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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I'm new to online classes, what should I expect?

A: WVU has prepared and will continue to update information for students here.

  • Here are some of our best tips for success:
    • Schedule the same time each week to do your work.
    • Get into a routine.
    • Stay motivated!
    • Figure out your peak productivity time.
    • Get organized and keep track of your assignments.Pay close attention to written instructions and detail.
    • Stay connected and informed.Don't be afraid to ask questions!
    • Schedule enough time for online exams and quizzes. Be mindful of when others in your home are also trying to work or relax. The less distractions the better.
    • Check your email and online courses everyday!

Q: Should I take classes Pass/Fail? (Spring 2020)

A: We believe you should wait to make this decision. 

  • As of right now (3/27/2020), WVU is allowing students to wait until April 24th to decide whether to take a class High Pass/Pass/Fail. Much could change over the coming weeks, so give yourself time to make that choice.
  • We also strongly encourage you to speak with your academic advisor to see how this could impact you (e.g. degree completion, financial aid, GPA, etc.). We are also happy to discuss your specific situation with you. You can schedule an appointment with us here. 
  • As of March 19, 2020, there is no consensus among health professions schools regarding whether Pass/Fail (P/F) grades will be accepted in place of letter grades. This means some schools currently will not accept P/F grades for pre-requisite classes. That said, our hope is that health professions schools will understand the unprecedented circumstances that we are all facing this spring, so if you feel that you need to P/F a science course, reach out to us so we can talk with you and provide advice based on your specific situation. 

    Again, you have time before you must decide, we don’t recommend choosing right now.

Q: Are there any changes to the Committee Letter Process this year (2020 cycle)?

A: All deadlines are the same. https://prehealth.wvu.edu/services/committee-letters-instructions 

  • Keep in mind that although the priority deadline was March 25th, we will continue to review applications and provide feedback on a rolling basis. Submit your application materials ASAP to get feedback from us.
  • FERPA Form signature requirement change: If you do not have access to a printer, please use an electronic signature for your FERPA form. If you cannot insert an electronic signature, please type your name.

Q: How will this affect my professional school application?

A: Hopefully it doesn’t! 

  • We have been in constant contact with many professional schools in West Virginia and beyond to discuss this situation. Since no one truly knows what the next weeks will bring, we are all working together to ensure that upcoming applications are viewed fairly. However, this does not mean that you should use this time to only catch up on sleep. Although that is important, you should also be trying to do things related to your desired profession.
    • Upcoming Applicants:
      • Many test dates are being changed due to COVID-19. At this time please be sure to already have a date scheduled for your entrance exam so that if your date does get canceled, you will be on the list to reschedule your test. We do not yet know how this process will work. Follow the test provider's COVID-19 page (see below) to stay updated as well as learn how this will work. 
      • You should still be working on your applications and studying for your entrance exam.
      • Interview processes may change as well depending on how long this goes on for. Do not fear, if interviews become virtual, the WVU Pre-Health Office will conduct virtual mock interviews with you to ensure you feel comfortable with the process.
      • Once again, we are all experiencing this together so be patient and continually look at websites for updates.
    • Future Applicants: 
      • Stay on top of your courses, remember it is very easy to bring your GPA down and very difficult to bring it up! 
      • Develop plans for your future application cycle. 
      • Be sure you are meeting/talking with your advisors to update your Action Plan with all of the pre-requisites.
      • Research shadowing opportunities, internships, and more. This experience should demonstrate how things can happen out of your control, so it is important to pace yourself and not wait until the last minute to complete your shadowing or take that laboratory course. 
      • Once all of this passes, be sure to begin (or continue) your shadowing as soon as you are able to. Something always comes up (usually not, and hopefully never again, an epidemic) but you do not want to wait until the last minute to gain experiences in your desired field!

Q: Where do I find information about entrance exams and changes to the application process for my program?

A: A comprehensive list of all application services can be found on this website, provided by the National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions.

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If you are an academic advisor to a student interested in pursuing a healthcare profession, this toolkit is here to assist you in answering questions and getting them on the right track.

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