CGSFA works closely with the Health Professions Advisory Committee (HPAC), a body of faculty members who give guidance to students interested in preparing for careers in medicine, dentistry and allied health fields. The committee helps students make sure they’re qualified for admission to professional schools, as well as help navigate the application process and provide references when necessary.
HPAC Application
You must submit the following application in order to be evaluated by the Health Professions Advisory Committee. This application is for students who are preparing to apply for health professions schools for admission next fall.
Basic Pre-Health Course Requirements
The minimum required courses for admission to professional schools are as follows, but be aware that specific schools may require or recommend other courses. Pre-professional students are expected to maintain an average of at least a 3.0 in their science courses. Based on changes made to the MCAT, we also suggest foundation courses in Psychology, Sociology, and Biochemistry for students interested in pursuing a medical degree.
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BIOL 111 &
BIOL 112
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General Biology I
General Biology II
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4
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BIOL 113 &
BIOL 114
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General Biology Laboratory I
General Biology Laboratory II
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4
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CHEM 101 &
CHEM 102
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General Chemistry I
General Chemistry II
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8
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CHEM 319 &
CHEM 320
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Organic Chemistry I
Organic Chemistry II
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6
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CHEM 323 &
CHEM 324
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Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
Organic Chemistry Laboratory II
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4
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PHYS 101
PHYS 102
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Physics I
Physics II
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8
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or PHYS 107 &
PHYS 108
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Introductory Physics I
Introductory Physics II
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8
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CHEM 433
or
BIOL 319
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Biochemistry
Cellular Biochemistry/Physiology
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3
4
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MATH 185 &
MATH 186
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Calculus I
Calculus II
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6
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Pre-Health Mailing List
Submit the following form to be added to the mailing list for current Manhattan College students and alumni ONLY to receive information about upcoming events, workshops and more. Current Manhattan College students should sign up with their Manhattan College email address.
Sign Up for Mailing List
Key Components for Admission into Professional Health Schools
- A good GPA: Different health-professional schools require different GPA ranges for admission, but typically a GPA of 3.5 or better is competitive.
- Good admissions test scores: Most professional schools require an entrance exam, either the GRE or a specialized exam like the MCAT or DAT. These exams will typically be taken late in the junior year or early in the senior year, after the core courses have been taken.
- Evidence of commitment to health care: It is imperative that you find summer jobs, research opportunities, and internships in the health professions. In addition, you should read articles on current issues, both scientific and social, in the medical and health field.
- Attributes conducive to a career in the health professions: Integrity and responsibility are expected. Schools also look for traits such as integrity, responsibility, leadership, maturity, perseverance, breadth of interests, ability to relate to people effectively and, perhaps above all, clear motivation.
- Extracurricular activities: It is important to be involved in activities; those that involve service to others and/or those in which you have a leadership role are important. The level of participation is more important than the number of activities. Be selective and get involved, don't just be a name on a membership list.
- Recommendations: The HPAC provides a composite letter of recommendations and evaluations for all students in the program who are applying to health-professional school. This composite letter is based on your answers to the HPAC’s professional school candidate information form, meetings with the pre-health professions advisor, and letters of recommendation from professors, employers and personal references.
- Interview: If all application material is acceptable, you may be invited for an interview at a health-professional school. Be ready to answer questions about your motivation for a career in the health professions, academic performance, health-related experiences and questions relating to issues in the field. You will make a positive impression at the interview through your ability to communicate, develop rapport and demonstrate enthusiasm, poise and confidence.
For More Information
Contact Bruce Liby, Ph.D., Chair of the Health Professions Advisory Committee and Professor in the Physics Department, at 718-862-7899 or bruce.liby@manhattan.edu.
