Pre-Health Handbook Health Professions Advising Program Hartwick College

Transcription

1 Pre-Health Handbook Health Professions Advising Program Hartwick College Frequently Asked Questions Table of Contents (use side panel to navigate) Major selection and course sequencing 2-3 Repeating or withdrawing from courses 4 Standardized tests: MCAT and new MCAT 2015, GRE 4-6 What medical and professional schools are looking for 6-7 Acceptance rate and placement of recent Hartwick graduates 7 Resources at Hartwick 8-9 Letters of recommendation 10 Your image and credit rating 11 Writing your personal statement Course Grid 14 Required or recommended courses according to professional school Year-by-Year Timeline Checklists for each academic year and summer Individual Career Page Allopathic Medicine (M.D.) Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) Dentistry (D.D.S./ D.M.D.) Optometry (O.D.) Podiatry (D.P.M.) Veterinary Medicine (D.V. M.) Physician Assistant (P.A.) Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) Occupational Therapy (O.T.) Chiropractic School (D.C.) Genetic Counseling (M.S.) Pharmacy (Pharm. D.) Public Health (M.P.H.) Appendix: Application Services Factsheet: Gives opening dates and submission deadlines for all centralized application services and describes the services. (Copied by permission from the NAAHP New Advisor Handbook.)

2 2 Welcome to the Health Professions Advising Program at Hartwick College! Pre-Med, Pre-Allied Health or a term that covers both, Pre-Health all refer to a program that helps students become better informed about their choices and to prepare for the pursuit of professional school. One difference you ll find at Hartwick is the chance to gain hands-on experience to help you connect what you learn in your classes to the real world. With a strong liberal arts foundation, you ll also develop your ability to think critically, write clearly, and speak effectively. These experiences will lay the groundwork for success in your chosen field. You ll also discover the opportunity to make long-lasting, personal connections with the people and offices on campus that can help you reach your goals. You will get to know your pre-health advisors (located on the first floor of Golisano Hall in the PSGE & Advising Center) your academic advisors, and your professors. They will give you expert advice, track your progress, and support you as you begin your journey toward your new career. Frequently Asked Questions: What should I major in? Medical, dental, veterinary, and other health-related graduate schools are looking for excellent applicants with broad and balanced educational backgrounds. While most pre-health students choose to major in science, over the past few years, approximately 10% of students admitted to medical school were non-science majors. Approximately 60% of applicants were Biology majors and the other 30% were composed of other science majors. As a pre-health student, you can choose any of Hartwick s majors that interest you, as long as you take the courses required by the schools to which you want to apply and master material that will be on exams like the MCAT, DAT, and GRE. If you major in a field you are passionate about and excel in it, this will only strengthen your application to school. As you take courses in many disciplines, you will also receive a broad education and discover other interests, leaving you open to pursue a different career path if necessary.

3 What courses must I take? 3 While the requirements for many health related graduate programs are similar, required undergraduate coursework (prerequisites) vary according to field and school. See the grid (pg. 14) on recommended courses for advice, but you must also research individual schools that interest you early in your college career to see what they require. For more advice about requirements, see pre-health advisors Joe Ficano or Lara Sanford in the Office of Academic and Pre-Professional Advising, located in the PSGE Center. The typical required courses for pre-med and pre-health programs are the following: Biology in Practice (BIOL 101) Concepts of Biology: Energy (BIOL 202) Concepts of Biology: Information (BIOL 203) General Chemistry (CHEM 107, 108 or CHEM 109) Organic Chemistry (CHEM 201, 202) Physics (PHYS 140, 141 or PHYS 201, 202) Calculus (MATH 121) and Statistics (Math 108) English composition and English literature (ENGL) To fulfill medical school prerequisites and changes in the MCAT 2015, Hartwick also recommends the following courses: Biochemistry (BIOC 405) Sociology course (SOCI) Psychology course (PSYC) What is the recommended sequence of courses? In your first year, you should begin either your chemistry sequence (CHEM 107, 108 or CHEM 109), or your biology sequence (BIOL 101, BIOL 202 and, eventually BIOL 203) or both sequences. You should also take one English course in your first year (English 110 or literature course, as determined by your writing level). Note that changes to the MCAT may also prompt you to take biochemistry. To do this, it is highly recommended that you begin chemistry sequence the first semester of your first year so that you can take general chemistry your first year, organic chemistry your second year, and biochemistry in your third year. You must complete most of the prerequisite courses above by spring of your junior year if you plan to start medical school in the fall after graduation. When planning your

4 4 coursework, keep in mind that not every course will be offered every semester and try to map out a workable plan. What if I m not doing well in one of my required courses? Should I withdraw or repeat the course? In general, you should avoid repeating courses. You will want to earn grades of B or better in your basic science courses. If you develop a pattern of low grades (C and below), you may want to reevaluate your career path. Still, you can make up for a low grade in one course by earning a higher grade in a course in the same subject area. Other times, you may want to repeat a required course to improve your performance. Your academic or pre-health advisor can advise you more about the pros and cons of withdrawing (W) or repeating (R) courses. Will I need to take the MCAT or another exam? Applicants to allopathic and osteopathic medical schools and podiatry school will need to take the MCAT. Applicants to veterinary, physician assistant, physical therapy, and some occupational therapy and genetic counseling programs must take the GRE. Optometry schools, dental schools, and some veterinary schools each have their own exams. See the section on the MCAT and sections on specific professions for more information. How do I prepare for the MCAT, DAT, OAT, or GRE? The amount of time you need to spend studying for these tests will vary. Have you finished the courses that will have content on the exam? Do you feel comfortable with all topics? Have you familiarized yourself with the online format of the exam? Have you taken a practice exam to get a baseline score and to determine your strengths and weaknesses? Create a study plan that fits your needs. Determine which topics you must study most and develop a schedule to help you review these topics in manageable chunks at a comfortable pace. Some students feel most comfortable using a review course like those offered by Kaplan or Princeton Review. These centers offer small classes, or individual, or online tutoring. For more information about what these centers offer, visit their websites. and

5 5 I have heard that the MCAT is changing. How should I prepare for this? First, learn which MCAT you will take. This will depend on when you want to apply to and enter medical school. If you plan to apply to and start medical school before fall 2016, you will take the current MCAT. Format of the MCAT: Note that the Writing Sample section has been removed to make room for the Trial Section. Topic Content Number of Questions Number of Minutes Physical Sciences General chemistry and physics Verbal Reasoning Comprehension, evaluation, and application of information gathered from written passages Biological Sciences Organic chemistry and biology Trial Section (Optional) Biochemistry, biology, chemistry, and physics or Psychology, sociology, biology Scores for each section range from For much more information about the current MCAT, visit If you plan to apply to and start medical school in the fall of 2016 or later, you should take the MCAT Changes to the MCAT: The New MCAT 2015 According to Dr. Darrell Kirch, President of the American Association of Medical Colleges, the new MCAT will help medical schools find the students who are not just the most academically prepared to become doctors, but those who have the potential to become the best doctors in a changing world. Format of the MCAT 2015: Topic Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Content Introductory-level biology, organic and inorganic chemistry, and physics concepts; Approx. Number of Questions Approx. Number of Minutes 67 95

