Office of Pre-Health Advising
Office of Pre-Health Advising
Applying to health professional school is a major milestone—and one that requires thoughtful preparation. Whether you’re pursuing medicine, dentistry, physician assistant studies, pharmacy, optometry, or another health career, it’s important to assess your readiness before beginning the application process.
This page will help you evaluate key areas that admissions committees consider across all health professions, and guide you in determining whether you’re ready to apply this cycle or if you might benefit from additional preparation.
Admissions committees look closely at your academic record, especially your performance in science and prerequisite courses. Consider the following:
If you’re unsure, visit our Academics page for more details.
Most health professional programs require a standardized test:
Ask yourself:
Do you have time to prepare for taking the necessary exams?
These are not exams you can cram for. Most students spend 300–500 hours preparing, including time to complete 5–10 full-length practice exams.
Have you enrolled in a test preparation course?
Enrolling in a test prep course can provide structure, expert guidance, and access to high-quality practice materials that strengthen your performance on entrance exams. At University of Detroit Mercy, students have access to Kaplan Test Prep at no additional cost, offering comprehensive resources—including full-length practice exams, content review, and strategy sessions—to help you prepare with confidence.
Learn more about entrance exam preparation.
Admissions committees want to see that you’ve taken steps to understand the realities of working in a health profession and that you’re actively developing the skills needed to care for patients from diverse backgrounds. Gaining consistent, hands-on experience in patient-facing roles and working alongside professionals in your intended field demonstrates your commitment and readiness. This kind of experience is essential and may include:
Reflect on:
Preparing a strong application takes time—often more than students anticipate. From writing personal statements and requesting letters of recommendation to researching schools and completing secondary applications, each step requires thoughtful planning and reflection. Most applicants spend the bulk of their time preparing between May and July, so it’s important to start early and stay organized.
If there are gaps in your academic preparation, clinical experience, or overall readiness, taking a growth year can be a smart decision. Many students use this time to strengthen their GPA, gain paid healthcare experience, complete additional coursework, or improve entrance exam scores. Waiting to apply allows you to submit a more competitive application and demonstrate continued commitment to your chosen profession.
Health professional programs are academically rigorous and emotionally demanding. If you’re feeling burned out or unsure about your readiness, it may be wise to take a growth year before applying. This time can be used to recharge, strengthen your academic foundation, and ensure you’re in a strong mental and emotional space when you begin your training. Starting professional school with clarity and confidence can make a meaningful difference in your success.
Office of Pre-Health Advising
Engineering Bldg. RM# 125
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 AM – 5 PM
Kia Hart
(313) 993-1928
hartkl@udmercy.edu