Pre-Health Timeline

We encourage you to approach being a pre-health student as a part-time job! There are many factors you need to consider and plan for to be prepared for the application process. 

The list below highlights important tasks and activities for you to complete as a pre-health student. 

Note: You should always research requirements for the specific graduate programs you plan on applying to. This list serves as a general guide for you to follow, but is not inclusive of all requirements. 

Pre-Health Advising
Pre-Health Timeline (Printable)
First Year
  • Academics:
    • Enroll in pre-health coursework
    • Create your academic plan with your advisor
    • Attend a Pre-Health 101 Workshop
    • Build relationships with faculty
  • Involvement:
    • Join a health-related student organization and actively participate
    • Find other student organizations to get involved in
  • Experience:
    • Find volunteer, shadowing, and research opportunities
    • Plan early for summer activities such as internships or research 
Second Year
  • Academics:
    • Continue pre-health coursework
    • Meet with your advisor to discuss your academic progress and grades
    • Continue to connect with faculty and advisors to build your campus network
    • Create a parallel plan - what are you interested in if you are not accepted to a program or your interests change?
  • Involvement:
    • Keep participating in student organizations!
  • Experience:
  • Application:
    • Research potential schools and programs
    • Determine when you will take your entrance exam
    • Plan ahead of costs related to the application process - start saving now!
Third Year
  • Academics:
    • Continue pre-health coursework
    • Stay connected with faculty and advisors, especially ones you plan to request letters of recommendation from
  • Involvement:
    • Seek out leadership positions in student organizations
  • Experience:
    • Continue volunteering, shadowing, researching, or working in health-related activities
  • Application:
    • Finalize the programs you plan on apply to
    • Familiarize yourself with your program’s centralized application
    • Prepare for entrance examinations and register early for your test date
    • Request letters of recommendation from faculty
    • Connect with Career Services to prepare your personal statement
    • Submit your application! 
Fourth Year
  • Be patient while waiting for news - this process can take a long time!
  • Prepare for interviews, if required
  • Receive letters of acceptance or rejection
  • Share your news with the Health Advising Team!
    • If you are admitted - congratulations! Celebrate and start exploring your next steps
    • If you are not admitted - don’t panic! Meet with your advisor to discuss the next steps. 

This timeline is based on a typical four-year timeline. Based on your individual plans, this timeline can be changed or adjusted. Talk with a Health Advisor about your specific questions.