PREPROFESSIONAL ADVISING
NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION: ACADEMIC ADVISING & FIRST SEMESTER COURSE PLANNING
WELCOME, NEW STUDENTS!
The PreProfessional Advising Office advisors are here to help students successfully prepare for professional school and to guide you through the application process when the time comes.
Do you have a major in mind? know that a prehealth path is not a major, and students preparing for professional schools are able to choose any major. Find the orientation steps for all colleges here.
12 Professional Paths
PreLaw • PreMed • PreDental • PrePhysical Therapy • PreOccupational Therapy • PrePhysician Assistant • PreAthletic Training • PreChiropractic • PreVeterinary • PreOptometry • PrePodiatry • PrePharmacy
Our Services
- planning your program of study and extracurricular activities
- walking you through the application process
- reviewing applications and personal statements
- practicing for interviews and more!
Steps for In-Person Orientation
In-person new student orientation for Fall 2023 students runs from 8:00 am-5:00 pm, Mountain Standard Time. If you have registered for an in-person orientation date, plan to attend and be available for the full time. Students will receive instructions from the Office of Orientation and Transition. Learn more.
Academic advising and first semester course registration is included for New Student
Orientation held in person. Students should not schedule a separate academic advising appointment.
General Info for New Students
PreHealth Paths
Learn more about beginning your path to a health profession.
Exploration Courses
- MD LB 1010: Intro to Medical Laboratory Sciences
- PH TH 1010: Foundations of Physical Therapy
- UGS 1020: Intro to PreMed/Physician Assistant
- UGS 1030: Intro to PreDental
PreLaw Paths
Learn more about beginning your path to law school.
Exploration Courses
- COMM 1270: Analysis of Argument
- POLS 1100: US National Government
- HIST 1700: American History
- PHIL 1250: Reasoning and Rational Decision Making
PreProfessional Advising Website
Frequently Asked Questions
Student records at The University of Utah are governed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and its implementing regulations. A student must authorize the University of Utah to release information to any 3rd party, such as a spouse or parent.
If your appointment is going to be conducted online or by phone, you must set up a FERPA Pin in order to discuss your specific academic record.
You can expect to discuss your academic and personal interests, to identify courses for your first semester at the U, and to learn how to use the registration portal in the Campus Information System (CIS).
No, students who are pursuing a preprofessional path will not have an assigned advisor. We have a team of advisors who are excited to help you plan your first semester classes. Students may schedule an appointment with any academic advisor in the PreProfessional Advising Office.
All incoming students have two holds—an orientation hold and an advising hold.
Orientation Hold
After completing your Canvas course (including all quizzes!), the Office of Orientation
& Transition will remove your orientation hold.
Advising Hold
During your advising session, your advisor is responsible for removing your orientation
advising hold.
During your advising session, your academic advisor will assist you with first semester course planning and registration. When both holds—advising and orientation—have been removed, you will be able to register for classes.
All official college or university transcripts must be sent to the Admissions Office. Please note it can take 6-8 weeks for transcripts to be processed.
During your advising appointment, inform your advisor if you are expecting any previously earned college credit [AP, IB, concurrent enrollment, transfer]. Your advisor will be able to talk with you more in depth about how these credits will transfer and which graduation requirements they may fulfill.
Yes! Student are able to make changes to their class schedule until the the semester's Add/Drop Deadline.
Find all important dates and deadlines for on the academic calendar.