Applying

Competitiveness

Building a Competitive Application

Health Profession Programs are looking to ensure that you will be a great student who succeeds in their program (i.e. can you do it?) AND that you will make a quality healthcare provider (i.e. should you do it?). When assessing these factors, programs will look at many different factors. This holistic review process means that there is not one specific set of requirements that make the perfect candidate. However, information below will help you identify ways to showcase that you CAN succeed at their institution and SHOULD be a healthcare provider that will be directly responsible for the health and wellness of others.

Can you do it?

Will you be able to withstand the rigor of their program? Will you not just survive, but will you thrive at their institution? Will you be able to pass your board examinations? Do you know what it takes to be a professional in the respective field?

This is mainly determined through means such as:

  • Strong Science/Math GPA and Overall GPA
  • Strong Test Score (MCAT, DAT, GRE, PCAT, OAT, etc.)
  • Successful completion of all or most prerequisite courses by the time of the application
  • Multiple pre-health semesters to show admissions committees that you can handle academically rigorous coursework
    • Pre-health semesters: we recommend a minimum of 4 semesters (fall and spring) of 8-11 credits of science/math coursework and 14-16 credits overall credits for first degree seeking students and a minimum of 4 semesters of 11-12 credits of science/math coursework for second degree seekers
  • Healthcare related activities such as:
    • Practioner Shadowing
    • Clinical Volunteering/Employment

There is no "best" healthcare activity as each student will internalize an experience  differently. These experiences are necessary to help you understand what the role entails, the environment healthcare professionals work in, the patients they see, brief insight into the challenges and successes, etc. You should participate in experiences you enjoy and continually reflect on how this experience is making you a better future healthcare provider and/or professional school student. Hint: try to correlate experiences to the Core Competencies listed below.

Meeting Core Competencies for Entering Medical Students (these are helpful for all pre-health students not just pre-med students)

 Should you do it?

Are you someone whom people would want to go to for care? Do you showcase the skills of an outstanding professional and future healthcare provider? Will you dignify the profession?

This is mainly determined through means such as: 

  • Healthcare related activities such as:
    • Practioner Shadowing
    • Clinical Volunteering/Employment

There is no "best" healthcare activity as each student will internalize an experience  differently. These experiences are necessary to help you understand what the role entails, the environment healthcare professionals work in, the patients they see, brief insight into the challenges and successes, etc. You should participate in experiences you enjoy and continually reflect on how this experience is making you a better future healthcare provider and/or professional school student. Hint: try to correlate experiences to the Core Competencies listed below.

Meeting Core Competencies for Entering Medical Students (these are helpful for all pre-health students not just pre-med students)

  • Additional co-curricular activities such as: 
    - Leadership Opportunities
    - Community Service
    - Research
  • A well written and reflective personal statement
  • Strong Letters of Recommendation/Evaluation that support the information provided in your application and personal statement

Additionally, health profession programs are generally looking for students who exhibit the following:

  • Good communication skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Humanism/ Concern for others
  • Flexibility
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Passion for healthcare

Health Professions Matriculants Mean Credentials

School and Year                                 Overall GPA         Science GPA           Average Exam Score

Medical School (M.D.)-2020                 3.73                          3.66                              511.5 MCAT
Medical School (D.O.)- 2019                 3.57                          3.51                              504.25 MCAT
Dental School- 2019                               3.57                          3.48                              20.7 DAT
Veterinary School- 2019                        3.60                         3.50                             >60th pctl GRE
Physical Therapy School- 2019            3.57                          3.41                            >50th pctl GRE
Pharmacy School- 2019                         3.30                          3.15                             59th pctl PCAT
Optometry School-2019                        3.38                          N/A                                317 OAT
Physician Assistant School-2019        3.58                          3.53                            >55th pctl GRE
Podiatry School-2020                             3.40                          3.20                              494.6 MCAT
Occupational Therapy School- 2018  3.50                           N/A                            >60th pctl GRE

*For Chiropractic and Anesthesiologist Assistant (AA) Schools, please check with each individual school for GPA and Exam Score Averages*

Updated 05/04/2021