The Pacific University Advantage Scholars Program offers students rigorous preparation for careers in the STEM and health professions through a combination of coursework, advising, observational hours, experiential learning opportunities such as internships, research, and clinical work, and assistance with the graduate school application process. 

Program Eligibility Requirements

• Undergraduate admission to Pacific University
• Successful completion of PACU 190: Advantage: Pathways to Professions
• Students must have a Pacific University cumulative GPA that meets the minimum for the chosen graduate program (Pacific cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher preferred but not required)

Maintaining Advantage Scholar Status

In order to successfully maintain the status of an Advantage Scholar students will be required to:

• Complete the curriculum appropriate for their profession of interest
• Pass PACU 190: Advantage: Professional Pathways (1 credit)
• Pass PACU 290: Advantage: Experiential Development (1 credit)
• Pass PACU 390: Advantage: Grad School Applications (1 credit)
• Maintain Pacific University cumulative 3.2 GPA
• Complete academic advising; including course planning

General Program Timeline

• PACU 190 – Fall of the first year
• PACU 290 – Spring of the second year
• PACU 390 – Fall of the third year
• Apply to the Graduate or Professional Program of choice – during the third/fourth year within the timeline designated by each individual program
• Interview – Dates to be determined by graduate/professional program
• Complete Senior Year

Transfer Student Timeline

Transfer students and current students with junior standing will be eligible to become Health Professions Advantage Scholars, but they may be required to complete work out of sequence from that of students who enter the program as freshman.

Note: This timeline applies to students who transfer to Pacific University with an amount of credits that place them in the equivalent of their junior year.

Transfer students who have less than junior credit standing will need to speak with the Advantage Advisor regarding the most appropriate timeline.

Apply for Advantage Scholars

Advantage Scholars who are applying to one of Pacific University's graduate programs AND who wish to use their interview must complete an online form by the application deadline (deadlines listed below are subject to change, always check program's specific website for most current information). It is HIGHLY recommended that students complete the Interview Form as soon as the application has been submitted to Pacific (for programs with supplemental applications, you can submit this form as soon as you complete your common application). You will need to submit your unofficial transcripts as part of the application. Students will be validated for approval based on cumulative Pacific GPA and the completion of HPE/PACU courses (190, 290, and 390).  

Students will receive a confirmation email within 10 business days if their request for a interview has been approved and sent to the graduate program.  

Note that Advantage does not check prerequisites for each program. If you are missing prerequisite coursework, the guaranteed interview will not be considered legitimate by the graduate programs.

Health Professions Advantage Scholars Interview Request Form