Success in professional school admission depends on more than just completing required courses. This page focuses on academic performance, professional entrance exams, and the experiences that help strengthen your application. You’ll find guidance on GPA expectations, exam timing and preparation, clinical or practical experience, and extracurricular involvement.
- What GPA is required for admission?
- What if my GPA is not high enough for admission?
- Is it true that only my science GPA is reviewed?
- Can I prepare for my professional exam?
- When should I take 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?
- Do I need practical experience?
- Do I need to be involved with extracurricular activities?
What GPA is required for admission?
There are several factors that collectively determine the admission decision: GPA, your professional exam score, outside activities, and the admission interview. The decision rests on the overall application.
Here are some recent average GPAs for accepted students:
| Field | Average Accepted GPA |
|---|---|
| Chiropractic | 3.38 |
| Dental | 3.58 |
| Medical | 3.71 |
| Optometry | 3.55 |
| Pharmacy | 3.35 |
| Physician | 3.60 |
| Veterinary | 3.55 |
For the 2024 class, the Marshall University School of Medicine had average acceptance GPA of 3.91.
What if my GPA is not high enough for admission?
If your GPA is not high enough for admission to the program of you choice, there are several options.
You can complete more undergraduate course work in order to increase your GPA and strengthen your science fundamentals. You can also consider a Master’s degree program in a related field.
There are several different professional medical fields, each of which has different entrance standards. Even if your GPA is not sufficient for your first choice, you should explore some of the other professional medical fields. You may find another one is a good fit.
Your four-year degree from Marshall University will be a valuable background for many different career paths. You should consider whether a career path outside of health care, or graduate school, is right for you.
Is it true that only my science GPA is reviewed?
Professional schools calculate the GPA for each applicant in three ways: overall, science, and all of their specific required coursework. Also, which courses are used in the calculation also varies, especially if you retake a course. It is a good idea to check with the professional school admissions office, or consult the institution’s web site, to learn how the GPA calculation is computed.
Internal Marshall GPA calculations related to academic forgiveness are not used by professional schools. All grades are considered by professional schools.
Can I prepare for my professional exam?
Yes, you can and should prepare for your professional exam.
Your first step should be to excel in the required courses. These are selected to help prepare you for the professional exam and for the professional school courses. Also, find and take practice exams. Finally, consider a test taking preparation course.
When should I take my professional exam?
You should plan to take your professional exam prior to submitting your application. Each professional program has their own application cycle.
When and how do I register for my professional exam?
You must pre-register for the professional exam up to 6 months before your exam. There are no walk in arrangements. The pre-registration dates are listed on the professional exam’s web site.
You should familiarize yourself with the expectations of exam admittance by reviewing information given on each professional exam’s web site.
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.
Do not plan to take your exam multiple times for “practice”. Professional schools receive all of your exam scores.
How many times may I take my professional exam?
| Exam | Retake Options |
|---|---|
| DAT | Three times without special permission. You must wait 90 days between testing dates. |
| GRE | As many times as you want. You need to find out from the professional school of your choice which set of scores are accepted. |
| MCAT | Three times per year, four times over two years, and seven times in your lifetime. |
| OAT | Three times without special permission. You must wait 90 days between testing dates. |
| PCAT | As many times as you want. You need to find out from the pharmacy school of your choice which set of scores are accepted. |
Do I need practical experience?
Practical experience is highly recommended. Admissions committees are looking for students who push themselves and excel both in and out of the classroom! Also, this is an opportunity for you to decide if professional health care is the right career path for you. Identify opportunities to shadow, volunteer, or work in the health care field.
Do I need to be involved in extracurricular activities?
Yes, outside activities can play a crucial role in admission to professional school. Marshall University offers student clubs focused on professional health care. Connect with these student clubs focused on health care fields and pursue leadership opportunities with them.