Getting Started
Schedule an appointment with our office for any questions or concerns you have about your professional school track.
Professional schools do not prefer specific majors or minors. Choose something you’re genuinely interested in and can excel at academically. Check out the list of majors USC offers.
Some schools may accept AP or dual-enrollment credits, while others require those prerequisite courses to be taken at a four-year university. Always check individual school policies for clarification.
Students can study abroad during college, through semester, summer, or short-term programs. Just be sure that all medical school prerequisite courses are completed in the United States, not abroad. Learn more about study abroad opportunities.
During high school, focus on:
- Building strong study and time management habits
- Taking challenging math and science courses
- Getting involved in community service and leadership activities
When you begin college at USC, your academic advisor and the Pre-Professional & Graduate School Advising office (OPPA) will help you plan your coursework, experiences, and next steps.
Special Programming for Incoming Students: Summer Program
Our office hosts a Summer Program designed to support incoming first-year and transfer students at USC Columbia who are interested in exploring careers in medicine and health professions. The program focuses on college preparation and career exploration for Pre-med and Pre-health students. Through workshops, advising, and interactive sessions, students will gain a better understanding of the academic expectations and experiences needed to pursue careers in healthcare.
This program helps highly motivated students learn how to become competitive applicants for medical and other health professional schools, including fields such as dentistry, physical therapy, occupational therapy, veterinary medicine, and other health-related professions.
For more information, please contact oppa@sc.edu.