About the Pre-Professional Advising Center At the Pre-Professional Advising Center, advising is an intentional, collaborative partnership between advisors and students prepares students to become competitive professional school applicants. Grounded in teaching and learning, advisors will: Promote student engagement in curricular and co-curricular expereinces Foster self-directed learning Assist in self-assessment and career exploration Encourage professionalism, integrity and character development • • • • Welcome Bearcats! I love the beginning of the school year! ere is an energy and optimism on campus that is contagious. Students are blazing trails and laying foundations for academic and personal success. Faculty and staff – people who have dedicated their careers to helping students achieve loſty goals – are eager to implement programs they have been working on all summer. Summer Orientation at UC is always a whirlwind, and oſten goes by in a blur. is time, I made a conscious effort to observe more of what was going on around me – to be more “in the moment” instead of always worrying about what was coming next. Here are a few things that I witnessed that make me optimistic for YOUR success at UC: Saw new Bearcats establishing friendships that will last a lifetime. You Bearcats care deeply for one another. Observed students engaging with their advisors as they worked together to put together a good fall course schedule. UC Advisors are invested in YOUR success. Overheard an earnest discussion between advisors and parents about the importance of maintaining trust with our students. YOU have many people on your side! Moments like these reinforce to me that I have the privilege to work with fantastic students and colleagues – truly exceptional people who seize opportunities and work hard to make things happen. Never forget that YOU are in charge of your education – but also never forget that UC surrounds you with a host of educators who care deeply and want you to succeed! e advisors at the Pre- Professional Advising Center look forward to working beside you. Sincerely, Suzette D.Combs Director • • • 120 University Pavilion PO Box 210090 Cincinnati OH 45221-0090 Phone: 513-556-2166 Fax: 513-556-3728 www.uc.edu/preproadvising [email protected]
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About the Pre-Professional Advising Center
At the Pre-Professional Advising Center, advising is an intentional, collaborative partnership between advisors and students prepares students to become competitive professional school applicants. Grounded in teaching and learning, advisors will:
Promote student engagement in curricular and co-curricular expereinces
Foster self-directed learning
Assist in self-assessment and career exploration
Encourage professionalism, integrity and character development
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Welcome Bearcats!I love the beginning of the school year! There is an energy and optimism on campus that is contagious. Students are blazing trails and laying foundations for academic and personal success. Faculty and staff – people who have dedicated their careers to helping students achieve lofty goals – are eager to implement programs they have been working on all summer.
Summer Orientation at UC is always a whirlwind, and often goes by in a blur. This time, I made a conscious effort to observe more of what was going on around me – to be more “in the moment” instead of always worrying about what was coming next. Here are a few things that I witnessed that make me optimistic for YOUR success at UC:
Saw new Bearcats establishing friendships that will last a lifetime. You Bearcats care deeply for one another. Observed students engaging with their advisors as they worked together to put together a good fall course schedule. UC Advisors are invested in YOUR success.Overheard an earnest discussion between advisors and parents about the importance of maintaining trust with our students. YOU have many people on your side!
Moments like these reinforce to me that I have the privilege to work with fantastic students and colleagues – truly exceptional people who seize opportunities and work hard to make things happen.
Never forget that YOU are in charge of your education – but also never forget that UC surrounds you with a host of educators who care deeply and want you to succeed! The advisors at the Pre-Professional Advising Center look forward to working beside you.
Student Spotlight:Abby HoffPre-Pharmacy McMicken College of Arts & Sciences
“As a pre-pharmacy student, I was exposed to the many different options available in a pharmacy career. Through shadowing and volunteer experiences, I was able to see hands-on what the field of pharmacy looked like in a multitude of settings. PPAC has been invaluable to me throughout my college experience thus far. Whether it was attending an interview workshop, or simply meeting with my advisor, I learned a great deal. PPAC connected me to other students like myself, both older and my age, and provided me all the support and knowledge I needed to successfully complete my first year as a pre-pharmacy student at UC.”
