Premedical/Predental Track

General Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Select an option below:

• First-time Freshman
• Transfer
• International

Although a private college education may seem out of reach for many, recent research from Kiplinger reveals that the actual value of some private universities may prove this assumption wrong. In 2010, Kiplinger selected Azusa Pacific University for its Top 100 Best Values in Private Colleges rankings. Read more about APU’s ranking in Kiplinger’s Best Values in Private Colleges.

APU students may take advantage of three types of financial aid: scholarships and grants, education loans, and student employment.

Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships and grants are considered “gift aid” and do not require repayment. They can come from federal, state, or private sources. Scholarships are typically merit-based, meaning they are awarded depending on demonstrated academic ability or other specific talents.

Scholarships are often available from sources outside of APU. You can search for these scholarships through websites such as finaid.org or fastweb.com. The Student Services Center is sometimes notified of scholarships available through APU departments or local organizations, and can provide information about any available scholarships on request.

Education Loans

Education loans are usually repaid after graduation, may be deferred until after graduate school, and often have very low interest rates.

Military Benefits

Military members—and in some cases their spouses and dependents—qualify for financial assistance covering tuition, housing, and books. Azusa Pacific is a Yellow Ribbon University and Military Friendly School, so you can be confident that you’ll receive the benefits and flexibility you need to complete your education.

Student Employment

On-campus student employment is available for students needing additional income to pay for education-related expenses. APU students also find work off campus in the surrounding community.

Net Price Calculator

We’re committed to helping families understand early in the college search process the value of the APU experience, and options for affordable financing of a top-tier Christian university education.

Now that you’re familiar with the financial aid opportunities available to APU students, it’s time to estimate what your true cost may be to attend Azusa Pacific. Remember, estimations are only as accurate as the information you provide. Click on the Net Price Calculator button below to begin.

To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current academic catalog:

Programs Requirements

Freshman Year

At APU, the premedical/predental track begins during freshman year as students establish a solid foundation in English and in the sciences (general biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and calculus). Students should make it a priority in these core science courses to develop the work habits and the commitment to excellence that results in A grades. These courses, plus a semester of biochemistry, are required for the majority of medical and dental schools.

Sophomore Year

Typically, prospective medical and dental students apply to the premedical/predental track in spring of their sophomore year while taking 200-level biology and chemistry courses. The Department of Biology and Chemistry admits students to the premedical/predental track who have shown a serious commitment to preparing for a career in medicine or dentistry, and who are performing at a level that would make acceptance into medical or dental school a realistic possibility.

Students admitted to medical majors progress through their college education with the fellowship and support of like-minded peers, and benefit from academic advising from members of the Premedical/Predental Advisory Committee.

Junior Year

In their junior year, students in this track have the opportunity to take our in-house MCAT review course and the premedical/predental practicum course.

Senior Year

As seniors, students in this track prepare for the process of interviewing at medical or dental schools by participating in mock interviews with the Premedical/Predental Advisory Committee. This experience culminates with the committee assisting each student with the application process and submitting a committee letter on his/her behalf.

Preparing for the Mock Interview

The purpose of the mock interview is twofold:

1. To better prepare students for medical or dental school interviews.
2. To assist the committee in preparing a committee letter to enhance the student’s application.

To ensure that these goals are met, premedical/predental track students should:

1. Request letters of recommendation from faculty, MDs, DOs, research advisors, etc., in January of the application year.
2. Ensure that all letters of recommendation are sent to committee advisor by April of the application year (prior to scheduling the mock interview).
3. Schedule mock interviews with the committee chair in April of the application year.
4. Start drafting their personal statement in January of the application year.
5. Submit personal statements to the committee before or at the time of the mock interview if feedback is desired.

Medical and Dental School Academic Prerequisites

In addition to APU’s General Education requirements, view the typical academic prerequisites required by most medical and dental schools.

Preparation for medical or dental school can begin as early as high school. Follow these four guidelines and review the specific precollege classes recommended for medical majors.

Basic Preparation Guidelines

1. Study as many different sciences as you can (e.g., a year each of biology, chemistry, physics, and geology).
2. Take as many mathematics classes as you can.
3. Study a foreign language as many years as you can.
4. Develop as many computer skills as you can.

Recommended Precollege Classes

Essential:

• 1 year biology
• 1 year chemistry
• At least 3 years of math, including basic and advanced algebra, geometry, and trigonometry
• English (ability to write and read at the appropriate level, including understanding math word problems)

Strongly recommended:

• Physics
• Calculus
• Advanced biology or anatomy and physiology

Also recommended:

• Speech
• Computer sciences
• Social studies and history

Additional learning:

• Medical terminology
• Critical thinking
• Logic (rational, deductive, and inductive reasoning)
• Professional behaviors (punctuality, attendance, attire, personal interactions with patients or health care team, etc.)

Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).