Prospective Students

Prospective Students

Thinking about a career in the medical or dental fields? 

Start your journey with T-I-G-E-R-S.

  • Have conversations geared toward finding out what healthcare providers do on a daily basis.
  • Talk to different types of healthcare providers (i.e. medical doctors, osteopathic physicians, physician assistants, nurses, chiropractors, etc).
  • Ask sample questions:
    • What do you like/dislike about your job?
    • What’s the hardest/easiest part of your job?
    • How did you get into this field?

  • Read articles, journals, and books related to your career path.
  • Learn about how research impacts the medical and dental fields.
  • Look up a few medical/dental schools to find out more information (i.e. mission, vision, current admissions requirements- which may change by the time you apply, etc)

  • This demonstrates your ability to master a subject and gives snap shot of your work ethic.

  • Volunteer/work in medical/dental and non-medical/dental areas. Medical and dental schools are looking for well-rounded individuals.

  • “Why do you want to be a _____________?” Think carefully about your answer because it will be asked of you many times for the rest of your career journey.
  • Think about what you want in a physician or dentist. Work to develop those types of skills.
  • After any volunteer, shadowing, or medically related experience, take a few minutes to reflect by writing your thoughts, feelings, reactions, and what you learned. This will be helpful later when applying to medical/dental school and working with future patients. 

  • This is your first look into what the medical/dental field is like and may help you decide if the medical/dental field is the career path for you.
  • Start with your personal healthcare providers, or look at websites for local healthcare facilities (some have established programs). 

Premedical & Predental Program FAQs

A career in the health professions is a rewarding and challenging opportunity. Professional health care careers require:

  • Rigorous academic preparation
  • Intellectual curiosity
  • Motivation for learning
  • Commitment to service
  • Demonstrated integrity and leadership

Ways to prepare while still in high school:

  • Complete as many math and science courses as possible (especially advanced level).
  • Focus on English and writing courses.
  • Read, read, read! Reading will prepare you for college study and professional school admission tests.
  • Volunteer at a clinic/hospital/healthcare facility.
  • Engage in extracurricular activities to help develop leadership and communication skills.

LSU provides students with a range of opportunities to prepare for admission to medical and dental schools:

  • Engage in challenging courses.
  • Develop clinical skills through roles as lab or research assistants.
  • Access counselors who are members of the National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions.
  • Attend annual information meetings specifically designed for first-year students and sophomores.
  • Follow a four-year plan specifically crafted for admission to medical/dental schools.
  • Use the Premedical/Predental Review Committee to secure letters of evaluation.
  • Participate in numerous health profession student organizations and attend an annual Health Professions Career Fair.
  • Benefit from nationally competitive acceptance rates and grade point averages.

Graduates from the College of Science make up nearly half of the students accepted into LSU’s medical and dental schools. Additionally, recent graduates have gained admission to Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Duke, Baylor, Vanderbilt, Columbia, Stanford, UT Houston, and Washington University.

At LSU, premed and predent are not designated as majors but rather represent professional career goals. When choosing a major, consider the following:

  • No specific major is required for medical/dental admission.
  • Most students choose a science major, but you can also opt for one outside of science.
  • Choose a major that aligns with your interests.
  • All majors must complete prerequisite coursework for medical/dental schools.
  • Boost competitiveness by taking advanced science courses.

View a snapshot of a successful LSU Medical school and dental school applicant

More medical and dental career path resources: