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Frequently Asked Questions


 

COVID-19 FAQ

CR/NC (Pass or fail) and Professional Programs including Law Schools

Since the University announced the Credit or Non-Credit (CR/NC, pass or fail) option in mid-March of 2020, we have received quite a few emails from students. See responses to COVID-19 pandemic from professional programs below.

Here are a couple of options to consider as we wait for more information from professional schools.

  1. Keep your prerequisite course grades as a letter grade, but select one or more of your other courses as CR/NC. This way, you will be able to focus more on prerequisite courses than other classes.
  2. Make all of your classes as CR/NC and retake prerequisite courses in a later semester if it turns out they will not be accepted at schools you wish to attend.
  3. Withdraw from the prerequisite courses you are not doing well in. This way, your GPA will not be affected.

    ***You must be very careful with the following if you choose this option.***

    • Your financial aid/scholarship may be affected if you go below 12 (or 15) credit hours. Please make sure to consult with the Financial Aid and Scholarship office before you withdraw from your class(es). This includes VA benefits and Athletic scholarships.
    • You may not be able to get your tuition back for the classes you withdraw from.

Consult with your instructors before making a decision. Many professors are also struggling to teach their classes online. If they have not discussed how they would grade their classes yet, let them know your feelings and concerns. Most likely, you are not the only one with these concerns.

This phenomenon is happening all over the country. Even if you ended up getting a low letter grade, you will have a chance to explain what happened during this semester when you apply for professional programs.

If you are trying to raise your GPA (total, science, and/or non-science) this semester, you should keep your letter grade as long as you are doing well. CR/NC or W will not affect your GPA for health professional schools. 

Responses to COVID-19 by Professional Schools

PASS/FAIL GRADE POLICIES FOR LAW SCHOOLS

Since law schools do not require specific prerequisites, it makes less of a difference if you take a class or two CR/NC. You are still better served with higher letter grades, especially at more competitive schools. However, as long as your previous and subsequent grades are good, in this extraordinary situation, one semester of CR grades will likely not affect your application too much. If you have particular law schools in mind, you should reach out to them and ask how they will review these grades. IMPORTANT WARNING: When you apply to law school, a NC will turn into an E grade, so make sure that you are earning at least a C- in the class that is graded CR/NC.

LSAT COVID-19 PAGE

LSAT-Flex FAQ 

PASS/FAIL GRADE POLICIES ACROSS THE US MED SCHOOLS

Please check the google sheet Case Western Reserve School of Medicine created. It lists pass or fail policies at US medical schools. 

PASS/FAIL GRADE POLICIES ACROSS THE CALIFORNIA MED SCHOOLS

Medical schools in California (excluding DO schools) “will accept pass/fail grades, without prejudice, for courses taken during the COVID-19 pandemic.  It has always been our practice to consider grades in the context of numerous other aspects of the application, and an international crisis certainly provides a unique and compelling context.  In making this statement, we are cognizant of the fact that some undergraduate schools are providing an option for students to take courses either for grades or on a Pass/Fail basis.  We therefore want to be explicit that applicants should not feel pressured by us to choose the graded option.  Students and their families are facing many challenges at the moment – maybe even life and death challenges. The pressure for grades need not be one of them.”

MCAT POLICIES ACROSS THE CALIFORNIA MED SCHOOLS

Medical schools in California (excluding DO schools) “will accept applications from individuals who were unable to take the MCAT due to COVID-related test cancellations. For these candidates, we will base secondary application decisions on the information that is available to us at the time of the application. Assuming that MCAT testing resumes prior to October, we will require applicants to have taken the MCAT before we make admissions decisions for the Class of 2025. Accordingly, applicants should not delay applying simply because an MCAT score is not yet available.”

PASS/FAIL GRADE POLICIES FOR THE U OF U SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

Anyone enrolled in Spring 2020 for a prerequisite to their program is not required to earn a letter grade. Applicants will not be penalized for Pass/Fail or Credit/No-Credit marks on their transcripts in any classes taken Spring 2020. For more information about their CR/NC policy, visit here.

OTHER RESOURCES

MCAT Coronavirus FAQ page  

AAMC Services (for MD) Coronavirus page

AACOMAS (for DO) Coronavirus page

DO Schools Coronavirus page

TMDSAS (Texas Medical & Dental Schools Application Service)

 

PASS/FAIL GRADE POLICIES ACROSS THE US DENTAL SCHOOLS

Please check the google sheet dental schools around the nation created. It lists pass or fail policies at US dental schools.

PASS/FAIL GRADE POLICIES FOR THE U OF U SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY

The U of U School of Dentistry will accept "pass" or "credit" marked on transcripts to meet prerequisites. However, students are encouraged to have letter grades for prerequisite courses.Please visit their website for more information.

DENTAL SCHOOL VIRTUAL FAIR – 5/19

#GDVF20 virtually connects you with 50+ U.S. and Canadian dental school representatives so you can learn about school missions and values to determine the best fit for you—no travel or registration fees required! Register for the event here.

OTHER RESOURCES

ADEA Coronavirus page

DAT Coronavirus page

AADSAS Coronavirus page

TMDSAS (Texas Medical & Dental Schools Application Service)

PASS/FAIL GRADE POLICIES ACROSS THE US VETERINARY SCHOOLS

Please check the google sheet veterinary schools around the nation created. It lists pass or fail policies at US veterinary schools.

GRE:

ETS (company that runs the GRE) offers GRE testing remotely. The cost is the same as the regular GRE. Once a student signs up for an account and pays for the test, they will create an account on ProctorU and sign up. For more information, visit

ETS/GRE Website: https://www.ets.org/s/cv/gre/at-home/

FAQ: https://www.ets.org/s/cv/gre/at-home/faq/

Reminder about Fee Reduction for the GRE: https://www.ets.org/s/gre/pdf/gre_fee_reduction_request_form.pdf, and https://www.ets.org/gre/subject/about/fees/reduction/ 

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY (WIMU) VET PROGRAM COVID-19 PAGE

Visit their COVID-19 page for the latest information for applicants.

 AAVMC COVID-19 WEB PAGE

Visit the AAVMC COVID-19 page for the latest information

 VMCAS COVID-19 PAGE
Visit the VMCAS COVID-19 page for the latest information for applicants.

PASS/FAIL GRADE POLICIES ACROSS THE US PA PROGRAMS

Please check the google sheet PA programs around the nation created. It lists pass or fail policies at US PA schools.

PASS/FAIL GRADE POLICIES FOR THE U OF U PA PROGRAM

The U of U PA program website says “For applicants whose institutions have adopted a pass/fail grading system for the spring 2020, we will accept "pass" or "credit" marked on transcripts to meet prerequisites.”  However, students are encouraged to have letter grades for prerequisite courses.

PAEA COVID-19 WEB PAGE

Visit the PAEA COVID-19 page for the latest information

GRE:

ETS (the company that runs the GRE) offers GRE testing remotely. The cost is the same as the regular GRE. Once a student signs up for an account and pays for the test, they will create an account on ProctorU and sign up. For more information, visit

ETS/GRE Website: https://www.ets.org/s/cv/gre/at-home/

FAQ: https://www.ets.org/s/cv/gre/at-home/faq/

Reminder about Fee Reduction for the GRE: https://www.ets.org/s/gre/pdf/gre_fee_reduction_request_form.pdf, and https://www.ets.org/gre/subject/about/fees/reduction/

CASPA COVID-19 WEB PAGE
Visit the CASPA COVID-19 page for the latest information for applicants.

PASS/FAIL GRADE POLICIES FOR THE U OF U COLLEGE OF PHARMACY

U of U PharmD program accepts Pass/Fail or Credit/No-Credit on students’ transcripts in classes taken Spring 2020. This policy includes labs offered online.

American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) released the following announcement on April 2, 2020.

PCAT
Pearson has suspended test delivery at all US and Canada-based Pearson VUE-owned test centers until at least April 16. As a result, the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) testing dates on April 2 and 3, 2020, were canceled. If a student was planning to take the April 2020 PCAT, they are advised to contact their designated schools that require the PCAT for admission for guidance. PharmCAS will be able to match July 2020 PCAT scores to applicant files in both the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 cycles, based on the applicant’s account. PharmCAS applicants should continue to send official PCAT scores to School Code 104.

