Frequently Asked Questions about Natural Sciences and Mathematics Preprofessional Programs

The percentage in question depends primarily on the student's overall GPA and the student's GPA in his/her science/math courses.With at least a 3.2 in both categories, virtually 100 percent of students applying to professional school are accepted. With a 2.7 or below, virtually no students get into professional school.If a preprofessional student at IUP is dedicated to his/her education, then IUP provides the appropriate coursework for success in professional school.

IUP has excellent relations with many professional schools and endeavors to find the professional program best suited for the individual student.However, there are no absolute guarantees. Each professional school has certain GPA requirements, application requirements, and personal interview requirements.Ultimately, the professional school determines whether or not an applicant meets their requirements.

Yes.The rule of thumb is 100 hours shadowing a professional in the student's choice of career. Many physician assistant programs are requiring 200 hours total working with a physician assistant and an M.D. or D.O.A letter of recommendation from each professional that documents the hours shadowed is required.

Yes. However, IUP has standards for transferring coursework which have to be met. However, some professional schools are requiring that students who wish “early admission” (also known as 3+2, 3+3, or 3+4 programs) must take all of their coursework at IUP during the academic year. There can be no required courses taken other than at IUP. There can be no courses taken as D/F repeats. There can be no courses from which the student has withdrawn and taken in a later semester. 

There are definite advantages to attending such a college/university, but, as stated above, there are no guarantees even at that institution.A student must still make excellent grades. Each student must visit several college campuses and determine which school is "right" for them. Factors to include in the decision as to which school to attend are location (rural vs. urban, proximity to home, etc.), class size for science and mathematics classes, size of the university, campus housing, and cost.