Pre-Professional Health
Academic Advising Program
Students have been accepted to many medical and other professional health schools, including:
- Boston University School of Medicine
- Case Western Reserve University
- Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
- College of Mount Saint Joseph (Physical Therapy)
- Creighton University
- Duke University
- Finch University of Health Sciences/Chicago Medical School
- Georgetown University
- Indiana University (School of Medicine & Dentistry)
- Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Loyola University of Chicago
- Marquette University, College of Dentistry
- Marshall University
- Medical College of Georgia
- Medical College of Ohio, Toledo
- Medical College of Wisconsin
- Mercer University
- Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Missouri - Barry University, School of Podiatry
- New York College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine
- Northwestern University
- Nova Southeastern University, College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine
- Ohio State University (School of Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Optometry, Veterinary Sciences, and graduate Physical Therapy)
- Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine
- Purdue University
- Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine
- Louis University
- State University of New York at Buffalo
- University of Cincinnati (School of Medicine, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy and graduate Nursing)
- University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
- University of Iowa
- University of Kentucky (School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry)
- University of Louisville (School of Medicine and Dentistry)
- University of Maryland
- University of Missouri
- University of Nebraska
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of South Carolina
- University of Southern California, School of Optometry
- University of Tennessee
- University of Virginia
- Washington University
- Wayne State University
- West Virginia University
- Wright State University
Which major is right for you?
If you're aiming for medical school, it's crucial to choose a major that aligns with your career goals while giving you a solid foundation in the sciences. Majors like biology, chemistry, or biochemistry are particularly useful as they cover much of the necessary coursework for med school admissions.
- Biology
- Biochemistry
- Biomedical Sciences
- Biophysics
- Chemistry
- Exercise Science
- Genetics
- Microbiology
- Neuroscience
- Pharmaceutical Science
Which healthcare fields do you want to pursue a career in?
You’ll also want to explore various fields within healthcare to pinpoint your specific interests. This will help you select medical schools that offer strong programs and opportunities in your chosen specialties.
Connect with a Pre-Professional Health advisor
If you're planning to apply to medical school, it's essential to start by meeting with your pre-professional health advisor. They can provide valuable guidance on course selection, extracurricular activities and application strategies tailored to your goals.
Review Academic and Extracurricular Expectations
Understand the academic expectations and extracurricular recommendations for acceptance into medical school, including maintaining a strong GPA and excelling in relevant coursework, is vital for staying competitive.
Review the Four-Year Timeline
Familiarize yourself with the recommended four-year timeline to ensure you’re meeting key milestones, such as participating in research, exploring health careers and preparing for the MCAT.
Utilize Xavier’s Academic Support Resources
Ensure success in your academic journey by utilizing campus academic support resources , including study groups, supplemental instruction and tutoring services for students.
Quality of Academic Work
Learn how to excel in your coursework, a foundational aspect of your application.
Admission / Tests
Prepare for standardized tests like the MCAT, a crucial hurdle for medical school hopefuls.
Interviews
Master the interview process with tips and practice sessions offered by our Health Sciences Committee.
Program Features
Participate in mock interviews and utilize comprehensive resources from the Health Sciences Committee to refine your interviewing skills and boost your confidence.
Connect with an advisor for one-on-one, personalized academic advising to ensure you're fully prepared for your medical school applications.
Through our early acceptance program, students can be enrolled in medical school while completing their undergraduate degree.
Join student clubs and organizations like the pre-med, pre-dental, and pre-vet societies to connect directly with local healthcare professionals and valuable resources.
Alumni Making an Impact
Dr. Crawford (‘98) is one of the most successful and respected dermatologists in the country.
Dr. Adeleke Oni (‘08) practices emergency medicine and Dr. Keyona Oni (‘08) is a family medicine practitioner.
Studying pre-med at Xavier led Dr. White to discover her passions— teaching and epidemiology.