There are three ways you can take advantage of the services the PPAC offers:
By Appointment. Each staff member reserves time to meet with students regularly.
Walk in. There are pre-established “drop-in” times you to stop by for a quick question and/or drop off materials with your advisor. Visit the PPAC website for designated walk-in times.
Group advising/workshop. An example is the pre-pharmacy workshop held in September (refer to page 12). This advising format allows the advising staff to present pertinent information to a number of students and address more frequently asked questions. This is also your opportunity to meet other students with similar interests.
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The PPAC is located on the first floor of University Pavilion (Photo courtesy of the University of Cincinnati).
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Advising AreasAdvising is a partnership. Therefore, there are things we both need to do to make it a productive partnership. Here are five advising tips to help us both be our best!
Prepare for the appointment. I should review your academic record and notes. You should call ahead if you need to cancel, prepare questions ahead of time, etc.We both should be present for the appointment…put away cell phones, take notes. We should both talk openly in the advising sessions. I should ask questions and you should be prepared to answer questions.Don’t wait for the last minute to ask for help. I should be sending you resources and you should be proactive in taking advantage of them.Be patient. Problems that need to be resolved require patience and professionalism on both of our parts. We should use etiquette in our written and oral communications to each other and others involved.Follow-up. Let’s keep each other in the loop on things. I care about your success and want to celebrate the small wins with you along the way.
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Advising TipsThe Pre-Professional Advising Center (PPAC) specializes in providing you with necessary information and helping you develop good planning skills. The staff of the PPAC provides you with help through each step of the way. Course selection, time management tips, information on individual schools, admissions test preparation advice, help finding alternative careers, and links to ways to get experience. We provide advising services in the following areas:
Pre-Law
Pre-Health (Medicine, Optometry, Denistry, Veterinary, Physician Assistant, Chiropractic, Naturopathic, Podiatry, and Public Health)
Pre-Pharmacy
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PPAC Staff
From left to right: Robin Selzer, James Gaffney, Suzette Combs, and Charlie Scruggs
Contact Information Advising Area(s)Suzette CombsDirector
“ I just wanted to thank you for everything you’ve done as an advisor throughout this whole process. It’s been very helpful and has helped to keep the stress at a minimum throughout these two years.”
To schedule an advising appointment, call (513) 556-2166 or e-mail [email protected]. Provide your name, UCID (M-number), phone number, availability the next two weeks, and brief reason for your visit.
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Introduction to Pre-Professional Advising
Designed for freshmen and sophomores who are exploring the idea of going to professional schoolRequired before you set up an individual appointment with a PPAC advisorOffered most weeks throughout both semesters Explores:
Choosing a majorCareer exploration Extra-curricular activitiesResearch opportunities
Interviewing and Professionalism Workshop
Designed to prepare students for health professions school interviewsRecommended for students who are in the health professions application processOffered in fall semesterExplores:
Interview formatsProfessionalism/etiquetteInterview dressTypes of questions
Typical Specific to you
The rest of the interview dayThank-yous/follow up
Pre-Pharmacy WorkshopDesigned to prepare students to apply for pharmacy schoolRequired for pre-pharmacy freshmen each semester (you can’t register for classes until you attend)Offered in early fall and spring semesters. You must attend in BOTH fall and spring semestersExplores:
Course selectionCareer explorationPreparing for the PCAT Pharmacy school application process
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Pre-Professional Workshops
Health Professions Application Workshop
Designed to prepare students for the health professions school application processRecommended for juniors and seniors who are planning to apply the next summerRequired for students who wish to have the PPAC manage their letters of recommendationOffered in spring semester Explores:
Application timelineApplication websites for health professions (medical, dental, optometry, podiatry, veterinary and physician assistant)Career explorationPreparing for admissions test (MCAT, DAT, OAT, GRE)Letters of recommendation
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Photo courtesty of the University of Cincinnati
Law School Application Workshop
Designed to prepare students to apply to law schoolRecommended for juniors and seniors who are planning to apply to law schoolOffered in fall, spring and summer semestersExplores:
Application timelineLaw School Admission Council (LSAC) application websitePreparing for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)Letters of recommendation
Personal Statement WorkshopDesigned to prepare students to write a personal statementRecommended for students who are beginning their application to health professions schoolOffered in spring semesterExplores:
Self-assessment“Writing About Me” exercisesWriting timelineExamples of personal statements
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How Do I Register For These Workshops?Workshop dates and times are listed on the PPAC website (www.uc.edu/preproadvising). You may register by calling (513) 556-2166 or sending an e-mail message to [email protected]. When registering mention the following:
The workshop you are interested in
Your first and second session choice of date and time
Your first and last name
Your UCID (M-number)
Your cell phone number
Your UConnect e-mail address (all e-mail will be sent to your UC address)
Your major
Your career interest
Workshops may have a maximum number of students allowed to participate so register early. Once you attend a workshop, we encourage you to then meet with an individual advisor.
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Student Testimonials
“The [Interviewing Workshop] helped a lot! Thank you! I now know what kind of questions to expect so I will be preparing my answers ahead of time.”
“I think [the Personal Statement Workshop] definitely made me think a bit more about what I would say or how I would present myself.”
“I was a little confused about the whole process before attending [the Application Workshop], but now feel I have a better grasp on what I need to accomplish and when.”
“I have direction with my personal statement. It wouldn’t have been personal at all if I hadn’t attended the workshop.”
“The [Personal Statement Workshop] really made me think about WHY I am where I am, and how to convey this.”
(Photo courtesty of the University of Cincinnati)
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The Law School and Health Professions Fairs
The Law School Fair (Monday, October 28, 2013, 11 AM-2 PM) provides students the opportunity to speak with law school admissions representatives and get information about LSAT preparation and financial aid.
The Health Professions Fair (Monday, March 3, 2014, 11 AM-2 PM) provides students the opportunity to interact with representatives from various health professions programs, and learn about research and volunteer/service learning opportunities.
Both fairs are open to all UC students and the general public. Participants are allowed to come and go as their schedules allow. PPAC advisors will be available to answer questions.
Both fairs are held in the Tangeman University Center.
Student Spotlight:Michael McGowanPre-PodiatryCollege of Allied Health SciencesClass of 2012
Without the PPAC I wouldn’t be starting my professional schooling today. They were always there to answer my questions pertaining to professional school, even keeping me informed when I wasn’t asking. If you are planning on attending a professional school, or considering your professional school options, utilizing the services that PPAC offers is a must. From advising me on classes I need to take, where and how I need to perform and improve, and being a mentor throughout my undergraduate journey accounted for a huge part of my success. Giving you all the information you need to apply to schools, organizing and sending letters of recommendation, and being a friend- not just another faceless faculty member, the PPAC helped me get to where I am today. If you are willing to put in the work, the PPAC will meet you halfway and assist you in reaching your goal as a healthcare professional.
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Visit as many schools as you can. Don’t limit your table stops. What you think you know about a school may be quite different from the reality.
Visit professions/programs outside your target field. Take the opportunity to learn about other health care fields and programs. You may learn about fields you didn’t know existed. Everyone should have a parallel career path.
Ask questions you won’t be able to read about. Engage in conversation about your particular interests and how their school may fit them.
Don’t ask about minimum GPA and test scores. Catalog minimums are nowhere near the class averages and ranges of the scores preferred by the admissions committees. Ask about those instead (if you must).
Ask about how non-academic factors are valued. How much weight is given to the personal statement? What cliches should be avoided? What makes letters valuable? How can they stand out? How can you articulate special or unique circumstances (working full-time, making a career change)?
