Medical schools and other professional health programs typically seek applicants with a well-rounded undergraduate education, such as that offered by Christopher Newport University’s liberal learning curriculum.
Like most colleges and universities, CNU does not offer a pre-med or pre-health major. However, our program can help students from any academic major prepare for admission into medical school and other health profession programs.
In addition to offering all the necessary prerequisite coursework, we offer a variety of resources, such as
- Academic and career advising
- Mentoring
- Shadowing opportunities
- Workshops and seminars
With the help of the Council for Health Professions Preparation, programs such as Pre-Med Scholars, shadowing agreements with local practitioners and admission agreements with professional graduate schools, our goal is to help any highly motivated student gain admission into the professional school of their choice.
Pre-Med/Pre-Health Registration
Complete the registration form to become part of the pre-med or pre-health program, an important part of your achieving success in gaining admission to a medical or health profession school.
Update your information as often as necessary (at least once per semester) to remain current and maintain your status as an active participant in the pre-med or pre-health program.
After your original submission, fill in only your name, CNU student ID number and email address (preferably your CNU email address), and any information updates.
If your semester hours are not updated each semester, your intent will become inactive and you will not receive important pre-health updates and information!
Timeline
Advising
Make an appointment with the pre-health advisor to introduce yourself and discuss the best way to balance your classes for your chosen health field and potential major.
Classes
Start coursework for your specific advising track and other university degree requirements.
Experience
Research careers in health care. Seek opportunities to volunteer, shadow health care professionals and consider research opportunities on campus.
Entrance exam
Once you have selected an advising track research the entrance exam associated with that track (GRE, MCAT, DAT, OAT, PCAT).
Summer
Research internship, shadowing, volunteering, certification opportunities (EMT, CNA, BLS, etc.).
Advising
Assess your academic progression. Solidify major, align prerequisites for health programs with major requirements. Continue developing relationships with faculty, advisors and mentors on your campus.
Classes
Continue coursework for your specific advising track, the entrance exam for that track, and other university degree requirements.
Experience
Seek opportunities to volunteer, shadow health care professionals and consider research opportunities on campus.
Interviews
Determine if you need a CHPP interview in the Spring. (early application for joint programs, EVMS and VCOM).
Entrance exam
Begin preparing for the entrance exam associated with advising track (GRE, MCAT, DAT, OAT, PCAT).
Summer
Consider an undergraduate research opportunity. Continue searching for internships, shadowing, volunteering or certification (EMT, CNA, BLS, etc.) opportunities. Familiarize yourself with the application process for your selected track.
Advising
Discuss your schedule for remaining pre-health coursework. Strategize about your application timeline:
- Consider which schools you will apply to and start developing a spreadsheet to track admissions and application requirements for the schools you are most interested in.
- Discuss letters of recommendation. Determine LOR requirements for the schools you are applying to. Consider which faculty, advisors and mentors (healthcare providers) with whom you’ve developed relationships you’ll approach to write letters of recommendation for your applications.
Classes
Complete classwork for entrance exam and continue coursework for your specific advising track and other university degree requirements.
Experience
Continue your participation in meaningful health experiences, other health related activities, volunteer work, research and/or leadership roles on campus.
Entry exams
Study! Determine best options for test dates and locations and identify the best time for you to take the exam. If you're prepared and ready, register for and take the entry exam in the spring or early summer.
Interviews
Determine if you need a CHPP interview in the spring.
Summer
Apply
If applying to begin the year following your senior year:
- Ask instructors, mentors, and advisors to write letters of recommendation for you.
- Complete the online application for your health field EARLY.
- Know the deadline for each school you are applying to.
- Work on secondary applications.
Entry exams
If you haven't taken the entry exam yet, or if you want to take the exam again, sign up to take the exam in the summer.
Advising
Meet with pre-health advisors to discuss letters of recommendation and your progression towards your pre-health field. Apply for graduation with your major advisor. Complete degree requirements and graduate.
Classes
Complete all pre-requisite courses for your advising track as well as all major and university requirements. Take classes that best prepare you for your chosen track.
Interviews
Prepare for your interviews and campus visits.
Experience
Continue with your meaningful clinical experiences, other health related activities, volunteer work, research and/or leadership experiences. If you are applying to start your program immediately following your senior year:
- Receive acceptances
- Make decisions about your school choice
- Notify schools that you will not be attending on or before the deadline given
- Ensure that all financial aid forms are completed and submitted
Summer
Purchase books and equipment and make appropriate living arrangements. Attend orientation programs and matriculate into school.