Content
Fall 2026
Pre-Health Orientation
Are you interested in a career in healthcare? Whether you’re considering medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, or another health profession — we’re excited to help you get started!
Join us for Pre-Health Orientation and learn what it means to be a pre-health student at UNL. We will offer two dates, and you can choose one to attend. From what it means to be "pre-health" to how the Explore Center can support your academic planning and career goals, this is a great opportunity to start building your path toward a health career and connect with other students who share your interests.
Thursday, Sept. 3 OR Wednesday, Sept. 9, 4-5 p.m. | NE Union Regency Suite
The MCAT Demystified: From "Where Do I Start?" to Test Day
Thinking about taking the MCAT but not sure where to begin?
Whether you're planning to apply to medical school in the next year or are just starting to explore your timeline, this workshop will help you understand what the MCAT is, how to prepare effectively, and what steps you can take now to set yourself up for success.
The MCAT is a significant milestone on the path to medical school, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Join us to gain a clearer understanding of the exam, develop a preparation strategy, and leave with practical next steps tailored to your timeline.
Whether you're asking, "Where do I start?" or "Am I on track?", this workshop is for you.
Tuesday, Sept. 22, 4-5 p.m. | Love Library 221
So… How Do I Start Shadowing? Starting Strong with Shadowing, Volunteering, and Clinical Experience
If you're new to pre-health, you've probably heard that shadowing, volunteering, and clinical experience are important—but figuring out how to get started can feel overwhelming.
Designed especially for first- and second-year students (or anyone new to pre-health), this session will help you understand the different types of experiences health profession schools value and how to begin building your portfolio of experiences early in your college career.
You don't need to have everything figured out yet. The earlier you understand the role these experiences play in your professional school journey, the easier it will be to make informed decisions and build meaningful experiences over time.
Thursday, Oct. 3, 4-5 p.m. | Love Library South 221
Designing Your DAT Plan: Scores, Sections, and Study Timelines
Thinking about dental school and wondering when—or how—to start preparing for the DAT?
Whether you're planning to take the DAT in the next year or two or simply want to understand how the exam fits into your dental school timeline, this workshop will help you build a strategy for success.
This workshop is especially helpful for students planning to take the DAT within the next one to two years, but all students interested in dental school are welcome to attend.
Join us to learn how to create a DAT preparation strategy that fits your goals and timeline.
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 4-5pm | Love Library South 221
Primaries, Secondaries, and Success: Navigating the Application Maze
Have questions about how the health professions application process actually works—from primary applications to secondaries and everything in between?
Whether you are planning to apply soon or just beginning to explore the process, understanding the application timeline early can help you feel more confident and prepared when the time comes.
Even if you are in your first or second year, this session will help you start thinking strategically about your future application and the steps that will set you up for success.
Please note: This workshop will not cover nursing, radiography, or dental hygiene application processes.
Thursday, Oct. 15, 4-5 p.m. | Love Library South 221
The NursingCAS Playbook: Getting Started on Your UNMC Application
Planning to apply to the UNMC College of Nursing this year?
Join Leslie Gonzalez, Student Success Coordinator at UNMC Nursing Lincoln, for a hands-on workshop designed to help you get started with the UNMC nursing application process through NursingCAS.
Choose the session that works best for your schedule:
Thursday, October 22, 2026 | 4:00–5:00 p.m. | LLS 221
Monday, November 16, 2026 | 4:00–5:00 p.m. | LLS 221
Tuesday, December 1, 2026 | 4:00–5:00 p.m. | LLS 221
To get the most out of the session, we strongly encourage you to create a NursingCAS account before attending.
Remember, the UNMC College of Nursing application deadline is January 15, 2027, so now is the perfect time to get started and ensure you're on track to submit a strong application.
Beyond the Numbers: Crafting Winning Essays for Health and Law Programs
Grades and test scores tell part of your story—but your personal statement is your opportunity to tell the rest.
Join the Explore Center and the UNL Writing Center for an interactive workshop designed to help you begin crafting compelling application essays for health profession and law school programs.
Whether you're planning to apply this upcoming cycle or simply want to get an early start, this session will help you begin developing one of the most important components of your application.
Bring your questions—and if you've already started brainstorming or drafting, you're welcome to bring your ideas as well!
Thursday, Nov. 12, 4-5 p.m. | Love Library South 221
Investing in You: How to Research and Afford Health Profession School
Have you started thinking about how to choose and afford a health profession program?
Understanding how to research schools and plan for the financial investment is an important part of the application process. This workshop will help you explore both selecting programs that fit your goals and identifying ways to make graduate or professional school more affordable.
Whether you are just starting to explore health careers or beginning to narrow down your plans, this workshop will help you make informed and confident decisions about your future.
Tuesday, Nov. 17, 4-5 p.m. | Love Library South 221
Bridge, Not a Break: Making the Most of Your Pre-Health Gap Year
Are you considering a gap year before applying to a professional health program—but not sure what that time should look like or how to use it effectively?
A gap year can be a valuable and intentional part of your pre-health journey when planned well. This workshop will help you think strategically about how to use that time to strengthen your application, gain experience, and stay on track toward your career goals.
Whether you are actively planning a gap year or just starting to consider it, this workshop will help you think ahead and make informed decisions.
Wednesday, Nov. 18, 4-5 p.m. | Love Library South 221