Competitive School Applicants | Chapman University
Source: https://www.chapman.edu/academics/undergraduate/pre-health/competitive-applicant.aspx
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:12
Competitive School Applicants | Chapman University
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Competitive School Applicants
Being a successful professional school applicant is about so much more than academics
(though that's important, too).
On this page, you can learn about what reviewers will look for and how to excel in
every area while a student at Chapman.
Academic performance
General academic expectations include the following:
High grades in science pre-requisite courses, as well as overall.
As a general rule,
a 3.5 or above cumulative
grade point average
is desirable, although each institution has different expectations.
Score highly on health professions admissions tests (MCAT, DAT, PCAT, GRE, etc.).
This not only demonstrates command of the subject material, but also indicates ability
to succeed on tests "down the road," including professional licensing examinations.
Various test preparation strategies are available, including self-study guides and
preparation courses through Kaplan, Princeton Review, or other companies.
Clinical experience
In general, clinical experiences should:
Show that you have learned about the profession through clinical experience with patient
contact, shadowing, informational interviews, etc.
Show that you are motivated and dedicated to the profession.
Demonstrate that you understand your “why” for going into the profession and be able
to articulate that reason.
Research
Conducting research is a valuable academic experience, as it develops your:
Critical thinking
Analytic skills
Capacity for teamwork
Ability to provide and receive feedback
Tenacity
In general, the research exposure you receive at Chapman can be sufficient, however,
you may also explore internships and external program to gain these skills.
Community service
Participating in community service demonstrates your care for those in your community.
It shows your altruism, compassion, and can teach you about communities and cultures
very different than your own.
Many health professions programs expect applicants to demonstrate their service to
others. In general, things you can consider are:
Shelters
Food banks
After school programs
The most important aspect is that you demonstrate your passion for something you care
about. It does
not
need to be clinical, in fact, it should be something outside of a clinical realm.
Experiences and activities
Experiences can include:
Medical student clubs and organizations
Research in faculty labs
Shadowing / patient care
Leadership opportunities
Healthcare-related internships
Participating in student-run clinics
Tutoring positions
Letters of reference
It is important early on to get to know your professors so you can use them as a resource
for your letters of reference. When applying to professional schools, they usually
require:
Two letters from science faculty (if you were involved in research, your research
advisor should be one of these).
One or two letters from non-science faculty, and someone who has observed you doing
volunteer work in the profession of your choice.
While two science letters and one or two non-science letters are common, it is advised
that you
also seek letters from research mentors, clinical mentors, and specialized programs
in which you were involved. You want to provide a well-rounded picture of yourself
to the committees.
Remember to always check with the schools where you apply to ensure you have the letters
they require.
Interviews
It is important to be
well-prepared for interviews, as it is
your chance to talk with actual representatives of the admissions committee of your
desired professional school.
Explain your motivations for entering the profession.
Explain to them why you will make a good practitioner.
Remember: You can't just say it - you must have lived it!
To help prepare for your interview,
schedule a mock interview
with Dr. Christine Crispen, our Pre-Health Advisor.
Erin Nolte '20
Health Sciences major
“I have seen myself come full circle in four years thanks to the Chapman community
and all of the support I’ve seen from the Pre-Health Professions Office. I started
out wondering if medical school would be attainable for me, but I now have higher
hopes that I can get in and mentors by my side to help me along the way.”
Read Erin's story
Where our students are going
Below is a list of institutions where Chapman Pre-Med/Pre-Health students have been
accepted during the 2023-2024 application cycle:
Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in California and Nevada
Medical College of Wisconsin (MD)
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine (MD)
Texas Christian University School of Medicine (MD)
Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine (MD)
Rush College of Medicine (MD)
Pacific Northwest University College of Osteopathic Medicine
UC Riverside
Columbia Dental School
University of Hawaii Jabsom School of Medicine
Loma Linda University School of Medicine
Pre Health
Competitive School Applicants
Science Course Requirements
Pre-Health 4-Year Plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Helpful Links
Pre-Health Professions Office
Pre-Health Clubs & Organizations
Contact your Pre-Health Advisor
Chapman's dedicated Pre-Health Advisor is Randy Zuniga. Randy is available to all
Chapman students and alumni interested in learning more about medical and professional
school.
