University of New England
Return to HomeBiology - No Photo
Application to Schools
Most professional schools use central application services. Students apply directly to these services instead of applying to the various schools. These professional association application services meet the needs of both participating member institutions and prospective students by providing information in a standardized format. Their service is essentially an information "clearing-house" and does not influence any school's appraisal or selection of applicants. Information for application may be requested from the application services after May l of the 3rd year. This should give the applicants time to gather material and complete application before the due date of submission of applications. See brief program descriptions or association websites for further information.
There are schools that do not subscribe to application services. Applicants need to contact such schools directly to request application materials.
In addition to the qualities mentioned above, the professional programs must receive some objective materials along with the student's application. A brief list of additional materials that may be necessary for application is below.
Admissions Requirements
The number of applicants for incoming classes in U.S. professional schools is greater than the number of places available. Admission to such schools is thus highly competitive. Those students with mediocre achievements are not likely to receive favorable consideration. Nevertheless, one does not have to be an extraordinary student to gain acceptance.
Qualities sought of students include: A good academic record; health care experience/exposure (more than just personal health issues); medical science research; motivation and seriousness in achieving set goals; communication skills and good relations with colleagues and others; leadership qualities; involvement in extracurricular activities, academic, athletic, professional and social groups; and compassion for the sick and injured.
Academic Requirements
All programs will look for a strong basis in the liberal arts found in undergraduate education, rather than just a focus on the health sciences. Many programs do not insist upon a completed bachelor's degree, but instead look for 75% completion in a bachelor's degree program or approximately 90 credit hours.
Depending upon the type of program the student is planning on pursuing, the courses required for admissions will vary. In general, most graduate programs will require applicants to have completed the following types of courses.
English - one year / two semesters (including composition / literature) 6 credits
Biology with laboratory - one year / two semesters 8 credits (This might be fulfilled by upper level biology courses, but some colleges require Biology)
General Chemistry with laboratory - one year / two semesters 8 credits
Organic Chemistry with laboratory - one year / two semesters (including biochemistry) 8 credits
Physics with laboratory - one year / two semesters 8 credits
Students who have performed poorly in undergraduate courses are encouraged to take additional undergraduate or graduate courses in the sciences to assist their application. There are graduate programs (i.e. medical science) designed to assist students to gain entrance into specific programs.
DO, DVM, MD Doctors of Osteopathic, Veterinary or Allopathic Medicine
All of above courses
May require biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, etc.
DMS, OD, DPM Doctors of Dentistry, Optometry or Podiatry
All of above courses (physics may be optional)
May require microbiology, psychology, etc.
DPT Doctor of Physical Therapy Programs
May not require organic chemistry or biochemistry
May require psychology, kinesiology etc.
PA-C Physician's Assistance Programs
May not require physics,
May require biochemistry, microbiology and molecular biology, etc.
Admissions Tests
There are commercial DAT, GRE, MCAT and OAT preparation courses offered by various agencies. These are expensive, but they provide good study material. Information regarding such preparation courses is available through the sites below. Kaplan Prep and Princeton Review
For recent MCAT Scores for students accepted to and entering medical school, students enrolled in University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Physician Assistant Program, click here (pdf).
Dental Aptitude Test (DAT)
The examinations are comprised exclusively of multiple-choice test items. There are four examinations included in the Dental Admission Testing Program. Website
Dental Aptitude Test
211 East Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611-2678
(312) 440-2500
Website
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
The General Test measures verbal, quantitative, and analytical skills that have been acquired over a long period of time and that are not related to any specific field of study. The test consists of three scored sections.
Verbal: 30-minute section (30 questions) — The verbal measure tests your ability to analyze and evaluate written material and synthesize information obtained from it, analyze relationships among component parts of sentences, and recognize relationships between words and concepts. Because students have wide-ranging backgrounds, interests, and skills, the verbal sections of the General Test use questions from diverse areas of experience. The areas tested range from the activities of daily life to broad categories of academic interest such as the sciences, social studies, and the humanities.
Quantitative: 45-minute section (28 questions) — The quantitative measure tests your basic mathematical skills and your understanding of elementary mathematical concepts, as well as your ability to reason quantitatively and solve problems in a quantitative setting. The content areas included in the quantitative sections of the test are arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. These are content areas usually studied in high school.
Analytical: 60-minute section (35 questions) — The analytical measure tests your ability to understand structured sets of relationships, deduce new information from sets of relationships, analyze and evaluate arguments, identify central issues and hypotheses, draw sound inferences, and identify plausible causal explanations. Questions in the analytical section measure reasoning skills developed in virtually all fields of study. No formal training in logic or methods of analysis is needed to do well in these sections. Website.
The General Test and Writing Assessment are separate tests that are given year-round at computer-based test centers. Appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. To register, contact the center below:
Graduate Record Examination
Education Testing Service
P.O. Box 6000
Princeton, NJ 08541-6000 (609) 771-7670
Website
Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
The MCAT is designed to assess mastery of the basic skills and concepts that are prerequisite for the successful completion of medical school. The MCAT Verbal Reasoning, Physical Sciences, and Biological Sciences sections consist of multiple-choice questions, and the Writing Sample consists of two essays. It is in your best interest to give a high level of attention to material contained in all sections of the MCAT.
Verbal Reasoning
The Verbal Reasoning section of the MCAT is designed to assess your ability to understand, evaluate, and apply information and arguments presented in prose texts. The test consists of several passages, each 500 to 600 words long, taken from the humanities and social sciences and from areas of the natural sciences not tested on the MCAT Physical and Biological Sciences sections. Each passage is accompanied by six to ten questions based on the information presented in the passage. Test questions do not cover a specific set of topics; all the information needed to answer each question is provided in the accompanying passage.
Physical Sciences and Biological Sciences
The MCAT Physical Sciences section is designed to assess reasoning in general chemistry and physics. The MCAT Biological Sciences section is designed to assess reasoning in biology and organic chemistry. Each section contains ten to eleven problem sets, each about 250 words in length, that describe a situation or problem. Each problem set is followed by four to eight questions. An additional fifteen questions are independent of any passage and each other. Neither the passage-related questions nor the independent questions test the ability to memorize scientific facts. Rather, both types of questions assess knowledge of basic physical and biological science concepts and your facility at problem solving in general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and biology.
Writing Sample
The MCAT Writing Sample consists of two 30-minute essays. The Writing Sample is designed to assess skill in the following areas: developing a central idea; synthesizing concepts and ideas; presenting ideas cohesively and logically; and writing clearly, following accepted practices of grammar, syntax, and punctuation consistent with timed, first-draft composition.
Each Writing Sample item provides a specific topic that requires an expository response. Topics do not pertain to the content of biology, chemistry, or physics; to the medical school application process or reasons for the choice of medicine as a career; to social and cultural issues not in the general experience of college students; or to religious or other emotionally charged issues. Topics do not assess subject matter knowledge.
The MCAT is administered twice a year (April and August). The exam lasts for 6 hours. It should normally be taken during the Spring of the Junior year when students would have completed all required courses. Website.
You can request more information and an application form by contacting the program below.
Medical College Admissions Test
PO Box 451
Iowa City, IA 52243
Website
Optometry Admission Test (OAT)
The OAT is a standardized examination designed to measure general academic ability and comprehension of scientific information. The OAT is sponsored by the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) for applicants seeking admission to an optometry program. All schools and colleges of optometry in the United States and Canada require the OAT. The OAT consists of four tests: Survey of the Natural Sciences (Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry), Reading Comprehension, Physics and Quantitative Reasoning.
The OAT exam is administered twice a year throughout the United States and Canada. The deadline for applications is approximately six weeks prior to the exam. Website.
You can request a free OAT information booklet and a test application form by contacting the program below.
Optometric Admission Testing Program
211 East Chicago Ave. - Suite 1840
Chicago, IL 60611-2678
(312) 440-2693
Website
Letter Of Recommendation
One of the major functions of the Pre-Health Professions Advisory Committee (PHPAC) is writing letters of evaluation for students applying to health professions schools. Every professional school requires recommendations for its applicants. Many prefer a single composite letter from the undergraduate college's Advisory Committee rather than from several individual professors.
The Pre-Health Professions Advisory Committee has established procedures and guidelines in writing the letter of recommendation. Before preparing the composite letter of evaluation and recommendation the Committee reviews the following for each student: official academic transcript from all colleges and universities attended; two letters of recommendation with one from an undergraduate faculty outside of the Department of Biological Sciences; one student character reference letter; self-evaluation letter, written by the student discussing intended role in field of study; curriculum vitae (or résumé); list of programs and schools to which student is intending to apply.
All students will have to submit materials by April 15th of their 3rd year in order to have letters ready for applications that will be due in September of their 4th year.
Students will be advised of their rating (highly recommend, recommend, recommend with reservations, or not recommend) during the summer between their 3rd and 4th years, before the letter is written. The student can decide if they want the letter to be written and sent or not. The student may always choose not to obtain a letter from the committee, but it is unlikely that PHPAC members will write individual letters (separate from the PHPAC process).
The letter of recommendation will be confidential in nature and will include the entire committees' comments regarding the student and level of recommendation. The letter of recommendation will be mailed directly to those application services and schools designated by the applicant.
Many schools will require additional letters of recommendation from professionals currently practicing in their respective fields of expertise in addition to committee letters.
Interview
An interview is a part of the selection process and is the important final step for medical acceptance. Of the many students invited for an interview, only a few gain acceptance. This is true of all professional schools. There are books on interviewing that may well be worth exploring. Advice should also be sought from a college counselor and faculty members.
Often, there is no consistency among interviewers. For students, an interview should be an opportunity to reveal their qualities and experiences. This is where the student's previous clinical or research experience can be its most valuable. It provides the student with topics to discuss during the interview process, some of which may be of personal interest to the interviewer. It is important that students present themselves in the best light possible. Even a single case or experiment out of the whole experience can provide the interviewer with enough insight to see how the student may fit into their professional program. This is the student's opportunity to show off her / his knowledge and experience, highlighting that he / she is an unique candidate for the professional school. A good interview that has impressed the interviewer may guarantee a student a seat in that program.
Most professional schools use central application services. Students apply directly to these services instead of applying to the various schools. These professional association application services meet the needs of both participating member institutions and prospective students by providing information in a standardized format. Their service is essentially an information "clearing-house" and does not influence any school's appraisal or selection of applicants. Information for application may be requested from the application services after May l of the 3rd year. This should give the applicants time to gather material and complete application before the due date of submission of applications. See brief program descriptions or association websites for further information.
There are schools that do not subscribe to application services. Applicants need to contact such schools directly to request application materials.
In addition to the qualities mentioned above, the professional programs must receive some objective materials along with the student's application. A brief list of additional materials that may be necessary for application is below.
| Admissions forms (primary and secondary applications) | ||
| College / University transcripts from all schools attended | ||
| Admissions test scores sent directly from testing center | ||
| Letter(s) of recommendation from faculty (committee) and other professionals | ||
| Proof of clinical / research experience (letter from site on official letterhead) | ||
| Personal essay |
Admissions Requirements
The number of applicants for incoming classes in U.S. professional schools is greater than the number of places available. Admission to such schools is thus highly competitive. Those students with mediocre achievements are not likely to receive favorable consideration. Nevertheless, one does not have to be an extraordinary student to gain acceptance.
Qualities sought of students include: A good academic record; health care experience/exposure (more than just personal health issues); medical science research; motivation and seriousness in achieving set goals; communication skills and good relations with colleagues and others; leadership qualities; involvement in extracurricular activities, academic, athletic, professional and social groups; and compassion for the sick and injured.
Academic Requirements
All programs will look for a strong basis in the liberal arts found in undergraduate education, rather than just a focus on the health sciences. Many programs do not insist upon a completed bachelor's degree, but instead look for 75% completion in a bachelor's degree program or approximately 90 credit hours.
Depending upon the type of program the student is planning on pursuing, the courses required for admissions will vary. In general, most graduate programs will require applicants to have completed the following types of courses.
English - one year / two semesters (including composition / literature) 6 credits
Biology with laboratory - one year / two semesters 8 credits (This might be fulfilled by upper level biology courses, but some colleges require Biology)
General Chemistry with laboratory - one year / two semesters 8 credits
Organic Chemistry with laboratory - one year / two semesters (including biochemistry) 8 credits
Physics with laboratory - one year / two semesters 8 credits
Students who have performed poorly in undergraduate courses are encouraged to take additional undergraduate or graduate courses in the sciences to assist their application. There are graduate programs (i.e. medical science) designed to assist students to gain entrance into specific programs.
DO, DVM, MD Doctors of Osteopathic, Veterinary or Allopathic Medicine
All of above courses
May require biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, etc.
DMS, OD, DPM Doctors of Dentistry, Optometry or Podiatry
All of above courses (physics may be optional)
May require microbiology, psychology, etc.
DPT Doctor of Physical Therapy Programs
May not require organic chemistry or biochemistry
May require psychology, kinesiology etc.
PA-C Physician's Assistance Programs
May not require physics,
May require biochemistry, microbiology and molecular biology, etc.
Admissions Tests
There are commercial DAT, GRE, MCAT and OAT preparation courses offered by various agencies. These are expensive, but they provide good study material. Information regarding such preparation courses is available through the sites below. Kaplan Prep and Princeton Review
For recent MCAT Scores for students accepted to and entering medical school, students enrolled in University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Physician Assistant Program, click here (pdf).
Dental Aptitude Test (DAT)
The examinations are comprised exclusively of multiple-choice test items. There are four examinations included in the Dental Admission Testing Program. Website
| 1. | Natural Sciences Survey Biology: cell / molecular, biodiversity, anatomy / physiology, development, genetics, evolution, ecology, and behavior. General Chemistry: stoichiometry and general concepts, gases, liquids and solids, solutions, acids / bases, equilibria, thermodynamics, kinetics, reactions, atomic / molecular structure, periodic properties, nuclear reactions, and laboratory skills. Organic Chemistry: mechanisms, properties, nomenclature, acid-base interactions, aromatics and bonding. | |
| 2. | Perceptual Ability Angle discrimination, form development, cubes, orthographic projections, and paper folding. | |
| 3. | Reading Comprehension Ability to read, organize, analyze, and remember new information in dental and basic sciences. Ability to comprehend thoroughly when studying scientific information. Reading materials are typical of materials encountered in the first year of dental school and require no prior knowledge of the topic other than a basic undergraduate preparation in science. The Reading Comprehension Test contains three reading passages. | |
| 4. | Quantitative Reasoning Mathematical Problems: algebra, calculations, conversions, statistics, geometry, trigonometry and applied mathematics The entire program requires just over one half-day for administration. For further information and registration, contact the association below. |
Dental Aptitude Test
211 East Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611-2678
(312) 440-2500
Website
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
The General Test measures verbal, quantitative, and analytical skills that have been acquired over a long period of time and that are not related to any specific field of study. The test consists of three scored sections.
Verbal: 30-minute section (30 questions) — The verbal measure tests your ability to analyze and evaluate written material and synthesize information obtained from it, analyze relationships among component parts of sentences, and recognize relationships between words and concepts. Because students have wide-ranging backgrounds, interests, and skills, the verbal sections of the General Test use questions from diverse areas of experience. The areas tested range from the activities of daily life to broad categories of academic interest such as the sciences, social studies, and the humanities.
Quantitative: 45-minute section (28 questions) — The quantitative measure tests your basic mathematical skills and your understanding of elementary mathematical concepts, as well as your ability to reason quantitatively and solve problems in a quantitative setting. The content areas included in the quantitative sections of the test are arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. These are content areas usually studied in high school.
Analytical: 60-minute section (35 questions) — The analytical measure tests your ability to understand structured sets of relationships, deduce new information from sets of relationships, analyze and evaluate arguments, identify central issues and hypotheses, draw sound inferences, and identify plausible causal explanations. Questions in the analytical section measure reasoning skills developed in virtually all fields of study. No formal training in logic or methods of analysis is needed to do well in these sections. Website.
The General Test and Writing Assessment are separate tests that are given year-round at computer-based test centers. Appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. To register, contact the center below:
Graduate Record Examination
Education Testing Service
P.O. Box 6000
Princeton, NJ 08541-6000 (609) 771-7670
Website
Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
The MCAT is designed to assess mastery of the basic skills and concepts that are prerequisite for the successful completion of medical school. The MCAT Verbal Reasoning, Physical Sciences, and Biological Sciences sections consist of multiple-choice questions, and the Writing Sample consists of two essays. It is in your best interest to give a high level of attention to material contained in all sections of the MCAT.
Verbal Reasoning
The Verbal Reasoning section of the MCAT is designed to assess your ability to understand, evaluate, and apply information and arguments presented in prose texts. The test consists of several passages, each 500 to 600 words long, taken from the humanities and social sciences and from areas of the natural sciences not tested on the MCAT Physical and Biological Sciences sections. Each passage is accompanied by six to ten questions based on the information presented in the passage. Test questions do not cover a specific set of topics; all the information needed to answer each question is provided in the accompanying passage.
Physical Sciences and Biological Sciences
The MCAT Physical Sciences section is designed to assess reasoning in general chemistry and physics. The MCAT Biological Sciences section is designed to assess reasoning in biology and organic chemistry. Each section contains ten to eleven problem sets, each about 250 words in length, that describe a situation or problem. Each problem set is followed by four to eight questions. An additional fifteen questions are independent of any passage and each other. Neither the passage-related questions nor the independent questions test the ability to memorize scientific facts. Rather, both types of questions assess knowledge of basic physical and biological science concepts and your facility at problem solving in general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and biology.
Writing Sample
The MCAT Writing Sample consists of two 30-minute essays. The Writing Sample is designed to assess skill in the following areas: developing a central idea; synthesizing concepts and ideas; presenting ideas cohesively and logically; and writing clearly, following accepted practices of grammar, syntax, and punctuation consistent with timed, first-draft composition.
Each Writing Sample item provides a specific topic that requires an expository response. Topics do not pertain to the content of biology, chemistry, or physics; to the medical school application process or reasons for the choice of medicine as a career; to social and cultural issues not in the general experience of college students; or to religious or other emotionally charged issues. Topics do not assess subject matter knowledge.
The MCAT is administered twice a year (April and August). The exam lasts for 6 hours. It should normally be taken during the Spring of the Junior year when students would have completed all required courses. Website.
You can request more information and an application form by contacting the program below.
Medical College Admissions Test
PO Box 451
Iowa City, IA 52243
Website
Optometry Admission Test (OAT)
The OAT is a standardized examination designed to measure general academic ability and comprehension of scientific information. The OAT is sponsored by the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) for applicants seeking admission to an optometry program. All schools and colleges of optometry in the United States and Canada require the OAT. The OAT consists of four tests: Survey of the Natural Sciences (Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry), Reading Comprehension, Physics and Quantitative Reasoning.
The OAT exam is administered twice a year throughout the United States and Canada. The deadline for applications is approximately six weeks prior to the exam. Website.
You can request a free OAT information booklet and a test application form by contacting the program below.
Optometric Admission Testing Program
211 East Chicago Ave. - Suite 1840
Chicago, IL 60611-2678
(312) 440-2693
Website
Letter Of Recommendation
One of the major functions of the Pre-Health Professions Advisory Committee (PHPAC) is writing letters of evaluation for students applying to health professions schools. Every professional school requires recommendations for its applicants. Many prefer a single composite letter from the undergraduate college's Advisory Committee rather than from several individual professors.
The Pre-Health Professions Advisory Committee has established procedures and guidelines in writing the letter of recommendation. Before preparing the composite letter of evaluation and recommendation the Committee reviews the following for each student: official academic transcript from all colleges and universities attended; two letters of recommendation with one from an undergraduate faculty outside of the Department of Biological Sciences; one student character reference letter; self-evaluation letter, written by the student discussing intended role in field of study; curriculum vitae (or résumé); list of programs and schools to which student is intending to apply.
All students will have to submit materials by April 15th of their 3rd year in order to have letters ready for applications that will be due in September of their 4th year.
Students will be advised of their rating (highly recommend, recommend, recommend with reservations, or not recommend) during the summer between their 3rd and 4th years, before the letter is written. The student can decide if they want the letter to be written and sent or not. The student may always choose not to obtain a letter from the committee, but it is unlikely that PHPAC members will write individual letters (separate from the PHPAC process).
The letter of recommendation will be confidential in nature and will include the entire committees' comments regarding the student and level of recommendation. The letter of recommendation will be mailed directly to those application services and schools designated by the applicant.
Many schools will require additional letters of recommendation from professionals currently practicing in their respective fields of expertise in addition to committee letters.
Interview
An interview is a part of the selection process and is the important final step for medical acceptance. Of the many students invited for an interview, only a few gain acceptance. This is true of all professional schools. There are books on interviewing that may well be worth exploring. Advice should also be sought from a college counselor and faculty members.
Often, there is no consistency among interviewers. For students, an interview should be an opportunity to reveal their qualities and experiences. This is where the student's previous clinical or research experience can be its most valuable. It provides the student with topics to discuss during the interview process, some of which may be of personal interest to the interviewer. It is important that students present themselves in the best light possible. Even a single case or experiment out of the whole experience can provide the interviewer with enough insight to see how the student may fit into their professional program. This is the student's opportunity to show off her / his knowledge and experience, highlighting that he / she is an unique candidate for the professional school. A good interview that has impressed the interviewer may guarantee a student a seat in that program.
- Libraries
- |
- eServices
- |
- Virtual Tours
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Events
- |
- Email a Friend
- |
- Site Map
Two Maine Campuses:
University Campus, Biddeford / Westbrook College Campus, Portland · 207.283.0171
University Campus, Biddeford / Westbrook College Campus, Portland · 207.283.0171
Copyright © 2008 University of New England