6 6 Systems Chemical and Physical Foundations of Living Systems Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills biochemistry, cellular & molecular biology; basic research methods & statistics; scientific inquiry and reasoning Concepts in psychology, sociology, and biology that provide a foundation for learning about the behavioral and socio-cultural determinants of health Comprehension, analysis, reasoning, and critical thinking about information presented in written passages; content from ethics, cultural studies, population health, social sciences, and humanities Scores will be reported on a scale similar to the current 1-15 scale. A separate score will be recorded for each of the four sections. For much more information about the new MCAT 2015, visit: When should I take the MCAT, DAT, OAT or GRE? The MCAT, DAT, OAT, and GRE are offered several times each year at Prometric testing centers. You will want to take the MCAT, DAT, OAT, or GRE in the spring or summer of your junior year if you plan to apply to schools by the fall of your senior year. The advantage of taking the exam in the spring is that you can take it again in the summer if you re not happy with your first score. Remember, however, that you don t have to rush. Many students do not begin medical school immediately after college. In fact, the average age of first-year medical students is twenty-four (Johns Hopkins Office of Pre-Professional Programs and Advising). What do professional schools look for in a candidate? Schools will look at these dimensions of your application: Academic Profile/Metrics: GPA: Your GPA is very important. Most programs have minimum required GPAs or at least provide data about average GPAs of accepted students. Note that your science GPA in biology, chemistry, physics, and math (BCPM) is especially important. See the profession specific sections for more information about GPA ranges for different programs.

7 7 MCAT/ Other Test Scores: Your test scores are also very important. See individual career pages for required tests and average scores for accepted students. Experiences: This work is critical to your application. Schools will want to see evidence of your commitment to altruism and a willingness to get your hands dirty engaging in service to others. Medical school and most other programs require significant shadowing or volunteer experiences in the health field. Some programs (like PA programs, for example) even require a certain number of hours of this kind of work (often from 500-1,000 hours or more). The Office of Academic and Pre-Professional Advising in the PSGE Center can help you begin to find these experiences locally and in your hometown. See the section about resources at Hartwick for more information. Personal Qualities: Getting accepted to medical or other professional schools is no longer just about metrics (GPA and test scores) or your experiences in the field. The personal side of your application is just as crucial. You must be able to interview well; show empathy and altruism; engage in self-reflection; demonstrate maturity, interpersonal and intrapersonal skills; and tell a compelling story about why you are committing yourself to this career. You must work as hard at learning to presenting yourself well in interviews, in writing, and online as you do on your coursework and medical experiences! Hartwick s Pre-Heath Advisory Committee (HPAC) and the PSGE Center are key to your skill development in these areas. See the section on Hartwick resources for more information. You will also want to educate yourself about current issues in the health field and health care policy so that you can speak confidently about them in an interview. You may want to investigate current or pending legislation, the needs of underserved communities, and global health concerns. Take advantage of everything that a small liberal arts college like Hartwick has to offer. Attending professors talks or campus events on campus like the Health Policy Summit can boost your health IQ. What are Hartwick s acceptance rates to professional schools? Over 70% of students applying to medical school who were recommended by HPAC (Health Professions Advising Committee) were accepted into allopathic and osteopathic medical schools. There are approximately 6-8 students that interview with HPAC per application cycle.

8 8 What professional schools have accepted Hartwick graduates in the last five years? Medical Schools (Allopathic): Ross University School of Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University (Syracuse), St. George s University School of Medicine, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University School of Medicine, University of the West Indies School of Medicine, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine Medical Schools (Osteopathic): New York College of Osteopathic Medicine of the New York Institute of Technology Dental Schools: Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine, SUNY Buffalo School of Dental Medicine Veterinary Schools: Royal School of Veterinary Studies, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University Physician Assistant Schools: Rochester Institute of Technology Physician Assistant Program, Physician Assistant Program at PACE University Physical Therapy Schools: Boston University School of Physical Therapy, University of Vermont Physical Therapy Program, SUNY Upstate Medical University Physical Therapy Program, Stony Brook Physical Therapy Program, Temple University Physical Therapy Program What resources are available at Hartwick to help me reach my goals? Hartwick has many people and programs to help you set goals, chart your progress, and strengthen your applications to schools. The Health Professions Advising Program (HPAP) includes two dedicated pre-health advisors: Joe Ficano (curricular focus and process coordination) and Lara Sanford (experiential learning and events planning) as well as a Health Professions Advising Committee (HPAC). HPAC members are faculty members who serve as additional advisors and evaluators for students interested in pursuing a career in healthcare as a physician, dentist, veterinarian, optometrist, podiatrist or other health related profession. Pre-Health Advisors can assist students with their application to health professional schools by individualized advising, providing workshops and presentations, assisting wtih standardized test preparation, interview skills, ethical issues, financial aid sources, internships, career exploration, and opportunities to meet local professionals.

9 9 Heatlh Professions Advising Committee (HPAC) will interview candidates who have fulfilled the requirements of the Health Professions Advising Program and who wish to pursue committee sponsorship. Requirements include a cumulative GPA and BCPM GPA of at least 3.5 (or a marked upward grade trend); experience in the health care field; experience doing research and/or evidence of leadership ability; and completion of several reflection statements, a resume, and a personal essay. The committee does not consider MCAT or any other test scores in its evaluation. The committee assesses the candidate s knowledge, skills, and experience in the following four competencies: interpersonal, intrapersonal, thinking and reasoning, and science. Candidates are rated as: highly recommend, recommend, recommend with reservations or do not recommend. The committee will also write the committee or composite letter that many medical or professional schools require. Think of your work with this committee as your first step in the medical school/ professional school admissions process and use their feedback to help strengthen your candidacy. Other Resources from the Academic and Pre-Professional Advising Office, and Career Services (located in first floor Golisano in the PSGE center): Contact Lara Sanford ([email protected]) or Joe Ficano ([email protected]) to learn more about any of the programs below. Orientation Sessions, Workshops and Advising: The Health Professions Advising Program offers a fall orientation session for first-year students interested in exploring pre-health careers. This session will be followed by a workshop in the spring for students seeking further experiences. In addition any student can drop in or make an appointment for assistance related to their academic program choices and coursework. HealthLinks Program HealthLinks is a local, day-long shadowing program connecting students with health professionals at Bassett Hospital in Oneonta and Cooperstown and with a variety of practitioners in Albany. Links Experiences Links experiences connect Hartwick students to professionals in a variety of career fields. MetroLink students shadow professionals in Boston and New York during February break; in Washington DC during spring break; and in Albany during the spring semester. The program can help you learn more about health careers you are considering and hone your networking skills. Volunteer Opportunities

10 10 Many professional schools will want you to have significant volunteer experience in the health field before you apply. The Office of Academic and Pre-Professional Advising (APPA) can help you connect with local volunteer opportunities. Recently, students have volunteered at A.O. Fox Hospital and the Oneonta Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and have interned as pharmaceutical technicians at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown, as physical therapy interns at FoxCare Center in Oneonta, and as pre-veterinary interns at Oneonta Veterinary Associates. The center can also guide you toward finding opportunities in your hometown when you are home for a vacation or the summer. Skill Development Career Services can also help you develop the personal qualities dimension of your application. Make an appointment with the center to work on your interviewing skills, to review your personal statement, or to craft and refine your resume. How should I seek letters of recommendation? Letters of recommendation are very important to your application. These letters help the admissions committee understand your personal qualities in a way that your GPA and test scores cannot show them. Specifically, they will be looking for evidence of your interpersonal skills, intellectual ability, curiosity, motivation, and maturity. Take advantage of your small classes at Hartwick and get to know your professors. Ask questions in class, attend office hours and study sessions, and inquire about their research interests. If you enjoy the professor s class and excel in it, you may try to take more than one his/her classes or even conduct research with him/her. This will further your intellectual growth and may also help the professor write you a stronger letter. When deciding whom to ask for letters, first check the requirements for schools that interest you. Some schools will require a certain number of letters from science faculty. Others will want a letter from a non-science faculty member, and a personal recommendation. If you have done significant volunteer or paid work or research in the medical field, you will also want to include a recommendation from your supervisor. Ask your recommenders for letters early to give them plenty of time to complete them. Provide them with a resume, transcript, and personal statement to help them write a more effective letter. Many students rely on professors from upper-level courses to write letters for them, but if you took a course your freshman year in which you excelled and got to know the professor, don t be afraid to ask for a letter at that time.

