1. Preparing for the Health Professions If the Health Care Bug draws you toward a career in the Health Professions, please make an appointment with an Advisor in the Office of Pre-Professional Health Studies in the Fall for a remedy to what ails you.

2. Office of Pre-Professional Health Studies (OPPHS) 1810 Liacouras Walk, Suite 100 215 204-2513 www.temple.edu/healthadvising

3. Medicine Dentistry Pharmacy Podiatry Veterinary Med Optometry Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy Physician Assistant

4. Review the Timelines on our website www.temple.edu/healthadvising www.temple.edu/healthadvising for details on the pre-requisite courses for your profession and how they might fit into your college schedule over the next few years. Proper scheduling is vital to your eventual success.

5. 1. Math and Science courses should not be taken during the summer months. ◦ Why? Entrance exams to professional schools will be testing your detailed knowledge in these key pre-requisite courses. You will not be best prepared. 2. Develop your own time line toward submitting an application. ◦ Why? This will ensure you space out the prerequisites as per the OPPHS timeline and allows you to produce your best academic profile.

6. 3. Activities outside of the classroom related to health care exposure and community service are important! Why? Health Professional Schools want to see an awareness of and commitment to health care and service to others. 4. Entrance Exam Preparation should begin as soon as you begin college. Why? Buying an over the counter prep book and reviewing segments as you take courses to be tested on will enhance your eventual test prep and scores.

7. First Year Fall  General Chemistry I – 1031/1033  Math 1041  English Composition – 1002 Spring  General Chemistry II – 1032/1034  Biology I - 1111  Math 1042 Summer Exposure to Medicine/Community Service/Research/* Second Year Fall  Organic Chemistry I – 2201/2203  Biology II – 2112 Spring  Organic Chemistry II – 2202/2204  Additional Biology or Biochemistry for non-science majors Summer Exposure to Medicine/Community Service/Research/*

8. Third Year Fall  Physics I – 2021  MCAT preparation Spring  Physics II – 0122  MCAT Preparation  Exposure to Medicine/Community Service/Research/* Summer  Take MCAT Exam by May/June  Apply to Medical School through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) by June/July Fourth Year Fall  Additional Biology or Biochemistry for non-science majors  Completion of requirements for major  Medical School Interviews Spring  Additional Biology or Biochemistry for non-science majors  Completion of requirements for major  Financial Aid Application (FAFSA) Summer  Prepare to begin your medical studies; take a break!

9. Meet with the Academic Advisor from your Department (based on your major) as well as with an Advisor in the Office of Pre- Professional Health Studies and ask for guidance and reassurance along the way. Re-evaluate your timeline and options after each semester.

10. Maintain the balance but remember, academics come first! Community Service or Internships Test Scores Shadowing or internship of someone in the profession G.P.A (Sci & total overall

11. Yes, Math courses (Calculus / Physics) are important! Know how to calculate your overall GPA and your Science GPA (Note: There is a Science GPA Calculator on the Health Advising web site.)

12.  Know Your Academic Strengths and Weaknesses  Re-evaluate your career options if necessary  Think Outside the Box: Allow yourself to consider and prepare for a “Plan B” should it become necessary

13.  Please get involved! Organizations can introduce you to possible shadowing, research, or community services experiences.  They provide a support base from peers and mentors.  They will facilitate gaining insight into schools and programs you might want to apply too.

14.  Plan to continually include entrance exam preparation throughout college beginning Freshman year.  Research entrance exam preparation courses.  Read read read! Magazines, novels, newspapers. Increase your vocabulary.

15.  Take your time when planning your roster  Make sure it’s flexible (2 or 3 sciences and 1 or 2 non sciences).  If you are delayed and can’t finish in the four years don’t stress. You want to do your best to show your passion.

16. Take One Step at a Time Keep It Organized! It Helps!

17. Neida Pérez Nicole Bailey 1810 Liacouras Walk, Suite 100 215 204-2513 healthprofessions@temple.edu www.temple.edu/healthadvising