Pre-Health
Pre-Health advising is a resource for students who are interested in applying and preparing for a career in a health profession.
Pre-Health advising is a resource for students who are interested in applying and preparing for a career in a health profession.
Many students will enter a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program after graduation and should follow the pre-health plan to satisfy the program admission requirements for health professional school.
Note: The following course requirements should serve as a general guideline since program requirements vary.
(Depending on the program)
The Early Assurance Program is a cooperative program developed between the University at Albany and Touro COM-Middletown. This program provides an opportunity for students who start at the University at Albany as freshmen to submit an early application in the beginning of their sophomore year for admission to Touro COM-Middletown to attain a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO). Applicants must complete a minimum of four (at least 12 credit hours) of the required pre-medical science courses by the end of their freshman year and compile a strong academic record of a minimum overall and science grade point averages of 3.0 and apply no later than December 15th in the fall semester of their sophomore year at the University at Albany. Applications will be evaluated according to Touro COM-Middletown admission standards and include a satisfactory interview.
Students selected for admission will matriculate at Touro COM-Middletown after completion of their undergraduate degree and four years of study at the University at Albany.
Please contact a pre-health advisor or Touro COM Admissions Office for details regarding criteria for admission, program and application requirements.
Health Sciences University, is a 2 summer initiative aimed at increasing the competitiveness of pre-medical students, by providing MCAT preparation and academic support. Students will learn time and stress management skills with clinicians. Program is virtual.
Successful participants of EME are awarded conditional acceptance to SUNY Downstate’s College of Medicine.
Please contact Downstate’s College of Medicine at [email protected] and mention EME in the subject line.
The Albany Medical College Early Assurance Pathway (EAP) Program is a cohort-based initiative aimed at recruiting qualified UAlbany sophomores into the Albany Medical College (AMC) MD program from demographic sectors that have been traditionally underrepresented in the medical profession, including first-generation college graduates and low-income individuals as defined in federal TRIO programs, and, in addition, those who have a demonstrated and sustained interest in issues affecting medically-underserved populations. The program is available only to those admitted to UAlbany as freshmen; transfer students are ineligible.
Successful participants in the EAP Program are awarded conditional acceptance to Albany Med’s MD Program after graduating and fulfilling all pre-med requirements at UAlbany.
Applicants who meet the above eligibility requirements for consideration must:
Please note: EAPP students who maintain satisfactory extracurricular and academic records in accordance with the requirements for the EAPP program throughout the remainder of their undergraduate careers will not be required to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
Please contact Dr. Laura Schweitzer, Chair, UAlbany Pre-Heath Committee [email protected]
Many students will enter a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program after graduation and should follow the pre-health plan to satisfy the program admission requirements for health professional school.
Note: The following course requirements should serve as a general guideline only since program requirements vary.
(Depending on the program)
Many students will enter a will enter a Doctor of Optometry (OD) program after graduation and should follow the pre-health plan to satisfy the admission requirements for health professional school.
Note: The following course requirements should serve as a general guideline since program requirements vary.
(Depending on the program)
The joint biology/optometry program is a cooperative program developed between the University at Albany and SUNY State College of Optometry.
In this program, students complete three years at the University at Albany and then attend the SUNY State College of Optometry for four years. Credits from the first year at SUNY State College of Optometry will transfer back to the University at Albany for completion of the BS degree in Biology.
After completion of the fourth year at SUNY State College of Optometry, students may earn a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree. Students apply for this program in the spring semester of their sophomore year. Any students pursuing this program should see the pre-health advisor during their freshman year.
Please contact a pre-health advisor or SUNY State College of Optometry for program details.
Many students will enter a will enter a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) program after graduation and should follow the pre-health plan to satisfy the admission requirements for health professional school.
Note: The following course requirements should serve as a general guideline since program requirements vary.
(Depending on the program)
Many students will enter a will enter a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program after graduation and should follow the pre-health plan to satisfy the admission requirements for health professional school.
Note: The following course requirements should serve as a general guideline since program requirements vary.
(Depending on the program)
Many students will apply to entry-level master's programs for the physician assistant profession.
Note: The following course requirements should serve as a general guideline since program requirements vary.
(Depending on the program)
The following program outline is for the students who plan to apply to the Early Assurance Program (EAP) through the Center for Physician Assistant Studies (CPAS) at Albany Medical College. The program is available only to those admitted as freshmen and transfer students are ineligible.