11 11 If you are applying to allopathic or osteopathic medical school, dental school, optometry school, podiatry school, or veterinary school, the Heath Professions Advisory Committee (HPAC) will use your letters of recommendation and their evaluation of you to craft the composite letter that these schools require. These letters will be sent as part of your secondary application materials. Are my online image and credit rating important? Yes! Working in the health care field requires excellent judgment and good character. Be aware that your actions throughout your college career will impact your applications. On the AMCAS application, medical schools will ask you to answer this question honestly: Were you ever the recipient of any institutional action by any college or medical school for unacceptable academic performance or conduct violation, even though such action may not have interrupted your enrollment or required you to withdraw? They also state You must answer Yes even if the action does not appear on, or has been deleted from, your official transcripts due to institutional policy or personal petition. Many medical schools also conduct criminal background checks through AMCAS. For more information and the list of schools who do this, see: Also, consider your social media pages as part of the public face you show the world. Look at them closely and consider what they say about you that might hurt or help-- your chances of getting into professional school. Some admissions committees will look at these pages as examples of your character and image. For more info, visit this page: Finally, most applicants need to borrow money to pay for school. You will need a strong credit rating in order to secure these loans. Pay your bills on time and pay off as many short-term debts (credit card, car loan, etc.) as you can. For more information about building your credit, see: How should I prepare my personal statement? As part of your primary application, you will need to write a personal statement. The admissions committee wants to know who you are and why you are applying to school.

12 12 The personal statement should be an exercise in self-reflection. Medical and other professional schools can be demanding and stressful, and the admissions committee wants to admit people who have thought carefully about this path and know why they are there! They are looking for evidence of your maturity, sincerity, self-awareness, and passion. Possible questions to consider: Try freewriting about some of these as a pre-writing exercise. Write as much as you can for as long as you can. Some of your best material may come after you push past generalities and clichés and truly reflect on why you have chosen this path. Why do you want to work in this field? Be as specific and personal as you can. Avoid clichés like I want to help people. What experiences have confirmed this choice for you? Think back about one or two events with a patient or professional that deeply affected you. What did you about yourself, the profession, the world from these experiences? Who have been the most influential people in your life and why? What s your background (family, values) and how has it shaped you? How have you demonstrated leadership? What skills and ideas are you learning in your classes that are relevant to a career in medicine? What kind of impact do you want to have on your community? How have you demonstrated service to others? How have you challenged yourself? When have you failed? How well do you work with others? Think of your proudest moment. Why was this experience meaningful to you? Writing Advice: Journaling: Open a file on your computer for health-related experiences. When you read something interesting, interact with a patient, or observe something in your volunteer work, take a few minutes to write about it. What did you see? What did you do? What might you do differently next time? Not only can you use some of this material in your personal statement or for secondary applications, you will develop the habit of being a reflective practitioner, an invaluable quality in medicine.

13 13 Outlining/Planning: Read your journal entries and freewrites, looking for common themes. Make a brief outline (list, bullet points) and shape these into a working draft. Drafting: You will want to include elements of narrative and description in your statement. Using vivid, precise language to show and not tell the reader about your experiences will make your essay more powerful and memorable. Set a deadline for yourself and work steadily towards it. Seek feedback early and revise, revise, revise: Once you have a draft, seek feedback from many sources. Make an appointment with the PSGE Center and the Writing Center to go over your work and make changes. Focus first on your content and ideas, then on perfecting grammar and spelling. Don t throw anything away: Keep early drafts of your essay, and don t discard sections that you omit from your final statement. You may choose to use some of this material in your supplementary applications.

14 COURSE GRID Course Med Dental Vet Opt Pod PA PT OT Chiro Pharm MD/DO BIOL 101 X X X X X X X X X BIOL 202 X X X X X X X X X BIOL 203 X X X X X X X X BIOL 206 X X X X X X (Anat & Phys I) BIOL 207 Upper-level X X X X (Anat & Phys II) biology BIOL 306 courses X X X A Programs X (Microbiology) BIOL 312 (Molecular Cell) BIOL 314 (Immunology) usually required X Some recommend semes ter of upperlevel biolog recommend another semester of science with lab besides Anat. & Phys. and physics. BIOL 313 X (or 420) X X X y Consider BIOL (Genetic Analysis) usuall or CHEM BIOL 420 X (or 313) Some recommend y Required by (Developmental Genetics) requir some BIOL 317 ed Some recommend (Exercise Phys) CHEM 107 X X X X X X X X X CHEM 108 X X X X X X X Some X Recommend CHEM 201 X X X X X X X CHEM 202 X X X X Some Recommend X BIOC 405 (Biochemistry I) BIOC 406 (Biochemistry II) PHYS 140 and 141 or PHYS 201 and 202 MATH 108 (Statistics) MATH 121 (Sing Var. Calc) MATH 233 (Multivar. Calc) X X X X Some recommend X X X X X X X One semester X One semester X X X X X X X X Required by some Required by some X X X Required by some Required by Required by X some some ENGL 110 (Composition) X X X X X X X X X X ENGL Literature X X X X X X X PSYC 110 X X X X X X X PSYC 301 (Developmental Psych) PSYC 302 (Abnormal Psych) SOC 105 (Intro to Soc) X X X X Another advance d PSYC course recomme nded X X X X Required by some 14 STUDIO ART: X X = Course required by most programs. This chart is meant only as a general guideline for minimum requirements. Always check requirements for individual schools

15 15 Use this timeline as a general guide to keep you on track, but also check with your pre-health advisor for more specific advice. First Year of College Talk with your academic advisor about fall courses. Attend any fall pre-health orientation sessions and/or follow-up workshops. Begin biology or chemistry course sequence, or both. Study hard and keep your GPA up! Visit the Office of Academic and Pre-Professional Advising (APPA) in the PSGE Center! Make an appointment with the pre-health advisors to introduce yourself, plan your coursework, and learn about Hartwick resources. Investigate schools that interest you and get familiar with their admissions requirements. Attend pre-health events on campus. Develop relationships with faculty and staff. Go to office hours and get to know your professors. You will need these relationships for letters of recommendation. Seek opportunities to volunteer in patient/provider settings, shadow, or get involved in research. Identify summer opportunities paid, volunteer, or internships-- in the medical field. Apply to summer enrichment programs or research programs. Try these links from the American Association of Medical Colleges: Or this one from the Summer Medical & Dental Education Program: Summer after First Year Participate in volunteer, shadow, research, or internship positions in the healthcare field Second Year of College Check-in with your academic and pre-health advisors to make sure you re on track for degree requirements. Check-in with the Office of Academic and Pre-Professional Advising (APPA) to find out about pre-health events on campus. Continue to investigate schools that interest you and their admissions requirements. Continue to develop relationships with faculty and staff on campus. Complete second-year degree coursework and maintain your GPA. Consider returning to your previous summer position or find a new opportunity for summer internship, research, or volunteer work. (See links above.)

