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Pre-Health is a journey.

We understand that it can be a complex path to navigate - that's why we're here.

ÌýÌý Receive one-on-one support.

ÌýÌý​ÌýLearn application tips.Ìý

ÌýÌý Ace your interview.

While a journeyÌýto a career in theÌýhealth professions is rarely direct, there is a path for you.

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Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Boulder's Office of Pre-Health Advising (OPHA) offers resources and expert staff who know each profession's pathway and all of the alternative routes. OPHA may be supported by the College of Arts & Sciences, but serves all students at Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Boulder, regardless of major. We help youÌýcreate a personal journey toward your goal and support you as you navigate that path, providing you good company along the way.

  • Get access to health professions resources, like pre-requisite coursework and application tips.
  • Design a personalized health professions pathway that positions you for success in applying to professional schools.
  • Enjoy one-on-one mentorship and guidance from a professional pre-health advisor.

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  • Connect to fellow Buffs in pre-health workshops, lectures and events.
  • Attend a health professions expo and meetÌýprofessional school admissions representatives from different healthcare fields.
  • Be the first to know about current health professions opportunities on Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Boulder's campus and community.

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Student holds files of their cell biology research findings, smiling at a camera while standing in an elaborate lab setting.

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No matter your major, you can explore health professions, design a pathway, and get personalized guidance from a pre-health advisor to make sure you're on track.

Check out our pre-health pathways. >>

Declare pre-health to activate:

  • ÌýAccess to pre-health advising listserv.

  • ÌýYour first advising session in a group of ten or less.

  • ÌýAccess to a Canvas course of pre-health resources and information.

  • ÌýPre-health advising designation in Buff Portal Advising.

A collage of two people in a meeting, a screenshot of the Canvas course and a screenshot of an event broadcast on Facebook Live. Meant to show the types of benefits of the prehealth program.

Are you ready to start your pre-health journey?

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Declare pre-health and join OPHA.

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Set your pre-health goals.

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Implement your pathway plan.

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FAQs

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This office advises all Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Boulder students interested in a variety of careers in the health professions, regardless of major. Students receive individual appointments, workshops, mentorship,Ìýconnections to faculty, e-mails, access to events and connections inÌýstudent groups.
You are able to declare "pre-health" as an interest that is in addition to your major. For example, you can be an English major with a pre-med interest. It is important choose a major that you enjoy!ÌýMost professional schoolsÌýdo not have major requirements, but they do look at yourÌýGPA.
As long as medical school admissions requirementsÌýare met, you can choose any major. Working with your pre-health advisors will ensure you complete admissions requirements for any interest, no matter your major. Additionaly, many professional schools are interested in candidates with diverse interests and backgrounds.
Pre-health advisors help you craftÌýa competitive application to professional schools. They helpÌýyou stay on-trackÌýwith relevant class requirements, evaluate your skills and experiences, and make tailored recommendations related to your career path.ÌýAcademic advisors help students stay on-track to graduate, connect to your major department, and incorporate academic experiences and goals, like studying abroad, into your degree plan.
    Admission trends into professional schools often change, and our pre-health advisors stay current on factors influencing your competitiveness. In the past, selections have been based on: GPA. Required entrance exam scores. Personal history and background. Knowledge of and involvement in the profession. Clinical experience. Motivation and dedication to field. Passion outside of the field in service to others. Interests and hobbies. Service.ÌýExtracurricular activities. Leadership, intellectual curiousity, and problem-solvingÌýskills. Opportunities taken to grow and challenge oneself. Letters of recommendation. A personal interview.
    Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Boulder has a supportive network of local organizationsÌýand we work with students to connectÌýthem early in their academic careers. OPHA's pre-health advisors can help you learn which to explore and which often have more options for students looking to shadow or show their service to others through volunteering. They can also provide tips on how to use these experiences in your application to professional schools when you are ready to take that step.
    Getting involved in research is a great way to demonstrate your intellectual curiosity, problem-solving skills, and show your interest in applying your knowledge from the classroom in a real-world experience. Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Boulder's faculty pages are typically helpful areas to start, as they often provide information about their labs and any openings available. OPHA's pre-health advisors can help you learn how to best approach faculty and what to expect.
    Often, your application timing can make or break your chances of being offered an interview. Many schools function under a rolling admissions policy, which means they move quickly on fully completeÌýapplications. These schools operate under a set number of interview slots or seats to fill. At the beginning of the application process, they can consider more students, while those applying at the end are considered for the few remaining slots. The pre-health advisors can help you determine when to apply and how to do so that increases your likelihood of receiving an interview. Additionally, Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Boulder'sÌýVolunteer Resource CenterÌýcan also help you find meaningful volunteer positions.

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    Declare pre-health to begin yourÌýjourney.