Thinking about medical or other professional school but not sure where to begin? This page covers the basics of starting a pre-professional pathway at Marshall University, including choosing a major, understanding required coursework, and knowing what to expect as you transition from high school to college. It’s a great place to start for students and parents exploring whether this path is right for them.
- I’m a High School student – what should my ACT/SAT scores be?
- What do I major in at Marshall University?
- What are the science requirements for admission to a professional school?
- What should I expect from the required courses at Marshall?
- Is there a suggested order to taking the science requirements?
- Is completion of a baccalaureate degree required for admission to a professional school?
- What are some common attributes of pre-professional students?
- How can I obtain the best pre-professional advice?
- I’m a parent – how can I help?
I’m a High School student – what should my ACT/SAT scores be?
Students with a composite ACT score of 21 or higher (composite SAT 1060) will be able to start their required science courses in their first year at Marshall. Students with lower scores will complete pre-requisite courses to prepare to stat the required courses.
The Marshall School of Medicine early assurance program requires a composite ACT score of 24 or higher (composite SAT 1160).
What do I major in at Marshall University?
No specific major or minor is required, only certain courses are required. Most students who apply to professional schools are Biology majors. The next highest percentage are Chemistry or Biochemistry majors. More rigorous majors have higher admission rates into professional health care schools and are crucial for excelling on entrance exams for professional programs.
At Marshall University, Biology, Chemistry, and Biochemistry majors are very rigorous and include most or all of the required courses.
What are the science requirements for admission to a professional school?
Although not every professional school or entrance exam will require every course listed below, the following is a reasonable summary of what you might expect to take. These courses may be part of or in addition to your major requirements.
Two semesters of:
- Biology with labs
- English composition
- General chemistry with labs
- Organic chemistry with labs
- Physics with labs
One semester of:
- Anatomy
- Biochemistry
- Calculus
- Cell biology
- Medical terminology
- Microbiology
- Physiology
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Statistics
Professional exams specifically test the content from the above; more advanced courses will give you an admission advantage.
You must identify additional admission requirements of the professional school you want to attend early and incorporate them into the graduation requirements for your major. Work with your Medical Professions Pathways advisor to develop your academic plan.
Through careful planning, all of the requirements for professional school can be included within the courses needed for graduation from Marshall University without taking extra courses or spending unnecessary time.
What should I expect from the required courses at Marshall?
You should expect the course work to be much more difficult than your high school courses, even if you are a high school honor student. From the beginning, you must hold yourself to tough standards. Successful pre-professionals (medical, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary, etc.) must possess both the intellectual ability and drive required to achieve academically. Realistically, you should spend two to three hours studying for each hour spent in class.
Consider taking more challenging courses. Admissions committees are seeking students who push themselves and excel!
Is there a suggested order to taking the science requirements?
Most science courses have certain exam scores or pre-requisite courses required to get into the class. These pre-requisite courses are required so that you have the necessary background knowledge to succeed in the course. You should begin working on your required science courses as soon as you have met these requirements so that you are well prepared to take the entrance exam. Work with your Medical Professions Pathways advisor to develop a customized academic plan.
Is completion of the baccalaureate degree required for admission to a professional school?
Medical and dental schools typically require applicants to complete four years of pre-professional coursework. For professional schools that do not specifically require a completed degree, preference is often given to applicants who have earned a four-year degree. In West Virginia, chiropractors must hold a baccalaureate degree in addition to a Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine degree in order to practice. If you are granted early admission to a doctoral program, you may accept the offer and, after completing one year of study at the professional school, receive your degree from Marshall University. Additionally, if you plan to pursue a career in medicine or dentistry, you may have options available to you during your senior year at Marshall University to attend a professional school.
What are some common attributes of pre-professional students?
- Academically Honest
- Caring
- Communicative
- Community Minded
- Resilience
- Intellectually Curious
- Passionate
- Respectful of Authority
How can I obtain the best pre-professional advice?
The Marshall University College of Science Medical Professions Pathways advisors can assist you with course selection and navigating the complex application process, including timelines, personal statements, and recommendation letters. The College of Science Office of Student Services will assist you with class selection based on your ACT/SAT scores, Advance Placement classes, and goals. Juniors and Seniors are assigned to a faculty mentor who can assist you with upper-level course choices as well as career paths.
Requirements vary among the professional programs. You need to discuss your options with your advisors in order to meet the requirements for your undergraduate degree and professional area of emphasis.
I’m a parent – how can I help?
Parents, as your student begins their undergraduate education, you are moving from a coach to a cheerleader. Your child is now the decision maker. You should be aware of their mental health, check-in with them regularly, provide healthy coping strategies, encourage them to find helpful resources, and be a safe place to land.