Pre-Law Studies
Although there is no specific pre-law curriculum, a strong foundation in the liberal arts, with emphasis on such subjects as English language and literature, political science, sociology, philosophy and logic, history or economics is highly recommended.
Virtually all law schools require the Law School Admission Test for admission. Students intending to go to law school directly after graduation should visit the Center for Department of Law and Criminal Justice to receive assistance with program planning and with the law school application process.
Pre-Medical and Pre-Dental Studies
Pre-Health Professions Adviser: Susan Ensel, Whitaker Professor of Chemistry
Medical schools prefer students who have a broad background in the humanities and social sciences. The following courses, specified in the Medical School Admissions Requirements, are most often the minimum required by professional schools in the United States and Canada. These courses should be completed by the end of the junior year.
Biology
8 credits of biology at the 200 level. Recommended:
| BIOL 202 | Physiology of Plants & Animals | 4.0 |
| BIOL 203 | Introduction to Cell Biology & Genetics | 4.0 |
Chemistry
English
6 credits required
| ENGL 100 | Elements of Composition | 4.0 |
| | or | |
| ENGL 110-139 | Writing About Literature | 3.0 |
| | English Composition Course | 3.0-4.0 |
plus another semester of a writing-intensive course
Physics
General Physics requires MATH 120
Introductory Physics requires Calculus
Recommended Courses:
The courses listed below are strongly recommended, but not strictly required, by professional schools. These courses are also best completed by the end of the junior year in order to prepare for the Medical College Admission Test or the Dental Admission Test. Each student should decide, in consultation with a member of Hood’s Health Professions Advisory Committee, whether or not to take additional science courses.
Most schools require a year of English, some require calculus and many encourage the study of philosophy or ethics.
Five important factors in being admitted to medical or dental school are:
- The undergraduate cumulative average;
- The results of the Medical College Admission Test or Dental Admission Test;
- Evaluations from Hood faculty and the Health Professions Advisory Committee;
- A personal interview, if the professional school requests it;
- Off-campus experience in community service or in health professions activities.
Hood’s Health Professions Advisory Committee members not only provide advice on preparation for medical, dental and veterinary schools, but also write composite letters of recommendation to accompany an eligible student’s applications.
Although biology, biochemistry and chemistry are the majors most often chosen, the student may major in any area. In any case, the student must earn a competitive grade point average (3.5 or higher is typical of successful candidates) and must show proficiency in the sciences. The selection of courses and choice of major should be discussed with the Pre-Health Professions Adviser or a member of the Health Professions Advisory Committee early in the student’s program.
The MCAT and DAT tests are given throughout the year. The appropriate test should be taken in the spring or early summer of the junior year after the student has had the minimum science courses listed above.
For more information, please feel free to talk with the Pre-Health Professions Adviser or any member of the Health Professions Advisory Committee.
Pre-Physician Assistant and Pre-Physical Therapy Studies
Pre-Health Professions Adviser: Susan Ensel, Whitaker Professor of Chemistry
Physician assistant and physical therapy programs prefer students who have a broad background in the humanities and social sciences. The following courses are most often the minimum required by professional schools in the United States and Canada. These courses should be completed by the end of the junior year.
Biology
8 credits of biology at the 200 level. Recommended:
| BIOL 202 | Physiology of Plants & Animals | 4.0 |
| BIOL 203 | Introduction to Cell Biology & Genetics | 4.0 |
Chemistry
English
6 credits required
| ENGL 100 | Elements of Composition | 4.0 |
| | or | |
| ENGL 110-139 | Writing About Literature | 3.0 |
| | English Composition Course | 3.0-4.0 |
plus another semester of a writing-intensive course
Physics
General Physics requires MATH 120
Introductory Physics requires Calculus
Recommended Courses:
The courses listed below are strongly recommended, but not strictly required, by professional schools. These courses are also best completed by the end of the junior year in order to prepare for the Graduate Record Examination. Each student should decide, in consultation with a member of Hood’s Health Professions Advisory Committee, whether or not to take additional science courses.
Most schools require a year of English, some require calculus and many encourage the study of philosophy or ethics.
Six important factors in being admitted to a physician assistant or physical therapy programs are:
- The undergraduate cumulative average;
- The results of the Graduate Record Examination;
- Evaluations from Hood faculty and the Health Professions Advisory Committee;
- A personal interview, if the professional school requests it;
- Off-campus experience in community service or in health professions activities.
- 100+ hours of patient care
Although biology, biochemistry and chemistry are the majors most often chosen, the student may major in any area. In any case, the student must earn a competitive grade point average (3.5 or higher is typical of successful candidates) and must show proficiency in the sciences. The selection of courses and choice of major should be discussed with the Pre-Health Professions Adviser or a member of the Health Professions Advisory Committee early in the student’s program.
The GRE tests are given throughout the year. The test should be taken in the spring or early summer of the junior year after the student has had the minimum science courses listed above.
For more information, please feel free to talk with the Pre-Health Professions Adviser or any member of the Health Professions Advisory Committee.
Pre-Veterinary Studies
Pre-Health Professions Adviser: Susan Ensel, Whitaker Professor of Chemistry
Admission into a veterinary school is among the most difficult of any post-baccalaureate program. Veterinary medical schools require students to be prepared with a strong grounding in the sciences (in particular biochemistry, chemistry and microbiology) balanced by coursework in the humanities, social sciences and mathematics.
In addition to demonstrating exceptional ability in the classroom, most veterinary schools also expect students to have had hands-on experience under the tutelage of an experienced veterinarian.
Students interested in entering the veterinary profession should contact the health professions adviser for information about the application process and veterinary schools.