2020-2021 APPLICATION AND WEBINAR (7/29)
The 2020-2021 PharmCAS application is scheduled to open on time on July 14. We encourage you and your students to join us for the 2020-2021 PharmCAS applicant webinar scheduled on July 29. (Register Now)

NEW COVID-19 QUESTIONS FOR 2020-2021
PharmCAS will add a new set of COVID-19 related questions to the 2020-2021 PharmCAS application, so that applicants may describe the impact of the pandemic on them, including their academic experience. The new questions will be public once the 2020-2021 application launches on July 14.

PHARMACY SCHOOL VIRTUAL FAIR – 9/30
Save the date! The annual AACP Pharmacy School Virtual Fair is scheduled on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 (10:00 am-7:00 pm EST). AACP is also exploring other digital recruitment events for the spring and summer months. Stay tuned! In the meantime, please visit the Pharm4Me events calendar for online programs offered by colleges and schools of pharmacy. https://pharmacyforme.org/events/list/

ESSENTIAL ROLE OF PHARMACISTS IN THE COVID-19 CRISIS
Pharmacists are on the front lines of the current pandemic. To learn more about their important roles in health care and the community, please see the Pharm4Me Blog and the Pharmacists for Healthier Lives Facebook page.

PharmCAS COVID-19 WEB PAGE
Visit the PharmCAS COVID-19 page for the latest information for applicants.

PASS/FAIL GRADE POLICIES FOR THE U OF U PT PROGRAM

Anyone enrolled in Spring 2020 for a prerequisite to our DPT program is not required to earn a letter grade. Applicants will not be penalized for Pass/Fail or Credit/No-Credit marks on their transcripts in any classes taken Spring 2020. 

GRE:

ETS (the company that runs the GRE) offers GRE testing remotely. The cost is the same as the regular GRE. Once a student signs up for an account and pays for the test, they will create an account on ProctorU and sign up. For more information, visit

ETS/GRE Website: https://www.ets.org/s/cv/gre/at-home/

FAQ: https://www.ets.org/s/cv/gre/at-home/faq/

Reminder about Fee Reduction for the GRE: https://www.ets.org/s/gre/pdf/gre_fee_reduction_request_form.pdf, and https://www.ets.org/gre/subject/about/fees/reduction/

PTCAS COVID-19 PAGE
Visit the PTCAS COVID-19 web page for the latest information for applicants.

PASS/FAIL GRADE POLICIES FOR THE U OF U OT PROGRAM

Anyone enrolled in Spring 2020 for a prerequisite to our MOT program is not required to earn a letter grade. Applicants will not be penalized for Pass/Fail or Credit/No-Credit marks on their transcripts in any classes taken Spring 2020. 

GRE:

ETS (the company that runs the GRE) offers GRE testing remotely. The cost is the same as the regular GRE. Once a student signs up for an account and pays for the test, they will create an account on ProctorU and sign up. For more information, visit

ETS/GRE Website: https://www.ets.org/s/cv/gre/at-home/

FAQ: https://www.ets.org/s/cv/gre/at-home/faq/

Reminder about Fee Reduction for the GRE: https://www.ets.org/s/gre/pdf/gre_fee_reduction_request_form.pdf, and https://www.ets.org/gre/subject/about/fees/reduction/

OTCAS COVID-19 WEB PAGE
Visit the OTCAS COVID-19 web page for the latest information for applicants.

PASS/FAIL GRADE POLICIES ACROSS US OPTOMETRY SCHOOLS

Please check the google sheet optometry schools around the nation created. It lists pass or fail policies at US optometry schools. 

US schools and colleges of optometry are currently working on adjusting their admissions processes to accommodate applicants who have been impacted by COVID-19. ASCO in the process of collecting information on the acceptance of online and pass/fail courses from each of our schools and colleges of optometry. This information will be available shortly. If you have questions in the meantime, please contact the institutions directly.

Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) released the following announcement on March 23, 2020. Updated April 15, 2020. 

DEADLINES

Many optometry schools/colleges have made changes to their application requirements and deadlines in light of current circumstances. For specific details about any changes in deadlines or application requirements, please see the web page for the individual schools/colleges. For questions about decisions, delays in standardized exam scores, transcripts, etc., please contact the optometry school/college directly.