Email:
prehealth@chapman.edu
Current student appointments
Alumni appointments
Back to top
Back to top
©
Skip to main content
Skip over carousel to next section
Off
Pre-Health Professions Office
Competitive School Applicants
Academics
Office of the Provost
Academic Calendar
Degrees & Programs
Schools and Colleges
Undergraduate Academics
Graduate Education
Course Catalogs
Libraries
Academic Freedom
Academic Integrity
Learning at Chapman
Undergraduate
Undergraduate Academics
Degree & Graduation Requirements
Changing Your Academic Pathway
Undergraduate Advising
Study Abroad
Undeclared/Exploratory Students
Pre-Health Professions Office
University Honors Program
Aims of Education
Phi Beta Kappa
Contact Us
Entrepreneurship Opportunities
Pre Health
Competitive School Applicants
Science Course Requirements
Pre-Health 4-Year Plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Helpful Links
Pre-Health Professions Office
Pre-Health Clubs & Organizations
Follow
»
Competitive School Applicants
Being a successful professional school applicant is about so much more than academics
(though that's important, too).
On this page, you can learn about what reviewers will look for and how to excel in
every area while a student at Chapman.
Academic performance
General academic expectations include the following:
High grades in science pre-requisite courses, as well as overall.
As a general rule,
a 3.5 or above cumulative
grade point average
is desirable, although each institution has different expectations.
Score highly on health professions admissions tests (MCAT, DAT, PCAT, GRE, etc.).
This not only demonstrates command of the subject material, but also indicates ability
to succeed on tests "down the road," including professional licensing examinations.
Various test preparation strategies are available, including self-study guides and
preparation courses through Kaplan, Princeton Review, or other companies.
Clinical experience
In general, clinical experiences should:
Show that you have learned about the profession through clinical experience with patient
contact, shadowing, informational interviews, etc.
Show that you are motivated and dedicated to the profession.
Demonstrate that you understand your “why” for going into the profession and be able
to articulate that reason.
Research
Conducting research is a valuable academic experience, as it develops your:
Critical thinking
Analytic skills
Capacity for teamwork
Ability to provide and receive feedback
Tenacity
In general, the research exposure you receive at Chapman can be sufficient, however,
you may also explore internships and external program to gain these skills.
Community service
Participating in community service demonstrates your care for those in your community.
It shows your altruism, compassion, and can teach you about communities and cultures
very different than your own.
Many health professions programs expect applicants to demonstrate their service to
others. In general, things you can consider are:
Shelters
Food banks
After school programs
The most important aspect is that you demonstrate your passion for something you care
about. It does
not
need to be clinical, in fact, it should be something outside of a clinical realm.
Experiences and activities
Experiences can include:
Medical student clubs and organizations
Research in faculty labs
Shadowing / patient care
Leadership opportunities
Healthcare-related internships
Participating in student-run clinics
Tutoring positions
Letters of reference
It is important early on to get to know your professors so you can use them as a resource
for your letters of reference. When applying to professional schools, they usually
require:
Two letters from science faculty (if you were involved in research, your research
advisor should be one of these).
One or two letters from non-science faculty, and someone who has observed you doing
volunteer work in the profession of your choice.
While two science letters and one or two non-science letters are common, it is advised
that you
also seek letters from research mentors, clinical mentors, and specialized programs
in which you were involved. You want to provide a well-rounded picture of yourself
to the committees.
Remember to always check with the schools where you apply to ensure you have the letters
they require.
Interviews
It is important to be
well-prepared for interviews, as it is
your chance to talk with actual representatives of the admissions committee of your
desired professional school.
Explain your motivations for entering the profession.
Explain to them why you will make a good practitioner.
Remember: You can't just say it - you must have lived it!
To help prepare for your interview,
schedule a mock interview
with Dr. Christine Crispen, our Pre-Health Advisor.
Erin Nolte '20
Health Sciences major
“I have seen myself come full circle in four years thanks to the Chapman community
and all of the support I’ve seen from the Pre-Health Professions Office. I started
out wondering if medical school would be attainable for me, but I now have higher
hopes that I can get in and mentors by my side to help me along the way.”
Read Erin's story
Where our students are going
Below is a list of institutions where Chapman Pre-Med/Pre-Health students have been
accepted during the 2023-2024 application cycle:
Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in California and Nevada
Medical College of Wisconsin (MD)
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine (MD)
Texas Christian University School of Medicine (MD)
Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine (MD)
Rush College of Medicine (MD)
Pacific Northwest University College of Osteopathic Medicine
UC Riverside
Columbia Dental School
University of Hawaii Jabsom School of Medicine
Loma Linda University School of Medicine
Pre Health
Competitive School Applicants
Science Course Requirements
Pre-Health 4-Year Plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Helpful Links
Pre-Health Professions Office
Pre-Health Clubs & Organizations
Contact your Pre-Health Advisor
Chapman's dedicated Pre-Health Advisor is Randy Zuniga. Randy is available to all
Chapman students and alumni interested in learning more about medical and professional
school.
Email:
prehealth@chapman.edu
Current student appointments
Alumni appointments
Back to top
Back to top
©