Pre-Professional Health Advising

Course Requirements and Your Academic Path at Xavier

This guide will outline general admission requirements and how Xavier can help you prepare for a successful application for graduate programs in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, podiatry, optometry, pharmacy and physical therapy.

Minimum Course Requirements for Health Professions

Admission requirements vary for each health profession, but most require at least the following:

One year of Biology
One year of Physics
Two years of Chemistry (including Organic Chemistry)
One year of English

For medical school, use the Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR), an annual guide by the AAMC, to find specific requirements for each school.

Important Note: Some schools may not accept Advanced Placement (AP) credit for these courses. Double-check requirements with your target schools. Our Pre-Professional Health Advising office can also help navigate AP credit acceptance.

Choosing a Major

If you're aiming for medical school, it's crucial to choose a major that aligns with your career goals while giving you a solid foundation in the sciences. Majors like biology, chemistry, or biochemistry are particularly useful as they cover much of the necessary coursework for med school admissions.

Choosing Your Electives

Balance your science courses with electives that:

Develop your communication skills
Broaden your understanding of human existence
Challenge you – choose the most rigorous options you qualify for
Consider joining the University Scholars program – it demonstrates your desire for a challenging academic experience.

GPAs and Grades

GPAs Matter, Especially in Science: Your GPA reflects your ability, motivation, time management, and potential for success in demanding programs. Go to this link to see the general GPA guidelines for the most common health professions.

Admissions committees also consider:

The level of difficulty of the courses you take
Consistency in your grades
There are no strict GPA cut-offs, but strong grades are a major evaluation factor. A single low grade or semester doesn't disqualify you, but persistent struggles might require reevaluating your goals.