2019-2020 Purdue University Career Success Handbook

5 Things Pre-Health & Pre-Law Students Need to Know

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Major in Anything • Professional schools truly have no preference regarding your undergrad major

• Pick what you succeed in because grades matter • Maintain a strong GPA, preferably 3.6 or higher

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Take the Necessary Prerequisite Courses • Find a list of prerequisite courses for each field on our website: www.purdue.edu/preprofessional • Try to complete the majority of prerequisite courses by the end of your junior year to prepare for aptitude tests

Build a Record of Interest • Observe/shadow professionals in your desired field • Be involved on campus • Volunteer in the community • Participate in undergraduate research • Gain work/volunteer experience in a clinical or legal setting

ADVANCED DEGREE PREPARATION

Develop Transferable Skills • Cultivate your teamwork and leadership capabilities • Develop your communication abilities, including listening, writing, public speaking, and interpersonal skills • Refine reading comprehension skills 4

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Establish Relationships with Mentors • Visit Pre-Professional Advising every semester • Talk to professionals in your field while you shadow/volunteer • Introduce yourself, attend office hours, and give faculty the opportunity to know you outside of class • Discuss your career interests with your academic advisor • Maintain these relationships as you will need letters of recommendation when you apply

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