Incoming first year students
What should I do before starting classes at CMU this fall?
- Shadow a clinician, such as a dentist, doctor, nurse or physician assistant
- Participate in a summer research opportunity, if available
- Volunteer at a local hospital or clinic
- Work
- Read some good books
- Take a break!
- Exercise and get some sleep!
- Spend quality time with family and friends!
Important dates to mark in your calendar
- First-year HPP info session: To be announced; our info session will take place during orientation week, and will go over course selections, extracurricular recommendations, how to meet with the HPP, and more | Make sure you're enrolled in the HPP to receive email updates.
- Activities fair: Visit the FAIR to learn about student organizations on campus. | More info
- Registration for Fall 2025 courses: Dates to be announced here
First steps (once you have an Andrew ID):
- Enroll in the HPP with your Andrew email address (@andrew.cmu.edu)
- Keep an eye out for emails about the first-year info session, as well as other important information and tasks.
Next steps, once you've arrived on campus
- Attend the HPP first-year info session (Details coming via email)
- Meet with your first-year/primary academic advisor to review your academic schedule
- Schedule a meeting with the HPP Director, AFTER meeting with your first-year academic advisor, ideally within the first 2-4 weeks of starting classes
- Explore your Stellic, and add the "Undergraduate Prehealth" non-degree audit to your account
- Check the HPP Canvas page regularly for announcements and resources to engage with other pre-health students
Courses to take during your first Fall semester
- Highest priority: 09-105 (Modern Chemistry) or 09-107 (Honors Modern Chemistry, for Chem majors)
- If your schedule allows: 03-121 (Modern Biology) or 03-151 (Honors Modern Biology, for Bio majors)