Pre-Health Office Home

Frequestly Asked Questions

What is a Pre-Health file?

A Pre-Health file declares your intention to pursue a medical career and assists the Pre-Health Committee in writing...(Show More)

A Pre-Health file declares your intention to pursue a medical career and assists the Pre-Health Committee in writing/filing letters of recommendation for you as you apply to medical schools. The Pre-Health Committee's Letters of Recommendation Policy lists minimum requirements for students to receive letters of recommendation from the committee. Click HERE to review the policy now.
(Show Less)
Who needs a Pre-Health File?

Any Rutgers-Newark undergraduate student interested in pursuing a career in medicine.
How do I open a Pre-Health file?

Complete the Pre-Health Declaration of Intention Form and submit it to the Pre-Health Office, Hill 306...(Show More)

Complete the Pre-Health Declaration of Intention Form and submit it to the Pre-Health Office, Hill 306. If the office is closed, give it to the receptionist in Hill 312 to be placed in the Pre-Health mailbox.
Note, that this form requires a recent photo. On page 1 under "Professional Plans" you may check up to 2 areas. The information you supply may be updated by simply adding it on a separate piece of paper.
(Show Less)
How do I collect references for medical school applications?

Complete Part A of the Pre-Health Recomendation Form and give it to the science professor, employer, or health...(Show More)

Complete Part A of the Pre-Health Recomendation Form and give it to the science professor, employer, or health care professional that is writing the recommendation letter for you. It contains specific instructions on how and where to submit the letter. Three or four references are usually sufficient.
(Show Less)
Where can I find detailed information on health related careers?

The U.S. Dept. of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook is a great place to start. Use the "Professional"...(Show More)

The U.S. Dept. of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook is a great place to start. Use the "Professional" -> "Health Diagnosing and Treating" and the "Professional" -> "Health Technologists and Technicians" links to explore careers.
(Show Less)
Where can I find detailed information on medical schools?
- The Association of American Medical Colleges has prepared an excellent website (http://www.AspiringDocs.org) of information on medical schools...(Show More)
- The Association of American Medical Colleges has prepared an excellent website (http://www.AspiringDocs.org) of information on medical schools.
- An important note on the ranking of medical schools is available here: http://share.studentdoctor.net/medical-school-rankings.asp.
- Touro College - School of Health Sciences is a local medical school with the following health programs: physician assistant, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, nursing, BS Health Care Administration, oriental medicine or acupuncture.
- http://www.schools101.com/top-ten-medical-schools.html
- http://forbestadvice.com/Education/BestSchools/Best-Medical-Schools2008.html
(Show Less)
What should I major in?

There is no premed major at Rutgers-Newark, students can major in any subject with the provision that the admission requirements...(Show More)

There is no premed major at Rutgers-Newark, students can major in any subject with the provision that the admission requirements for the health professions have been met. The following site may assist in selecting a major: http://www.MyMajors.com. Start by clicking "I'm new."
(Show Less)
What is the MCAT?

The MCAT is the Medical College Admission Test. It changed to a computer-based format in 2007. The computer-based MCAT...(Show More)

The MCAT is the Medical College Admission Test. It changed to a computer-based format in 2007. The computer-based MCAT and the older paper MCAT measure the same things. The individual multiple-choice sections (verbal reasoning, biological sciences and physical sciences) each have scores ranging from 1 - 15. The writing sample ranges from J to T. In 2008, the computer-based MCAT was offered on 25 testing dates with most of those dates later in the year. The length of the testing day (including check-in) is about six hours. Results are reported approximately 30 days after the test date. To learn more about the computerized MCAT, visit their web site: http://www.aamc.org
(Show Less)
How do I prepare for the MCAT?
- Students preparing for admission to medical school should begin preparing for the MCAT in the freshman year...(Show More)
- Students preparing for admission to medical school should begin preparing for the MCAT in the freshman year of college studies. This comprehensive exam tests your knowledge of biology, chemistry and physics and includes a writing section.
- The MCAT exam should not be taken until the student has completed one year of general biology, one year of physics and two years of chemistry (general and organic). The labs need not be completed before the MCAT but are required for admission to medical school. Additional courses useful to prepare for the MCAT include Foundations of Biology, Biochemistry and Genetics.
- Improve your reading skills (newspapers, magazines, books and journals including medical journals are available in many libraries). You may not understand every word so purchase a good dictionary and build up your vocabulary. Enhance your reading and comprehension skills, do you understand what you read? Are you a slow reader? Improve your reading skills starting now - remember that the MCAT is a timed exam - if you are a slow reader you will not be able to finish the exam. Some answers to MCAT questions can be obtained by carefully reading and understanding the passage.
- Consider a MCAT review course - contact organizations like ExamKrackers (1-888-KRACK'EM OR www.examkrackers.com), Kaplan (973/884-3500 OR www.kaplan.com), Princeton Review (609/683-0082), etc. for information. There appears to be a relationship between the score on the SAT and the MCAT (both are standardized exams) - if you did not perform well on the SAT you should consider a review course - most students do take a review course. Good grades alone will not get you into medical school - the MCAT is important and compares you to other students nationwide.
- In March 2009, the AAMC prepared an important 400-page publication, AAMC's Official Guide to the MCAT Exam, developed under the direction of the MCAT staff. This publication also involved current medical students and contains passages and questions from actual MCAT tests (with explanations of correct and incorrect answers) as well as tips on obtaining higher scores. The publication is available online at: www.aamc.org/officialmcatguide or by calling the Publications Department, 202-828-0416.
- MCAT Question of the Day though not affiliated with or endorsed by the AAMC, provides insight on the MCAT.
(Show Less)
What criteria do medical schools use?

