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Pre-Law

Does Drew have a Pre-Law major?

Drew has a strong liberal arts tradition that enables a student to pursue an academic program in preparation for admission to and success in law school but does not offer an “official” pre-law major. At Drew, pre-law is a “goal,” not a “major,” and pre-law students enjoy great flexibility in both academic and career options while preparing for law school.

What major should I select?

The American Association of Law Schools does not prescribe any particular field of study or series of courses to gain admission to law school. Instead, the Association recommends an academic preparation that develops a student’s ability to read with comprehension, to think critically and analytically, and to communicate clearly both in speech and in writing.

It suggests that the student’s undergraduate program include substantial work in courses that require disciplined and logical thought, particularly in the communication of ideas. Any of the social and behavioral sciences, logic and mathematics, history, any of the physical and natural sciences, philosophy, accounting, and computer studies would provide a strong foundation. Thus, virtually any of Drew’s majors can serve as strong preparation for law school, including the more traditional fields of political science, economics, English, and history. Some more atypical majors pursued by pre-law students at Drew have included theatre, biology, chemistry, and mathematics.

Because law schools recommend no particular undergraduate program of study and base admission decisions principally upon the applicant’s grade-point average and Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score, Drew faculty advisers recommend that students consider a major in a subject area in which they are successful and which they enjoy.

Along with the requirements for my major, are there any other courses I should take?

While not required for admission to law school, Drew’s faculty advisers strongly recommend that all pre-law students take some classes in economics (macroeconomics and microeconomics), writing, and public speaking.

Are there any courses that I can take at Drew to learn about law before I apply to Law School?

There are several courses offered by the College that help educate the student in the realities and the theories of the American legal system. Specifically, the political science department offers Law, Politics, and Society, Civil Liberties, Criminal Justice, International Law, Constitutional Law and Civil Rights, and a seminar on Human Rights. Courses in the sociology department include Criminology, Sociology of Deviant Behavior, and a seminar on Crime and the Urban World. Other departments offer relevant courses as well—for example, Social Ethics (religious studies) and Industrial Organization and Public Policy Toward Business (economics). Off-campus activities, such as field trips to local courts, police stations, and New York City jails, often supplement the classroom work of such courses.

What distinguishes Drew’s Pre-Law Program?

Aside from the opportunity to pursue a well-rounded, liberal arts education, focusing on the major of your choice, the strength of the pre-law preparation at Drew is distinguished by the high quality of the College’s curriculum and faculty. Like all Drew faculty, the professors who teach and advise the pre-law students are dedicated to providing personal attention and support to students and to bringing a spirit of creativity and innovation to the classroom.

Distinctive Features & Special Programs

Scholars in their own right (over 90 percent of Drew’s faculty hold a doctorate or equivalent in their field), the faculty also bring a professional expertise to the classroom. For example, Dr. Hans Morsink, professor of political science, teaches courses on international law and human rights, and recently published The Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Origins, Drafting, and Intent (University of Pennsylvania Press ). Dr. Jinee Lokaneeta, assistant professor of political science, is an expert in constitutional law and civil rights and liberties across countries. Thus, students are educated and advised by those who are best qualified to teach them and, ultimately, best able to provide strong personal references for law school.

What other special opportunities does Drew provide?

The College’s pre-law adviser and interested students have formed the Law and Political Science Society, which assists students in learning more about the legal profession, politics, and policy. The group is active in bringing speakers to campus, organizing mock trial competitions, and providing information to students about preparing for law school. The group also publishes an undergraduate journal on law and public policy.

Are there opportunities for professional work experience?

Drew’s faculty actively encourage pre-law students to do internships to gain insight and, more important, experience in the legal field. The University’s location, 30 miles west of New York City and almost mid-way between two of New Jersey’s legal centers, Morristown and Roseland, ensures a wealth of prime professional assignments for Drew’s aspiring lawyers. Drew is able to place students as interns with Superior Court judges, in prosecutors’ offices, in probation offices, and in juvenile courts.

Who will advise me as a Pre-Law student?

In addition to the individual academic guidance and support of each student’s faculty adviser, Drew’s pre-law adviser is available to work personally with all pre-law students. Currently the pre-law adviser is a full-time member of the political science department.

What sort of advising is available to Pre-Law students?

