We are proud to announce the establishment of the Seton Hall University’s Pre-Health Advisory Committee, chaired by Ms. Chantal Vergara, Director of the Pre-Professional Advising Center (P-PAC), and Dr. Daniel Brian Nichols, Director of Pre-Health Professions.

This committee will provide a review of application documents and a comprehensive letter service for SHU students and alumni who aspire to attend a variety of health professional schools, such as medical and dental schools’ post-graduation. The committee is set to review students’ application packages, supplemental documents, conduct committee interviews, provide feedback, and guidance throughout the application process. If eligible, the committee will write an institutional Committee Letter of evaluation to support and endorse individuals who are applying. The letter will highlight applicants in a multidimensional and holistic manner. It will tie together the applicant’s academic record and scholarly accomplishments, personal attributes, experiences working and volunteering in the community, and demonstrated commitment to healthcare. The letter will serve to introduce students holistically to all members of Admissions Committees and bolster their application with an official Seton Hall University committee endorsement.

The Committee Letter is drafted as a result of all the information collected in a Pre-Health Committee Questionnaire Packet, Committee Interview, and collected Letters of Recommendation. Students wishing to utilize the Committee Process are expected to work closely with the P-PAC and have sought out individual advising from the P-PAC at least once to review eligibility and assess preparedness. The Pre- Professional Advising Center is collecting all individual recommendation letters on behalf of our student applicants and will then attach the Committee letter to create a Committee Packet for the student. The P-PAC will then upload these packets to the respective application services (AMCAS, AACOMAS, ADEA AADSAS, etc.) on behalf of our students.

The Committee Letter reflects on the following:

• Academic information
• AAMC Competencies
• Family and basic biographical information
• Exposure to health care, patients, and the clinical setting
• Community service
• Research
• Work experience
• Challenges and personal responsibility
• Personal passions, talents, skills
• Interpersonal skills in an interview setting

The Pre-Health Advisory committee consists of SHU Faculty, Administration, and staff to provide students with diverse perspectives. Committee members include Dr. Cosimo Antonacci, from the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. David Laviska, from the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Karen B Gevirtz, from the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Robert Pallitto, from the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Erie Morales, from the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Wendiann Sethi, from the College of Arts and Sciences, Prof. Christine Krus, from the College of Communication and the Arts, Dr. Branden Buehler, from the College of Communication and the Arts, Dr. Jennifer Timmer, from the College of Education and Human Services, Dr. Thomas Massarelli, from the College of Education and Human Services, Dr. Anna Calka, from the Office of the Provost, Dr. Christopher Hanifin, from the School of Health and Medical Sciences, Dr. Michael LaFountaine, School of Health and Medical Sciences, Dr. Richard J Boergers, from the School of Health and Medical Sciences, Dr. Xiaoqing Eleanor Xu, from the Stillman School of Business, Dr. Nicole Battaglia, from Student Services, Ms. Nadia Sanon from the Career Center and Prof. Peggy Dreker, from the Health Sciences Library.

“We are so excited to have these amazing, dedicated, and talented individuals be a part of this new Pre-Health Advisory Committee. Each member brings a different perspective, their own strengths, and passion to the group. They are truly invested in the development of each student. We are happy to be able to provide our students with individualized guidance throughout such a complex application process” Chantal Vergara, Director of the Pre-Professional Advising Center and Co- Chair of the Pre-Health Advisory Committee.

The 2022 – 2023 application cycle for Medical and Dental schools are now open! The Pre-Professional Advising Center is here to help and guide you throughout the application process, regardless of if your eligible for a committee letter or not. We encourage students to make an appointment to discuss your application, review your application documents, and get guided through the application service portal. Click here to make an appointment. Please be sure to let us know if you’re participating in this application cycle for any health professional schools so we can support you through the process. Below are the links for the application service portals for medical and dental schools. Join our listserv or email us to learn about how to apply to other Health Professional schools (Veterinarians, Optometry, Podiatry, Pharmacy, etc.). We look forward to seeing you at the P-PAC soon!

AMCAS American Medical College Application Service
May 3: AMCAS cycle opens
May 31: Submission to AMCAS begins
June 24: Data transmission to medical schools begins
Please click here for the Application Guide 
Please click here for information on the Fee Assistance Program

AACOMAS The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service
May 4: AACOMAS cycle opens
April 12: AACOMAS cycle closes
Please click here for the Application Guide
Please click here for information on the Fee Assistance Program

ADEA AADSAS Associated American Dental Schools Application Service
May 10: ADEA AADSAS cycle opens
June 1: Submission to ADEA AADSAS begins
Please click here for the Application Guide
Please click here for information on the Fee Assistance Program