The CPAS at Albany Medical College will offer highly qualified students at the University at Albany the opportunity to apply to the program upon completing the first semester of their junior year. If accepted, they are assured of admission to the program upon completion of the prerequisite courses, experience, and their undergraduate degree (with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.20 each semester). Early assurance admission will allow accepted students to focus on achieving a strong knowledge base in the sciences, completion of prerequisite courses, and obtaining the required health-related experience.
To be eligible for this program, a student must have achieved a GPA of 3.20 or above and have completed two semesters each of general biology and general chemistry, as well as one semester each of human anatomy and physiology. Accepted students must carry a full course load (as defined by the University) during their remaining semesters and fulfill all other prerequisite courses. The Graduate Record Examination is waived for students accepted through the program.
Students who wish to investigate this opportunity should express their interest to UAlbany’s preheat advisor. This advisor will discuss with the student the expectations of the EAP and the process for application. Applicants should be confident of their interest in pursuing a career in medicine as a Physician Assistant and that admission to the Albany Medical College is the path they would choose toward that goal.
As part of the application process, applicants must articulate in writing the personal advantage they see to their participation in this program. In addition, they must outline their goals and objectives for the remaining undergraduate year. A plan for meeting these goals through specific academic and extracurricular activities must be included. Specifically, they must indicate how the proposed activities for the senior year might enhance their capabilities as a future physician assistant. Each accepted student is committed to continuing vigorous intellectual activity as demonstrated by the breadth of education as well as depth in some fields of concentrated study.
An offer of admission by the CPAS requires a reciprocal commitment by the student that is binding unless there is a compelling reason to withdraw from the program. It is understood that the student will not apply to other physician assistant programs. In return, the CPAS will reserve a place in the class to be admitted in January following the completion of the student’s undergraduate degree.
Upon acceptance into the program, a tuition deposit of $500 will be required. This deposit will be returned to the student if continuation in the program is denied by the CPAS. It will be forfeited if the student subsequently declines to enroll.
Continuation in the program will require evidence of general academic progress consistent with past performance, and significant progress toward achievement of individually specified goals. Students are expected to maintain a minimum grade point average each term of 3.20 both in overall course work and in the sciences. Grades in prerequisite courses must be "C" or better. Failure to meet academic standards will constitute grounds for dismissal from the program.
Note: Dismissed students would still be eligible to pursue a future application to the CPAS through conventional pathways.
A CPAS advisor will meet with the students at least once each semester to discuss their progress and any problems that may develop on-going communication between UAlbany and CPAS representatives will ensure that both schools’ requirements and individual student objectives are being met.
Admission to the CPAS can be denied should events occur that would cause the admissions committee to question a student’s suitability to pursue a career in medicine. These include, but are not limited to, felony conviction, academic dishonesty, or unprofessional conduct in a health care setting.
Please contact a pre-health advisor or Albany Medical College for program details.
Many students will enter a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program after graduation.
Note: The following course requirements should serve as a general guideline since program requirements vary.
(Depending on the program)
University at Albany and Russell Sage College School of Health Sciences have developed a collaborative agreement to provide qualified students from University at Albany who wish to pursue a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) from the Russell Sage College School of Health Sciences preferred admission as indicated below. This collaborative agreement provides for
University at Albany students will receive preferred admission to the Russell Sage College School of Health Sciences for the Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, who demonstrate the following:
To qualify for priority in placement in the DPT program, students must submit the following application materials by June 1st of the year preceding graduation from the University at Albany:
Note: Students must make an enrollment deposit of $500 within 30 days of acceptance, which non-refundable and can be applied toward graduate tuition and the following upon graduation from the University at Albany:
Upon graduation from University at Albany submit all final transcripts documenting completion of undergraduate degree and DPT Program prerequisite courses to PTCAS
University at Albany Course Number and Title | Russell Sage College School of Health Sciences for the Doctorate in Physical Therapy Program Course Prerequisites |
---|---|
ANT 316 Anatomy & Physiology I ANT 318 Anatomy & Physiology II | Two Courses in Anatomy and Physiology with Lab:
physiology, each with a lab. |
A BIO 314 Microbiology & A BIO 315 Microbiology Laboratory A BIO 301 Molecular Cell Biology A BIO 212 Introductionary Genetics w/ discussion | Two Courses in Biology (not botany) with Lab: May include cell biology, microbiology, genetics, biochemistry. |
A CHM 115 General Chemistry I and Lab A CHM 116 General Chemistry II and Lab | Two Courses in General Chemistry with Lab |
A PHY 105 General Physics I & A PHY 106 General Physics Lab I A PHY 108 General Physics II & A PHY 109 General Physics Lab II | Two Courses in General Physics with Lab |
PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology PSY 203 Psychology of Child Development and SOC 384 Sociology of Aging or EPSY 224 Lifespan Development | One Course in Psychology |
PSY 210/MAT 108 Statistics | One Course in Statistics |
Please contact a pre-health advisor or Sage Graduate Schools for program details.
