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Frequently Asked Questions

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Academic Background 

What GPA is considered competitive?

Minimum GPA expectations depends on both the profession and the schools you are applying to. 

  • Dental: Compare your stats to average GPA and DAT scores in the ADEA Official Guide
  • Medical: The national average for acceptance into USMD schools is an overall 3.70 GPA. The national average for science GPA is 3.65. If your overall GPA is below a 3.4 and your science GPA is below a 3.3 consider post-baccalaureate course work to demonstrate your competence in college-level science course work. 
  • Optometry: Review the Student Profile of applicants and those who enrolled.
See more at Academic Preparation.

Do I need to be a science major to get into healthcare?

No. Generally, science-based majors may directly overlap with more prerequisite requirements of a health professional program. However, students should focus first on choosing a major they can perform well in and have strong interest in. Then, plan to include courses for admission requirements for the profession you are interested in. See more at Academic Preparation.

Involvement/Experience

Do I need research experience to get into a profession such as medical school?

Research experience can be helpful if you are motivated by a specific area of study; however, research is not a key component for most medical practices. Consider it a benefit for some, but not necessary for most schools.

How many extracurricular activities should I have, and is depth or breadth more important?

Generally, strong applicants have some breadth and depth of experience. Students should explore a variety of experiences to develop an understanding of their own skills and competencies. Once a student finds experiences they want to develop, we recommend having a select few they should spend more time working on.

Applications

How many schools should I apply to?

Each profession requires a different number of schools to apply to based off competitiveness of program and professional track.

When is the best time to apply, and should I take a gap year?

A majority of students apply after graduating or even one to two years after graduation. This timeline is unique for every student, and we strongly recommend students consider if they will be ready for all aspects of the application when they decide to apply to professional school.