Pre-Health Student Services

• Choose Your Path: Did you know that you are not limited to a science major? While a science degree is the typical and most common route for pre-health students, it is not required for admission to most professional programs. We can assist you in selecting a major that matches your interests while ensuring you satisfy every prerequisite for professional school.

• One-on-One Strategic Coaching: Are you wondering how to stand out in a competitive pool of applicants? You can schedule a thirty-minute appointment for a comprehensive review of your academic and professional profile. From selecting meaningful extracurricular activities to answering questions about shadowing, we work with you to ensure your undergraduate experiences align with the specific expectations of your future professional program. Our goal is to help you build a robust and competitive profile that admissions committees will notice.

Registered Student Organizations

• Pre-Health Professions Association: The purpose of this organization is to inform, guide, educate, assist and support those students whose career goals lie within the health community.
  • Advisor: Kaitlyn Kern
• Pre-Veterinary Medicine Club: Pre-Veterinary Medicine Club is an organization for any student interested in learning more about the field of veterinary medicine, or is interested in learning more about animals. We assist students applying to veterinary school, attend veterinary school open houses, have guest speakers, and volunteer with several animal related organizations. 
  • Advisor: Dr. Erin Perry

• Workshops & Presentations: Do you want to build a strong foundation for your future career? We offer introductory informational sessions tailored to your specific area of interest, which are designed to set you on the correct path from the very beginning. In addition to these foundational sessions, our office provides regular presentations on topics of essential interest to pre-health students throughout the academic year. Our office is also available to provide specialized programming for your specific class, program, or event upon request. Please contact us if you are interested in hosting a presentation for your group.
• Admissions Networking & Recruitment: Are you interested in hearing directly from the individuals who review your applications? We host admissions deans and recruiters from various professional schools to discuss exactly what they seek in successful candidates. These sessions offer a premier opportunity to ask questions and build your professional network.
• Stay Informed & Connected: Are you looking for the best way to stay connected with us and ensure you do not miss important events and opportunities? Our listserv provides a centralized source for the most up to date pre-health information from our office. Current students may join this listserv by contacting the Pre-Health Professions Office.

• Application Guidance: Are you prepared to submit an application and interview with confidence? We offer comprehensive reviews of your written materials, including personal statements and experience descriptions, to ensure they meet the rigorous standards of professional schools. Additionally, our office provides mock interviews to help you refine your communication skills and present a polished, professional candidacy to admissions committees.
• Health Professions Committee: Do you want to provide admissions committees with a comprehensive view of your potential? For eligible students/programs, we manage the Committee Letter process, which synthesizes your academic and professional achievements into a unified recommendation. We work with you to navigate the deadlines and requirements of this essential component of your professional school application.

Pre-Health appointments are available to students interested in pursing professional school or a career in the following healthcare areas: Chiropractic, Dentistry, Medicine, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant, Podiatry, or Veterinary.

Appointments are available to all students throughout the academic year. While we welcome students at any stage we recommend that all pre-health students establish a relationship with our office by the start of their second year. Proactive planning is essential for mapping out your prerequisite coursework, gaining a comprehensive understanding of specific program requirements, and building a competitive application profile for professional school.

For brief inquiries that do not require a full appointment, I am also available via email to provide timely assistance.

A typical thirty minute appointment is dedicated to addressing your unique goals and concerns. During this session, we can explore a variety of topics, including your current competitiveness for your chosen program, the nuances of the application process, and your specific submission timeline. We are also available to discuss preparation for entrance examinations, the selection of prerequisite courses, and the potential benefits of a gap year. Beyond these core areas, we can identify additional resources to support your journey and answer any specific questions you may have. Whether you are just beginning to explore your options or are ready to submit your final application, please know that these examples represent only a portion of the many ways we can support your professional journey.

To maximize our time together, please come prepared with a list of specific questions or concerns. Because your major requirements serve as the foundation of your schedule, we recommend consulting with your Academic Advisor before our session; this allows us to focus on layering your pre-health prerequisites and extracurricular experiences onto your existing plan. If you are meeting to discuss course planning, please have a tentative schedule in mind that incorporates your Advisor’s recommendations so that we can refine your strategy together. It is also helpful to review your own academic record and recent activities so we can discuss your progress accurately.

Academic Advisors focus on your academic progression throughout your time at SIU by assisting with course registration, major requirements, and essential milestones to ensure you remain on track for graduation. Their primary role is to assist with your daily academic experience and the successful completion of your undergraduate degree.

The Pre-Health Professions Office focuses on your journey into a professional healthcare program and your future career aspirations. Our role is to serve as a guide through the complexities of the Pre-Health path, assisting you in navigating requirements to set you on the best path to success as you move toward your professional goals. We provide the strategic support needed to understand external admission requirements and help you build a competitive candidacy for the next stage of your education.

During your first year, your primary focus should be on establishing a strong academic foundation. This involves developing effective study habits and successfully adjusting to the rigor of college life and the SIU campus. Prioritizing your performance in foundational science courses is essential, as these results will form the basis of our discussion during your first appointment. We also encourage you to explore the healthcare field by attending introductory workshops and joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) to connect with peers who share your interests. By the time you schedule your first session, which we recommend doing by your second year, you will have academic experience and preliminary involvement necessary for us to build an effective long-term professional roadmap together.