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Pre-Professional Health Advising

The Pre-Professional Health Student Timeline

The Exploration Phase

  • Attend a Pre-Health Introduction Workshop and get to know your Pre-Professional Health Advisor by scheduling a 1:1 appointment (up to 45 minutes in length).
  • Enroll in freshmen level pre-requisite courses (mostly General Biology and General Chemistry)
  • Focus on coursework as this will help you in future pre-health pre-requisites and allow you to build a solid foundation for your cumulative GPA and science GPA.
  • Attend Supplemental Instruction (SI) sessions.
  • Work towards earning a 3.5 GPA or higher GPA.
  • Review the pre-requisites for your desired pre-professional health program
  • Visit the Conaton Learning Commons for tutoring, academic coaching & more from your assigned Student Success Coach.
  • Attend your professors' office hours and begin building faculty relationships
  • Join XU clubs and organizations.
  • Volunteer either short-term or long term (both health-related and non-heath related activities)
  • Sign up for and the Pre-Health Advising Canvas Course Module and Announcements
  • Attend career and health sciences professions fairs (such as OMED) and consider talking with Xavier’s Career Development Office

 

The Preparation Phase

  • During breaks (fall, holiday, spring, summer), complete experiential education by shadowing health professionals, volunteering (both health-related and non-health related), and/or work in patient-care settings (PCA, CNA, Scribe, etc..).
  • Document and reflect on your experiences (volunteer, clubs/organizations, shadowing, etc…)
  • Learn more about your chosen health profession (including the expected professional competencies for that profession.
  • Consider getting healthcare exposure and work experience if you didn’t over the summer between your 1st and 2nd year.
  • Read about your profession.  Example: AAMC’s list of books for those wishing to go to medical school.
  • Meet with the Pre-Professional Health Advisor to ensure you’re taking the correct pre-requisite courses.
  • Remember the Conaton Learning Center is here to help ensure your academic success.

 

The Application Year Timeline (When You Are Prepared/Ready to Apply)

   Fall Semester

  • Continue to maintain the GPA required of your intended pre-health program.  Consider enrolling in upper division science courses beyond the pre-requisites if able and depending what you find out from the schools you plan to apply to.
  • Continue your involvement on campus and health-related experiences.
  • In early Fall, research the professional schools you wish to attend to ensure it will be a good fit for you.
  • Fall semester - Attend the Application Planning Workshop and the Personal Statement Workshop provided by the Pre-Professional Health Advisor.  Begin drafting the personal statement.
  • November - If pre-med, consider registering for the MCAT course held in the spring semester.
  • Mid-Fall semester - Research your pre-health standardized test (MCAT, DAT, GRE, etc..) and begin collecting study materials
  • Late Fall semester - Plan your testing prep & timeline for when you will take that test.

  Spring Semester & Summer

  • Meet with XU Career Development Office to get resume help.
  • Tutor and work with your peers on course materials so you are simultaneously learning and growing your skills in the academic material.
  • Think about who would be your strong, positive recommendation letter writers.
  • Early Spring semester - submit your autobiography to the Health Sciences Committee so they are able to prepare recommendation letters for your application. 
  • Meet with the Pre-Professional Health Advisor to ensure you’re on the right track and ready.
  • Late Spring semester - Sign-up for a mock interview and/or Multiple Mini-Interview (MMI)
  • Late Spring/Early Summer – Take the admissions/standardized test only when ready and begin application process after attending the Application “How To” Workshop.
  • Complete Secondary Applications (if applicable).

 

The Interview Phase

  • Continue health-career activities and rigorous coursework throughout the year.
  • Meet with XU Career Development Office for “elevator pitch” practice and mock interview help
  • Attend the Interview Workshop provided by the Pre-Professional Health Advisor.
  • As needed schedule another mock interview and/or mock MMI as you receive interview offers.
  • Research financial aid; complete FAFSA.
  • Meet with the Pre-Professional Health Advisor as needed.