Freshman

Sophomore

Junior

Senior

Freshman year

Academic
· Declare yourself pre-professional at Registrars office
· Meet with pre-health professional advisor and academic advisor to review school requirements
· Begin introductory science classes
· Know drop/add dates in case you need to change your schedule to avoid a tarnish on your record
· Begin to explore majors that fit your career goals AND personal interests
· Identify and use sources of academic and career support (tutors, instructional services, student groups
· Monitor your academic progress (instructor evaluations, equivalent grades, progress codes)
· Attend all pre-health professional studies meetings

Personal and professional career development
· Develop balance between academic and social activities
· Develop and practice professional qualities (leadership, responsibility, reliability and time management)
· Begin to research professional field of interest
· Understand characteristics of good professional in field of interest
· Begin to explore opportunities to gain relevant experience in field of interest
· Begin to explore community service activities
· Application process preparation
· Explore entrance exam format and requirements

Application process preparation
· Explore entrance exam format and requirements

Sophomore year

Academic
· Continue to meet with pre-health professional studies advisor and academic advisor
· Begin to take intermediate science courses
· Continue to know drop/add dates in case you need to change your schedule
· Continue to use sources of academic and career support (tutors, instructional services, student groups)
· Continue to monitor your academic progress (instructor evaluations, equivalent grades, progress codes)
· By end of the year, choose a major that fits your career goals AND personal interests
· Continue to meet with pre-health professional advisor and academic advisor to review progress for preparation to enter professional school

Personal and professional career development
· Continue to maintain a balance between academic and social activities
· Continue to practice professional qualities (leadership, responsibility, reliability and time management) and emulate characteristics of good professional in field of interest
· Learn about social issues in your field of interest (medical ethics, research, health insurance issues, employment challenges in the future)
· Consider work (volunteer or employment) in field of interest
· Interview professional in field of interest to shadow
· Consider alternative career options in case professional school does not work out
· Get involved in student groups or extracurricular activities and you enjoy
· Continue community service
· Make an effort to learn about people of different cultures and appreciate diversity
· Develop a financial plan to minimize debt

Application process preparation
· Start thinking about the schools you would like to attend (request information, attend information sessions)
· Become familiar with the application process for you field of choice
· Begin preparing for the entrance exams by reviewing study guides
· Begin to identify instructors that can give you a positive letter of recommendation

Junior year

Academic
· Investigate required courses by professional schools you are interested in attending
· Begin taking intermediate science courses
· Consider serving as a tutor to reinforce scientific knowledge
· Continue to know drop/add dates in case you need to change your schedule
· Continue to use sources of academic and career support (tutors, instructional services, student groups)
· Chose internship that will provide experience in your field of choice
· Continue to monitor your academic progress (instructor evaluations, equivalent grades, progress codes)
· Continue to meet with pre-health professional studies advisor and academic advisor to review progress in preparation for entrance into professional school

Personal and professional career development
· Continue balance between academic and social activities
· Continue to research careers and options in field of interest
· Continue to learn about current social issues in field of interest
· Continue to practice professional qualities (leadership, responsibility, reliability and time management) and emulate characteristics of good professional in field of interest
· Develop a backup plan in case professional school does not work out
· Continue work (volunteer or employment) in field of interest
· Continue to speak with and/or shadow professionals in field of interest
· Get involved in student groups or extracurricular activities that you enjoy
· Assume active leadership role in student organization
· Continue community service activities and activities that enhance multicultural experiences
· Stick with financial plan to minimize debt

Application process preparation
· Continue to review specific application requirements of schools of interest
· Continue to gather information from schools of interest (attend workshops, visit campus, meet students, Deans, Directors)
· Sign up for entrance exam preparation course, if needed
· Obtain entrance exam preparation materials to study and to become familiar with format (practice, practice, practice)
· Develop entrance exam study plan
· Start writing personal statement and ask someone to review it for you
· Complete initial application form
· Start asking for letters of recommendation from faculty and other professionals
· Complete initial application form (AMCAS, etc.)
· Register to take entrance exams in spring, summer or upcoming fall (of senior year)

Senior year

Academic
· Begin taking advanced science courses
· Consider serving as a tutor to reinforce scientific knowledge
· Continue to know drop/add dates in case you need to change your schedule
· Continue to use sources of academic and career support (tutors, instructional services, student groups)
· Continue to monitor your academic progress (instructor evaluations, equivalent grades, progress codes)
· Continue to meet with pre-health professional studies advisor and academic advisor to discuss current standing with professional schools

Personal and professional career development
· Continue balance between academic and social activities
· Continue to learn about current social issues in field of interest
· Continue to practice professional qualities (leadership, responsibility, reliability and time management) and emulate characteristics of good professional in field of interest
· Continue work (volunteer or employment) in field of interest
· Continue involvement in student groups or extracurricular activities that you enjoy
· Continue leadership role in student organization
· Stick with financial plan to minimize debt

Application process preparation
· Apply to schools that you are interested in attending
· Be aware of application deadlines or early admissions dates for schools of interest
· If sent a secondary application, promptly complete it
· If granted an interview, practice, practice, practice with pre-health professional advisor, faculty, or advisor
· If admitted, return deposit to hold place in class
· If rejected, set-up appointment with pre-health professional studies advisor and admissions officer at school to discuss re-application options