16 16 Summer after Second Year Work in or volunteer in the medical field. Take summer courses at a university if necessary. Investigate the application process for your field. Investigate the application timeline for schools that interest you. Remember that every school has slightly different requirements and deadlines so take note of these. Investigate the MCAT or other admissions test (GRE, DAT, OAT, etc.) and begin to prepare for it. Note deadlines for schools that interest you to make sure you take the test before their application cycle opens. See the appendix of this guide for these dates. Third Year of College Maintain your relationship with your academic and pre-health advisor. Complete required coursework by spring of your junior year if you plan to apply to school right after graduation. Maintain your GPA. Participate actively with pre-health events on campus and consider taking on a leadership role in these organizations. Continue your participation in clinical experiences, volunteer work, and research and again consider taking on a leadership role in this work. Continue to investigate schools you want to apply to. Meet with your advisors to strategize about your timeline for applying to schools; if you re considering a gap year, investigate meaningful medical-related work to do during this time. You may also want to consider a post-baccalaureate program if you need to strengthen your candidacy. (See Ask faculty for letters of recommendation (See Letters of Recommendation section.) Work with the Health Professions Advising Committee (HPAC). In the spring, interview with them so that they can evaluate you and write your composite letter. Research dates and locations for taking the MCAT, GRE, etc. Study for the MCAT. Take practice exams. If you re ready, take this exam in the spring. Familiarize yourself with online application services for different fields (like the AMCAS for medical school, the CASPA for Physicians Assistants, or the AADAS for dental school). Summer after Third Year If you plan to apply to school for the year after you graduate: Continue your involvement with the medical field through interning, working, or shadowing, especially if you plan to apply to medical school for the year after graduation Complete your applications, using the centralized online service if required.

17 17 If you re ready, take or re-take the MCAT, GRE, or other exam. Fourth Year of College Meet regularly with your pre-health advisor or consult HPAC to: Discuss your options in applying to schools, such as a post-baccalaureate pre-med program. (See link above.) Discuss the status of applications for schools to which you ve applied. After you apply to schools, be sure to: Complete any supplementary applications for schools Prepare for interviews and/or campus visits. Visit schools. Make sure you re familiar with your responsibilities as an applicant: (See Continue with volunteer work and/or pre-health leadership experiences. Take or re-take the MCAT or other exam if you need to. Receive acceptances and/or rejections! Notify schools you will not be attending of your plans on or before their deadline. Submit all IRS and financial aid forms as early as possible. Complete degree requirements. Graduate! Summer after Graduation If you want to enroll in school right after you graduate, Make living arrangements. Purchase books, equipment. Attend all orientation activities. If you plan a gap/bridge year: Complete AMCAS applications & work on secondary applications. Ask faculty and other mentors to write letters of recommendation for you. Gap or Bridge Year(s) Seek meaningful employment or work experience related to your field. Pay off credit card and/or undergraduate debt as much as possible. Stay in touch with your pre-health advisor and HPAC. Continue to consult the Office of Academic and Pre-Professional Advising (APPA) for advice and support.

18 18 Complete primary and supplementary applications to schools. Interview at and/or take tours at schools that interest you. Professional Organizations: Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC): American Medical Association (AMA): Allopathic Medicine (M.D.) What does an M.D. do? According to the AAMC, physicians diagnose and care for people of all ages who are ill or have been injured. They take medical histories, perform physical examinations, conduct diagnostic tests, recommend and provide treatment, and advise patients on their overall health and well-being. Physicians can usually be divided into three categories: Primary care physicians are the doctors patients visit most frequently. They treat a wide range of illnesses and provide preventive care. They also enjoy long-term relationships with their patients. Pediatricians, family practitioners, and general internists are primary care physicians. Surgeons perform operations to treat diseases and repair injuries. Specialists have expertise related to specific diseases, age groups, and bodily organs. Cardiologists, psychiatrists, geriatricians, and ophthalmologists are examples of specialists ( How much education does it take to become a doctor? The AAMC states: Becoming a doctor requires a serious educational commitment. It typically takes from 11 to 16 years to complete your education, including four years of college (undergraduate school), four years of medical school, and three to eight years of training in a specialty area (residency training), depending on which specialty you choose to pursue. What courses do medical schools require?

19 19 While individual schools will have their own requirements, minimum requirements include: Biology in Practice (BIOL 101) Concepts of Biology: Energy (BIOL 202) Concepts of Biology: Information (BIOL 203) General Chemistry (CHEM 107, 108 or CHEM 109) Organic Chemistry (CHEM 201, 202) Physics (PHYS 140, 141 or PHYS 201, 202) Calculus or Statistics (MATH 121,233 or 108) English composition and English literature (ENGL) To fulfill medical school pre-requisites and prepare for changes in the MCAT, Hartwick also recommends the following courses: Biochemistry (BIOC 405) Sociology course (SOCI) Psychology course (PSYC) What is the required entrance exam? The MCAT is required. See information about the current MCAT and MCAT2015 in the first part of this guide. What do I need to score on the MCAT? Most schools state that you must score at least a 30 out of 45 to earn an interview. What should my GPA be? According to statistics from the AAMC, Students accepted to medical school in the last few years had, on average, a GPA. What clinical work is required? Medical schools look for a track record of service to others and experiences in the medical field. These work or volunteer experiences demonstrate your commitment to service, your leadership potential, and your ability to juggle academic and extra-curricular work successfully. The Office of Academic and Pre-Professional Advising in the PSGE Center can help you get started finding these experiences locally and in your hometown.

20 20 How can I learn more about medical school requirements? You may want to purchase the MSAR (Medical School Admissions Requirements) available as a book or online. It is a set of guides to medical school admissions requirements, updated each year: Am I required to work with the Health Professions Advising Committee? Yes. Medical schools prefer that applicants have a composite letter from their undergraduate institution. See information about this committee s work in the first part of this guide. How much does it cost to go to medical school? In , annual tuition and fees at public medical schools averaged approximately $25,000 for state residents and $48,000 for non-residents. At private schools, tuition and fees averaged $42,000 for residents and $43,000 for non-residents These figures do not include housing or living expenses, which vary considerably by location. Online Application System: AMCAS (American Medical College Application Service) at What is the application timeline for medical school? Early May: Early June: June- July: August 1st: AMCAS goes online First date that you can submit your AMCAS application. You will begin receiving secondary applications shortly after you submit your AMCAS application. Since most schools use rolling admissions, it is in your best interest to submit an application well before the deadline. Returning your secondary applications within a few weeks will increase your chances of getting an early interview slot. Early admissions deadline (including transcripts) October 1st-

21 21 December 31 st : September- Spring: Mid-October- March/April: August 15th March-July: Other application deadlines, depending on school Interviews at most medical schools Some schools will notify candidates of admissions as early as mid- October. Others will wait to notify all candidates in March or April. The last day that you can hold multiple acceptances to medical schools; however, you should withdraw your applications as soon as you know you will not be attending a particular school. Acceptances continue off waitlists How can I prepare for my medical school interview? Different schools will use different formats for interviews. For example, SUNY Upstate Medical Center uses the Multi-Mini-Interview format. This splits the traditional medical school interview into a series of brief, timed interviews that present applicants with a scenario, question, or task. This gives them the chance to interact with many faculty, administrators, physicians, and even students. Other schools use more traditional formats. For more tips on preparing for your interview, visit this section of Aspiring Docs from the AAMC: Other Resources: Visit this link to the Aspiring Docs and Applicants section of the AAMC (American Association of Medical Colleges) website : It is a great place to start for all kinds of how do I questions like: How do I decide if a career in medicine is right for me? How do I decide where to apply to school?

