Advising Services

Prospective students

Looking to prepare for medical or dental school? Marquette is a great place to begin. With strong academics and personalized support, we’ll help you build a foundation for success — wherever your pre-health path leads.

Application timelines for medical, dental school

Applying to medical or dental school requires careful planning and timing. Our pre-health advisors are here to guide you through every step — from choosing the right courses and exploring career options to reviewing your resume and staying on track with your goals.

Letter of recommendation service

We offer a letter packet service to strengthen your application to medical or dental schools. Whether you're applying through AMCAS, AACOMAS or AADSAS, we’ll help you submit a polished, comprehensive application.

Stay on track

First Year
Second Year
Third Year and Beyond

First Year – Hit the ground running!

Start strong by building smart study habits from day one. A good rule of thumb: study 2–3 hours per week for every credit hour you’re taking.

Example: If you're enrolled in CHEM 1001 (4 credits), aim for 8–12 hours of studying per week. This includes reviewing notes, creating flashcards, completing readings, and more.

Save your syllabi from each course. You may need to send one to your health professions program during applications, so be sure to save all of them just in case.*
Get involved early:
- Gain experience in a health care setting*
- Try a service-related activity (e.g., tutoring, Noon Run, etc.). Check out opportunities on MUEngage.
- Build relationships with your professors, especially in your science courses*
- Look for summer jobs in health care or research labs*, or volunteer regularly in hospitals or clinics*

* These are not one-time checkboxes — continue these activities throughout your time at Marquette.

Second Year – Keep up the momentum!

Start networking to find internships, research projects, volunteer roles, or independent study opportunities*
Take a close look at your GPA and reflect on your career goals. Why do you want to pursue medicine, dentistry, or another health profession? Start forming your “why.”
Evaluate your extracurricular activities — are you gaining enough meaningful experience? Meet with your pre-health advisor to assess your progress.
Begin exploring MCAT or DAT prep options (pre-dental students often take the DAT in the summer after sophomore year)*

* Continue these activities throughout your 4 years at Marquette University

Third Year – Time to apply!

This is the year many students apply to medical or dental school. Stay organized and proactive.

Register for the MCAT at www.aamc.org or the DAT at www.ada.org (if you haven't yet already sat for the DAT) for a May or June test date.
Start studying seriously for the MCAT or DAT (if you haven’t taken it yet). Talk to your pre-health advisor about your timeline.
Be sure to attend the “How to Apply” sessions in April for AADSAS and AMCAS, hosted by the pre-health advising team.
Continue to realistically consider your chances and your reasons for wanting to be in health care, as well as your overall resume. Seek guidance from your major advisor and your pre-health advisor.
Work on your Personal Statement. We highly encourage utilizing the Writing Center.
Research schools and finalize your list. Visit each program's website to find out as much as you can about their prerequisites, admission data, etc.
Submit your applications through AMCAS, AACOMAS or AADSAS in May or June. Timing is crucial for admission, and a late application will decrease your chances for acceptance!

I applied – What now?

Schedule a meeting with your pre-health advisor or the Career Center for interview preparation
Attend interviews with professionalism and confidence
If you’re not accepted, don’t panic — use Marquette’s campus resources to reflect and build a stronger plan for next year