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. While there is no ‘pre-health’ major, pre-health students must complete the requirements for entrance into graduate school programs.

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.

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.

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. Check out the SAB’s top 10 student organizations here!

Service & Learning Fair: The Service & Learning Fair is a vibrant tabling event hosted every Fall that brings together community partners, professional organizations, and student organizations all to one place! It’s designed to showcase opportunities, resources, and pathways in the health professions, specifically for USC Pre-Health students.

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

Pre-Health Newsletter: Want to stay in the know about everything pre-health? From research and shadowing opportunities to free events, scholarships, and application tips — we’ve got you covered. Click the link for more info and sign up!

Newly admitted students that have not matriculated to USC are to fill out the Intake Form. 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 and introduce them to our office and services.

If you are a matriculated student, then you are to complete the referral process. Click here for for more info and instructions. 

If you are a matriculated (currently enrolled) student, but new to the Pre-Health path, then you are to complete the referral process. Click here for for more info and instructions.

Not necessarily. First year students are highly encouraged to meet with peer advisors before meeting with staff advisors. Peer advisors are to refer on to Staff Advisors for complex questions or situations.

Peer advisors are a great first step for:

• Exploring different health career paths
• General pre-health timelines (what to do and when)
• Basic prerequisite guidance 
• Getting started with experiences like clinical, research, service, and leadership
• Navigating campus resources and opportunities
• Study strategies and student perspective on courses and balance
• General questions about exams (MCAT, DAT, etc.) and preparation resources

These are typically introductory or common questions, and peer advisors are specifically trained to help students get oriented and take next steps.

Students are to contact advisors by submitting a Support Case. Though our preferred mode of contact is via email at prehealth@dornsife.usc.edu for urgent inquiries. Due to recent significant increase in email and Support Case communication please allow 2-3 business days.

We encourage students to come prepared with the following:

• A general idea of their health career interests (it is okay if they are still exploring)
• By reviewing our website, they will find the Pre-Health Tracks and will include info on course requirements.
• Review Sample Course plans
• A basic understanding of pre-health requirements and timelines
• Reviewing our Resources Tab on our website will help where to find involvement opportunities 
• 2 to 3 specific questions they want to discuss
• Awareness of their current coursework, grades, and academic plan
• A summary of their experiences such as clinical, research, service, or leadership
• Any challenges, concerns, or goals they would like guidance on

In some cases. It varies by profession and individual program. Some programs may or may not accept P/NP grades. Students are to review individual program course policies.

Generally, yes. In most cases, students may take math courses, behavioral science courses, and lower division general biology or chemistry, even PHYS 135aL elsewhere (e.g CC or other 4-year). Students are to review individual program course policies and contact Pre-Health advisors for guidance.

If Pre-Health course overlaps with major/university requirement, it is best to double check with your academic advisor for approval and pre-approval process guidance.

Generally, no. However, policies vary by program. Labs must be in-person. In some cases, math courses or behavioral science courses may be taken online. Students are to review individual program course policies.

In most cases, no. Many health professional programs expect prerequisite science courses to be taken for a letter grade.

In some cases. Policies vary by program. Students are often encouraged to take additional coursework beyond AP/IB credit, especially in science. Students are to review individual program course policies.

In most cases, yes. However, it varies by profession and individual program. Students are to review individual program course policies.

Depends on the pre-health track and the program you are applying to. Some programs may be stricter than others. Students are responsible to reach out to their desired programs for confirmation of course policies.

Typically, pre-med students may opt out of taking PSYC 100 if they have AP credit. Please note that Psychology and Sociology course are typically not med school requirements, but for MCAT preparation. Some students are able to self study on these subjects.

View here for “Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior Section: Overview” for MCAT prep.

Depends on your goals. We always encourage students to study abroad if it is something they are interested in. Studying abroad may help their future application to build on their cultural competence.

However, students may NOT complete their Pre-Health prerequisite courses abroad.

Several pre-health students study abroad if they are flexible with their application timeline, and course planning. Maymesters are a popular option. Students can go abroad anytime beginning first semester sophomore year.

Check out the Office of Overseas Studies  Pre-Health webpage for more info!