Many students apply to entry-level master’s programs for occupational therapy.
Note: The following course requirements should serve as a general guideline since program requirements vary.
(Depending on the program)
University at Albany and Russell Sage College School of Health Science have developed a collaborative agreement to provide qualified students from University at Albany who wish to pursue an MS in Occupational Therapy (OT), or a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) from the Russell Sage College School of Health Science preferred admission as indicated below. This collaborative agreement provides for:
University at Albany students will awarded preferred admission to the Russell Sage College School of Health Science for the MS in OT degree, or a Doctorate in OT (OTD), who demonstrate the following:
To be given priority in placement in the OT Program students agree to submit the following information by June 1 of the year preceding graduation from University at Albany:
Note: Students must make an enrollment deposit of $200 within 30 days of acceptance, which non-refundable and can be applied toward graduate tuition.
Upon graduation from University at Albany:
Interviews are no longer required; however, we encourage students to visit our campus and meet with a representative of our program. Please contact James Brennan at [email protected] to schedule a visit or ask questions about our program.
University at Albany Course Number and Title | Russel Sage Occupational Therapy Program Course Prerequisites |
---|---|
ANT 316 Anatomy & Physiology I | BIO 201 Anatomy & Physiology I w/ Lab |
ANT 318 Anatomy & Physiology II | BIO 202 Anatomy & Physiology II w/ Lab |
Any Medical Term class will suffice (online or in-person) | SCI 110 Medical Terminology |
PSY 210/MAT 108 Statistics | PSY 207/MAT 220 Statistics |
PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology | PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology |
PSY 203 Psychology of Child Development AND SOC 384 Sociology of Aging OR EPSY 224 Lifespan Development | PSY 202 Human Development |
PSY 338 Abnormal Psychology | PSY 308 Abnormal Psychology |
ANT 108 Cultural Anthropology OR SOC 115 Introduction to Sociology | HSC 206 Cult. Perspectives of Health, Disability & Wellness OR SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology |
Please contact a pre-health advisor or Sage Graduate Schools for program details.
-health advisor or Sage Graduate Schools for program details.
Many students will enter a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) program after graduation.
Note: The following course requirements should serve as a general guideline since program requirements vary.
(Depending on the program)
Many students will enter a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) program after graduation and several programs accept transfer students who completed all the pre-requisite coursework before completing a bachelor’s degree.
Note: The following course requirements should serve as a general guideline since program requirements vary.
(Depending on the program)
Special Note: UAlbany's College of Integrated Health Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion Program, designed for students who have their (RN) nursing associate degree. After earning your associate in nursing and your RN, you can apply to the completion program at UAlbany, where you will compete coursework for your bachelor's degree. Your coursework from your associate degree will be evaluated to determine what courses you still need to take at UAlbany.
Many of our pre-nursing students apply to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program after graduating from the University at Albany.
There are various programs, such as Binghamton and New York University that offer accelerated second bachelor’s degree in nursing. When considering a career as a nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist, students should hold a Registered Nurse (RN) or BSN degree and have nursing experience before entering these programs.
Note: The following course requirements should serve as a general guideline since program requirements vary.
(Depending on the program)
The Early Assurance Program is a cooperative program developed between the University at Albany and Touro COM-Middletown. This program provides an opportunity for students who start at the University at Albany as freshmen to submit an early application in the beginning of their sophomore year for admission to Touro COM-Middletown to attain a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO). Applicants must complete a minimum of four (at least 12 credit hours) of the required pre-medical science courses by the end of their freshman year and compile a strong academic record of a minimum overall and science grade point averages of 3.0 and apply no later than December 15th in the fall semester of their sophomore year at the University at Albany. Applications will be evaluated according to Touro COM-Middletown admission standards and include a satisfactory interview.
Students selected for admission will matriculate at Touro COM-Middletown after completion of their undergraduate degree and four years of study at the University at Albany.