22 22 How do I partner with my advisor? How can I get experience in the medical field? How can I pay for school? Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMDEP) is a FREE (full tuition, housing, and meals) six-week summer academic enrichment program that offers freshman and sophomore college students intensive and personalized medical and dental school preparation: Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) Professional Organization: American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM): What does a D.O. do? According to AACOM, Osteopathic medicine is a distinct form of medical practice in the United States. Osteopathic medicine provides all of the benefits of modern medicine including prescription drugs, surgery, and the use of technology to diagnose disease and evaluate injury. It also offers the added benefit of hands-on diagnosis and treatment through a system of therapy known as osteopathic manipulative medicine. Osteopathic medicine emphasizes helping each person achieve a high level of wellness by focusing on health promotion and disease prevention (

23 How much education does it take to become an osteopathic physician? It takes four years to earn a D.O. degree. In the first two years, students take basic science courses, and in the third and fourth years, they complete rotations in a hospital or family practice. After graduation, students complete residencies which may last from threeseven years depending on the specialty. What courses do osteopathic medical schools require? Courses required are the same for allopathic medical schools, including biochemistry. As always, check individual requirements for schools that interest you. What is the required entrance exam? The MCAT is required. See information about the current MCAT and MCAT2015 in the first part of this guide. What do I need to score on the MCAT? According to AACOM, in recent application cycles, average MCAT scores were 8.37 verbal, 8.28 physical sciences and 9.01 biological sciences. What should my GPA be? AACOM reports that admitted students had an overall grade point average of 3.41 and an average science GPA of What clinical work is required? Clinical, volunteer, and work experience is similar for M.D. and M.O. programs. Both want to see a history of service and leadership. Many osteopathic colleges require applicants to get to know a D.O. and request a letter of recommendation as part of the application process. Applicants should meet and spend time shadowing the physician. This provides the applicant with exposure to the osteopathic profession and enhances awareness of osteopathic medical philosophy. 23 Am I required to work with the Health Professions Advising Committee? Yes. Osteopathic medical schools prefer that applicants have a composite letter from their undergraduate institution. See information about this committee s work in the first part of this guide. How much does it cost to go to osteopathic school?

24 24 Costs are similar to allopathic medical schools. For public schools, from $18,531 to $38,633 and for private schools, yearly tuition & fees range from $38,000 to $53,187. Public schools have lower tuition for in-state residents, although there are fewer public than private schools with D.O. programs. Online Application System: AACOMAS (American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine) at Application Cycle: AACOMAS opens May 1 st, submission date is June 3 rd, with deadlines ranging from October to April Other Resources: Links to a list of U.S. Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine: Professional Organization: American Dental Education Association: What does a dentist do? Dentistry (D.D.S/ D.M.D.)

25 According to the ADEA, Dentistry is the branch of the healing arts and sciences devoted to maintaining the health of the teeth, gums, and other hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity and adjacent structures. A dentist is a scientist and clinician dedicated to the highest standards of health through prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral diseases and conditions ( How much education does it take to become a dentist? Students complete the curriculum for a D.D.S. or D.M.D. degree in four years. In the first two years, students take basic science courses, and in the third and fourth years, they complete rotations in the dental school and with practicing dentists to gain hands-on experience. Students interested in specialties like oral surgery or orthodontics complete postdoctoral programs that last one to three years and lead to board certification. Is there a need for dentists? Current projections predict a decrease in the number of dentists, particularly in rural and urban areas, which are often under-served. What courses do dental schools require? 25 Two semesters of biology with lab Two semesters of general chemistry with lab Two semesters of organic chemistry with lab Two semesters of physics with lab Some also require: English composition Additional upper-level biology classes like anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and biochemistry Math Be sure to check specific requirements for schools that interest you. Some have requirements like art (ceramics, jewelry-making) or business management. What is the required entrance exam?

26 Dental schools require the DAT (Dental Admissions Test). The DAT is a computer-based test administered at Prometric Testing Centers. When you register for the test, you will arrange am appointment to take the test at a certain center within a certain window of time. The test is made up of multiple choice questions and takes four hours and fifteen minutes. The four sections of the DAT are: 26 Survey of natural sciences: covers content related to general biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry (but not physics) Perceptual ability test (PAT: requires you to problem solve in two and three dimensions Reading comprehension: topics for this are taken from dental and basic sciences Quantitative reasoning: this involves algebra and numerical calculations and conversions You will receive your score results immediately and can choose to send them to schools. What do I need to score on the DAT? Average DAT scores for entering students ranged from What should my GPA be? The average GPA for entering students is around 3.5. (Statistics from the ADEA Official Guide to Dental Schools) What clinical work is required? While dental schools do not require a certain number of hours of work in the dental field, experience is definitely required. Volunteering in a dental setting for a certain number of hours per week shows your commitment to the profession and will give you more to say in your interview. See the first part of this guide for tips. Am I required to work with the Health Professions Advising Committee? Yes. Dental schools prefer that applicants have a composite letter from their undergraduate institution. See information about this committee s work in the first part of this guide. How much does dental school cost? In-state tuition at a public school vs. out of state or private school tuition can vary widely. For example, tuition at the University of Pennsylvania s dental school is $63,770, while tuition at SUNY Stonybrook is $18,597 for in-state residents and $34,487 for out-of-state residents.

27 27 For more info on paying for education and projected income for new dentists, see Financing a Dental Education, at ADEA: Online Application System: ADEA AADSAS Online Dental School Application: Application Cycle: ADEAD AADSAS opens on June 3; deadlines vary by school Other Resources: For more information about applying to dental school, see current ADEA Official Guide to Dental Schools: Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMDEP) is a FREE (full tuition, housing, and meals) six-week summer academic enrichment program that offers freshman and sophomore college students intensive and personalized medical and dental school preparation:

28 28 Optometry (O.D) Professional Organization: American Association of Schools of Optometry: What does an optometrist do? The American Optometric Association defines a Doctor of Optometry as the independent primary health care professionals for the eye. Optometrists examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases, injuries, and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures as well as identify related systemic conditions affecting the eye. Doctors of Optometry prescribe medications, low vision rehabilitation, vision therapy, spectacle lenses, contact lenses, and perform certain surgical procedures. Optometrists counsel their patients regarding surgical and non-surgical options that meet their visual needs related to their occupations, avocations, and lifestyle ( How much education does it take to become an optometrist? Students earn an O.D. degree in four years. In the first two years, students take basic science courses, and in the third and fourth years they complete clinical rotations in the optometry school and with practicing optometrists to gain hands-on experience. Is there a need for optometrists? According to the American Association of Schools of Optometry, the aging population of the U.S. will create an increased demand for vision care in the next several decades. Optometrists will also be needed to fill vacancies created through retirement What courses do optometry schools require? Most optometry schools require and/or strongly recommend the following courses: Two semesters of biology (with lab) Two semesters of general chemistry (with lab)

