Frequently Asked Questions: Planning a Strategy for Professional School Admission
 

	What do I major in at Marshall University?
	What are the science requirements for admission to a professional school?
	Is there a suggested order to taking the science requirements?
	What GPA is required for admission?
	Is it true that only my science GPA is reviewed?
	Do I need practical experience?
	Do I need to be involved with extracurricular activities?
	Which national exam should I take and where are they given?
	Can I prepare for my professional exam?
	When and how do I register for my professional exam?
	Should I retake my professional exam?
	How many times may I take my professional exam?
	Should I release my test scores to the pre-professional advisor?
	When should I begin the application process to professional school?
	Do WV residents have a better chance of being admitted to a WV state school than a non-resident?
	What is the Academic Common Market?
	What is a foreign born student’s chance of being admitted to a WV state professional school?
	Is completion of a baccalaureate degree required for admission to a professional school?
	How do I request a leave of absence from my senior year at Marshall?
	What can I do if I am not admitted to a professional school?
	How can I obtain the best pre-professional advice?

What do I major in at Marshall University?

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The majority of students admitted to medical school declare biology as their undergraduate major (approximately 90%). About 7% are chemistry majors and the rest of the applicants have a variety of majors including physics, mathematics, and psychology. Pre-pharmacy students typically choose chemistry for a major. The entire science requirement for a professional exam (MCAT, PCAT, DAT, etc.) is required for biology majors and

You can choose any major. However, if a non-science major (Psychology, English, Nursing, etc.) is chosen, the science requirement for professional school still must be met. An additional year or two may be required to complete the science requirements along with coursework for a non-science major. But, if you have a longing to pursue a major that is non-science, that choice is not likely to influence your chances for admission to a professional school, provided you have met all of the requirements.

Debating on which major? Ask yourself these two questions:

2. Can you complete all of the science courses and those in the selected major within a reasonable amount of time?

This is not a decision you have to make as a first-semester freshman at Marshall, but it is a choice you will have to make early in your college career. A choice only you make!

What are the science requirements for admission to a professional school?

The actual number of required courses for admission to a professional school is small, and it varies according to the prior preparation of the individual. The required science block is:

Although the professional exams specifically tests the content from the science block, more advanced courses will give you an admission advantage. Some schools may suggest, but not require, courses such as:

You must identify additional admission requirements early and incorporate them into the graduation requirements for your major. For example, some schools require two social or behavioral courses for admittance. The College of Science requires five social or behavioral science courses for graduation. Therefore, the two social and behavioral requirements for the professional school will also satisfy two of the social and behavioral science requirements for graduation. Two or sometimes three requirements can be satisfied with one carefully chosen course. Through careful planning, all of the requirements can be included within the 128 hours (four years) needed for graduation without taking extra courses or spending unnecessary time.

Is there a suggested order to taking the science requirements?

Your freshmen and sophomore years focus on the science block courses for admission to professional school as well as the additional admission requirements. The science block courses prepare you for the professional exam (MCAT, PCAT, DAT, etc.) which should be taken during your junior year. Some students have a tendency to take general classes for the first year of college, thinking this is best and easier. But by taking your general classes in your freshmen or sophomore year, you prolong your admissions to professional school. By following the suggested curriculum, avoiding repeat classes, and remaining focused, you can complete your undergraduate degree within four years and be ready to begin professional school.

What GPA is required for admission?

Is it true that only my science GPA is reviewed?

Many professional schools calculate the GPA for each applicant in three ways: science, non-science, and overall. Depending on the institution, some may only count the first grade received in a course. Thus a course retaken, even under the D&F Repeat Rule, would not count. Others count the highest grade, or average the two them. These differences could cause the calculated GPA to differ from your GPA calculated by Marshall University. It is a good idea to check with the professional school admissions office, or consult the institution's web site, to learn how GPA calculation is handled. Students who have sought academic forgiveness may not be eligible for professional school.

Do I need practical experience?

Be sure you take the opportunity of getting some of practical experience before you decide to dedicate a great amount of time and effort toward becoming a health-care professional. Talk with a family care provider; a great way to see the professional in action is to shadow him/her for a day. Volunteering at the local Red Cross or a home for the elderly would also give valuable experience, or you may prefer work as an aid in a hospital. Summer employment in the medical field (positions such as an aide, orderly, or a pharmacy tech) is valuable. Perhaps as important as the major you choose, is your practical experience related to medicine.

Do I need to be involved in extracurricular activities?

Concentrating on academics to achieve the best grades possible is extremely important. However, outside activities can play a crucial role in admission to professional school. Activities that might be helpful would include some volunteer work (e.g., the Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, hospitals, etc.).

Which national professional exam should I take and where are they given?

Check with the professional school of your choice for specific admission test requirements. Most of the exams are given at Marshall University or at West Virginia University in Morgantown. Application packets for these exams are available online at the national exam's website.

Can I prepare for my professional exam?

Yes, you can and should prepare at great length for your professional exam. The DAT, MCAT, OAT, and PCAT are very difficult (and expensive) exams, and the rewards for doing well are great. It is very shortsighted to not prepare in a significant way for an exam.