Please contact a pre-health advisor or Touro COM Admissions Office for details regarding criteria for admission, program and application requirements.
The joint biology/optometry program is a cooperative program developed between the University at Albany and SUNY State College of Optometry.
In this program, students complete three years at the University at Albany and then attend the SUNY State College of Optometry for four years. Credits from the first year at SUNY State College of Optometry will transfer back to the University at Albany for completion of the BS degree in Biology.
After completion of the fourth year at SUNY State College of Optometry, students may earn a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree. Students apply for this program in the spring semester of their sophomore year. Any students pursuing this program should see the pre-health advisor during their freshman year.
Please contact a pre-health advisor or SUNY State College of Optometry for program details.
The following program outline is for the students who plan to apply to the Early Assurance Program (EAP) through the Center for Physician Assistant Studies (CPAS) at Albany Medical College. The program is available only to those admitted as freshmen and transfer students are ineligible.
The CPAS at Albany Medical College will offer highly qualified students at the University at Albany the opportunity to apply to the program upon completing the first semester of their junior year. If accepted, they are assured of admission to the program upon completion of the prerequisite courses, experience, and their undergraduate degree (with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.20 each semester). Early assurance admission will allow accepted students to focus on achieving a strong knowledge base in the sciences, completion of prerequisite courses, and obtaining the required health-related experience.
To be eligible for this program, a student must have achieved a GPA of 3.20 or above and have completed two semesters each of general biology and general chemistry, as well as one semester each of human anatomy and physiology. Accepted students must carry a full course load (as defined by the University) during their remaining semesters and fulfill all other prerequisite courses. The Graduate Record Examination is waived for students accepted through the program.
Students who wish to investigate this opportunity should express their interest to UAlbany’s pre-health advisor. This advisor will discuss with the student the expectations of the EAP and the process for application. Applicants should be confident of their interest in pursuing a career in medicine as a Physician Assistant and that admission to the Albany Medical College is the path they would choose toward that goal.
As part of the application process, applicants must articulate in writing the personal advantage they see to their participation in this program. In addition, they must outline their goals and objectives for the remaining undergraduate year. A plan for meeting these goals through specific academic and extracurricular activities must be included. Specifically, they must indicate how the proposed activities for the senior year might enhance their capabilities as a future physician assistant. Each accepted student is committed to continuing vigorous intellectual activity as demonstrated by the breadth of education as well as depth in some fields of concentrated study.
An offer of admission by the CPAS requires a reciprocal commitment by the student that is binding unless there is a compelling reason to withdraw from the program. It is understood that the student will not apply to other physician assistant programs. In return, the CPAS will reserve a place in the class to be admitted in January following the completion of the student’s undergraduate degree.
Upon acceptance into the program, a tuition deposit of $500 will be required. This deposit will be returned to the student if continuation in the program is denied by the CPAS. It will be forfeited if the student subsequently declines to enroll.
Continuation in the program will require evidence of general academic progress consistent with past performance, and significant progress toward achievement of individually specified goals. Students are expected to maintain a minimum grade point average each term of 3.20 both in overall course work and in the sciences. Grades in prerequisite courses must be "C" or better. Failure to meet academic standards will constitute grounds for dismissal from the program.
Note: Dismissed students would still be eligible to pursue a future application to the CPAS through conventional pathways.
A CPAS advisor will meet with the students at least once each semester to discuss their progress and any problems that may develop on-going communication between UAlbany and CPAS representatives will ensure that both schools’ requirements and individual student objectives are being met.
Admission to the CPAS can be denied should events occur that would cause the admissions committee to question a student’s suitability to pursue a career in medicine. These include, but are not limited to, felony conviction, academic dishonesty, or unprofessional conduct in a health care setting.
Please contact a pre-health advisor or Albany Medical College for program details.
University at Albany and Russell Sage College School of Health Science have developed a collaborative agreement to provide qualified students from University at Albany who wish to pursue an MS in Occupational Therapy (OT), or a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) from the Russell Sage College School of Health Science preferred admission as indicated below. This collaborative agreement provides for:
University at Albany students will awarded preferred admission to the Russell Sage College School of Health Science for the MS in OT degree, or a Doctorate in OT (OTD), who demonstrate the following:
To be given priority in placement in the OT Program students agree to submit the following information by June 1 of the year preceding graduation from University at Albany:
Note: Students must make an enrollment deposit of $200 within 30 days of acceptance, which non-refundable and can be applied toward graduate tuition.