The College’s pre-law adviser is available to meet with all pre-law students regardless of their choice of major. They discuss current pre-law-related issues, such as recommended classes, or more long term or individual concerns, such as the appropriateness of law as a career choice. The aim is to prepare students to reach their highest potential as a competitive pre-law applicant. When the time comes to apply to law school, the pre-law adviser and other faculty advisers are able to help pre-law students prepare their law school applications. Because there is such a variety of law schools with different levels of strength and selectivity, the pre-law adviser is especially concerned with helping students evaluate their educational needs and academic records. Students are assisted in selecting schools to which application would be appropriate, gauging their chances for admission to each school, and completing their law school applications. The pre-law adviser helps students to determine and identify viable and acceptable academic or occupational alternatives should enrollment at the student’s preferred law school not be possible.

How personalized is the pre-law advising process at Drew?

Because the College and the number of pre-law students is relatively small, the pre-law student not only becomes known to the departmental faculty advisers as an advisee, but also as a student, often in one or more classes. Frequent contact is encouraged at Drew between all students and their advisers, and especially between the pre-law students and the pre-law adviser.

What percentage of Drew students applying to Law School are admitted?

Most of Drew’s pre-law students have little trouble gaining admission to law school. What this reflects is the high caliber of advice rendered to students, insuring that a candidate’s academic record is well-matched to the schools to which he or she is applying.

How strong is Drew’s reputation for preparing Pre-Law students?

Recognition of Drew’s strong tradition of preparing students for careers in law is evident in the quality of law schools to which our graduates are continually accepted and, more important, in the quality of students’ performances in the law schools they attend. Many Drew graduates are selected for their school’s law review. Moreover, the success our alumni/ae achieve after law school is noteworthy. Many alumni/ae have distinguished themselves in the field and thus furthered Drew’s reputation as an excellent undergraduate preparation for law school.

Law Schools

The following are law schools at which Drew applicants have enrolled during the last five years:

• American University Law School
• Benjamin Cardozo Law School
• Boston College Law School
• Boston University School of Law
• Case Western Reserve Law School
• Catholic University Law School
• Columbia University Law School
• Cornell University Law School
• Dickinson University Law School
• Fordham University Law School
• Georgetown University Law School
• George Washington University Law School
• Harvard University Law School
• New England School of Law New York Law School
• New York University Law School
• Northwestern University School of Law
• Seton Hall University Law School
• Rutgers University Law School in Newark
• Rutgers University Law School in Camden
• Stetson University Law School
• Suffolk University Law School
• Syracuse University Law School
• St. John’s University Law School
• Temple University Law School
• University of California at Berkeley Law School
• University of California at Los Angeles Law School
• University of Pennsylvania Law School
• University of Virginia Law School
• University of Connecticut Law School
• University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
• University of Vermont Law School
• Wake Forest University Law School
• Western New England Law School
• Widener University Law School

For More Information

Please contact:

Lisa Layne, Coordinator of Pre-Professional Advising
Center for Career Development, Ehinger Center
llayne@drew.edu
(973) 408-3357

Pre-Medicine

Does Drew have Pre-Med, Pre-Vet, and other Pre-Health Professions programs?

Yes! Students get professional health professions advising and support at Drew, and most gain admission to the medical, dental, veterinary, and other health professions schools of their choice. At Drew University, pre-med is a “goal,” not a “major.” Students have freedom to choose from many academic majors while still completing coursework necessary for medical school. Any student admitted to Drew University may participate in the Pre-Med program.

Can I be Pre-Med at Drew without participating in the 7-Year Dual Degree (BA/MD) Program with New Jersey Medical School?

Yes! Relatively few of Drew University’s pre-med students enroll in the Dual Degree program. Most spend their full four years at Drew before continuing to medical school, taking time for research experiences, internships, and academic interests beyond the sciences. (See below for more about the 7-Year Dual Degree Medical Program).

What makes Drew University a great place for premedical students?

• Eminent scientists who in retirement have come to Drew University to mentor student research (RISE: Research Institute for Scientists Emeriti)
• Further research and learning opportunities for all interested students with our faculty of active, well-regarded scientists.
• Exclusive and intentional focus on undergraduate students, unlike research universities where graduate student training is top priority.
• State-of-the-art science equipment and technology, all available for undergraduate use in classes and research.
• Small classes and dedicated faculty member who will get to know you well enough to provide helpful recommendations to medical schools.
• Exceptional pre-medical advising and support from university professors, beginning from when you first step foot on campus and continuing through the medical school application process.
• Strong, carefully-designed courses in the fields of science covered by medical school admissions tests and requirements, including an award-winning biology curriculum.
• An exceptional Mentorship Program for Drew students at nearby Morristown Memorial Hospital.
• Other internship and volunteer opportunities in medical, pharmaceutical, and research facilities which abound in the area near campus.
• A supportive (not competitive) student culture in which students help one another succeed.
• Opportunities for study abroad, including month-long Drew International Seminars, several of which focus on health care and other sciences (China, Eritrea, Peru).
• Flexibility about studying and majoring in a wide range of science and non-science subject areas while still preparing for a career in the health professions.