Ask about the curriculum. The organization and structure of the curriculum can vary. When does clinical exposure begin? How classes are taught the first year? In the second? Are there electives, or are classes the same for all? Where are clinical rotations? How far will you travel?
Ask about the cost of attendance rather than cost of tuition – the two can vary greatly.
What is the average cost of attendance? What are average rent costs? Are there scholarships? Or do most students take loans to finance education and living expenses? What is the average graduating student debt load?
Ask about the student body – Who your future classmates may be should be important to you, too.
What undergrad majors, undergrad schools and/or states are most represented? What is the gender, racial or ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds of a typical class? How competitive or collaborative are students? Can you share some specific examples? Are students ranked against each other? What factors are used?
And you can also ask about: School setting – part of a university or stand-alone? Urban, suburban or rural? Housing – on-campus, off-campus nearby or farther away? Access to non-academic campus facilities you have come to expect (rec center, food court, intramurals)? Board passage rates and school-sponsored preparation? Career services, graduate destinations, alumni network?
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Making the Most of the Law School and Health Professions Fairs
Student Testimonial
“You certainly prepared for our meeting above what I expected you to and it as very obvious that you genuinely cared about making sure that I have all of my ducks in a row. You may have very well given me some of the best advice that would have otherwise thwarted my efforts towards med school, had it gone unnoticed.”
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Standardized TestsThe following summarizes key information about the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), and Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT). While these are the three most common tests we discuss with students, other professional programs may require a different test. Students should consult with the test websites for more detailed instructions and information.
1-15 per componentTest score of average of accepted students is 32 (10 verbal reasoning, 11 biological sciences, 11 physical sciences)
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Writing components are scored 0 to 5Other test components are scored 200 to 600Composite score is a percentile rank between 1 and 99
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Cost
$160Covers the cost of sending
scores to all application services and professional
schools
$240Covers the cost of sending
scores to all application services and professional
schools
$199Covers the cost of sending scores to three pharmacy
schools
Test DatesFebruary, June,
September/October, and December
Administered at least once a month in January and March
through SeptemberJuly, September, and January
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ResourcesPPAC Resource Library Our resource library contains a wealth of information to help you succeed as a student and advance to your desired professional program, including:
Admissions literature from various pre-health and law school programs.Career informationScholarship opportunity information and research opportunity announcementsFunding informationTest preparation materialsAdmissions Essay/Personal Statement Resources
You may stop in and peruse our resources on site or check them out. All materials may be borrowed for up to two weeks and must be checked out in the PPAC office located in 120 University Pavilion. If books are not returned, students will be charged for the cost of the book.
ExploreHealthCareers.org This free, multi-disciplinary, interactive health careers website is designed to explain the array of health professions and provide easy access to students seeking information about health careers. This website is a joint initiative involving national foundations, professional associations, health career advisors, educational institutions, and college students.
Application ServicesPPAC assists students with organizing and submitting applications to various health degree programs through the following application services.
Application Service Name Association DegreeAmerican Medical College Application Service (AMCAS)
Association of American Medical Collegeswww.aamc.org
MD
American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Services (AACOMAS)
American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicinewww.aacom.org
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ADEA Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (ADEA AADSAS)
American Dental Education Associationwww.adea.org
DDS or DMD
Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA)
Physician Assistant Education Association www.paeaonline.org
PA
Optometry Centralized Application Service (OptomCAS)
Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometrywww.opted.org
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Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS)
American Association of Colleges of Pharmacywww.pharmcas.org
PharmD
Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS)
Association of American Veterinary Medical Collegeswww.aavmc.org
DVM
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Student Testimonials
“Thanks a thousand times over for all your help throughout the AMCAS process. Your patience and insight were invaluable. I could not have done it without you. Thank you!”
“I am very excited for what the future holds and you have been a wonderful guidance in my life. I can’t express how much you have helped me through this process and am very thankful you were always here to help me. So again, thank you for your caring nature towards me and the guidance you have shown me during my difficult time. You are wonderful.”
