Planning and Preparation for Application
Students who aspire to attend medical or dental school immediately following their undergraduate studies should begin preparation for their application as freshmen in college. Those who begin this journey later can also become strong applicants but might need to hold off on application for an additional year or two. The very first step once you matriculate is to register with the Health Professions Advisory Program and be sure to attend an introductory workshop (one is held each semester).
Choosing an Academic Major
URI offers a number of excellent academic programs appropriate for students interested in future careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, etc. In general, graduate-level health professions programs will accept almost any undergraduate major, so long as you complete certain required coursework prior to application or admission. (See the List of Required/Suggested URI Courses here.)
Many medical schools recommend preparation in the liberal arts; all emphasize that you should have a broad background as an undergraduate. We suggest that you choose the major that is most interesting to you, whether that is in the sciences, humanities or another area. Your academic training at the University of Rhode Island will prepare you well for a future career in the health fields. Students who complete our advisory program have a high rate of success when competing for admission to graduate-level programs in the health sciences.
If you choose a science major such as Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Microbiology or Physics, many of the required pre-medical courses will be included in your major. You should be careful to select electives and general education courses that broaden the scope of your studies; opt for challenging upper-level and/or Honors coursework in the social sciences and humanities when possible, and be sure to include multiple classes that are writing-intensive.
If you choose to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree, through careful selection of general education and elective credits, you can complete the required pre-medical coursework as well as several additional upper-level science courses within the typical four-year time period.
Pre-Health students are highly encouraged to complete the University Honors Program.
For more information see our Required and Suggested Courses page.
What to Health Professional Schools Want?
Professional schools in the health fields generally seek students with strong preparation in the sciences and a well-rounded education in the social sciences and humanities. They expect a high grade point average (typically 3.5 or better for Medical, 3.0 for Dental and Optometry), excellent grades in pre-requisite coursework, and high scores on the required entrance examination (MCAT, DAT, OAT, or GRE.)
Beyond the classroom, applicants must also be able to demonstrate their commitment to serve others and be very well informed about their chosen profession. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities, perform volunteer work, and seek experience in health-care settings, such as hospitals and clinics, community ambulance corps, research laboratories, or emergency medical technician services. Shadowing a physician/dentist will let you experience the day-to-day activities of a medical professional. URI's Office of Internships and Experiential Education in Roosevelt Hall can help you arrange internships in a health-related setting. In addition, the URI Feinstein Center for Service Learning also provides various volunteer opportunities. Look for other community service opportunities at the Serve Rhode Island webpage and via The Rhode Island Foundation's Directory of Rhode Island's Non-Profits.
Most medical and professional schools require an official letter of recommendation from the Health Professions Advisor at your undergraduate institution. Students apply for this letter and undergo the required evaluation by the Health Professions Advisory Committee by the February 1 of the calendar year in which they intend to apply to medical/dental school (i.e. about 16 months prior to fall start date.) Application to medical and professional schools normally occurs in the early summer of the year before you intend to begin your medical program.
Pre-Health Advising
Individual and group advising sessions, as well as special guest lecturers and panel discussions, take place regularly through the academic year. The Aspiring Medical Professionals (AMP) student group and the Minority Association of Premedical Students (MAPS) work closely with the program to offer peer-to-peer advising and support.
You are encouraged to touch base with a pre-health advisor several times each a year. For information on upcoming events and how to schedule an advising appointment click here.
Pre-health advising is supplemental to, not in place of, the major advising. If you have an advisor hold on e-Campus, please see your major advisor.
Timeline for Pre-Health Professions Undergraduates
The timeline below demonstrates the typical pattern for a traditional undergraduate at URI with serious aspirations to attend medical, dental, or optometry school soon after graduation. Pre-PA students should modify this slightly to put more emphasis on logging direct-patient care and perhaps less on research. Pre-PA students would also take the GRE instead of the MCAT and do not go through the HPAC process. They are, however, strongly encouraged to consult with a pre-health advisor regarding the application process, especially the personal statement and interviews.
YEAR 1 |
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
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SUMMER 1
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YEAR 2 |
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SUMMER 2
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YEAR 3 |
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SUMMER 3
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If planning to apply this summer:
If applying next year after graduation:
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YEAR 4
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Junior Year Applicants: Prepare for Interviews, Investigate Financial Aid, Apply to National Health Services Corps, Keep HPAC informed of your progress and consult as needed Senior Year Applicants:
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