Frequently Asked Questions
What are Professional Schools?
Professional schools train students for careers in highly specific fields, like medicine and dentistry.
Professional Schools are competitive post-graduation programs that include high-level academic work and hands-on experiences. The P-PAC currently focuses on developing and assisting students with the preparation for healthcare professional schools. These schools include medical school, dental school, pharmacy school, optometry school, veterinary school, podiatry school, physician assistant, physical therapy, athletic training, speech language pathology, and occupational therapy graduate programs.
What is Pre-Professional Advising?
At the P-PAC, we work with our students to explore the health professions, prepare and develop into competitive professional school applicants, and apply to professional schools. We assist our scholars in making informed decisions on pre-health course planning, securing relevant experiences, overcoming obstacles, and navigating the professional school application process. We are here to aid students in their development and process of applying to professional school through proactive student-centered advising, academic coaching, skill-building workshops, informational sessions, and early preparation.
Who can receive Pre-Professional Advising?
The P-PAC is open to all Seton Hall University scholars and alumni of any major and academic year who are interested in a career in healthcare and applying to professional school post-graduation.
Do I have to major in biology to attend a professional school?
No, you don’t have to major in biology or any related fields to attend professional schools. Professional schools typically require specific prerequisite courses rather than a specific major. That means students from any major – from music to sports management – can apply for and attend professional schools. In fact, choosing a major outside of biology or chemistry can offer diverse perspectives and valuable skills that can prove to be beneficial in a healthcare environment. However, many pre-professional students often choose to major in biology or related majors because the major requirements often overlap with the professional school prerequisites, making for a more streamlined process.
If you are considering a major other than biology or related majors, it is essential that you meet with the Pre-Professional Advising Center and your academic advisor to make sure you can stay on track with your major requirements, as well as the professional school prerequisites.
Can I major in pre-health?
The pre-health refers to the track that guides students to professional school, they are not majors. Common majors for pre-health students include biology, chemistry, psychology and interprofessional health sciences, but any major is possible.
If I am in the nursing program, should I come to the Pre-Professional Advising Center for advising?
Advising for nursing students is not available through the PPAC. Nursing students interested in advising should reach out to their academic advisor.
What classes count toward my science GPA?
The courses that count toward your science GPA will have a subject line of BIOL (biology), CHEM (chemistry), MATH (mathematics), and PHYS (physics).
What clubs does Seton Hall have for students interested in a health profession?
Seton Hall University has a variety of clubs and service organizations that are open to students of all majors interested in various health professions:
- Active Minds
- Aspiring Latinos in Medicine Alliance
- Biology Society
- Exercise Science Club
- Global Medical Brigades
- Hands-On Healthcare
- Health Sciences Amplified
- HOSA – Future Health Professionals
- MEDLIFE
- MedicZero
- Medical Humanities Club
- Minority Association of STEM Collegians
- Physical Therapy Student Association
- Pre-Dental Society
- Pre-Med Connect
- Seton Hall Organization of Physical Therapy Students
- Seton Hall University Blood Initiative
- The Health Herald
- Undergraduate Occupational Therapy Organization
- Women in STEM
How can I make an appointment at the P-PAC?
To make an appointment at the P-PAC, sign into PirateNet and click on the COMPASS chiclet. Once on the COMPASS homepage, click on the “Schedule An Appointment” button which will take you to the New Appointment page. From the first drop down selection, click “Academic Advising”. Then, click on “Pre-Professional Advising” from the second drop down. Lastly, choose a date and time that works for you. Make sure to list a couple of topics or questions you want to go over during your appointment in the space provided.