Most medical schools require actual college courses in the disciplines they require. Even if you scored a 5 in AP Biology and received NMSU credits, you would still need to take one year of biology with labs.

If you are a biology or biochemistry major, you will be taking those courses anyway. The AP credits exempt you from Fundamentals of Biology and free up time for other activities, such as volunteering.

Complete courses required for your entrance exam before taking it. All other prerequisites typically must be done by the time you matriculate into professional school. Some schools require them by the Fall before you begin, so always check with the schools you plan to apply to.

Take courses that interest you and support your personal goals. Explore areas outside of science that complement your interest in healthcare — language, religion, sociology, psychology, ethics, communication, anthropology, and other departments that teach you about diverse populations.

Yes. Schools look at not just your GPA but how you earned it. You will be more competitive with 15–18 credit hours per semester consistently, including at least 2 science courses and challenging electives.

Most students don't need to unless required for their degree. Summers are better spent volunteering, shadowing, doing summer programs, or studying abroad. If you must take classes, always take prerequisite courses at your home institution — do not use summers to lighten your regular semester load.

Professional schools do not give greater weight to double majors, dual degrees, or minors. Taking courses from multiple departments as electives is equally valuable. Focus on what you want to learn and how it prepares you for your career.

Many professional schools do not accept online classes for prerequisite requirements. Online electives are usually fine, but avoid taking required prerequisite courses online.

We do not recommend retaking a course you passed. It is more impressive to take a higher-level course in the same area and earn a high grade. Professional schools want to see success on the first attempt.

Overall and science GPAs of 3.5 and higher are generally considered competitive, though this varies by profession and a lower GPA doesn't mean you're not competitive. Schools also look at how you earned your GPA — course load, institution, number of sciences per semester, and breadth of curriculum.

Ideally before July of the year prior to your intended matriculation. Taking it in July or later leaves little time to retake it, and scores won't reach schools until August–October, which is a disadvantage at schools with rolling admissions.

For the MCAT, complete Biology, Organic Chemistry, and Physics beforehand. For 2015 and later, also complete Biochemistry and introductory Psychology, Sociology, and Statistics.

No score guarantees admission, but mean scores for admitted applicants are generally above 500. Use the MSAR to review each school's 10th–90th percentile range for admitted applicants.

No, but it is strongly recommended. Admissions committees favor students who demonstrate serious commitment to medicine through their actions. Time in a medical setting also helps you confirm that medicine is the right career for you.

No. However, research and publication demonstrate academic accomplishment and provide strong interview material. If you are applying to an M.D./Ph.D. program, research is essential.

There are many opportunities in and around Las Cruces. Clinical volunteer experience is recommended, and you can supplement it with any type of community service activity.

Medical schools typically have no minimum, but PA, dental, veterinary, PT, and OT programs often do. Check requirements at your target schools. Quality and consistency matter most — sticking with one location for 1–3 years is more meaningful than brief scattered experiences.

No. Most students arrange shadowing on their own by contacting professionals they want to observe. The Pre-Health Advising Office can provide suggestions as a starting point.

Nothing is required through our office, though some hospitals may have their own forms. Keep a personal record of your experiences: dates, location, contact person, hours per week, duties, and reflections on what you learned.

The process takes over a year — for Fall matriculation, submit your application the prior Summer (about 14 months ahead). Apply as early as possible; do not wait for published deadlines. Apply when you feel you are a competitive applicant, whether that is after junior year, senior year, or later.

Graduating early and applying early are separate issues. Strong students may graduate early and take time off for graduate study or service — this is generally fine. For students with below-average GPAs, graduating early means losing time to raise your GPA. Applying early is usually not to your advantage, as you'll be compared to applicants with more coursework and experience.

Usually not. Most Deans of Admission prefer students who demonstrate academic performance across four years. If you finish in three years for financial reasons, consider a gap year so your application reflects a fuller record of academics and experience.

There are many options depending on your personal situation. Meet with a pre-health advisor to review your application and build a plan for reapplying.

Not at all. Applications are often stronger when a student takes additional time for volunteering, shadowing, or research. Extra coursework can also help students who ended with a weak GPA.

This is commonly called the "Gap Year." Use the time to strengthen your application through clinical experience, volunteering, research, or additional coursework. See the "Applying" section for more guidance on making the most of a gap year.

No. Professional schools know this and will accept individual letters of recommendation in place of a committee or advisor letter.

Usually not. Be upfront, take responsibility, and explain what you learned. Note that some states will not issue professional licenses to convicted felons — if this applies to you, check the policies of your target schools and the states where you may practice.