With a wealth of top-tier hospitals and research institutions right here in Cincinnati, you'll find endless opportunities for shadowing, volunteering, and gaining crucial experience as a pre-med student.
Slated to welcome its inaugural class in 2027, Xavier’s proposed College of Osteopathic medicine is the first of its kind in the nation.
FAQ
Prepare for a successful career as in healthcare with Xavier University's Pre-Professional Health Advising program. Learn more.
Considering a healthcare career? You might be surprised! Most graduate health programs, including medical schools, don't require a specific undergraduate major. You truly can major in almost anything.
While many pre-health students at Xavier choose Biomedical Sciences, Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, or Chemistry for their strong scientific foundation, these aren't your only options.
Remember, "Pre-Med" (or "Pre-Dent," "Pre-Vet") isn't a major; it's a career goal. When choosing your major, pick something you:
- Enjoy: You'll do better in a subject you like.
- Excel In: Strong grades are crucial.
- Provides a Backup: Consider a major that could lead to other graduate work or employment if your plans change.
If you choose a non-science major at Xavier, we highly recommend declaring a biomedical sciences minor. This ensures you complete the essential science prerequisites for most medical schools.
Medical school admission committees value diverse educational backgrounds. Xavier's liberal arts core will allow you to explore many subjects. While there are minimum course requirements for professional health schools, it's always a good idea to exceed them, as admissions are very competitive.
Most medical schools have a core set of science courses they expect applicants to complete. Generally, this includes one year of general biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics, all with a laboratory component. Biochemistry is also typically required.
At Xavier, these requirements translate to the following courses:
- Biology: BIOL 160/161 and 162/163
- Chemistry: CHEM 160/161 and 162/163
- Organic Chemistry: CHEM 240/241 and 242/243
- Biochemistry: CHEM 440
- Physics: PHYS 160/161 and 162/163
Beyond the sciences, most schools also require or strongly recommend college mathematics through calculus and often a year of English composition.
Always Check Specific School Requirements
While these are general guidelines, it's crucial to check the specific requirements for each medical school you're interested in. The Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR), published by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), is your go-to resource. You can purchase it through their website. The MSAR provides detailed information on each school's entrance requirements, curriculum, admission selection factors, and important deadlines.
We recommend diving deep into the websites of any medical schools that catch your eye. The more you know about a school, the better prepared you'll be.
The Medical College Admission Test is a standardized test that measures aptitude and achievement in science and other areas that are related to the study of medicine. Most medical schools require that you take the MCAT prior to admission.
We suggest looking at The MCAT Student Manual (published by the same company who gives the test) as early as your freshman year so that you can plan for the test. Understanding what is on the test can positively affect what you learn in class, and how you choose to retain that knowledge.
There are four parts to the test. They are:
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
- Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of Behavior and Biological Sciences.
Many students who love science courses also seem to avoid courses outside of science that require extensive reading and writing. As you can see, half of the MCAT focuses on reading and writing skills. Stretch yourself in your liberal arts core courses at Xavier. The training will serve you well when you take the MCAT.
Pre-Professional Health Program at Xavier University
The Pre-Professional Health program at Xavier prepares students for acceptance into medical, dental, veterinary or other graduate health professions programs. Students are advised to declare a major that they perform well in but that also prepares them for their respective graduate school program. Xavier provides the solid support and personal attention students need, from academic advising to peer mentoring and MCAT preparation. For 2019, a record 92 percent of Xavier graduates who applied to medical school were accepted.
Xavier University’s College of Arts and Sciences challenges students to develop an integrated understanding of humanity, the world, and God by pursuing the questions raised in Xavier's core and departmental curricula. The College of Arts and Sciences is the oldest and largest college at Xavier University. The college provides an excellent liberal arts education in the Jesuit tradition that prepares students for careers, professional or graduate school, and life in a global society.
Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Founded in 1831, the University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation. It has been ranked among the top 10 master's-level universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for the past two decades. The Princeton Review names it one of the "Best 385 Colleges in America."