Apart from a good MCAT score and respectable grades (at least a 3.4 GPA), you should have some kind of health related experience...(Show More)

Apart from a good MCAT score and respectable grades (at least a 3.4 GPA), you should have some kind of health related experience. This can be volunteer or paid services (working as an EMT, volunteering in a medical office or hospital, research, etc.). These experiences will help you decide if you really want to become a doctor. In an interview with a medical school, can you answer the question as to WHY you want to become a physician? Can you provide an answer based on your experiences? What evidence can you provide? What sets you apart from other premedical students? Remember there are more applicants to medical school than seats. What leadership skills do you possess? Community activities?
Note: The AAMC has advised the medical schools to use the MCAT together with coursework, grades, recommendations, students' health-related experiences, extracurricular activities and interview results in the decision-making process for admission. Admissions officials are also asked to rely more on the total MCAT score rather than on individual scores on the multiple-choice sections.
In addition, Admission requirements to professional schools are subject to change, it is recommended that students carefully check the course requirements for the schools they plan to apply to so that these requirements are fulfilled.
(Show Less)
What kind of questions do medical school interviewers ask?
- Whom do you admire? Reason/s?
- What accomplishments are you most proud of? Why? ...(Show More)
- Whom do you admire? Reason/s?
- What accomplishments are you most proud of? Why?
- Describe the activities you have participated in that are health-related (volunteer or paid work).
- What are the qualities of an excellent physician? Which of these are the most challenging to achieve?
- Name a strong positive trait that you possess. Describe your greatest weakness.
(Show Less)
What is an osteopath?

An osteopath is a doctor. A physician in the United States can be either an M.D. (doctor of medicine, also referred to as...(Show More)

An osteopath is a doctor. A physician in the United States can be either an M.D. (doctor of medicine, also referred to as allopathic medicine) or D.O. (doctor of osteopathy). Approximately 5% of physicians are doctors of osteopathy. Osteopathic schools place emphasis on primary care and frequently become family practitioners, pediatricians, gynecologists and internists. In the U.S. osteopaths prescribe drugs (like M.D.s) and perform surgery. However, in certain countries like Canada, osteopaths are not licensed as "doctors".
Unlike M.D.s, osteopathic medicine stresses the importance of the musculoskeletal system in many disorders with hands-on manipulation therapy. Today, many osteopaths do not utilize manipulation therapy and function instead like M.D.s.
Many students do not fully understand osteopathic medicine. The D.O. is a fully licensed physician who utilizes all scientific modalities to restore and maintain health.
The University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine offers a concise definition: "There are only two kinds of physicians qualified to be licensed for unlimited practice of medicine in all 50 states: those holding the M.D. degree, and those who have earned the D.O. - doctor of osteopathic medicine - degree.
Osteopathic physicians perform surgery, deliver babies, and prescribe medicine in hospitals and clinics across the nation. Whether they're family doctors or specialists, D.O.s use all the tools of modern medicine...and more.
They help their patients develop attitudes and lifestyles that don't just fight illness, but prevent it. They give special attention to how the body's nerves, muscles, bones, and organs work together to influence health. Through osteopathic manipulative treatment, they can use their hands to diagnose injury and illness... and encourage the body's natural ability to heal itself.
These extra touches distinguish th D.O.'s whole-person philosophy of medicine. It's a century-old tradition of caring for people, not just treating symptoms."
(Show Less)
Where can I learn more about osteopathic medicine?
- http://www.aacom.org/
- http://www.aacom.org/about/fastfacts/Pages/default.aspx
What is the OAT?

