Developing a “Plan A” For the Mid-Range GPA Pre-Health Student What Happens in Advising Stays with Students

UNL Information University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Pre-Health Students Total # of UNL pre-health students: 2,538* GPA * *

Medical School AVG GPA AppliedAVG GPA Accepted UNL National UNMC3.82 Univ. of South Dakota 3.71 Ohio State University3.70 Tulane University3.61 Baylor University3.88

Physical Therapy School AVG GPA AppliedAVG GPA Accepted National UNMC3.77 Creighton3.53 Univ. of Iowa3.74 Univ. of Delaware3.75 Duke University3.70

Dental School AVG GPA AppliedAVG GPA Accepted National UNMC3.75 Univ. of Minn.3.59 Harvard University3.87 Creighton University3.61 University of Nevada Las Vegas 3.40

Advising Scenario 1 Sydney is in the fall of her sophomore year and holds a 2.5 cumulative gpa. She comes in for advising and reports that classes are going “very well.” When asked for details, she reveals that her semester gpa will again be in the 2.5 range. She reports that she enjoys chemistry, but hates biology and math courses. She has come for advising because she can’t decide whether to apply for medical, physical therapy or physician assistant programs after she completes her undergraduate work. Discuss how you would handle this advising appointment. What questions would you ask? What advice would you give? What resources would you attempt to connect the student with?

Advising Scenario 2 Jeremy is in the fall of his junior year. He has been pursuing his Biochemistry degree along with the requirements for pharmacy school. Jeremy has completed most of his pharmacy pre-requisite courses. He earned As and Bs in general biology. He earned a C- in anatomy. He got Bs in general chemistry, but struggled in both semesters of organic chemistry, earning a C- and a C. He is currently taking biochemistry. His overall GPA is a 3.0 and his science GPA is a His top choice pharmacy school has an average accepted GPA of He will start his application to pharmacy school in the summer. He says he knows his science and overall GPAs are lower than the average for the schools he wants to apply to, but he holds several leadership positions on campus, he volunteers, works as a pharmacy tech, and has done several medical service trips abroad. He knows well roundedness, involvement, and service are important for pharmacy school applicants and he is sure his resume will help him get accepted into pharmacy school. He comes in to see you to start planning his application. What questions would you ask him? What advice would you give him? What resources would you connect him with?

Advising Scenario 3 John is in the fall semester of his senior year and holds a 2.9 cumulative gpa. His science gpa is a bit lower than that. John took the DAT this summer and scored slightly below average. He is currently applying to only one dental school – the one where his father graduated. He understands that his gpa and test scores are low, but he feels confident he will be accepted because he has a strong resume and his father is a well respected dentist in his local community. Discuss how you would handle this advising appointment. What questions would you ask? What advice would you give? What resources would you attempt to connect the student with?

Planning for a “Plan B” is NOT a sign of weakness and does not mean you are less serious about going to a health professions program! *It indicates that you are mature, forward thinking, and adaptable. *It could save time and money *It will almost certainly make a favorable impression on those evaluating application materials. *In fact, students may be asked about their “Plan B” in professional school interviews for just these reasons.

*What is it specifically that you like about health care? *How thoroughly have you explored your chosen field? Have you looked at other professions as well? *What is your motivation to become a doctor, dentist, PT…? *What other careers involve those same goals/desires? Questions for All Pre-Health Students

Questions for mid-range GPA students in the first or second year… *Do you know what the average gpa is for admitted students into your program of choice? *Tell me about your plan to raise your gpa. *What changes are you making in your life that will enable you to become a successful applicant?

Questions for mid-range gpa students in the third or fourth year… *Do you know what the average gpa is for admitted students into your program of choice? *What are your plans if you are not admitted the first time you apply? *Have you looked at alternate health professions or graduate study options? *Have you met with Career Services about developing a resume and starting a professional job search?

Campus Resources for Pre-Health Students! Departmental/major advisors Exploratory and/or Pre-Professional Advisors Career Services Occupational Outlook Handbook US Bureau of Labor Statistics Healthcare Occupations Top 20 Allied Healthcare Jobs and Salaries Exploring Health Careers website:

Vicki Fisher UNL College of Education & Human Sciences Tony Fucci UNL Exploratory & Pre-Professional Advising Center Presenters: