a
M

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ABQ?
The Autobiographical Questionnaire (ABQ) is a comprehensive tool consisting of several primary and secondary documents, including an Interview Data Sheet, Resume, Transcripts, short essay questions, Personal Statement draft, and Letters of Recommendation. It is used by the Health Professions Committee at Drew University to create your composite letter of recommendation, which many health professions schools require or recommend. The ABQ process also involves 1:1 interviews with each committee member
What does a competitive applicant look like?
Preparing for a career in medicine or health care is a long process involving many components. To be considered a competitive applicant, it’s important that you start early (typically your first year) and possess the following:

  • Academic excellence (strong GPA and standardized test scores)
  • Clinical experience (volunteering, interning, and shadowing in healthcare settings)
  • Extracurricular activities
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement
  • Research experience
  • Understanding and commitment to desired health profession
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Leadership
  • Cultural competence
  • Professionalism
Can I major in anything I wish?
Yes. At Drew, pre-medical studies is a track, not a major. As a pre-medical student, you can choose from any of the college’s disciplinary or interdisciplinary majors. However, you must complete the necessary prerequisite courses for entrance into a health professional program. It is highly recommended that you check with each school to which you are planning to apply because requirements vary and sometimes change.
What courses should I take as a pre-health student in addition to my major requirements?
Requirements vary among health professional schools, but nearly all programs require the following:

  • Two semesters of biology with laboratory (Drew recommends at least three semesters to be prepared for the MCAT)
  • Two semesters of general chemistry with laboratory
  • Two semesters of organic chemistry with laboratory
  • Two semesters of physics with laboratory
  • One semester of biochemistry with laboratory
  • Two semesters of English/writing
  • Intro to Psychology
  • Intro to Sociology
  • Intro Statistics

We strongly recommend that all medical school applicants also take two semesters of anatomy and physiology with laboratory, one semester of microbiology with laboratory, one semester of medical ethics, and one semester of calculus.

Who will advise me?
As a pre-med student at Drew, you will get advising from at least two sources: your academic advisor, who is a professor in your chosen major, and a pre-health professions advisor, who is a member of the National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions.
Does Drew have a Health Professions Committee?
Yes. Medical schools prefer that applicants work with a health professions committee, and at Drew this is a group of faculty members and pre-health advisors who provide advice about the health professions and the application process. The committee also prepares a letter of recommendation on your behalf to health professional schools.
What dual-degree programs are offered by Drew University?
Medicine with Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

A formal articulation agreement between Drew and the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (NJMS) makes it possible for prospective first-year students to apply directly to a special dual BA and MD degree program. Students are admitted simultaneously to both institutions, spending three years of study at Drew and four years at NJMS.

Nursing with Drexel University

In this accelerated program, earn your bachelor of arts degree and bachelor of science in nursing degree in a total of just five years. Attend Drew for four years, then earn your BSN over the next 11 months full-time at Drexel.

Nutrition/Dietetics with Drexel University

The MS in Human Nutrition Program examines both normal and therapeutic nutrition for individuals and groups. The Didactic Program in Dietetics is designed specifically for students who wish to become registered dietitians.

Public Health with Boston University

Drew undergraduates have the opportunity to apply to the BUSPH Select Scholars program to explore different options available in the field of public health and to connect with Boston University mentors for academic and career advising. Students accepted into the program may choose to pursue a Master of Public Health, Master of Science in Population Health Research, or Master of Science in Applied Biostatistics at BU.