Pre-Health Starter Kit
The Pre-Health Starter Kit is the essential first step in your journey toward admission to a professional health school. The starter kit answers basic questions and includes: required classes, sample four-year plan, MCAT prep timeline, Pre-Health Competencies, and Med Admissions Rubric.
As you read through the starter kit, note your specific questions and contact HPAC to make an appointment by:
- Dropping-in to see an advisor, no appointment needed, weekdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at HPAC (FO 2.210);
- Sending an e-mail to prehealth@utdallas.edu;
- Calling 972-883-6767; or
- Scheduling a 30-minute video appointment with a HPAC advisor on MS Teams.
Section 1: Becoming “Pre-Health” at UT-Dallas
1, 2, 3…
Health Career
Step 1 – Start
Before Semester 1
- Apply to UT Dallas
- Select a major. There is no best major; choose one that you love. You can change it later if necessary.
- Join Collegium V Honors if eligible.
- Join a Living and Learning Community if eligible.
- Register for classes:
- See Using AP Credits.
- See 4-Year Plan Template.
- View available classes on Coursebook.
- Register with your academic advisor.
Step 2 – Plan
During Semester 1
- Join the HPAC Mailing List.
- Locate campus support services:
- Student Success Center.
- Health Professions Advising Center.
- Your academic advisor – varies by major.
- Career Center.
- Counseling Center.
- Join student groups.
- Meet with HPAC to customize your 4-year plan.
Step 3 – Execute
Semester 2 until Graduation
- Embrace the joy of helping others.
- Volunteer in your community.
- Volunteer with healthcare providers and patients.
- Embrace the joy of learning.
- Seek mastery in your coursework, not merely “A’s.”
- Solve unknown problems through research.
- Apply for growth opportunities: summer programs, jobs, study abroad, independent studies, etc.
- Maintain your ethics.
- Explore new communities, cultures, and hobbies: new understanding.
Using AP Credits
Can I safely apply all my AP credits? Yes
Should I take the UT Dallas course even though I have AP credits? Maybe.
Biology I: HPAC recommends taking this class at UT Dallas unless you have a compelling reason not to.
Chem I or II, Phys I or Phys II, Biology II, Biology Lab: HPAC recommends taking these courses at UT Dallas unless you are a science major, you have mastered the material and received a 5 on the AP test. If all of these conditions are met, you may move on to advanced classes or an interesting elective rather than taking these classes at UT Dallas.
Calculus or Statistics: Move toward STAT 2332 (Statistics for Life Sciences), which by itself meets the math requirement for most professional schools.
English, Rhetoric or any other non-science: Move on to advanced classes or an interesting elective. Nearly all UT Dallas students fulfill professional school’s English requirements by taking writing-intensive core courses.
Pre-Health 4-Year Plan Template
You will create a unique, customized plan with your HPAC advisor, taking into account your pre-college credits, college major, target health profession, goals within that profession, and life circumstances. Your answers to these and other questions affect your plan:
- How much do you enjoy teaching? Leadership? Pure science? Activism?
- What classes do you find most easy and most challenging?
- Are there particular healthcare tasks or populations that you find rewarding?
Year 1
Fall 1 (14-16 credits)
- Chem I
- Math (by major)
- Elective or Major course
- Elective or Major course
Spring 1 (15-18 credits)
- Chem II
- STAT
- Elective or Major course
- Elective or Major course
Additional Activities for Year 1
- Meet new friends and faculty
- Perfect your college study skills
- Develop healthy life habits
- Participate in campus organizations.
- Enjoy cultural events on campus and around the DFW Metroplex.
- Explore multiple health careers and venues.
- Apply to special programs: JAMP, SHPEP, Emerge, Collegium V, and others.
- Year 1 Summer:
- Study abroad? Volunteer? Work? Participate in summer programs?
Year 2
Fall 2 (15-18 credits)
- O. Chem I
- Bio I
- Phys I
- Elective or Major course
- Elective or Major course
Spring 2 (14-20 credits)
- O. Chem II, O. Chem Lab
- Bio II, Bio II Lab
- Phys II
- Elective or Major course
- Elective or Major course
Additional Activities for Year 2
- Diversify healthcare experiences through volunteering, observation, or work in multiple venues.