Perhaps the best way to study is to get a good freshman or sophomore textbook in each of the disciplines covered by the exam and to use those texts as a means to review material you had a year or so earlier. The scientific competency you will be expected to demonstrate includes basic principles and concepts in biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, math, and physics.

You are strongly encouraged to take practice exams in order to help familiarize yourself with the exam and timing. These online exams can help you determine which areas you may need to study further. Minimize distractions, time yourself, and take the sections in their standard order.

Some students benefit by taking professional test taking courses. Two of the most widely known preparatory services are the Kaplan Course and the Princeton Review. These review services are expensive, but are gaining favor with local students.

When and how do I register for my professional exam?

Should I retake my professional exam?

If you feel that your scores are low, or that they do not accurately reflect your abilities, you may wish to retake the exam again. Most studies indicate that about 60% of those who retake the exam better their grades, 20% do about the same, and 20% make lower grades the second time.

Some considerations for retaking the exam include:

1.  Is there an unusual discrepancy between your college grades and the exam scores?
2.  Was your coursework in the areas covered on the test inadequate?
3.  Did you misunderstood the directions or incorrectly recorded your answers?
4,  Were you seriously ill at the time of the test?
5. Has a member of a professional school admission committee recommended that you retest?

How many times may I take my professional exam?

Professional schools use multiple sets of scores in several ways. Some schools weigh all sets of scores equally and note improvements. Others consider only the most recent set of scores. Still others take an average of all sets of scores. Finally, some schools use only the highest set of scores or the highest individual section scores. Of the four methods, the first (using all sets of scores equally and noting improvements) is the most common. You may wish to contact the professional schools of your choice to find out directly information about its score acceptance procedure.

Should I release my test scores to the pre-professional advisor?

When filling out the test application you will be asked to select the schools you wish to receive your test scores. Additionally you may be asked whether you wish to release your scores to your pre-professional advisor. Most students release the scores. It is your choice.

When should I begin the application process to professional school?

For most students, this activity begins shortly after taking the professional exam. As previously recommended, you should take your professional exam during your junior year. The actual process of applying to a professional schools is a long and tedious one, often taking 12 to 15 months. Remember, the rules and the overall application process vary for each professional school. See the professional school materials for critical dates and requirements.

1.  Begin by acquiring an application from the professional school's admission office or the school's preferred professional website like the AMCAS for medical schools.
2.  Carefully fill out all required material.
3.  Go to the Registrar's office and have an official transcript sent to the professional school.
4.  Get a copy of your transcript and calculate your science and non-science GPA.
5.  Begin the process of writing your entrance essay and have a trusted individual read and critique the essay.
6.  Call at the appropriate time and check to see that your test scores have arrived.
7.  Go by the College of Science Dean's Office and pick up forms that will assist you in getting letters of recommendation from the faculty. These forms are designed to insure that faculty members will not have to write letters to all of the schools to which you expect to apply.
8.  Have everything completed and mail your application as soon as possible during your junior year, and before your senior year. Honor the application deadlines for the individual schools.

Do WV residents have a better chance of being admitted to a WV state school than a non-resident?

Yes. All three state medical schools have a legislated mandate to admit state residents almost exclusively. There are exceptions, but the rule is fairly rigid. Private schools, such as the University of Charleston Pharmacy School, receive no state money, so they may admit anyone they choose. These schools are, however, rather expensive compared to a state school's tuition and fees.

What is the Academic Common Market?

The Academic Common Market enables you to pursue out-of-state majors (like veterinary medicine) at in-state tuition rates, through agreements among the states and college and universities. Visit the Southern Regional Education Board’s website for schools and programs offered.

What is a foreign born student's chance of being admitted to a WV state professional school?  Your chances are not very good. Because of the reasons stated previously, foreign-born students are almost exclusively prohibited admission to state funded schools.

Is completion of the baccalaureate degree required for admission to a professional school?

Even though most professional schools do not require completion of the degree, the tendency among medical or dental colleges is to require four years of pre-professional preparation, and preference is given to applicants having a four year degree. Chiropractors must possess a baccalaureate degree in addition to the Doctor of Chiropractic in order to practice in West Virginia. If you are granted early admission to a doctorate level program you may accept the offer and receive your degree from Marshall University after one year of study at the professional school. If you wish to study medicine or dentistry at a professional school you may be granted a leave of absence during the senior year at Marshall University.

How do I request a leave of absence from my senior year at Marshall?

To secure this leave of absence you must file a written report in the College of Science's Office of the Dean, immediately after gaining admission to the professional school and before the termination of coursework at Marshall University. Failure to discharge this responsibility voids candidacy for the degree under this program. At least 96 hours of study must have been completed, a quality point average of 2.0 must have been earned, and the Marshall Plan must have been completed.

At the end of the first year in the professional school you then are eligible for the baccalaureate degree from Marshall University, provided that

You must attend the regular Marshall University commencement or have permission to graduate "in absentia."

What can I do if I am not admitted to a professional school?

Each year many students are disappointed by an unsuccessful application to a professional school. At this point, students look back to evaluate their level of commitment beginning with the freshman year; and they wish that they had devoted more time and effort to insure solid academic credentials. Although the time invested in undergraduate work might not result in admission to a professional school, it could be sufficient for alternative healthcare careers, graduate school, or law school.

How can I obtain the best pre-professional advice?