Pre-Health Committee

Overview

The Seton Hall University Pre-Professional Advising Center (P-PAC) provides a comprehensive Pre-Health Committee review for all application documents, along with a letter collection service for Seton Hall University students and alumni applying to health professional or graduate schools. Our mission is to support every student aspiring to attend professional school.

The Pre-Health Committee, co-chaired by Chantal Vergara (Director of P-PAC, [email protected]) and Daniel Brian Nichols, Ph.D., (P-PAC Faculty/Associate Professor, Biological Sciences, [email protected]), consists of faculty, administration, staff, and alumni. The committee reviews application packages, offers feedback, and provides guidance throughout the application process, culminating in a Committee Letter of Endorsement.

Committee Letter of Endorsement

What is a Committee Letter?

The Committee Letter is an endorsement from Seton Hall University that provides a holistic review of an applicant’s academic achievements, personal attributes, clinical experience, community service, and dedication to healthcare. This letter, which accompanies individual recommendation letters, presents the applicant as a well-rounded candidate to admissions committees.

What are the requirements for a Committee Letter?

To be eligible for a committee letter students must meet the following criteria:

Timely Submissions: All deadlines must be met (exact dates vary annually), including submission of the intent form, mock applications, admission exam scores and recommendation letters.
Enrollment: Open to current undergraduate juniors and seniors or Seton Hall University alumni.
Transfer Students: Must complete at least 24 science credits at Seton Hall University by the end of the spring semester of the application year.

Prerequisite Coursework: Must be completed with a minimum 3.6 BCPM GPA (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math) and 3.6 cumulative GPA:

General Biology I & II (with labs)
General Chemistry I & II (with labs)
Organic Chemistry I & II (with labs)
General Physics I & II (with labs; pre-dental students excluded)
Biochemistry (pre-dental and pre-optometry students excluded)

Exam Scores: Must meet or exceed the following minimum scores, submitted by June 1 of the application year:

MCAT: 505+
DAT: 20+
OAT: 345+
GRE: 320+

Active participation within the P-PAC:
- At least two 1:1 application feedback/advising sessions.
- Attendance at two P-PAC events to prepare for the application cycle.
Letters of Recommendation: A minimum of 3-5 letters including (may vary by school/program requirements):
- Two from science faculty
- One from non-science faculty
- One from clinical health professional (MD, DO, RN, etc.)
- One from extracurricular supervisor (research, volunteer, work,etc.)

Applying for a Pre-Health Committee Letter

Students and alumni must complete the "Committee Process," which includes:

Pre-Health Application Intent Form: Due by February of the application year.
Solicit Recommendation Letters: All letters must be submitted by June 1.
Submit Pre-Health Mock Application Packet: Due by March 1.
Advising Sessions: At least two application review meetings with P-PAC/committee.
Committee Interview: Scheduled between May 15 – June 15.
Submit Exam Scores to P-PAC: By June 1.
Submit Primary Application: Includes letter request via the application portal by July 1.
Committee Letter Submission: The committee submits the Committee Letter to the application processing service by August.

What if I Do Not Qualify for a Committee Letter ?

If you do not meet the requirements for a Committee Letter, don't worry! The Pre-Professional Advising Center is still here to support you. You still have access to all the advising, programming and feedback opportunities. In addition, we will compile and submit your individual letters of recommendation as a packet with a P-PAC cover letter, facilitating the submission process for you.

Alternative Letter Packet

Students who are ineligible for a Committee Letter may request an Alternative Letter Packet, which involves packaging individual letters of recommendation under the cover of P-PAC. This option can still be requested through P-PAC by emailing [email protected].

FAQs

Q: Can I submit my application before the committee letter is finished?
Yes, you should submit your application to the appropriate application service while we finalize your Committee Letter.

Q: What if I haven't attended advising sessions or P-PAC events?
You must meet all the attendance and advising requirements to request a Committee Letter. These steps are essential for you to be best prepared, for us to get to know you and provide a strong recommendation.

Q: When will my Committee Letter be submitted?
We aim to complete all letters within four weeks of receiving the request and completing the interview process. Our goal is to submit by August 1st for timely application processing.

Q: I had to retake a course. Am I still eligible for a Committee Letter?
Unfortunately, no, students who have repeated a prerequisite course are ineligible for a Committee Letter. However, we can still assist you with an alternative Letter Packet, advising and programming.

Q: What if I am close to meeting the GPA or exam score requirement?
The requirements are firm to maintain the integrity and strength of the Committee Letter. If you fall short, we will continue to support you with an Alternative Letter Packet and other P-PAC services.

Q: Can I request an individual letter of recommendation from the P-PAC Directors?
The P-PAC Directors serve on the Pre-Health Committee and cannot provide individual recommendation letters while writing Committee Letters. For an Alternative Letter Packet, they may provide letters on a case-by-case basis.

Q: Can I get an extension for a missed deadline?
No, all deadlines are firm. Please ensure you are subscribed to our List Serve and follow us on Instagram to stay informed of deadlines.

For more information or to request a Committee Letter or Letter Packet, please email [email protected]. You can also make an appointment via COMPASS.