- On campus, gain experience with teaching, research, and/or leadership.
- Focus on building your competencies.
- Apply to summer programs.
- Prepare for entry exam (i.e. MCAT?)
Year 3
Fall 3 (15-18 credits)
- Biochem I
- Advanced Bioscience
- Advanced Bioscience
- Elective or Major course
- Elective or Major course
Spring 3 (15-18 credits)
- Advanced Bioscience
- Advanced Bioscience
- Advanced Bioscience
- Elective or Major course
- Elective or Major course
Additional Activities for Year 3
- Take on new responsibilities in your current positions, or try new positions.
- Oct 1: initiate HPAC support services for applicants
- May – June: Take entry exam (i.e. MCAT) if you have not yet; Apply to professional schools
Year 4
Fall 4 (15-18 credits)
- Elective or Major course
- Elective or Major course
- Elective or Major course
- Elective or Major course
- Elective or Major course
Spring 4 (15-18 credits)
- Honors thesis?
- Elective or Major course
- Elective or Major course
- Elective or Major course
- Elective or Major course
Additional Activities for Year 4
- Graduate from UT-Dallas! Whoosh!
- May-June: Re-apply to professional schools if needed
- Strengthen your competencies in case you need to re-apply to professional schools.
- Plan toward a post-graduation “growth year” if necessary.
Section 2: Your Pre-Health Journey at UT Dallas
Pre-Health Classes
This chart reflects MINIMUM and RECOMMENDED classes for several health professions.
*you can register for this class as early as your first semester
**required at some schools but not all
NOTE: Individual schools may require or recommend additional classes.
Medical
Required
- *Chemistry I
- Chemistry II
- Biology I
- Biology II, Bio Lab
- Organic Chemistry I
- Organic Chemistry II, O.Chem Lab
- Biochemistry I
- *Physics I
- Physics II
- Statistics
- at least 2 upper-division BIOL or NSC
Recommended
- 2-6 additional advanced biosciences
- *Intro to Neuroscience
- *Intro to Psychology
- *Intro to Sociology
- Classes that support your personal medical interests
Dental
Required
- *Chemistry I
- Chemistry II
- Biology I
- Biology II, Bio Lab
- Organic Chemistry I
- Organic Chemistry II, O.Chem Lab
- Biochemistry I
- *Physics I
- Physics II
- Statistics
- Microbiology (with or without lab)
- at least 2 upper-division BIOL or NSC
- **A&P I
- **A&P II
Recommended
- Oral Histology
- 2-6 additional advanced biosciences
- Classes that support your personal dental interests
Physician Assistant
Required
- *Chemistry I
- *Intro to Psychology
- Biology I
- Biology II, Bio Lab
- Organic Chemistry I
- O.Chem Lab
- Statistics
- Intro to Microbiology
- Intro to Microbiology lab
- A&P I
- A&P II
- **Chemistry II
- **Biochemistry I
- **Genetics
- **Human Nutrition
- **Medical Terminology
- ***Though few PA schools require O.Chem II, many UT Dallas pre-PA students take O.Chem II so they can take Biochem I, which many PA schools require.
Recommended
- 2-6 additional advanced biosciences
- PA schools also require significant patient care experience
Pharmacy
Required
- *Chemistry I
- Chemistry II
- Biology I
- Biology II, Bio Lab
- Organic Chemistry I
- Organic Chemistry II, O.Chem Lab
- Biochemistry I
- Intro to Microbiology
- Intro to Microbiology Lab
- *Physics I
- Statistics
- Calculus
- **Genetics
- **Molecular Biology
- **A&P I
- **A&P II
- **Speech Communications
- **Macroeconomics
- **Computer Science
Physical Therapy
Required
- *Chemistry I
- *Intro to Psychology
- Chemistry II
- Biology I
- Biology II, Bio Lab
- A&P I
- A&P II
- *Physics I
- Physics II
- Statistics
- **Developmental Psychology
- **Medical Terminology
- **Advanced Physiology
Optometry
Required
- *Chemistry I
- *Intro to Psychology
- Chemistry II
- Biology I
- Biology II, Bio Lab
- Organic Chemistry I. O.Chem Lab
- *Physics I
- Physics II
- Statistics
- Intro to Microbiology
- Intro to Microbiology Lab
- **A&P I
- **A&P II
- **Biochemistry I
Preparing for Admission Tests
| Profession | Admission Test |
|---|---|
| Medicine, Podiatry | MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) |
| Dentistry | DAT (Dental Admission Test) |
| Pharmacy | PCAT (Pharmacy College Admission Test) |
| Optometry | OAT (Optometry Admission Test) |
| Other masters and doctoral programs | GRE (Graduate Record Exam) |
When should I start preparing?
