Preparing for Professional School
Many Professional Schools at Carolina require a separate admissions process. If you wish to apply to one (or more) of these programs, you should begin to prepare as soon as possible.
Where should I begin?
- Review the list of all programs (along with the admissions process, requirements, and timeline for each) on the undergraduate Catalog.
- Select the school(s) and program(s) you are interested in. Review any pre-requisite courses and admissions requirements on the program website.
- Note the application date(s). Remember, some Professional Schools have multiple enrollment dates.
- Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to discuss your intended major and the steps you should take before you submit your application. You might also discuss pre-requisite coursework and general education requirements.
- Applications to Professional Schools are competitive. You should choose at least one alternate major that does not require admission.
Resources
Resume
Use the resume resources provided by University Career Services and The Writing Center for important information and events to help you build a strong resume.
Interview
Read guidelines for interviewing on the University Career Services website and attend their workshops for in-person assistance.
Personal Statement
Read The Writing Center’s resources for writing application essays, and visit one of their tutors for personalized help.
References and Letters of Recommendation
Use resources from The Writing Center to ask for letters of recommendation.
Academic Advising & Professional Schools
Once you’re admitted to a Professional School, you will be assigned a new advisor within that school. All primary advising activities will be taken care of with your new advisor in your professional school, including:
- Graduation clearance
- Dropping/adding courses
- Exam excuses
- Changing and adding majors/minors. If you wish to add a minor or second major that is not part of your Professional School (meaning it is overseen by the College of Arts and Sciences), you will start this process with your Professional School.
What if I am not admitted to a Professional School?
If you are planning to apply to a Professional School, it is important to have at least one alternate major in mind that does not require admission. An appointment with an academic advisor is a good place to start to identify alternate majors that might align well with your interests and personal/professional goals.
Remember some of the professional schools have multiple possible enrollment dates. Many Professional Schools also offer graduate degrees, so if your goal of entering a professional school as an undergraduate is not possible, consider applying for a graduate-level program.