29 29 One semesters of organic chemistry (with lab) Two semesters of physics (with lab) One semester of biochemistry One semester of calculus One semester of statistics Two semesters of English One semester of microbiology One semester of anatomy and physiology One semester of psychology Be sure to visit particular schools that interest you for more specific information. What is the required entrance exam? Schools of optometry require the Optometry Admission Test (OAT). The OAT takes about five hours and consists of four tests: Survey of the Natural Sciences (Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry), Reading Comprehension, Physics and Quantitative Reasoning. The OAT is computerized and can be taken as many times as necessary, with a wait period of ninety days between tests. What do I need to score on the OAT? Each school sets its own criteria. For example, Michigan College of Optometry states that they prefer scores of 300 or better on each section. What should my GPA be? Some schools, like Ohio State, report an average GPA of 3.0 for accepted students. Others report 3.3 and higher average GPAs. What clinical work is required? Requirements vary for clinical work. For example, Ohio State requires ten hours at two different settings. Some look for student leadership in campus activities. Others do not require a certain number of shadowing or volunteer hours but want to be certain you have done your homework in exploring the optometry profession and are committed to it. Am I required to work with the Health Professions Advising Committee?

30 Yes. Optometry schools prefer that applicants have a composite letter from their undergraduate institution. See information about this committee s work in the first part of this guide. How much does it cost to go to optometry school? Tuition and fees vary by school and residency status. Annual tuition and fees at public schools and colleges of optometry range from $9,312 to $22,470 for residents and from $21,556 to $51,420 for non-residents. For private schools, annual tuition ranges from $18,446 to $34,204 for residents and from $24,846 to around $34,204 for non-residents. Some optometry schools have programs which allow students from various states to attend their institution at the resident rate. Contact the admissions office of schools you are considering for more information ( 30 Online Centralized Application System: OptomCAS: Application Cycle; OptomCAS opens July 1 st ; deadlines range from December- June, depending on school. Other Resources: Here is a list of optometry schools in the U.S. and Puerto Rico: Helpful FAQs and answers from the American Association of Schools of Optometry:

31 31 Podiatry (D.P.M.) Professional Organizations: American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA): American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine (AACPM): What does a podiatrist do? A podiatric physician works to prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases and disorders of the foot and lower leg. This includes performing examinations, using x-ray, blood and other lab tests, performing biopsies, and prescribing medications. Podiatrists treat patients with fractures and dislocations and may perform surgery on bones and soft tissues of the foot and ankle. A podiatrist can specialize in primary care, surgery, orthopedics, sports medicine, geriatrics, or pediatrics. How much education does it take to become a podiatrist? It takes four years to earn a D.P.M. degree. In the first two years, students study basic science, and in the third and fourth years, they complete clinical rotations with practicing podiatrists to gain hands-on experience. After graduation, students complete residencies that vary in length depending on the specialty. Is there a need for podiatrists? APMA states that podiatric medicine is one of the fastest growing professions in America today. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 16% increase in positions for doctors of podiatric medicine by 2014 ( What courses do podiatry schools require? Recommended courses are the same as for medical school. However, some schools may also recommend the following: Anatomy & Physiology

32 32 Biochemistry Immunology Genetics Psychology Math What is the required entrance exam? Applicants to podiatry school take the MCAT. See MCAT information in the first part of this guide. What do I need to score on the MCAT? Podiatry schools report an average MCAT score of for their incoming students. What should my GPA be? Schools report an average science GPA of 3.1 and an overall GPA of What clinical work is required? While podiatry schools do not require a certain number of hours of work in podiatric field, experience and shadowing are definitely recommended. Volunteering in a clinical setting will show your commitment to the profession and will give you more to say in your interview. See the first part of this guide for tips. Am I required to work with the Health Professions Advising Committee? Yes. Podiatry schools prefer that applicants have a composite letter from their undergraduate institution. See information about this committee s work in the first part of this guide. How much does it cost to go to podiatry school? The annual tuition for the nine colleges of the AACPM ranges from $27,830 to $32,671, not including fees, books, or housing. Online Centralized Application System: American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine Application Service (AACPMAS): Application Cycle: AACPMAS opens August 1 st ; April 1 st is priority deadline, with a final deadline of June 30 th, depending on available seats

33 33 Other Resources: These Career Biographies which profile podiatrists and describe their career paths and daily work-- are interesting and may help you decide if podiatry is right for you: Helpful FAQs and answers from the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine: Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) Professional Organizations: Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC): American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): What does a veterinarian do? Veterinarians promote the health and welfare of many types of animals from companion animals and livestock to animals who require a healthy environment, like those in the rainforest or ocean. Many veterinarians provide services through a private practice, but others are employed on the front lines of public health, preventing outbreaks of disease, or even working for homeland security to combat some forms of bioterrorism ( How much education does it take to become a veterinarian? It takes four years to earn a D.V.M. degree. In the first two years, students study basic and animal science, and in the third and fourth years, they complete rotations within the school and with practicing veterinarians to gain hands-on experience. After graduation, students may apply for two-three year residency programs in internal medicine, surgery, cardiology, etc. What courses do veterinary schools require? Admission to veterinary school is even more competitive than admission to medical school. In addition to medical school requirements, veterinary schools usually require biochemistry, microbiology, and genetics.

34 34 Make sure to research vet schools that interest you early in your college career, because some will also have requirements such as calculus and statistics. In this document published by AAVMC, you will find a chart listing courses required by all accredited veterinary schools: You will also want to buy the book Veterinary Medical School Admissions Requirements, published each year: What is the required entrance exam? Most vet schools require the GRE, but some will also permit the MCAT. What do I need to score on the GRE? Schools report GRE scores for accepted students differently. For example, The College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign reports student scores in the 63 rd percentile. Tufts University reports that average scores for the class of 2016 were 160 on the verbal section, 158 on the quantitative section, and 4.5 on the analytical section. What should my GPA be? Most veterinary schools list overall GPAs ranging from for admitted students. What clinical work is required? Definitely. Veterinary schools seek applicants who have had up to significant research, veterinary, or biomedical experiences during their undergraduate years. For example, Cornell allows room on their application for up to five of these experiences. Most schools require or strongly recommend that one letter of recommendation come from a veterinarian. Am I required to work with the Health Professions Advising Committee? Yes. Veterinary schools will want to see a composite letter from your undergraduate institution. See information about this committee s work in the first part of this guide. How much does veterinary school cost? Tuition will vary by school and residency status. For example, Tufts University s annual tuition for residents is $41, 062 and $44, 346 for non-residents. Purdue University s annual tuition for residents is $19, 326 and $44,154 for non-residents.

35 35 Online Centralized Application System: Veterinary Medical College Application Service (AAVMC): Application Cycle: AAVMC opens on June 7 th ; deadline was October 2nd in Other Resources: For a list of the requirements of every accredited veterinary school in the U.S., Caribbean, and Canada-- visit: Also check out the AAVMC s career website on YouTube for videos about different dimensions of a veterinarian s work and tips for applying to vet school: Professional Organization: American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA): Physician Assistant (P.A.) What does a physician assistant do? According to the AAPA, a physician assistant (PA) is a medical professional who works with a doctor as part of a team. PA s are graduates of accredited PA programs and are nationally certified and state-licensed to practice medicine under the supervision of a physician ( PA s perform physical examinations, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret lab tests, perform procedures, assist in surgery, provide patient education and counseling and make rounds in hospitals and nursing homes ( How much education does it take to become a PA? PA programs last approximately 27 months and are often offered at medical schools. Most schools grant master s degrees, but some are certificate programs.