Can I major in anything I wish?

Yes! As a pre-medical student at Drew, you may choose any of the college’s disciplinary or interdisciplinary majors.

Along with the requirements for my major, what courses should I take as a Pre-Med student?

Requirements vary somewhat among medical and other health professions schools, so you should consult with the Pre-Med Advisor and explore links provided on the Pre-Med Website for Current Students. Nearly all require one year of biology with laboratory (Drew recommends at least three semesters for adequate preparation for the MCAT examination), one year of physics with laboratory, two years of chemistry, including one year of organic, with laboratory, and one year of English. Some health professions schools require other courses such as calculus or other college mathematics, biochemistry, and psychology. For more information, “Who will advise me as a Pre-Med student?” below.

Who will advise me as a Pre-Med student?

At Drew University, you will get advice and support from at least two professors: your academic advisor, who is a professor in your chosen major field, and the Pre-Medical Advisor Lisa Layne (x3357), another professor who is a member of the National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions Advisors. The Pre-Medical Advisor is available to meet with any Drew University student who seeks advice or information. The goal of Pre-Med advising is to prepare each student to be as competitive as possible as an applicant to the career of his or her choice. Thus our students at Drew are given active guidance through the process of preparing for and applying to medical and other health professions schools.

Does Drew have a Health Professions Committee?

Yes. Medical schools prefer that applicants work with a University Health Professions Committee. At Drew this is a group of full-time faculty members who provide support, interview practice, and advice about careers and the application process. The Committee also prepares a letter of recommendation for medical schools based on all of your application materials and credentials.

Is becoming and remaining a Pre-Med student at Drew a competitive process?

No. Within the first two months of your first semester, there will be a general information meeting open to all students where the Pre-Medical Advisor who will offer curricular advice and answer any questions. At that time, or at any time during your college career, you may sign up for the Pre-Med email distribution list and may join the student Pre-Med Society. Of course, at any time you can contact the Pre-Medical Advisor for a personal meeting to discuss your concerns, questions, and goals. Drew has no systematic selection or elimination of students interested in pursuing medicine as a career.

What percentage of Drew students applying to Medical School are admitted?

Nearly all Drew University students with sufficiently strong grades and MCAT scores have been accepted into medical school. The same is true of veterinary, dental, and optometry school admissions. Applicants can place themselves in the most competitive position by (1) maintaining an excellent grade point average, in science courses in particular, (2) demonstrating service to peers, campus, or community, and (3) obtaining substantial experience in a medical setting.

How strong is Drew’s reputation for preparing Pre-Medical students?

Recognition of Drew’s strong tradition of preparing students for careers in medicine is evident in the quality of health professions schools to which our graduates have been accepted and, more importantly, in the high quality of our graduates’ performances in medical school and thereafter as practicing physicians. A list of schools recently admitting graduates of Drew University is given below. In addition, the New Jersey Medical School of UMDNJ has acknowledged Drew’s fine reputation by establishing the a seven-year Dual-Degree(B.A./M.D.) Program with the College.

Dual-Degree Program (B.A./M.D.) in Medicine

What is the 7-Year Dual-Degree Program in Medicine offered by Drew University?

A formal articulation agreement between the College of Liberal Arts of Drew University and the New Jersey Medical School (NJMS) of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey makes it possible for prospective first-year students to apply directly to a special, seven-year dual-degree program in medicine. Students are admitted simultaneously to both Drew and New Jersey Medical School. They then spend three years of study at Drew and four years at NJMS, completing both the B.A. and M.D. degrees in 7 years.

Can I be Pre-Med at Drew without participating in this 7-Year BA/MD Program?

Yes! Any student admitted to Drew can pursue a career in medicine. In fact, only a few of Drew University’s pre-med students enroll in the NJMS MD/BA program. Most spend their full four years at Drew before continuing to medical school, taking time to explore other fields, to take advanced science coursework, or gain research experiences.

What is the difference between the accelerated BA/MD program and regular pre-med studies?

With the BA/MD program, students are accepted simultaneously to Drew University’s BA program and New Jersey Medical School’s MD program, as they are graduating from high school. These students spend 3 years at Drew and 4 years at NJMS. They do not need to apply again for medical school admission, although they must achieve very good grades to stay in the program.

With regular pre-med studies, a student devotes the normal 4 years to undergraduate work at Drew University. Admission to medical school is not guaranteed, but students apply to medical schools of their choice at the end of their junior year, with help from Drew’s Health Professions Advising program.

What credentials do I need to be accepted into the BA/MD program?

