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Learning Resources

We are here to support undergraduate students who plan to pursue graduate school and careers in medicine, dentistry, optometry, physician assistance, physical therapy, podiatry or veterinary medicine. In addition to the Office of Pre-Health and Pre-Law Studies, SLU offers many unique hands-on opportunities starting as early as your first year.

Opportunities for success

Advising

Pre-health advisors offer customized assistance and support to help each student with course planning, résumé building, navigation of the application process and overcoming challenges encountered along the way.

Interviewing with the School of Medicine

All SLU undergraduate students that meet our medical school’s matriculating class average GPA and MCAT score at the time of completing their application are guaranteed an interview with the SLU School of Medicine. For the most up to date academic requirements for the School of Medicine, click here.

At no additional cost, the Office of Pre-Health and Pre-Law Studies offers MCAT preparation services.

Support Services

Campus and Community Connections

In addition to academic offerings, SLU offers a number of opportunities for students to gain experience and find support.

Student Organizations

Shadowing

Shadowing health professionals is a crucial part of the career discernment process that demonstrates your commitment to the field. Thanks to connections with the SLU School of Medicine and alumni working at St. Louis area hospitals, pre-health students can seek out shadowing opportunities during their time at SLU. Some partnerships include SLUCare Physicians and Physician Assistants at Saint Louis University Hospital and Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital.

“There are a lot of SLU alumni that teach or practice medicine on SLU’s Medical Campus. I am continuing my shadowing opportunities at Cardinal Glennon Hospital as an intern in the radiology department.” — Yennhi P., Class of 2025

Service Engagement

Each year, SLU students, faculty and staff perform over one million hours of service work to the greater St. Louis community. Our Jesuit mission calls us to integrate service experiences with academic content in pre-health and general studies courses.

“As a doctor, you will be serving people, so you might as well start now. Service is definitely a big part of being in a Jesuit Institution and it’s definitely something that I loved about my experience here at SLU.” — Ananta S., Class of 2022 (Pre-Med)

Events

The Office of Pre-Health Studies hosts many events each year to provide valuable insights, perspectives and resources to students interested in careers in healthcare. From guest speakers to panel discussion, MCAT practice tests to application workshops, our robust programming sets students like you up for success.

Mentorship

Mentorship is an important part of your pre-health journey, and SLU has built-in opportunities for all students to take advantage of. Our Pre-Health Office offers resources for finding a mentor as a pre-health undergraduate student — SLU’s Pre-Health Ambassadors are upperclassmen students who have gone through what you will go through and are willing to share their experiences and perspectives.

Learn more about faculty mentorship opportunities with the College of Arts and Sciences.

Your Possibilities Are Endless

Planning for Success

Freshman Year

  • Attend pre-health Fall Welcome
  • Focus on adapting to college courses and developing good study skills
  • Develop a plan for shadowing
  • Find a mentor
  • Apply to the Medical Scholars Program at the end of your freshman year, if you are not in the high school-entry cohort

Sophomore Year

  • Continue to utilize SLU’s professional resources and planning tools
  • If you GPA is lower than you would like, address your studying skills
  • Engage in shadowing
  • Meet with your mentor
  • Learn about the pre-health Committee on Evaluations

Throughout Your Undergraduate Degree