FrequentlyAsked Questions
Scores
Q-The SAT score requirement notes 1320, is there a minimum score for each section?
A-The minimum score required in each section is 650.
Q-If I submit my application but take my SAT exam after the application deadline date will these scores be considered?
A-No, applicants must adhere to the application deadline date for submission of all application requirements. Scores for exams taken after the deadline date will therefore not be considered.
Q-If I take the SAT more that once, will both exam test scores be considered?
A-Yes, the higher scores from each exam section will be considered.
Q-What ACT scores are required?
A-A minimum ACT score of 30 is required.
Application Process
Q-What is the application deadline?
A-Completed applications, which include the required supporting documentation, will begin to be reviewed in December. With the exception of Pharmacy, the application deadline will be prior to beginning the Fall semester of study. Pre-pharmacy students will have the option of completing an application prior to beginning their sophomore year of study.
Q-By when will I be informed if I am accepted?
A-Candidates will begin to be informed of their acceptance after April 1st.
Q-My guidance counselor sent my recommendation letters to the Temple University Office of Admissions; can these letters also be used for my application to the Health Scholars Program?
A-It is recommended that letters in support of the Health Scholar application be forwarded directly to the Office of Pre-Professional Health Studies.
Letters can be emailed (preferably as an attachment) to: healthadvising@temple.edu
or hard copies can be mailed to:
Temple Health Scholars Program
c/o Pre-Professional Health Studies
1810 Liacouras Walk, Suite 100 (066-05)
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA 19122
Q-I applied to Temple University; does this mean I am automatically being considered for the Health Scholars program?
A-No, candidates for the Health Scholars program must complete a separate application available on the website.
Q-By when should I request letters of recommendation to be sent?
A- Letters of recommendation should be requested slightly before or at the time an application is submitted. Responsibility for confirming that letters are received is the responsibility of the applicant.
Program Requirements
Q-My child has a 3.9 GPA but in their school, they only rank in the top 15th or 20th percentile. Is my child still a competitive applicant?
A-Yes, the program requires is a high school GPA of 3.8 or higher. The class rank is not the determining factor.
The Scholars Program invites applications from candidates with strong high school academic records and demonstrated interest in their professional field. Typically, candidates have four (4) years of high school math and science, a HSGPA of 3.8 or higher, and an SAT score of 1320 or higher (ACT of 30 or higher), and have a demonstrable commitment to volunteer or service activities, at least one of which is a health-care related experience.
Q-Do I have to be a US citizen in order to apply?
A-With the exception of the accelerated program for Medicine, US citizenship is not required.
Q-Is preference given to PA residents?
A-No, there is no preference in terms of residency.
Q-Do you have to maintain a 3.5 each semester? Are exceptions made or are you automatically dropped from the program?
A- Scholars are expected to maintain good standing and complete the appropriate foundation science courses with a 3.5 GPA and an overall GPA of 3.5, with no Cs, no Ws (withdrawals), no repeats, and no leaves of absence from the university. Students not meeting these requirements will be reviewed by the Director of the Office of Pre-Professional Health Studies and determinations will be made on an individual basis.
Q-What will I major in as a Health Scholar?
A-Depending on the career path, Health Scholars will have options for selecting a major. Participation in one of the accelerated programs, however, will limit these options.
Accelerated Programs
Q-Are Health Scholars automatically eligible for an accelerated program?
A-No, Health Scholars must submit an application and be interviewed for the accelerated program.
Q-Are the accelerated program agreements with Temple Health Professional Schools only?
A-Yes, all accelerated programs offer acceptance into that particular Temple graduate or professional school.
Program Track Record
Q-How many slots are available for the Health Scholars program?
A-There are no limitations on the number of qualified Health Scholars selected.
Q-How many Health Scholars apply each year?
A-This will be the first year Temple University offers the Health Scholar Program.
Q-How many Health Scholars have been accepted to Temple University in the past?
A-In the past, a scholars program for MedScholars was in existence and limited the number of pre-medical student participants to ten. This will be the first year Temple University offers the Health Scholar Program.
Q-How many Health Scholars have gotten into health professional school in the past?
A-This will be the first year Temple University offers the Health Scholar Program.
Financial Aid
Q-How much in scholarship or grant money will my child receive?
A-Determinations for scholarships, grants and financial aid in general are made through the Temple University Office of Student Financial Services.
Housing
Q-Who do I ask about housing for the program?
A-Information on housing will be made available through the admissions process.
Contact Person
Q-Who should I contact with additional questions?
A-Additional questions should be directed to:
The Office of Pre-Professional Health Studies
215-204-2513 or healthadvising@temple.edu