Upon graduation from University at Albany:
Interviews are no longer required; however, we encourage students to visit our campus and meet with a representative of our program. Please contact James Brennan at [email protected] to schedule a visit or ask questions about our program.
University at Albany Course Number and Title | Russel Sage Occupational Therapy Program Course Prerequisites |
---|---|
ANT 316 Anatomy & Physiology I | BIO 201 Anatomy & Physiology I w/ Lab |
ANT 318 Anatomy & Physiology II | BIO 202 Anatomy & Physiology II w/ Lab |
Any Medical Term class will suffice (online or in-person) | SCI 110 Medical Terminology |
PSY 210/MAT 108 Statistics | PSY 207/MAT 220 Statistics |
PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology | PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology |
PSY 203 Psychology of Child Development AND SOC 384 Sociology of Aging OR EPSY 224 Lifespan Development | PSY 202 Human Development |
PSY 338 Abnormal Psychology | PSY 308 Abnormal Psychology |
ANT 108 Cultural Anthropology OR SOC 115 Introduction to Sociology | HSC 206 Cult. Perspectives of Health, Disability & Wellness OR SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology |
Please contact a pre-health advisor or Sage Graduate Schools for program details.
University at Albany and Russell Sage College School of Health Sciences have developed a collaborative agreement to provide qualified students from University at Albany who wish to pursue a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) from the Russell Sage College School of Health Sciences preferred admission as indicated below. This collaborative agreement provides for
University at Albany students will receive preferred admission to the Russell Sage College School of Health Sciences for the Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, who demonstrate the following:
To qualify for priority in placement in the DPT program, students must submit the following application materials by June 1st of the year preceding graduation from the University at Albany:
Note: Students must make an enrollment deposit of $500 within 30 days of acceptance, which non-refundable and can be applied toward graduate tuition and the following upon graduation from the University at Albany:
Upon graduation from University at Albany submit all final transcripts documenting completion of undergraduate degree and DPT Program prerequisite courses to PTCAS
University at Albany Course Number and Title | Russell Sage College School of Health Sciences for the Doctorate in Physical Therapy Program Course Prerequisites |
---|---|
ANT 316 Anatomy & Physiology I ANT 318 Anatomy & Physiology II | Two Courses in Anatomy and Physiology with Lab:
physiology, each with a lab. |
A BIO 314 Microbiology & A BIO 315 Microbiology Laboratory A BIO 301 Molecular Cell Biology A BIO 212 Introductionary Genetics w/ discussion | Two Courses in Biology (not botany) with Lab: May include cell biology, microbiology, genetics, biochemistry. |
A CHM 115 General Chemistry I and Lab A CHM 116 General Chemistry II and Lab | Two Courses in General Chemistry with Lab |
A PHY 105 General Physics I & A PHY 106 General Physics Lab I A PHY 108 General Physics II & A PHY 109 General Physics Lab II | Two Courses in General Physics with Lab |
PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology PSY 203 Psychology of Child Development and SOC 384 Sociology of Aging or EPSY 224 Lifespan Development | One Course in Psychology |
PSY 210/MAT 108 Statistics | One Course in Statistics |
Please contact a pre-health advisor or Sage Graduate Schools for program details.
Health Sciences University, is a 2 summer initiative aimed at increasing the competitiveness of pre-medical students, by providing MCAT preparation and academic support. Students will learn time and stress management skills with clinicians. Program is virtual.
Successful participants of EME are awarded conditional acceptance to SUNY Downstate’s College of Medicine.
Please contact Downstate’s College of Medicine at [email protected] and mention EME in the subject line.
The Albany Medical College Early Assurance Pathway (EAP) Program is a cohort-based initiative aimed at recruiting qualified UAlbany sophomores into the Albany Medical College (AMC) MD program from demographic sectors that have been traditionally underrepresented in the medical profession, including first-generation college graduates and low-income individuals as defined in federal TRIO programs, and, in addition, those who have a demonstrated and sustained interest in issues affecting medically-underserved populations. The program is available only to those admitted to UAlbany as freshmen; transfer students are ineligible.
Successful participants in the EAP Program are awarded conditional acceptance to Albany Med’s MD Program after graduating and fulfilling all pre-med requirements at UAlbany.