- You are already preparing!
- In UTD years 1 and 2: master basic sciences and learn to apply them.
- In the year before your professional school application, learn the test: the format, the timing, and how the right and wrong answers are phrased. Take practice tests. You may choose a prep course. Discounted prep courses are available.
Recommended Test Preparation (by Year)
Year 1
- Master basic sciences and labs.
- Tutor and teach others if you can.
- Apply your lessons by doing projects.
- Read some technical journals to stoke your curiosity and practice detailed comprehension.
Year 2
- Master basic sciences and labs.
- Tutor and teach others if you can.
- Apply your lessons by doing projects.
- Read some technical journals to stoke your curiosity and practice detailed comprehension.
Year 3
- Master advanced sciences.
- Tutor and teach others if you can.
- Apply science through research or independent study.
- FOCUSED PREP TIME!
- Study the test content and format. Plan your studies. – usually 1 week
- Review basic material – usually 4 to 6 weeks
- Work LOTS of practice passages and read the answer explanations – usually 8 to 10 weeks
- Take the test.
- In early summer, apply to professional schools.
Year 4
- Take extension sciences to apply your basics.
- Synthesize your understanding through applied research or by creating an honors thesis.
- If necessary, re-approach prep using new methods, then re-test to support a re-application.
The Competencies
The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) lists these Core Competencies that students should demonstrate before entering medical school.
Professional Competencies
Commitment to Learning and Growth: Practices continuous personal and professional growth for improvement, including setting and communicating goals for learning and development; reflects on successes, challenges, and mistakes; pursues opportunities to improve knowledge and understanding; and asks for and incorporates feedback to learn and grow.
Cultural Awareness: Appreciates how historical, sociocultural, political, and economic factors affect others’ interactions, behaviors, and well-being; values diversity; and demonstrates a desire to learn about different cultures, beliefs, and values.
Cultural Humility: Seeks out and engages diverse and divergent perspectives with a desire to understand and willingness to adjust one’s mindset; understands a situation or idea from alternative viewpoints; reflects on one’s values, beliefs, and identities and how they may affect others; reflects on and addresses bias in oneself and others; and fosters a supportive environment that values inclusivity.
Empathy and Compassion: Recognizes, understands, and acknowledges others’ experiences, feelings, perspectives, and reactions to situations; is sensitive to others’ needs and feelings; and demonstrates a desire to help others and alleviate others’ distress.
Ethical Responsibility to Self and Others: Behaves with honesty and integrity; considers multiple and/or conflicting principles and values to inform decisions; adheres to ethical principles when carrying out professional obligations; resists pressure to engage in unethical behavior; and encourages others to behave honestly and ethically.
Oral Communication: Effectively conveys information to others using spoken words and sentences; actively listens to understand the meaning and intent behind what others say; recognizes potential communication barriers and adjusts approach or clarifies information as needed.
Reliability and Dependability: Demonstrates accountability for performance and responsibilities to self and others; prioritizes and fulfills obligations in a timely and satisfactory manner; and understands the consequences of not fulfilling one’s responsibilities to self and others.
Resilience and Adaptability: Perseveres in challenging, stressful, or ambiguous environments or situations by adjusting behavior or approach in response to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles, and recognizes and seeks help and support when needed; recovers from and reflects on setbacks; and balances personal well-being with responsibilities.
