FAQs
What should I major in?
The admissions representatives at the professional schools consistently recommend that students major in whatever they are genuinely interested in, do well academically, take the prerequisite courses and also consider additional recommended classes listed on their website.
Who should I ask to get letters of recommendation?
Check the professional school’s website and the application service for requirements. It is best to get letters of recommendation from people who have spent some extended time with you and know you well. Examples include faculty members, lab instructor, volunteer site supervisor, work supervisor, or health care professional’s office where you have done quite a bit of shadowing, etc.
How do I get to know faulty better for recommendation purposes?
Visit faculty during office hours, let them know your interest in applying to professional school, consider providing them with an up-to-date resume when asking for a letter.
Are non-clinical (volunteer, leadership, etc) experiences helpful?
Yes. Professional schools want to know that you really want to help people and leadership (or active involvement) experiences are also considered quite valuable.
How do I become a competitive candidate?
Do well academically, score well on the application test, and get a breadth and depth of experience. Extracurricular activities can help as well (volunteer & service, leadership, etc).
What else should I consider to be competitive?
Don’t forget to follow your interests and passion for coursework choices and experiences (clinical and non-clinical). The way to stand out is by being yourself and doing your best.
If I had a lousy semester (or more) in school (academically) does that rule me out of consideration?
No. Show improvement and they will notice.
Is research required?
It is usually not required. It can certainly be helpful and be a meaningful learning experience. As a general rule, the more interested you are in learning more about research or continuing to be involved in research as a professional, the more valuable the experience will be as part of your qualifications.
Do professional schools accept AP credit for prerequisite requirements?
The policy varies by school. For example, ECU Brody Medical School yes and UNC Medical School no (starting with the 2021 class).
Do professional schools accept prerequisite coursework taken at a community college?
As a general rule, prerequisite classes taken at a community college are accepted as long as it is listed on the degree-granting transcript. In order to be competitive in the selection process, students are encouraged to supplement these courses by taking advanced course work at their four-year institution.