Interested in pre-professional studies?
Pre-health and pre-law
Students who are considering studies in law or health professions should connect with the CCPD early by making a “Pre-Health & Pre-Law Advising & Support” appointment on Handshake, so we can help you structure your Allegheny education to best prepare you for what comes next — determine prerequisite courses, prepare for entrance exams, and build a strong application for professional programs. For more information about each program, visit the specific sites:
Professional School Basics
- Start early: Begin thinking about professional school applications in your junior year if you want to start your program in the year after you graduate. Medical applications open in early summer. Law applications are generally submitted during the fall. You will need plenty of time to put together a competitive application. Never wait until a deadline to apply.
- Talk to the Pre-Professional Advisor: This person can help you find opportunities, recommend classes and experiences, and help you decide on the best time to apply. Mock interviews are available for everyone and required for medical school applicants.
- Develop clear goals: You do not need to know the specific type of law or medicine you wish to pursue, but you will need a clear idea of why you are choosing the field in general. Shadowing, internships, volunteer and work experiences will give you credible reasons for pursuing your career path.
First and Second Years
- Get to know the Pre-Professional Advisor in the CCPD
- Consider joining the relevant pre-professional and academic organizations
- Consider taking on a leadership role
- Create or update your resume by visiting the Ctr. for Career & Professional Development
- Start getting experience through shadowing, volunteering or work experience
- Read! Your verbal skills are critical and reading will help you improve them.
JuniorYear
- Meet with the Pre-Professional Advisor to review your situation
- Attend appropriate pre-application meetings
- Follow the established procedures for preparing your application
- Start studying for the exam required for your professional school
- Investigate issues that are current in your field
- Investigate specific schools and programs
- Work on essays and personal statements
Summer between Third and Fourth Years
- Take the required test for your profession
- Medical applicants – apply no later than mid July
- Law applicants – start working on your applications
- Continue to get experiences
Senior Year
- Law applicants apply in the fall
- Medical students prepare for and attend interviews
- Visit institutions that accept you.
- Send a deposit to your institution of choice, and decline others so that students on their waiting lists can be admitted.
- Notify those who supported you (reviewed materials, wrote recommendations, etc.) of your success!!
- Celebrate acceptances! 🎉
Other fields
Allegheny also has cooperative agreements with professional programs in other fields. More information about these programs can be found here, and the Registrar’s office, your academic advisor, or CCPD staff can help you navigate them.