Most programs require applicants to hold at least a bachelor’s degree and have completed specific science courses, such as biology and chemistry. While there is no mandatory undergraduate major, meeting these course requirements is essential.
- English or Writing -2 semesters
- Biology with lab - 2 semesters
- Chemistry with lab -3 semesters
- Biochemistry - 1 semester
- Physics with lab -2 semesters
- Statistics - 2 semesters (depending on the individual school)
Some schools may have additional or recommended course requirements, such as physiology and microbiology. It is highly advisable for students to check the specific admission criteria for each program they are interested in. For more information on dental and dental-related programs, please visit the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) website.
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Attend Pre-Health Information Sessions
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Students are encouraged to visit the Pre-Health Advising Office and attend a Pre-Health 101 information session during their first year at UM. Additionally, they should open a pre-health file to begin their journey.
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Academic Performance
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Develop strong study habits and skills, as students need to show academic excellence through a high science and cumulative GPA.
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Shadowing Experience
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Gaining firsthand experience in a clinical setting is crucial for confirming your decision to pursue a healthcare career. By shadowing healthcare professionals and engaging with or serving patients, you will gain valuable insight into the diverse aspects of the field.
It is recommended that applicants shadow at least three professionals, dedicating a minimum of 40 hours with each. Many students achieve this by joining pre-health student organizations that connect members with practitioners across various dental specialties, such as general dentistry, orthodontics, and oral and maxillofacial surgery.
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Summer Enrichment Program
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Many programs offer summer enrichment opportunities that help prospective applicants enhance their preparation. These programs often include academic coursework aligned with professional school curricula, as well as test preparation, research activities, and hands-on clinical experiences. For more details, visit the Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) website at www.shpep.org. |
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Research Experience
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Engaging in research provides invaluable experience in the methodologies and role of research in medicine, even if your primary goal is clinical practice. For those considering a joint Ph.D./M.D. degree, significant undergraduate research experience is essential.
At UM, students have access to numerous research opportunities across the Coral Gables campus, RSMAS, and the Miller School of Medicine. The Office of Undergraduate Research can help match you with a suitable mentor and project. Visit their website at www.ugr.miami.edu.
UConnect, a student organization dedicated to promoting undergraduate research, is an excellent resource for finding research opportunities. Additionally, students are encouraged to reach out directly to individual professors to inquire about volunteering in their labs.
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Extra-curricular Involvement
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Professional schools value the depth of your involvement in activities, both on- and off-campus, more than the sheer number of organizations you join. Admissions committees look for qualities such as compassion, commitment, leadership, and responsibility, and they seek well-rounded individuals. Stepping out of your comfort zone is a great way to develop strong interpersonal skills.
Pre-health students can engage in a variety of activities, including service groups, cultural and academic clubs, employment, and athletics. For information on pre-health clubs, visit the Pre-Health Student Clubs tab on our website or the Student Activities Center Engage website at https://miami.campuslabs.com/engage/.
The UM Butler Center for Service & Leadership offers numerous volunteer and advocacy-based programs and initiatives. For more details, visit their website at https://serveandlead.studentaffairs.miami.edu.
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Cultivating Evaluation Letters
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Building and maintaining strong relationships with faculty, instructors, supervisors, and health professionals is crucial throughout your academic career. As you engage both on and off-campus, keep the following in mind:
- Be genuine in your interactions.
- Exhibit strong moral character and integrity.
- Show enthusiasm and interest in your coursework, activities, discussions, and assignments.
- Ask questions and make use of office hours.
- Stay in touch and keep them informed about your progress and achievements related to your professional goals.
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Choosing a Major
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Select a subject you are passionate about and ensure you complete both your pre-health required courses and your major degree requirements.
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First-Year
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Attend a Pre-Health 101 Information Session to help transition into campus life and become acquainted with campus resources. Meet with a Pre-Health Advisor to get personalized guidance. Develop effective study skills and habits to maintain strong academic performance. Explore Pre-Health student organizations, which often provide opportunities for volunteer and community service. Additionally, the Butler Center for Service & Leadership offers numerous service and leadership opportunities. |
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Sophomore Year
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Attend a Pre-Health 201 Information Session or Workshop to further your understanding. Engage in research, community service, volunteer work, and clinical experiences to build a well-rounded background. Foster meaningful relationships with professors and mentors to create valuable connections for future letters of evaluation.
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Junior Year
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Attend a Pre-Health 301 Information Session or Workshop to evaluate your preparedness for the application cycle. |
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DAT
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Most candidates take the DAT during the winter break of their junior year or between the spring and summer of their junior year. However, if you choose to take a gap year, you may opt to take the exam during your senior year. DAT scores are typically valid for 2 years.
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Letters of Recommendations
(Junior-Senior Year)
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Request letters of recommendation 2-3 months before June, when the AMCAS application portal opens for submission.
If you need a Committee Letter Packet, you must submit 6 letters of recommendation. For detailed information on the specific types of letters required, please consult the student guide.
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Preparation is Key
(December - January)
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Conduct thorough research and create a list of schools you're interested in applying to, including the median DAT scores and GPAs that match your own statistics.
Begin drafting ideas for your personal statement essay and compile a comprehensive list of all your activities, such as shadowing, research, volunteering, community service, leadership roles, and internships. For each activity, record detailed information and include the contact person's name and contact information for future reference.
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Committee Letter Interview
(February 1 - May)
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Students requesting a committee letter packet from the Office of Pre-Health Advising and Mentoring should schedule and complete their interviews between early February and the end of May. Interviews will not be scheduled or conducted after this period. For detailed information about the process and requirements, please refer to the student guide.
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Complete Application (April-May)
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For candidates applying for the current application cycle, create an account on the respective application portal(s):
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Submit Primary Applications (June-July)
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After completing your application in full, submit it to initiate the verification process, which can take 3-4 weeks.
Once your application is submitted, follow the Letter Request Procedures detailed in the student guidebook.
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Secondaries (July- August)
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Some schools will begin to send secondaries once your application is verified. Aim to complete your secondaries within 2 weeks from the date you receive them.
* Remember to set your notifications and check your email for any additional requests you may receive from the application portals.
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Finalize Your Applications (September-October)
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This is the ideal time to finalize and submit your application, including your primary and secondary applications, letters of recommendation, and DAT scores. Most schools will start sending interview invitations and conducting interviews around this period. Be sure to submit your request to the Office of Pre-Health Advising by August 1st to be added to the queue for a committee letter packet.
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Interviews and Acceptances (November-December)
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Prepare thoroughly for your interviews and inform your professors in advance if you will miss any classes due to medical school interviews. Discuss potential options for makeup assignments or exams with them, keeping in mind that these arrangements are at the professor's discretion.
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Consider Final Acceptances (Senior Spring Semester)
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Evaluate all admission offers and review your financial aid options and opportunities. Narrow down your choices to your top three programs. Be sure to adhere to all important deadlines.
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Matriculation
(April- May)
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Your next step in your dental career starts now. Complete the required paperwork to confirm your acceptance and pay the registration deposit.
Congratulations on your achievement!
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