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Questions to Ask During Shadowing
Student Spotlight:Verjine AdanalianPre-Law McMicken College of Arts & Sciences
The Pre-Law Club gave me the confidence and community that I needed to feel much more sure about law school. Before the club, I didn’t know anyone at UC who had the same ambitions that I had about pursuing a career in law. I was able to make lasting connections with fellow students and leaders. That sense of community is especially important to me because applying to law school has proven to be a difficult process. Having peers and experienced professionals around me has definitely supported my developing career. The Pre-Professional Advising Center, in addition to Pre-Law Club, has been a great place to go to for all of my career-related needs. Being a first-generation college student, I have had to pave my way towards my future career with difficulty, but with the PPAC I have found all the resources I need to succeed.
One way to learn more about a particular career is to shadow someone currently working in the field. The following are possible questions to ask a professional as you observe his/her routine.
How did you come to work in this field?
What career path did you take to get where you are?
What are your duties and responsibilities?
What is a typical day like for you?
What do you see as the pros and cons of this type of work?
What factors would make one fail or succeed in this type of work?
How many people work in your department? What do they do? What are the opportunities for advancement?
What challenges are currently faced by you (or your department of organization)?
What kinds of experience would you suggest that someone pursue to make them more marketable in this field?
Do your ever utilize interns in this office? If so, what is the nature of the responsibility of the interns? If you do use interns, are there current openings, or when might there be openings?
Can you recommend any professional journals, conferences/workshops, or professional associations that relate to your line of work?
Are there specific employer directories, industry leaders, or employer research guides I could further explore for targeting potential networking contacts?
Can you refer me to anyone else I might speak with to continue my research?
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(Photo courtesty of the University of Cincinnati)
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Student OrganizationsThe following are university registered student organizations that many pre-professional students are involved in.
The Pre-Pharmacy Student Society prepares pre-pharmacy students for entrance into the College of Pharmacy by connecting pre-pharmacy students to pharmacy students; making pre-pharmacy students aware of beneficial opportunities, events, and activities; and helping gain knowledge that will assist pre-pharmacy students apply to the College of Pharmacy.
Caducea Pre-Medical Society provides programs and information to students interested in medicine; stimulates an appreciation of the importance of pre-medical education in the study of medicine; encourages excellence in premedical scholarship; promotes cooperation between medical students, premedical students, students in allied health fields, and educators; and binds together similarly interested students.
Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students (MAPS) is targeted towards undergraduate pre-medical students. Through a partnership between local SNMA chapters and undergraduate pre-medical students, the MAPS program aims to increase the matriculation of underrepresented students into health related professions and programs through several avenues. The partnership primarily serves as an academic support system in that it provides information on how undergraduates may establish themselves as competitive candidates for medical school early in their undergraduate career.
Students Pursuing Eye Care Science (SPECS) and is geared towards helping students learn and understand more about pre-optometry, optometry schools, and careers in optometry. It will serve as an organization to unite students in purpose of promoting awareness about the importance of vision health on campus and the community through educational, social, and communal activities and to aid in preparation for students who may have future endeavors in vision science.
The Pre-Vet Society unites all pre-veterinary students who attend the University of Cincinnati through bi-weekly meetings and volunteering activities at the local
animal shelters in the Cincinnati area. Along with unity, the other purpose is to relay information about the various veterinary schools in the US, so the members are able to reach their goal and be prepared to apply to graduate schooling in the near future. The main goal, besides education and unity, is for the members of the organization to gain animal handling experience so that they are furthered prepared when applying to graduate school.
The Oral Organization Toward Health (T.O.O.T.H) raises awareness of the importance of oral health and to prepare students for future endeavors in the dental field through speakers, volunteering, and social events.
What’s In A Doctor’s Bag? is a unique club comprised of various majors, mainly pre-med and teacher education students, who make dynamic presentations to teach children about what happens at a doctor’s visit so that they will have less anxiety when visiting their physicians.
