What is Pre-Health?
Pre-Health is a broad term that includes a multitude of health professions that students may pursue, from acupuncture to medicine. Health Professions Advising (HPA) is the office that focuses on supporting pre-health students and includes 2 dedicated professional advisors. Prospective students are welcome to contact the Health Professions Advising staff at any point during the college search process (healthprofessions@pugetsound.edu).
Advising Resources
- Individual advising is available in-person or virtually (via Zoom) to any student or alum at the Office of Health Professions Advising (HPA) in Thompson Hall 203. Pre-health students work closely with both a faculty advisor within their major and a Health Professions Advisor who specializes in pre-health advising. This combination of support ensures that students remain on track to graduate within 4 years, and receive timely and personalized pre-health advising support tailored to the specific professional health program. Health Professions Advising services are available to alumni regardless of how many years they have been away from the University, or what professional path they may have taken after graduating.
- Mock interviews are conducted each spring for pre-health students who are preparing for professional health program interviews. The mock interview format mirrors the structure that most students will encounter during graduate program interviews, and includes a panel of University faculty and staff who are highly informed regarding professional health programs. Students may repeat the mock interview process in subsequent years if desired, or if recommended by the mock interview panel.
- When students apply to medical or dental school, a committee letter of recommendation is prepared on their behalf. This letter is preferred by medical and dental schools as one means of evaluating candidates, and summarizes students’ academics, activities, recommendation letters, and interaction with HPA, as established through individual contact and an interview.
- A number of workshops and events are offered throughout the academic year. Workshop topics include: MCAT preparation, alumni and health professions school visits, personal statement writing, and interviewing.
- Finally, the HPA website features a variety of helpful information and resources.
If you have any further questions or concerns feel free to contact the Health Professions Advising office at healthprofessions@pugetsound.edu.