Service Orientation: Shows a commitment to something larger than oneself; demonstrates dedication to service and a commitment to making meaningful contributions that meet the needs of communities.
Teamwork and Collaboration: Collaborates with others to achieve shared goals and prioritizes shared goals; adjusts role between team member and leader based on one’s own and others’ expertise and experience; shares information with team members and encourages this behavior in others; and gives and accepts feedback to improve team performance.
Suggested Activities
- Enroll in challenging advanced sciences, and non-sciences that broaden your understanding of people and the world.
- Join student groups and cultural events.
- Develop confident speaking through Toastmasters.
- Volunteer to help others on and off campus (i.e. EngageUTD).
- Study abroad.
Thinking and Reasoning Competencies
Critical Thinking: Uses logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Quantitative Reasoning: Applies quantitative reasoning and appropriate mathematics to describe or explain phenomena in the natural world.
Scientific Inquiry: Applies knowledge of the scientific process to integrate and synthesize information, solve problems, and formulate research questions and hypotheses; is facile in the language of the sciences and uses it to participate in the discourse of science and explain how scientific knowledge is discovered and validated.
Written Communication: Effectively conveys information to others using written words and sentences.
Suggested Activities
- NEVER fudge on your ethics!
- Carefully attend to rules and guidelines.
- Make to-do lists.
- Meet deadlines.
- Seek the joy of rising to challenges.
- Maintain your health.
Science Competencies
Living Systems: Applies knowledge and skill in the natural sciences to solve problems related to molecular and macro systems, including biomolecules, molecules, cells, and organs.
Human Behavior: Applies knowledge of the self, others, and social systems to solve problems related to the psychological, sociocultural, and biological factors that influence health and well-being.
Suggested Activities
- Take basic pre-med science: Chem, Biology, O.Chem, Biochem, and Physics
- Take basic pre-med non-science: Intro Neuroscience, Intro Sociology, Intro Psychology, etc.
- Expand your mastery through teaching and research
Unlisted yet Important Competencies
Study Skills: Thrives under heavy loads of challenging science classes.
Test Prep Skills: Prepares effectively for tests like MCAT (and later, Board Exams).
Interest in Healthcare: Understands the rewards and challenges of a health career through quality experiences with patients and healthcare providers. May have deep understanding of particular tasks or populations. Develops mature ideas of how he or she wants to practice.
Suggested Activities:
- Learn to succeed in heavy science courseloads.
Use Success Center resources! - Volunteer, observe, and or work with a variety of patients and healthcare providers, across multiple settings.
- Ask HPAC for test prep advice and discounts.
Resources
UT Dallas Resources
Health Professions Advising Center
Pre-professional guidance and services. Located at FO 2.210.
Resource Room located at FO 2.204.
Pre-Health Student Organizations
Explore professions, connect with peers, volunteer, enjoy guest speakers and events
Other Student Organizations
Explore professions, connect with peers, volunteer, enjoy guest speakers and events
Student Success Center
- Peer Led Team Learning: Dedicated study group, including a paid expert
- Supplemental Instruction: Science lectures re-taught by student instructors
- Peer Tutoring: 1-on-1 help with difficult subjects
- Academic Skills Coaching: 1-on-1 coaching for time management., test anxiety, etc.
- CommLab: Improve oral and group presentations
- Writing Center: Improve your writing
Office of Student Volunteerism
Connect with the community
Education Abroad
Create a Study Abroad opportunity
Career Center
Career counseling and aptitude tests
Military and Veteran Center
Address concerns of student veterans
Wellness Center
Promote health, fitness and responsible choices
Counseling Center
Achieve emotional well-being and manage life
**Includes emergency contact line: 972-UTD-TALK
Academic Advising
Register for classes, plan your degree
Near UT Dallas Resources
More than 16 Dallas-area hospitals
Dozens of clinics and therapy centers
Hundreds of health professions offices
Countless venues for hands-on experience, including long-term care, veterans, teen health, public health, home care, and many others.
Journal of Experiences
Based on your experiences, your healthcare interests will naturally become more focused over time.
When you apply to profession schools, they ask, “What have you learned from your experiences?”
Print pages 14 and 15 of the Starter Kit pdf for a fillable experiences document.