Alpha Epsilon Delta is the national Health Preprofessional Honor Society for pre-health students. UC’s chapter – Ohio Lambda, was installed in 2002. AED encourages students to come together, promotes their positive, productive interaction, facilitates communication and empowers students to make better-informed decisions in pursuit of professions in healthcare. Although
admission to AED is selective (pre-health students can apply toward the end of their sophomore year), meetings are open to all UC students with an interest in pursuing a career in health care.
The UC| Pre-Law Club exists for all University of Cincinnati students who are interested in the legal profession. The Pre-Law Club helps students understand the legal profession, the various duties and responsibilities held by those in the field, the process of applying to law school and preparation for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). The Pre-Law Club offers students the ability to tour local law schools, speak with current law students, professors, law school alumni, meet other students with similar interests, and develop leadership skills that will be an asset in law school and the legal field.
The UC Mock Trial Team has been competing on a national level since the 1992-93 season. UC has a proud tradition of excellence which includes having at least one team qualify for a national competition in every year of its existence. While remaining competitive, UC Mock Trial strives to give its students the opportunity to learn firsthand the work of trial attorneys, gain a better understanding of the judicial system, develop critical thinking skills, enhance communication skills, and prepare those who will go on to law school.
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PPAC Important DatesDates are subject to change and availability. Unless otherwise noted, all workshops will be held in 320 University Pavilion.
September
3 Law School Application Workshop, 10-11:30 AM
4 Interviewing and Professionalism Workshop, 5-7 PM
5 Introduction to Pre-Professional Advising, 9-10 AM
10 Introduction to Pre-Professional Advising, 3-4 PM
16 Introduction to Pre-Professional Advising, 10-11 AM
19 Pre-Pharmacy Workshop, 9-11 AM
20 Pre-Pharmacy Workshop, 3-5 PM
23 Pre-Pharmacy Workshop, Noon-2 PM
24 Pre-Pharmacy Workshop, 2-4 PM
25 Introduction to Pre-Professional Advising, 4-5 PM (120 University Pavilion)
Pre-Pharmacy Workshop, 4-6 PM
October
TBA Interviewing and Professionalism Workshop, 5-7 PM
1 Introduction to Pre-Professional Advising, 11 AM-noon (120 University Pavilion)
8 Speed Mentoring for Pre-Medicine Sophomores, 3-5 PM (CARE/Crawley, Medical Campus)
11 Introduction to Pre-Professional Advising, 2-3 PM (120 University Pavilion)
17 Introduction to Pre-Professional Advising, 3:30-4:30 PM
23 Law School Application Workshop, 2-3:30 PM
25 Introduction to Pre-Professional Advising, 2-3 PM
28 Law School Fair, 11 AM- 2 PM (Tangeman University Center Atrium)
31 Introduction to Pre-Professional Advising, 10-11 AM
November
4 Introduction to Pre-Professional Advising, 4-5 PM (120 University Pavilion)
7 Law School Application Workshop, 1-2:20 PM
13 Introduction to Pre-Professional Advising, 1-2 PM (120 University Pavilion)
21 Introduction to Pre-Professional Advising, 3-4 PM (120 University Pavilion)
January
TBA Health Professions Application Workshop
8 Introduction to Pre-Professional Advising, 3-4 PM (120 University Pavilion)
14 Introduction to Pre-Professional Advising, 9-10 AM (120 University Pavilion)
16 Pre-Pharmacy Interviewing and Professionalism Workshop, 4-6 PM
24 Introduction to Pre-Professional Advising, 2-3 PM (120 University Pavilion)
29 Introduction to Pre-Professional Advising, 3-4 PM (120 University Pavilion)
February
TBA Health Professions Application Workshop
TBA Speed Mentoring for Pre-Medicine Sophomores
March
3 Health Professions Fair, 11AM-2 PM (Tangeman University Center Great Hall)
