Newark College of Arts and Sciences does not offer a
premedicine major as such. Students interested in attending medical school (allopathic or osteopathic), as well as those interested in attending dentistry, podiatry, optometry, or veterinary schools, instead are able to major in any subject offered by the college, including nonsciences, with the provision that the core courses listed below are completed successfully.
Schools for the health professions typically expect applicants to have superior scholastic records. Competition for admission is intense. Schools weigh not only grades, but also scores on the appropriate standardized entrance examination, the college letter of recommendation, records of extracurricular activities, and seriousness of intent. Students lacking at least a 3.0 cumulative grade-point average by the conclusion of the first year should seriously consider changing their career goals.
Core Curriculum
Health professional schools require the successful completion of specific science courses in addition to basic undergraduate coursework. The core curriculum should be completed by the end of the third year, with at least a 3.0 cumulative grade-point average, and in advance of the nationwide standardized examinations for the health professions. Schools generally require, at minimum, the following subjects:
21:120:101-102 General Biology (4, 4)
21:160-113-114 General Chemistry Laboratory (1, 1)
21:160:115-116 General Chemistry (4, 4)
21:160:331 Organic Chemistry Laboratory (2)
21:160:335-336 Organic Chemistry (4, 4)
21:750:203-204 General Physics (3, 3) or 21:750:213-214 Elements of Physics (3, 3)
21:750:205-206 Introductory Physics Laboratory (1, 1)
21:640:114 Pre-Calculus (3)
Since professional school requirements are subject to change, students should consult individual schools for information. Psychology, ethics, logic, or other specific courses are sometimes required, and upper-level courses in the sciences are strongly encouraged. Students intending to apply to the most competitive medical schools may wish to complete 21:640:135 Calculus I (4) as well.
All students interested in pursuing a prehealth preparatory track should plan to complete General Biology, Pre-Calculus, and perhaps Calculus during their first year and should complete General Physics or University Physics by the end of their third year. Those entering with a strong background in mathematics and the natural sciences may want to take General Chemistry also during their first year and Organic Chemistry during their second. Those with an average background in mathematics and the natural sciences should take General Chemistry during their second year and Organic Chemistry in the third year.
Standardized Tests
Schools in the health professions require applicants to submit scores from nationwide standardized examinations. Interested students should plan to take the examination appropriate for their career goals prior to their senior year and are advised to complete the core curriculum outlined above prior to standing for examination. Different examinations are required for application to different kinds of schools:
Dental Schools: Dental Admissions Test (DAT)
Optometry Schools: Optometry Admissions Test (OAT)
Veterinary Schools: Veterinary College Admission Test (VCAT), Graduate Record Exam (GRE), or Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)
Advising
Interested students should consult in their first year with a general adviser (973-353-5800). Qualified upper-level students should contact Dr. John Maiello, Chair, Pre-Health Advisory Committee (973-353-5705), as should students seeking specific information or meetings.
