Frequently Asked Questions

Prospective students can select “Pre-Health” on the Common App to indicate your interest in a health professional career pre-admission. Students may also self-select into the pathway at any time during their studies at USC. Pre-Health is a pre-professional pathway or “meta-major”.

The Dornsife Pre-Health Advisement office is embedded within one of the top research universities. The central mission of the University of Southern California is the development of human beings and society as a whole through the cultivation and enrichment of the human mind and spirit. The principal means by which our mission is accomplished are teaching, research, artistic creation, professional practice and selected forms of public service. This rich and vibrant institution provides an ideal environment to become a competitive applicant to your chosen health professional school.

We are proud to have one of the top academic medical centers in the country in our backyard. The Keck School of Medicine is part of Keck Medicine of USC, the University of Southern California’s medical enterprise and one of only two university-owned academic medical centers in the Los Angeles area. 

Students at USC have access to a strategic network of USC Affiliated Hospitals:

• Keck Medical Center of USC
  • Keck Hospital of USC
  • USC Norris Cancer Hospital
• Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
• Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center

The two world-class, USC-owned hospitals are staffed by more than 500 physicians who are faculty at the Keck School. Together, the school’s faculty and residents serve more than 1.5 million patients each year. 

We partner with both Keck School of Medicine and LAC+USC Hospitals to provide valuable volunteering and shadowing opportunities to our pre-health students. 

No particular major is required for admission to health professional school. Choose your major based on your interests and an area that you find exciting, which at the same time, will keep you academically competitive. It is possible to major in any academic discipline and still complete the science courses required for health professional schools. Health professional schools are also interested in students who have a well-rounded education, and an understanding gained through the study of literature, history, & the social and behavioral sciences. The ability to read, write, think critically, and to do well in the sciences, are crucial for successful admission to health professional schools.

You can select any major or minor in addition to your pre-health track. We encourage you to explore the Dornsife Academics website for how to choose a major. In addition, there are several suggestions from the College for majors and minors related to medicine.

We are unique among other universities in that we have a stand-alone office with a large dedicated team for working with pre-health students. Our staff are employed full time and work solely with pre-health students.

USC Dornsife manages an annual sponsored research budget of $292.2 million. We are proud to assist and cultivate the research endeavors of USC Dornsife’s students and investigators—the leading minds of the 21st century. 

We are part of a broader world renowned research institution and USC is proud to office students a vast landscape in which to pursue their research interests. Sometimes individually, sometimes in groups, USC undergraduates conduct research with guidance from distinguished faculty leaders. Imagine presenting your findings at a conference or publishing your research. With so many opportunities and funding sources, you can do it here.

USC consistently generates more competitive medical school applicants each year, with higher MCAT scores and higher acceptance rates than the national averages. This is a strong testament to the high caliber academic preparation students receive at our institution and the wide range of experiential learning opportunities on our campus and the greater Los Angeles area.

Please contact USC Dornsife Office of Admissions & Student Success if you have additional questions before enrollment.

Incoming pre-health students are asked to complete a pre-health intake form (link available via Orientation Blackboard page). You will then be invited to attend a virtual pre-health orientation session during the summer (winter for Spring admits), as part of their general orientation/introduction to the University.  

The pre-health orientation process is meant to welcome new students to the pre-health path, introduce them to our office and services, and assist them with course planning for their first semester as pre-health students. 

Pre-Health Student Organizations:  numerous pre-health related student organizations are available on campus to offer you the opportunity to connect with leadership, volunteer, community and research opportunities

Pre-Health Meet & Greet:  Get connected with Pre-Health Staff and Peer Advisors during the first week of the semester

Pre-Health Peer Advisors:  Current student leaders who offer guidance, support and mentorship for our pre-health students along their journeys.

Pre-Health 101:  Overview of what you need to know as a pre-health student at USC, held the second or third week of classes

Pre-Health Blackboard Org Page:  Pre-Health students may be added to our Blackboard Org page for the most up-to-date information about our events, opportunities and resources

 Basic “Getting Started” Guide for New Pre-Health Students:

1. Complete Pre-health Intake Form during orientation process
2. Read Welcome Packet
3. Attend Virtual Pre-Health Orientation
4. Attend Meet & Greet during the first week of classes to meet our team and your fellow pre-health students!
5. Connect with a Pre-Health Peer Advisor as a first point of contact for basic inquiries including health career exploration, course requirements, or scheduling     
6. Attend Pre-Heath 101 information session offered at the beginning of the semester for new pre-health students
7. Schedule an appointment with a staff advisor (recommended meet every semester)

Book an appointment now!