OUTLINE OF WHAT YOU SHOULD DO WHEN:

FRESHMAN YEAR

This semester you will be notified, by email, of your premed advisor. This person is a member of the Committee for the Health Professions and is in addition to your academic advisor. Establish contact with that person. Read the medical advising portion of his/her web page and download the evaluation form. Copy it and give a copy to each of your instructors at the end of each semester.

Keep the committee advisor informed by email of what your current plans are for a major, etc. Seek advice if you feel you need it on these matters. Explore the health professions generally, and the one you are interested in particular. This is especially important if you are not sure of your plans. Read whatever you can find, talk to whomever you can find, listen to all the speakers you can find. Be thinking of what you can do if you are not accepted to your chosen type of professional school. By participating in class and activities, begin to establish your credentials regarding

_____your ability as a student, especially in the sciences

_____your ability to interact and communicate with others

_____your interest and participation in non-academic experiences

_____your experience and knowledge in the profession that interests you

Your cumulative average, and especially your performance in the science, is one of the most important factors considered by medical schools. If you have a 3.0 or less science average at the end of your sophomore year, it is rather unlikely that you can improve your position enough during the next year to meet the stiff competition for medical or veterinary school admission.

For other professions, not physical therapy, you may still qualify. Visit the reserve desk in the library and Dr. Harrison's office to read some of the health professions related materials. Go to Counseling & Career Services, (second floor of the Iosue Student Center Building) and browse, especially in medically related stuff. Visit web sites of medical or other schools you are interested in.

SOPHOMORE YEAR Continue the above. Attempt to secure a summer job related to your professional area, especially if you want to go to medical school.

JUNIOR YEAR Continue the above. Think about what schools you will apply to: get information, visit ones near home, talk to people. Schools in the state of your legal residence are the best bet.

Take the appropriate admission test in the spring (MCAT) for medical school. Study for these exams or take a "crash course".

See the Committee for the Health Profession member that you want to originate your letter of recommendation. Be sure he/she has the necessary information and fill out PP5 (get from Dr. Harrison). Add the 4th member to your committee and supply addresses of your schools for letters to your letter originator. Apply to the schools of your choice during the summer. It takes time and costs money.

SENIOR YEAR Continue the above. Keep in touch with your committee advisor. Keep him/her informed of interviews, acceptances and rejections. Travel at your expense for interviews at the schools. Prepare ahead of time; have knowledge of the school and of yourself.

IN ALL THIS, act human and be a concerned citizen; selfishness turns people off and has no place in the health professions.