Professional School Exploration

Ideally, as soon as possible.

1. By identifying schools early, it can allow advisors to determine required courses needed to be completed.
2. Becoming familiar early on with schools helps to better prepare for other requirements expected of applicants (volunteering, experience, research, etc.).
3. The number of schools to research varies depending on the program of interest.

Pre-Health Advisors can help you have a better idea of how many schools to research.

Suggested:

• 6-8 schools freshman year
• 8-10 schools sophomore year
• 10-15 schools junior year

• Residency (check acceptance rate for in-state or out-of-state applicants for public schools)
• Prerequisites (coursework, admissions exam, or volunteer experience/hours)
• Location
• Costs
• What are non-negotiables (i.e. I won’t live…, I don’t want…)
• Mission (i.e. research focus, patient/clinical or rural underserved/underrepresented)
• Other requirements

Make sure when beginning to research programs of interest, to use the professional website and their given databases(s). Google is not the most efficient search engine. Professional organization databases (like MSAR, ADEA Map) provide direct links and updated information to all accredited programs.

Check out these websites

• The websites pertaining to your pathway can help you to search up and learn about your professional schools and explore more about your pathway.
• School Exploration Video
• School Exploration Handout
• Health Career Related Websites