Applying to Professional Schools

Last Updated: 05/3/02

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Many students are not admitted to the health professional school of their choice on the first try. Do not be discouraged! Regroup, improve your application and reapply. The following suggestions will improve your chances of being admitted on subse quent tries.

Find Out Why:

Call the schools to which you applied and ask them to identify weaknesses in your application. There are certain things that they will tell you and others that they will not; however they may reveal useful information. Then talk to a HPAC member to disc uss how to overcome these deficits.

Improve Your Application:

•A low admissions test score can be addressed by preparing harder and retaking the test. •A low GPA can be improved by taking postbaccaleurate classes at four-year colleges and universities (do not take science courses at community colleges). •Lack of experience community service or working in the field as a technician.

Reapply:

Get into the application pool as soon as possible in the next round. Currently, the AMCAS application for medical schools can be submitted on June 1. The closer to that date you submit your application the better your chances of being interviewed.

Explore Other Health Care Fields:

If your qualifications for medical school are borderline, you may still be a very strong candidate for other health professional schools. For example, depending upon your background, career goals, and experience you may be more likely admitted to an osteopathic than an allopathic medical school. In addition, students entering dental and podiatric medical schools have average GPAs of about 3.2, well below that required for medical school. Other fields such as physician assistant, nursing, public health, optometry, occupational therapy and other allied health fields also should be explored.