Program Overview

Introduction to the Health Professions Program

The Health Professions Program offers various resources and opportunities for students interested in pursuing a career in health professions. The program includes the Nathan Smith Society, Pre-Health Peer Mentor Corps, Pathways to Medicine, and other relevant resources.

About the Health Professions

The Health Professions Program encompasses a range of fields, including:

• Audiology
• Dental
• Chiropractic
• Complementary and Alternative Medicine
• Midwifery
• Nursing
• Optometry
• Osteopathic Medicine
• Pharmacy
• Physical Therapist
• Physician Assistant
• Podiatry
• Public Health
• Veterinary

Preparation for a Career in Health Professions

To prepare for a career in health professions, students can:

• Prepare for a career through peer advice, academic preparation, and research opportunities
• Engage in academic preparation, including tips for getting off to a good start, timelines, prerequisites for pre-health, choosing courses, science study strategies, and study abroad opportunities
• Participate in research and scholarship, gaining clinical experience, non-clinical service work, experiential resources, and personal development

Application Process

The application process for health professions programs involves:

• Getting started with the application process
• Understanding the timeline of the application cycle
• Accessing forms, resources, and newsletters
• Participating in application and admissions webinars
• Preparing for tests and exams, such as the MCAT
• Submitting the application, including primary and secondary applications, and writing for the application
• Obtaining letters of evaluation and the composite
• Understanding costs, fees, and finances
• Choosing schools and participating in the interview process

Geisel Early Assurance Program

The Geisel Early Assurance Program (EAP) offers Dartmouth College juniors the possibility of admission to Geisel following graduation. Students apply for EAP during the Fall term of their Junior year.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Geisel EAP, applicants must:

• Be a Dartmouth undergraduate in their Junior Year
• Have an overall 3.5 GPA or higher by the end of sophomore summer
• Have an overall Math/Science GPA of 3.5 or higher by the end of sophomore summer

Admissions Requirements

The application file will not be considered complete unless the following materials are received:

• A completed application with both certification boxes checked
• A non-refundable application fee of US $130
• Two to five letters of recommendation, with at least two authored by science faculty
• Official transcript(s) from every post-secondary institution attended
• A report of standardized testing scores (SAT I or ACT, with writing, and SAT II)
• Supplemental materials and/or updates may be submitted

Letters of Recommendation Process

Applicants must submit a Letter Packet containing two to five letters of recommendation. The HPP office compiles and sends this packet to the Geisel Admissions Office.

MCAT and Prerequisites

Although the MCAT is not required before submitting an application to EAP, accepted students will be required to take the MCAT before matriculating to medical school at Geisel. Students who apply to EAP must intend to complete all medical school prerequisite courses by graduation.

Writing a Strong Application

To learn more about writing a strong application for Geisel EAP, review the presentation slides from the EAP Application Writing Workshop and the Geisel EAP Tips & Advice Newsletter.

Deferring Enrollment

Students are allowed to request deferment of enrollment for one year to pursue a "gap year" activity that will enhance their experience and relate to their future medical studies.

Withdrawing Acceptance

Accepting the invitation to join the Early Assurance Program is binding. If a student ultimately decides to apply to other medical schools, they need to withdraw from the Early Assurance Program.