Section 3: Evaluating Your Candidacy
Applicant Support
The Health Professions Advising Center (HPAC) offers support for all UT Dallas students and alumni who apply to health professions.
Professional advisors help you compile and revise your applications, and assess your candidacy.
HPAC also collects recommendation letters, provides practice interviews and professional photography, and writes committee letters.
Students who take advantage of all Applicant Support services are accepted at 2x the rate of students who use none!
Visit the Applicant Support page instructions and registration.
Acceptance Rubric (Medical)
Exceptionally Qualified, ~100% admitted
A “bonus” category. Students at this level are often exceptionally smart but also uniquely accomplished, with long records of kindness, altruism, and experience in healthcare.
Interpersonal
Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills, including interactions serving in unfamiliar cultures or groups
Intrapersonal
Exceptionally mature, professional, responsible and moral. Accepts criticism, frustration, or failure maturely, and exhibits self-confidence. Recognizes self-controllable deficiencies and successfully addresses them.
Experience
Exceptional, mature knowledge of the profession, as shown by extensive experience and research.
Problem-Solving
Exceptional mastery of critical thinking and skills. Extremely reliable and self-sufficient. Handles unanticipated problems confidently
Study Skills
GPA >3.8 including heavy course loads. Evidence of seeking challenge and personal interests. Test scores indicate mastery in all sections.
Strongly Qualified, ~80% admitted
Candidates in this category are strong bets for success in health professions. They have shown clear readiness for professional school and practice, based on clearly-demonstrated AAMC Competencies and experience in healthcare.
Interpersonal
Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills, including interactions serving in unfamiliar cultures or groups
Intrapersonal
Shows professionalism, empathy, answering/listening skills, and self-confidence. Effective leadership, interpersonal, and teamwork skills. Some interactions with unfamiliar cultures or groups.
Experience
Mature, professional, responsible and moral. Accepts criticism, frustration, or failure while exhibiting some selfconfidence. Recognizes self controllable deficiencies and can present a realistic, logical plan to address them.
Problem-Solving
Realistic, professional, and confident about professional future, as shown by quality experience and research.
Study Skills
GPA > 3.65 or very strong recent trend at full course loads. Significant depth in bioscience OR breadth across disciplines. Test scores indicate strength in all sections
Probably Qualified, ~50% admitted
There isn’t sufficient evidence to predict whether candidates in this category will do well in health professions. If a candidate in this category isn’t admitted, they’ll usually improve weak areas and re-apply in a stronger category.
Interpersonal
Occasionally shows professionalism, empathy, answering/listening skills, and self-confidence. Successful interpersonal skills in a professional setting. Inconsistent evidence of leadership or exposure to unfamiliar cultures or groups.
Intrapersonal
Somewhat mature and professional. Lacks ability to self-reflect and self-analyze in depth. Recognizes self controllable deficiencies and suggests simple remedies (some unrealistic).
Experience
Confident in abilities as professional based on occasional quality experience, but may not have researched all options.
Problem-Solving
Satisfactory evidence of critical thinking and practical management skills. Reliable if given clear direction or instruction with tasks.
Study Skills
GPA > 3.5 or positive recent trend. Some education beyond prerequisites. Record lacks strong performance under heavy loads. Test scores above average, possibly weak in sections.
Possibly Not Qualified, ~30% admitted
Evidence suggests a deficiency in at least one AAMC Competency area. These candidates might struggle in health professions school or practice.
Interpersonal
Satisfactory interpersonal skills but lacks deep evidence of professionalism, empathy, answering/listening skills, or self-confidence. Minimal evidence of initiative, leadership, or exposure to unfamiliar cultures or groups.
Intrapersonal
Strong character, but lacks ability to self-reflect and self-analyze. Recognizes self-controllable deficiencies but does not present remedies.
Experience
General understanding of profession. Some healthcare exposure but minimal research or clinical exposure.
Problem-Solving
Some evidence of success in critical thinking of practical management. Not very self-sufficient. Needs repeated clear instruction.
Study Skills
GPA < 3.5. Record may include weak periods, multiple drops/repeats, or consistent light loads. Test scores weak overall or critically weak in sections.
