Pre-Professional Preparation

Program Overview

Pre-Law Studies

Although there is no specific pre-law curriculum, a strong foundation in the liberal arts, with emphasis on such subjects as English language and literature, political science, sociology, philosophy and logic, history or economics is highly recommended.

Virtually all law schools require the Law School Admission Test for admission. Students intending to go to law school directly after graduation should visit the Department of Law and Criminal Justice to receive assistance with program planning and with the law school application process.

Pre-Medical and Pre-Dental Studies

Medical and dental schools prefer students who have a broad background in the humanities and social sciences, in addition to scientific coursework, including biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry and physics. (Dental schools also prefer that applicants show manual dexterity, so this is a good chance to take ceramics or other studio arts classes!) Students should join the Pre-Health Club and meet with the Pre-Health Advisor, starting in their first semester at Hood, to map out their pathway to medical or dental applications, begin preparing for the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) or the Dental Admission Test (DAT), and arrange shadowing opportunities with experienced medical professionals.

Pre-Veterinary Studies

Veterinary medical schools require students to be prepared with a strong background in the sciences—in particular biochemistry, chemistry and microbiology—balanced by coursework in the humanities, social sciences and mathematics. In addition to demonstrating exceptional ability in the classroom, most veterinary schools also expect students to document hands-on experience under the tutelage of an experienced veterinarian. Students should join the Pre-Health Club and meet with the Pre-Health Advisor starting in their first semester at Hood to map out their pathway to veterinary school applications.

Pre-Physician Assistant and Pre-Physical Therapy Studies

The Pre-Physical Therapy (Pre-PT) track is an academic path designed to prepare undergraduate students for entry into a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. Students complete core science prerequisites (including biology, chemistry and physics), along with statistics and psychology. Physical therapy is one of the fastest-growing healthcare fields. Students should join the Pre-Health Club and meet with the Pre-Health Advisor starting in their first semester at Hood to map out their pathway to PT school.

The goal of the Pre-Physician Assistant (Pre-PA) track is to equip students with the necessary knowledge and experience to become licensed, certified Physician Assistants (PAs) who collaborate with doctors in various specialties to provide patient care. Essential science prerequisites include anatomy, physiology, microbiology and chemistry. Students should join the Pre-Health Club and meet with the Pre-Health Advisor starting in their first semester at Hood to map out their pathway to PA school.