The Center for Health Sciences Advising

The Center for Health Sciences Advising supported me in ways that went beyond just helping me through my application process. Coming into Notre Dame, I felt like the pre-dental path was not as visible or as strongly supported as other pre-health paths. My goal was to help change that. The Health Sciences Advising Office believed in that vision and supported me as I, along with the rest of the NDPDS exec board, worked to build up the pre-dental community on campus.

In the fall, I focused a lot on growing the Pre-Dental Society, bringing in more members, and making the club feel like a stronger resource for students. In the spring, the Center for Health Sciences Advising assigned me as a pre-dental TA. This gave me the platform to help other students with their applications, personal statements, timelines, and questions about the dental school process. That role meant a lot to me, and it allowed me to give back the knowledge I had gained from my own journey.

The advisors were very accessible throughout this process. I began meeting with Fr. Jim Foster as a sophomore. I continued meeting with him during my junior and senior years, and over time, we built a strong relationship. He was always willing to meet, listen, offer guidance, and support the ideas I brought forward.

What stood out most to me was that the Center did not just listen to my ideas. Instead, they were genuinely receptive. They took action when I explained that the application and interview process needed to better reflect the pre-dental experience. Because of that, they are currently working to create a more streamlined and targeted pre-application process for pre-dental students. They also supported us financially and logistically, including helping fund a future dental student dinner for students applying next year, which established a community among the next group of applicants. I wanted to be sure that they never felt like they were going through the process alone.

The information and resources from the Center were definitely helpful, but what mattered most to me was their willingness to work with me to make dentistry more of a priority at Notre Dame. They helped me personally, and they also helped us build something I hope will last beyond my time here. It is clear to me that utilizing the Center was an absolutely important part of my dental school journey, and I appreciate them more than they know.

The Notre Dame advising team sets the gold standard for pre-professional support. Their expertise in guiding students through the complexities of the application process was paramount not only in my acceptance to medical school, but also in the majority of my peers'. Any student fortunate enough to use this resource is in excellent hands. The staff are all very knowledgeable and personable, and make themselves available around the clock to ensure you are well taken care of during the application process. I started meeting with the advising team my sophomore year to make sure I was on track for a medical school acceptance — though it's never too early to start having these conversations!

The Center for Health Sciences Advising at Notre Dame is second to none in preparing and guiding students to a successful medical school application. Their resources, mentorship, and experience all served as pivotal guides for myself and my peers. Each member of the staff is dedicated to the success of their students, and they will give every amount of time and effort they can to ensure that you are putting your best application forward. I first met with an advisor during the spring of my freshman year, and I checked in at least once every semester. No matter when you come to them, they will meet you where you are to prepare you for the next step of becoming a successful applicant. Truly, I owe my success to this team of wonderful people.

Notre Dame’s Center for Health Sciences Advising creates an intentional, personal, and efficient framework to assist aspiring medical professionals throughout the pre-health process. From getting involved in exploring service and clinical opportunities early on to the lengthy application process itself, the center has resources and advice readily available for students motivated to pursue a career in the health professions. The advisors strike the perfect balance between being encouraging and supportive, and being direct and honest in a way that produces tangible and beneficial results for applicants. Having a group of advisors who are dedicated and supportive of students at every step allows students to avoid relying on the wide variety of confusing online resources in favor of in-house knowledge gleaned from years of guiding students through the application process. Meeting with the Center for Health Sciences can help you get a head start on the pre-health track at Notre Dame and provide crucial mentorship early on!