Premedical/Predental Track Sequence

Freshman Year

At APU, the premedical/predental track begins during freshman year as students establish a solid foundation in English and in the sciences (general biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and calculus). Students should make it a priority in these core science courses to develop the work habits and the commitment to excellence that results in A grades. These courses, plus a semester of biochemistry, are required for the majority of medical and dental schools.

Sophomore Year

Typically, prospective medical and dental students apply to the premedical/predental track in spring of their sophomore year while taking 200-level biology and chemistry courses. The Department of Biology and Chemistry admits students to the premedical/predental track who have shown a serious commitment to preparing for a career in medicine or dentistry, and who are performing at a level that would make acceptance into medical or dental school a realistic possibility.

Students admitted to medical majors progress through their college education with the fellowship and support of like-minded peers, and benefit from academic advising from members of the Premedical/Predental Advisory Committee.

Junior Year

In their junior year, students in this track have the opportunity to take our in-house MCAT review course and the premedical/predental practicum course.

Senior Year

As seniors, students in this track prepare for the process of interviewing at medical or dental schools by participating in mock interviews with the Premedical/Predental Advisory Committee. This experience culminates with the committee assisting each student with the application process and submitting a committee letter on his/her behalf.

Preparing for the Mock Interview

The purpose of the mock interview is twofold:

1. To better prepare students for medical or dental school interviews.
2. To assist the committee in preparing a committee letter to enhance the student’s application.

To ensure that these goals are met, premedical/predental track students should:

1. Request letters of recommendation from faculty, MDs, DOs, research advisors, etc., in January of the application year.
2. Ensure that all letters of recommendation are sent to committee advisor by April of the application year (prior to scheduling the mock interview).
3. Schedule mock interviews with the committee chair in April of the application year.
4. Start drafting their personal statement in January of the application year.
5. Submit personal statements to the committee before or at the time of the mock interview if feedback is desired.

Medical and Dental School Academic Prerequisites

In addition to APU’s General Education requirements, view the typical academic prerequisites required by most medical and dental schools.