The OAT is the Optometry Admission Test. It is offered in a computerized format. Testing is available...(Show More)

The OAT is the Optometry Admission Test. It is offered in a computerized format. Testing is available throughout the year. The applicant selects the date, time, and place that is most convenient. Test results are obtained immediately after the exam and schools receive the scores within two weeks.
The major source for information regarding applications is online at: www.opted.org
Information on the Optometry Admission Testing Program can be obtained by telephone: 1-800-232-2159.
(Show Less)
Where can I learn more about podiatric medicine?
- American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine
- Explore podiatric medicine with an internship...(Show More)
- American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine
- Explore podiatric medicine with an internship at the School of Podiatric Medicine at Temple University (http://podiatry.temple.edu)! Call (215) 625-5451 OR (800) 220-3338, or write: Internship Programs, Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, Office of Student Affairs, 8th at Race Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19107 for more information.
- The New York College of Podiatric Medicine (www.nycpm.edu) is located at 1800 Park Ave., New York, NY 10035. Tour the campus and learn about this excellent career by calling 800-526-6966 or 212-410-8089.
(Show Less)
Where can I learn more about physician assistant careers?
- American Academy of Physician Assistants
- Rutgers/UMDNJ BA/MS Physician Assistant Program
Where can I learn about Medical/Dental school scholarships?

The United States Navy offers scholarships for medical and dental school. Contact Lt. Kelly Bricko, MSC, USNR, 732-433-3009, OR5_NY@CNRC.NAVY.MIL for more information.
Where can I learn about Dental schools?
- Admission requirements for U.S. and Canadian Dental Schools http://www.adea.org
- DAT info: http://www.ada.org/prof/ed/testing/dat/index.asp...(Show More)
- Admission requirements for U.S. and Canadian Dental Schools: http://www.adea.org
- DAT info: http://www.ada.org/prof/ed/testing/dat/index.asp
- On-line application service: http://www.aamc.org/students/amcas/
(Show Less)
Where can I learn about current health topics?
- American Medical News
- Washington Highlights
Does UMDNJ have a Physical Therapy Program?

Yes, UMDNJ offers a full-time three-year program preparing students in differential diagnoses, and advanced clinical and management practices...(Show More)

Yes, UMDNJ offers a full-time three-year program preparing students in differential diagnoses, and advanced clinical and management practices. For further information: 973/ 972-4547.
(Show Less)
What kinds of volunteer work will help my chances of admission to mrdical school?

Project Health Care at Bellevue Hospital is a 10-week program beginning the first week of June and ends in August of each year...(Show More)

Project Health Care at Bellevue Hospital is a 10-week program beginning the first week of June and ends in August of each year. Participants work at least 22 hours per week in scheduled rotations within the Department of Emergency Services: Adult Emergency Services, Pediatric Emergency Services, Psychiatric Emergency Services, Urgent Care and the Emergency Ward. For details, see link (above) or call (212) 562-4858. Program Director: Priscilla Daniels, Dept. of Volunteer Services.
(Show Less)
What is an occupational therapist?

The occupational therapist assists individuals with mental and physical challenges master skills for everyday living. OTs help people...(Show More)

The occupational therapist assists individuals with mental and physical challenges master skills for everyday living. OTs help people faced with conditions such as injury, disability, stroke, disease, mental illness and Alzheimer's. They may provide assistance for children in a school environment, or in their homes or clients in theirhomes or in medical, rehab or assisted-living facilities. They frequently work together with physicians, nurses, social workers and other OTs. In addition, some OTs have private practices. This field is growing rapidly.
(Show Less)
Where can I learn more about occupational therapy?
- American Occupational Therapy Association
- www.bls.gov/oco/ocos078.htm ...(Show More)
(Show Less)
Are there careers that blend science and medicine?

Yes, UMDNJ offers a BS Degree in Clinical Laboratory and Biomedical Sciences.

	Arts and Sciences
	Honors College
	Graduate School
	Off Campus Programs
	Urban Connections and Outreach
	Paths to Careers