Theme: Exploration

Central Goal: Explore your interest and commitment to the medical, dental, veterinary, physician assistant, and other healthcare fields.

Actions

• Take first-year chemistry.
• Take first-year biology; otherwise, wait until spring semester to start with biology.
• Take Intro to Statistics.
• Engage in general education.
• At the end of your first year, determine whether you want to continue pursuing a career in the medical field.
• Keep a journal of all your activities.
• Apply for pre-med scholarships.

Critical Questions

• Why do I want to be a doctor, dentist, or veterinarian?
• Have I established a relationship with a member of the Pre-Med Advisory Committee?
• What timeline should I be following?
• Can I study abroad?

Theme: Commitment

Central Goal: Build your credentials, and search for high-impact experiences (HIEs).

Actions:

• Take Organic Chemistry I & II.
• Take first-year biology or a biology methods course.
• Explore potential minors or a second major.
• Review your progress with your advisor, and draft a plan to complete your timeline.
• Plan and acquire HIEs (e.g., research, shadowing opportunities, internships, study abroad, or community-engaged learning); journal about your experience(s).
• Apply for pre-med scholarships.

Critical Questions:

• Am I getting the grades that I need to be a competitive applicant?
• Am I involved in student organizations (e.g., Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society, Southwestern Pre-Health Organization, or American Chemical Society)?
• Is this still the right path for me? What is my parallel plan?

Theme: Reaching the goal line

Central Goal: Submit application materials, and participate in high-impact experiences (HIEs).

Actions:

• Complete prerequisite courses.
• Review for admission exam (e.g., MCAT, DAT, or GRE).
• Inform the pre-med chair of your intent to apply through the committee by February 1st.
• Complete your applications by June 1st.
• Request letters of recommendation.
• Work on your personal statement; refer to your HIE journal to complete your statement.

Critical Questions:

• Is this still the right path for me?
• What am I doing to get the most out of my time at SU?
• Do I have what it takes to be a competitive applicant?
• Work on my parallel plan (e.g., gap year: a postbaccalaureate program, a job, and/or volunteering).

Theme: Finish strong

Central Goal: Prepare for interviews, or execute your parallel plan.

Actions:

• Complete coursework.
• Prepare for interviews by practicing with someone at the Center for Career & Professional Development.
• Work on plan B, such as a postbaccalaureate program (applications are due in the fall), a job, and/or volunteering.

Critical Questions:

• How do I prepare for the transition?
• If not invited for an interview, what could I do different next time?
• Parallel plan: How do I stay in contact with recommendation writers? If accepted to a postbaccalaureate program, what do I want to gain from this experience? What do I want to get out of the job or volunteering?