To initially qualify for consideration for the program, candidates must rank in the top tenth (top 10 percent) of their graduating class and must have an SAT score of 1400 or higher (summing ONLY the critical reading and math scores), or an ACT score of 32 or higher, on one administration of the exam. However, be aware that the program is highly selective, and many students who meet these cut-offs will be admitted to Drew University for premedical studies but not to the New Jersey Medical School.

Please note: You must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States to be eligible for consideration for this program.

How competitive is the program?

Applicants to the Dual-Degree (B.A./M.D.) Program should recognize that admission is highly competitive. Each year, 60-100 applicants to Drew University qualify for the program, only 10-20 of whom are offered admission by NJMS.

Will ACT scores be accepted instead of SAT scores?

Yes. An ACT score of 32 or higher, on one administration of the test, will be accepted instead of SAT scores

What if I am not selected for the Dual-Degree Program? Can I still be admitted to the regular B.A. Program?

Yes! All Dual Degree applicants are automatically considered for the B.A. program at Drew and may even receive an offer of admission to the B.A. program prior to learning about their final status in the B.A./M.D. application process.

Will I be considered for Drew’s Merit Awards as a Dual-Degree Applicant?

Yes.

What course of study does the dual-degree program entail?

Participants in this program need not major in the sciences while at Drew, although fitting some majors into the three Drew years will necessitate taking extra courses. While at Drew, a dual degree student completes the selected major, all general education requirements, and a set of required pre-medical courses (two semesters each of biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics; and six credits of English). To retain the guaranteed admission to New Jersey Medical School students must carry at least 14 credit hours each semester and maintain an overall grade point average of 3.4 (on a 4.0 scale) each semester. In addition, students must maintain a grade point average of 3.4 or better in all science classes taken each semester at Drew, with a minimum grade of B – in each of the required pre-medical courses. Finally, students must also take the MCAT exam during their junior year, although no minimum score is required on the test.

How do I apply for the dual-degree program?

Submit the regular Common Application and on the Drew University supplement indicate your interest in the BA/MD program. Note that all materials for this special program, including a Drew University interview, are due by December 1.

Is an admissions interview required?

Yes. You should schedule an interview with the Drew University Office of Admissions, to be held by December 1. Interviews must be given in person.

What is the timetable for admissions decisions?

Drew University will forward the applications of qualified candidates to NJMS, where students will be selected for interviews at the medical school. In early April, NJMS will notify candidates of their admission to the program. Students admitted to the program must notify Drew of their decision to enroll by May 1.

What if I am admitted to the program but later change my mind?

If admitted to the Dual-Degree (B.A./M.D.) Program, you are under no obligation to complete the program and attend NJMS. You may opt to remain at Drew and graduate after the regular four years of study and to apply to any other medical school you wish or pursue another career. However, you may not retain your guaranteed admission to NJMS as an option if you elect to submit applications to other medical schools.

Health Professions Schools Recently Accepting Drew University Graduates:

Human Medicine: Allopathy (M.D.)

• Albany Medical College
• Albert Einstein College of Medicine
• Boston University School of Medicine
• Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons
• Creighton University School of Medicine
• Eastern Virginia Medical School
• Georgetown University School of Medicine
• George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences
• Howard University School of Medicine
• Jefferson Medical College
• Drexel University School of Medicine
• Meharry Medical College
• Morehouse School of Medicine
• Mount Sinai School of Medicine
• New York Medical College
• New York University School of Medicine
• Pennsylvania State University School of Medicine
• Saint Louis University School of Medicine
• State University of New York Upstate Medical School
• Stonybrook University School of Medicine
• Temple University School of Medicine
• Tufts University School of Medicine
• Uniformed Services University of the Health Services — F. Edward Herbert School of Medicine
• University of Connecticut School of Medicine
• University of Maryland School of Medicine
• University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
• University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey — New Jersey Medical School
• University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
• University of Pittsburgh
• University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
• Vanderbilt University School of Medicine

Human Medicine: Osteopathy (D.O.)

• Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
• New York College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
• University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
• University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey School of Osteopathic Medicine
• University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
• West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

Dentistry

• Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery
• New York University College of Dentistry
• Temple University School of Dental Medicine
• University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Dental School

Optometry

• Pennsylvania College of Optometry
• State University of New York-College of Optometry

Veterinary

• Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science
• New York State College of Veterinary Medicine (Cornell)
• Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine
• Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine
• Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine
• University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine
• Virginia/Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
• Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine

For More Information

Please contact:

Lisa Layne, Coordinator of Pre-Professional Advising
Center for Career Development, Ehinger Center
llayne@drew.edu
(973) 408-3357

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