OAT EXAM

All Prometric testing centers where the Optometry Admission Test (OAT) Exam is given are closed in the US and Canada. Candidates may continue to schedule appointments. Prometric will be monitoring the situation closely, and will provide updates accordingly. More information can be found at https://www.ada.org/en/oat

OPTOMCAS UPDATES AND COVID-19 WEB PAGE

OptomCAS

The 2020-2021 OptomCAS cycle for entering class 2021 is now open. For the 2020-2021 cycle, OptomCAS will accept unofficial transcripts due to the interruptions and delays that undergraduate institutions are experiencing. Instructions for this process is included on the OptomCAS application. For more information related to COVID-19 Admissions Updates, visit here. Please check the OptomCAS website for each institution's deadline. Additional information for applicants can be found at https://help.liaisonedu.com/COVID-19.

 

PASS/FAIL GRADE POLICIES ACROSS THE US PODIATRY SCHOOLS

All schools and colleges will accept Spring 2020 prerequisites that are graded Pass/No Pass

OFFICIAL MCAT

The colleges have agreed to temporarily waive Item II.5 of the AACPMAS Traffic Rules for the remainder of the application cycle, which states “Schools and colleges will not take final admissions action, including a request for deposit or a matriculation agreement, prior to the receipt of an official MCAT (or DAT) standardized test score. An official score is accepted only through the AACPMAS program.”  

IF MCAT HAS BEEN CANCELED

If your spring MCAT (or DAT) has been canceled, this means the school or college now has the prerogative to modify testing requirements for you.  Each school or college will provide applicants with their specific modifications. 

ONLINE COURSE CREDITS

All schools and colleges will accept Spring 2020 prerequisites that are delivered via online or distance learning.

IN-PERSON INTERVIEWS

Interviews may now be conducted via video-conference technology or other acceptable means. 

DEADLINES

Application due date remains June 30, 2020, for fall 2020 entry. Contact information for each school and college can be found here.

Pass or Fail courses vary across Chiropractic Schools. Please contact schools of your interest individually. You can find the list of Chiropractic schools in the US here.

General FAQ

Our office exists to help guide students during their time at the U towards professional schools, specifically related to health and law.

Our advisors help students choose appropriate classes, plan schedules, prepare professional school applications, and become more aware of events and involvement opportunities.

Our advisors are located in Building 44

You can book an appointment by going to our website, calling our office, or visiting the office in person.

Our advisors may only see certain types of students (only first years, pre-health students, etc.), so double check that you are meeting with the correct advisor. Once you meet with an advisor, you can continue to meet with them if you would like.

Our office also offers phone appointments in the case you cannot come to campus. 

To cancel an appointment, you can contact our office or use the cancellation link in your confirmation e-mail.

Our office mainly sees students by appointment only. Depending on availability or time of year, we may do walk-ins. Those dates/times will be posted to our website and Facebook.

Most professional schools will only require that you take certain courses in order to apply for their program, not a specific major, so study what you love!

Depending on the professional school, community college credit may or may not be accepted.

You must check with their admissions requirements to verify whether or not they will count. If you do take courses at a community college, it is normally recommended to take upper level science courses at a 4 year institution.

You will also need to check with your major advisor to see which courses you would be allowed to take at a community college, as some majors may dictate which ones can transfer to their specific department.

AP/IB/Concurrent Enrollment credits will transfer to the University of Utah if you have passed the exam with a certain score, or course with a passing grade.

However, professional schools normally do not accept specifically AP/IB credit. You must check the admissions requirements of your desired program or visit our office to speak with an advisor to get more information.

Concurrent Enrollment credits may be accepted as long as they are taken at a higher education institution.

Extracurricular activities are a way to become a well-rounded applicant and show your vision, passion, and commitment to helping others in a health or law related profession.

Professional programs and schools normally recommend/require a combination of community service, leadership experience, research, patient care, and/or shadowing. There are many different ways that you can get involved.

As each professional school may have different requirements, it is very important that you check their admissions requirements and keep track of them.

Your desired professional school may require that you take an admissions test in order to apply for their program.

Each type of professional school can have a different admissions test. For example, medical schools require that students take the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test).

Check to find out what test could be required for your program or make an appointment with one of our advisors to get more information.

As you get closer to finishing your program requirements, we highly recommend that you come see an advisor as we can guide you through the application process and answer any questions you may have.

Last Updated: 8/21/23