spanish

This is the obvious one. Programs almost always look for candidates with GPAs over a 3.0, and many often see incoming cohorts with minimum GPAs of 3.5, 3.7, or even 3.8. Test scores are important too, so make sure you’re studying up for that MCAT, DAT, OAT, GRE, or PCAT.

In addition to having awesome grades and test scores, committees expect candidates to have awesome life experience, too. This experience can include volunteering, participating in student or professional organizations, studying abroad, having research experience, and other relevant activities and hobbies.

Just working hard in your math and science classes won’t cut it. Search committees are looking for candidates with a broad knowledge base. This can include proficiency in oral and written communication, excellence in humanities and social science courses, thoughtful consideration of the ethical issues in your chosen profession, an awareness of current events in the profession, valuing lifelong learning, and integrity and strength of character.

Professional school is a little different than college because a professional school student is both a student and a colleague to their professors and advisors. Keep that in mind when you are applying (and hopefully interviewing)—be yourself and let your personality come through.

Don’t be deceived by a personal statement’s short length. This is one of the most important things you will ever write. This is your chance to elaborate on your transcripts and resume, so let the search committee hear your voice and show the committee what makes you tick. Here, you can address how you became interested in your intended profession, what you’ve done to prepare for it, and why you are a great candidate. You should start working on this statement months in advance and show it to as many people as you can to get feedback. Tutors at the Writing Center, your family and friends, your advisor, the chair of your major department, and your recommenders are all great places to start.

Admittedly, you can’t control these very much, but letters of recommendation from professionals who really know you and your work ethic are crucial for search committees. Make sure that you choose professionals you are close to, such as professors who know you personally and can vouch for the quality of your work (especially if you’ve done research or other projects with them). Professionals in the field that you’ve shadowed or volunteered for are especially effective. Make sure you choose recommenders who can talk about different aspects of your life—if one or two letter writers discuss your academic skills, maybe another can talk about your leadership skills.

If you’ve made it to the interview stage, you’ve probably survived through one, two, or even three cuts! Congratulations! An interview is the committee’s chance to get to know you better. They will ask you the standard questions (Why are you interested in being an X? Can you tell me more about X experience?), as well as more specific things, like your intended specialty, which kind of setting you’d like to work in, or your physical skills. Do practice interviews with professionals in your field if you can!