Applicants who meet the above eligibility requirements for consideration must:
Please note: EAPP students who maintain satisfactory extracurricular and academic records in accordance with the requirements for the EAPP program throughout the remainder of their undergraduate careers will not be required to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
Please contact Dr. Laura Schweitzer, Chair, UAlbany Pre-Heath Committee [email protected]
Are you a senior who is considering a gap year before medical school and/or other health-care graduate programs? Are you trying to strengthen your academic record or need to increase your clinical experience? Justin Hadley from the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences will be at the workshop to talk about their post-baccalaureate program for medical school: One-year master's degree in biomedical science with MCAT prep and agreements with Albany Medical College and NYITCOM
Laura Schweitzer, VP for Health Sciences, will offer an interactive workshop on how to successfully interview for medical, dental, or optometry schools including interview questions and practice.
Health professional schools search for well-rounded students who have demonstrated a high academic ability and commitment to serving their communities. We recommend the following preparation tips:
Manage your time well and study an average of three to four hours for every hour you spend in class. Maintaining a high GPA will demonstrate your commitment to a career in the health professions. Students that are accepted to health professional programs generally have a cumulative GPA of at least a 3.5 or higher.
Develop the ability to articulate your reasons for pursuing a career path in the health professions. You will need to express your reasons and motivations for choosing a health-related career path in the personal essay section of health professional school applications. If you need assistance with your personal essay or resume, please contact Career Services.
Whether paid or volunteer, it is important to gain experience by observing and/or assisting professionals who are already in the field in which you hope to practice. There are several opportunities for you to volunteer, job shadow and/or gain employment in a health care setting.
You can gain health care experience through the following opportunities:
Participating in a community activity is important to admissions committees in all the health professions. Medicine is a service profession, and committees want to be sure that candidates have demonstrated their commitment to serving others in our society.
Pursue activities that are meaningful to you. Build interpersonal skills, demonstrate commitment, and shape leadership skills while enthusiastically participating in activities that you enjoy.
Research is an important component of many MD/PhD programs. Medical schools differ in emphasis placed on research. Participating in research can lead to publication.
Be prepared to take the MCAT, DAT, OAT, GRE etc. We strongly encourage you to prepare in advance and shouldn't wait until three months before the exam to start studying. Learn as much science and non-science vocabulary as possible before the exam.
Read novels and newspapers to develop your vocabulary, speed and comprehension and to keep up on current events and health-care related issues.
The Pre-Health Advisory Committee (PHAC) is an interview and evaluation process for undergraduate students who plan to apply to medical, dental, or optometry schools. The PHAC will evaluate you as an applicant and write a committee letter evaluation. The pre-health advisors will assist you in your application to medical, dental, or optometry school by submitting your committee letter with supporting letters of recommendation to professional schools after you apply.
Note: The PHAC grants one interview and evaluation per student and commences each spring semester.
The following courses must be completed prior to the pre-health interview:
The following checklist items must be submitted to your pre-health file in order to be considered for a pre-health advisory committee interview and evaluation. You can start to submit items to your file on November 15th. All forms and documents are due by the first Monday of January and letters of recommendation are due by the first Monday of February.
Please upload your resume, personal statement and note for early assurance to your pre-health file.
You will need to upload a resume of your activities while an undergraduate. Please use the following format:
A personal statement is a very important component of your application and is reflective of your writing ability. Please review with a pre-health advisor before submission to the committee. Please use the following format:
Note: For early assurance applicants, you must also submit a statement describing your reasons for participating in early assurance in addition to your personal statement. You should also describe your plan for the “scholarly/academic” project that you will carry out junior/senior year, if accepted.
This form lets us know that you are planning to apply this year and starts a file for you. Please review carefully the requirements to interview with the pre-health advisory committee and then sign and submit.
This form gives the Pre-health Advisory Committee permission to obtain your grades and evaluate your academic qualifications for graduate and professional schools. There is also a waiver or retention of rights to review your letters of recommendation. Medical schools would prefer that your letters of recommendation and your committee evaluation should be confidential. Therefore, we encourage to carefully consider whether to sign the waiver of your right of direct access.
The Pre-health Advisory Committee does not conduct an extensive background check of students, but we ask that students interviewing with the committee submit this form to our Judicial Affairs office for a review of your University at Albany’s disciplinary records. The main purpose of this form is so that the committee can effectively advise and evaluate our applicants.
For every letter of recommendation, ask that it be sent to the Pre-Health Advisory Committee. You will need complete top portion of the student evaluation form to sign and then send the form to your recommender to complete and upload with a letter of recommendation.
Note: Save the initial email you receive after your first submission request, so you can use it to submit additional requests later.