Not Qualified, ~0% admitted
Candidates in this category have shown unsuitability for professional school or practice.
Interpersonal
Minimal empathy or interpersonal skills.
Intrapersonal
Record suggests emotional or personal instability. Inconsistent ability to self-reflect. Some questionable ethical or moral positions. Lacks ability to accept responsibility.
Experience
Idealistic understanding of profession. Minimal healthcare experience; has not considered other health professional options.
Problem-Solving
Inconsistent competence in practical management or critical thinking. Needs active supervision.
Study Skills
GPA < 3.2 with no strong performance at full loads. Low overall scores suggest inability to prepare effectively for licensure exams.
Evidence for each category is gathered from the candidate’s:
- Academic record: classes, grades, loads, trends, choice of classes, and test scores.
- Activities since college: healthcare, research, teaching, community service, and extracurricular
- Essays describing their background and motivations
- 3-5 recommendation letters, including from two science professors
- Interviews
Frequently Asked Questions
What do medical schools look for?
The competencies. Individual schools will emphasize different competencies.
What do dentistry, pharmacy, optometry, and other health professions look for?
The competencies apply to all health professions, with some important differences. For example, dental applicants also need to show perceptual ability and fine motor dexterity. Ask a HPAC advisor for details.
Where do I find reliable information about getting into professional school?
NOT from internet forums: the information is mostly wrong or overly simplified.
NOT from individual doctors: a small sample is never a reliable source.
UT Dallas provides free pre-health advising for its students at HPAC: full-time professional advisors who are constantly in touch with professional schools, have resources not available to students, and provide customized, individual advising. Students who use professional advising gain admittance to medical schools at more than double the rate of students who self-advise.
Current, accurate information can also be found at national profession education sites like TXHES.com, AAMC.org, or ADEA.org.
Can I take community college courses?
Yes, though HPAC recommends taking university sciences if possible. Ask a pre-health advisor for details. Students beginning at community college should take advantage of Comet Connections.
What’s the best major?
Seeking your personal interests is important preparation for your future career. Professional schools regularly accept students from all majors. If the major you’re most passionate about doesn’t require you to take all the classes required for your chosen health profession, use electives to take those classes.
Note: dental schools often ask for a substantial number of biology classes beyond their minimum requirements, making Biology an especially popular major for pre-dental.
Should I get a minor? A dual-major? A double major?
Minors and double majors do not especially qualify you for professional school admission, but may be appropriate if your interests are split between multiple fields.
What is HPAC?
The Health Professions Advising Center helps students prepare to enter health professions. HPAC is many students’ first contact at UT Dallas and supports students throughout their training for and application to professional schools. HPAC advisors teach classes and help students explore their interests, select classes and experiential learning, find summer experiences and internships, and revise professional school applications.
What is JAMP?
A state program to help high-performing socioeconomically disadvantaged pre-med students. Interested students should inquire during their freshman year at UT Dallas and apply for JAMP at the beginning of their sophomore year.
How do I gain healthcare experience?
Usually by donating your time in hospitals, clinics, and community settings. You can supplement that experience by observing practitioners (shadowing) or by working in healthcare—as a pharmacy tech, EMT, Physician Scribe, clinical research assistant, etc. “Virtual” experiences count too, for the same reason that “telemedicine” counts as “medicine.”
How do I gain research experience?
Usually by identifying research projects to which you’d like to contribute, then donating your time. Approach the professor or researcher respectfully to discuss your interests and how many hours you want to commit.
When should I take an MCAT/DAT/PCAT/OAT/GRE?
“As soon as you’re ready, but not until.” Preparation begins from semester 1 (see pg. 9), though most students take their admissions exam after 2 or 3 years of college.
When do I apply for professional school?
Traditional students apply after their junior year. Non-traditional students should ask an advisor. In 2021, over 60% of students admitted to medical schools were non-traditional.
How can I pay for professional school?
Financial aid is widely available, mostly in the form of low-interest government loans. Programs like the Native American Health Service and the Uniformed Services may pay for your professional school in exchange for service after you graduate.