36 36 Is there a need for PAs? The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that PAs will be the second-fastest-growing profession in the next decade, increasing from 74,800 in 2008 to 103,900 in The AAPA projects that in 2020, there will be between 137,000 and 173,000 certified PAs. What courses do PA programs require? Check individual schools for prerequisites, but typical requirements include: Two semesters of general chemistry (with labs) One semester of biochemistry, organic, or other advanced chemistry Two semesters of biology (with labs) Two semesters of anatomy and physiology (with labs) One semester of microbiology (with lab) One semester of statistics or calculus I One semester of psychology (3 semester hours) One semester English Composition or other writing intensive course One semester of genetics Some also recommend courses in nutrition and immunology. What is the required entrance exam? Some PA programs require the GRE and others do not require any entrance exam. About the GRE: While the content of the GRE is not linked to specific courses, you must plan to take the GRE in the spring or summer of your junior year and study for it well in advance. The verbal section, for example, has many vocabulary questions and assumes you have continued to learn new words throughout your college career. You can take the GRE as many times as you like, but there is a mandatory wait period between tests. The General GRE is a computerized test that can be taken at Prometric testing centers. For more information about the GRE, visit

37 37 What do I need to score on the GRE? Many schools state that they have no minimum score requirements, but they would like to see candidates in the 50 th percentile. More competitive programs, like the one at Duke University, reported that admitted students scored between on the verbal section, on the quantitative section, and on the writing section. What should my GPA be? Grades of C or better in science courses and an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher are required. Average GPAs of admitted students are higher ( ) at the most competitive programs, like the one at Duke University. What clinical work is required? PA programs require significant clinical experiences. Most programs require 1,000 hours (or more) of volunteer or employment experience with direct patient care. Most also require that you shadow a PA and that one of your letters of recommendation come from a PA from whom you have worked. For more information, consult individual school websites. Am I required to work with the Health Professions Advising Committee? You are not required to have a composite letter from HPAC to apply to PA schools. Instead, you will usually need to submit three letters of recommendation directly to the school. However, you may wish to work with HPAC to strengthen your candidacy. How much does PA school cost? Tuition varies, with lower rates at public states or with in-state residency, and higher rates at private schools. For example, SUNY Upstate Medical University s in-state tuition is $9,940, and out-of-state tuition is $18,190. Wake Forest School of Medicine in North Carolina lists their annual tuition and fees at $63, 287. Online Centralized Application System: Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CAPSA): Application Cycle: CAPSA opens April 18; schools have 8 possible deadline options: June 15, August 1, September 1, October 1, November 1, December 1, January 15, and March 1 Other Resources:

38 38 Use this map to search for accredited PA programs and their requirements by state: Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) Professional Organization: American Physical Therapy Association (APTA): What does a physical therapist do? According to APTA, physical therapists (PTs) are educated, state-licensed professionals who examine individuals and develop treatment plans to improve mobility, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. PTs also work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing programs that promote active lifestyles. PTs work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, work settings, and nursing homes (

39 39 Is there a need for physical therapists? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physical therapists is expected to grow by 30 percent from 2008 to 2018, much faster than the average for all occupations ( How much education does it take to become a physical therapist? It takes three years to earn a D.P.T. degree. Approximately 80% of the curriculum is spent in the classroom and lab, while 20% is spent on clinical rotations. ( What courses do PT programs require? According to the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service, (PTCAS), most programs require: Two semesters of anatomy and physiology Two semesters of biology One semester of advanced biology Two semesters of chemistry Two semesters of physics One or two semesters of psychology Advanced psychology One semester of statistics One semester of English composition Visit this link to see a chart listing course requirements for every participating PT program: What is the required entrance exam? Many PT programs require the GRE, but not all do. About the GRE: While the content of the GRE is not linked to specific courses, you must plan to take the GRE in the spring or summer of your junior year and study for it well in advance. The verbal section, for example, has many vocabulary questions and assumes you have continued to learn new words throughout your college career. You can take the GRE as many times as you like, but there is a

40 mandatory wait period between tests. The General GRE is a computerized test that can be taken at Prometric testing centers. For more information about the GRE, visit What do I need to score on the GRE? Individual schools set their own GRE requirements; for example, Columbia University states that their accepted students scored an average of 500 on the verbal and quantitative portions of the exam and 4.0 on the writing section. Other schools state that they have no minimum requirements. Check statistics for schools that interest you. What should my GPA be? The average GPA for accepted students in 2012 was 3.52 overall and 3.37 for science courses. What clinical work is required? Observation requirements vary by program, but most require 100 hours. Some programs will want you to observe in multiple settings. Others will require you to document your hours with a licensed physical therapist. Some also require certification in CPR and first aid. Am I required to work with the Health Professions Advising Committee? You are not required to have a composite letter from HPAC to apply to physical therapy schools. Instead, you will usually need to submit three letters of recommendation directly to the school. However, you may wish to work with HPAC to strengthen your candidacy. How much does PT school cost? Tuition, fees, and cost of living vary widely. For example, Columbia University tuition and fees are $43,182 and living expenses are $23,110. At Ithaca College tuition and fees are $28, 670 and room and board are $10,728. At Nazareth College, tuition and fees are $27,000 and living expenses are $8,360. What is Hartwick s agreement with the SAGE Colleges? Hartwick College and The Sage Colleges School of Health Sciences have a preferred admission agreement for students who wish to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). The agreement includes: Preferred acceptance (on a space available basis) into the Sage Graduate Schools for students who have completed PT program course prerequisites, after initial advisement and interview, and with completed application; Waiver of the Sage Graduate Schools application fee; Early acceptance; 40

41 41 Access to Sage advisors to coordinate undergraduate electives and coursework that satisfy the prerequisites in the graduate program; Opportunity to apply early for Graduate Assistantships in the Sage Graduate Schools. Online Centralized Application System: PTCAS: Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS): Application Cycle: PTCAS opens July 2; Early Decision Program deadline is August 15; regular program deadlines range from October- May. Other Resources: Check out this video from APTA about the ways physical therapists help patients:

42 Occupational Therapy (O.T.) 42 Professional Organization: The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA): What does an occupational therapist do? Occupational therapists (OTs) aid individuals with disabling conditions to become as independent as possible in their daily tasks. OTs might work with premature babies to develop sucking and swallowing reflexes, children with cerebral palsy to reach and grasp an object, or adults who have suffered spinal cord damage to re-learn the skills necessary to eat, bathe, and dress themselves. Occupational therapists work in industrial settings, clinics, hospitals, and school settings. How much education does it take to become an occupational therapist? Master s programs in occupational therapy are designed for students who have earned a college degree but not a degree in occupational therapy. Students typically complete a master s program in occupational therapy in two-three years. Is there a need for occupational therapists? According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the aging population will drive growth in demand for occupational therapy services. Employment of occupational therapists is expected to increase by 26% between 2008 and What courses do OT programs require? Most schools offer master s degrees, but a handful offer doctoral programs in OT. Always check requirements for individual schools that interest you. Many require: One year of anatomy and physiology Another science course (with lab) One semester of physics (content related to physics of movement highly recommended) Three semesters of psychology, especially Abnormal Psychology One course in the social sciences One semester of statistics One semester of English composition Other recommended electives sometimes include:

43 43 Exercise Science or Exercise Kinesiology Neuroscience What is the required entrance exam? Some programs require the GRE or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT), and others do not require any entrance exam. What do I need to score on the GRE/ MAT? Of schools that require these tests, most state that their incoming students ranked in at least the 50 th percentile. What should my GPA be? Each school sets its own standard, but 3.0 is generally the minimum requirement. More competitive programs have higher GPAs; for example the average GPA for accepted students was 3.5 at NYU and 3.6 at UNC Chapel Hill. What clinical work is required? Most programs ask for volunteer experience in the field, but do not require a certain number of hours. As always, check the requirements for individual schools that interest you. Am I required to work with the Health Professions Advising Committee? You are not required to have a composite letter from HPAC to apply to OT programs. school. Instead, you will usually need to submit three letters of recommendation directly to the school. However, you may wish to work with HPAC to strengthen your candidacy. How much does OT school cost? Tuition rates vary. For example, Sacred Heart University s tuition 10,850 per trimester. Midwestern University s annual tuition is 33,545, and Tufts University s is $42, 846. Some schools have lower tuition for in-state residents. For example, SUNY Downstate Medical Center s tuition is $4,685 per semester for New York residents and $8,340 for out-of-state residents. What is Hartwick s agreement with the SAGE Colleges? Hartwick College and The Sage Colleges School of Health Sciences have a preferred admission agreement for students who wish to pursue an MS in Occupational Therapy. The agreement includes:

44 44 Preferred acceptance (on a space available basis) into the Sage Graduate Schools for students who have completed OT program course prerequisites, after initial advisement and interview, and with completed application; Waiver of the Sage Graduate Schools application fee; Early acceptance; Access to Sage advisors to coordinate undergraduate electives and coursework that satisfy the prerequisites in the graduate program; Opportunity to apply early for Graduate Assistantships in the Sage Graduate Schools. Centralized Application Service: Centralized Application Service for Occupational Therapy (OTCAS): Please note that not every OT program uses this service; you will need to apply to some programs individually. Application Cycle: OTCAS opens July 17; deadlines vary by program. Other Resources: Link to a list of accredited master s and doctoral OT programs by state: Read Consider Becoming an Occupational Therapist from AOTA: Also check out Why I Chose Occupational Therapy from AOTA to read individuals stories:

45 45 Chiropractic School (D.C.) Professional Organization: The American Chiropractic Association (ACA): ( What does a chiropractor do? According to the ACA, chiropractors care for patients with a variety of health concerns, especially back pain, neck pain and headaches, by performing skilled manipulations or adjustments. They also care for patients with injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system, involving the muscles, ligaments and joints, and they advise patients on diet, nutrition, exercise, and occupational and lifestyle changes ( How much education does it take to become a chiropractor? It typically takes four years to earn a chiropractic degree. Students spend at least one of these years in clinical rotation gaining handson experience. Before chiropractors can practice, they must also pass national board certification exams and earn state licensure. Chiropractic colleges may also offer continuing education programs in specialty fields like sports medicine. What courses do chiropractic schools require? Most chiropractic schools require the following courses: One year of general biology One year of general chemistry One year of organic chemistry One year of physics One year of English (Composition and one other English course) One semester of psychology Several semesters of social sciences or humanities courses

46 46 Many schools also require one semester of biochemistry What is the required entrance exam? Most programs have no required entrance exam. What should my GPA be? Most programs require at least a 2.5 GPA. What clinical work is required? Chiropractic schools do not require a certain number of hours of clinical work; however, volunteering with or shadowing a chiropractor will help you solidify your career choice and emphasize your commitment to the profession. Am I required to work with the Health Professions Advising Committee? You are not required to work with HPAC. Instead, you will need to submit three letters of recommendation directly to the chiropractic school. Consider asking faculty for two of these letters and a chiropractor with whom you have worked for the third. How much does it cost to go to chiropractic school? Tuition is based on the number of credit hours taken per semester. For example, full-time tuition (14 credits or more per semester) at the University of Bridgeport Chiropractic College is $12,375 per year. At Cleveland Chiropractic College, full-time tuition for one semester is $7,980. Online Application System: There is no centralized application service for chiropractic school. You must apply to each school individually. Application Cycle: Check schools for individual deadlines and submit applications early, well before the deadline. Applications are often considered as they arrive, and slots may fill before the deadline.

47 47 Genetic Counseling (M.S.) Professional Organizations: American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC): National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC): What does a genetic counselor do? According to the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC), genetic counselors are health professionals with specialized graduate degrees and experience in the areas of medical genetics and counseling. They work as members of a health care team, providing information and support to families who may be at risk for a variety of inherited conditions. They identify families at risk, investigate the problem present in the family, interpret information about the disorder, analyze inheritance patterns and risk of recurrence, and review available options for the family. Genetic counselors also provide supportive counseling to families, serve as patient advocates, and refer individuals and families to community or state support services. How do I become a genetic counselor? In order to become a certified genetic counselor, you must obtain a master s degree in genetic counseling from an accredited program. Programs are generally a year and a half to two years. Once all requirements have been met, you may apply for and take the certification examination. A link to a map with accredited programs by state: Is there a need for genetic counselors?

48 48 According to the NSGC, as medicine continues to focus on genetic science, the demand for people who can comprehend and communicate related health issues will increase significantly. Many sources project a growing demand for genetic counselors. What courses do genetic counseling programs require? Two semesters of general biology (with lab) Two semesters of general or organic chemistry (with lab) One semester of cell or molecular biology One semester of biochemistry One semester of psychology (counseling or developmental) One semester of genetics One semester of statistics Other programs recommend embryology, calculus, epidemiology, physiology, philosophy, and bioethics. What is the required entrance exam? Most programs require the GRE. What do I need to score on the GRE? Many programs say that their successful applicants score in the th percentile on the GRE. Others state that candidates score above the 50 th percentile on average. What should my GPA be? Most programs state that you need at least a 3.0 GPA to be competitive. What clinical work is required? Genetic counseling programs want to see that you have experience shadowing a genetic counselor in the field. Many also look favorably on general counseling experience, like providing counseling to peers, working for a crisis or suicide hotline, or a domestic violence shelter or pregnancy counseling center such as Planned Parenthood. Am I required to work with the Health Professions Advising Committee?

49 You are not required to have a composite letter from HPAC to apply to genetic counseling school. Instead, you will usually need to submit three letters of recommendation directly to the school. However, you may wish to work with HPAC to strengthen your candidacy. How much does it cost to go to genetic counseling school? Tuition rates vary. For example, tuition is $30,070 per year at Arcadia University, $28,106 per year at Sarah Lawrence, and $34,000 for the entire program at Mt. Sinai s School of Medicine. Centralized Application Service: A few programs use SOPHAS (Centralized Application Service for Public Health), but most ask that you apply directly to the school. Application Cycle: Applications to schools are generally due in December or up to January 15 for the following fall. 49 Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) Professional Organization: American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP): What do pharmacists do? According to the AACP, pharmacists responsibilities include a range of care for patients, from dispensing medications to monitoring patient health and progress to maximize their response to the medication. Pharmacists also educate consumers and patients on the use of prescriptions and overthe-counter medications, and advise physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals on medication decisions. Pharmacists provide expertise about the composition of medications, including their chemical, biological and physical properties, as well as their manufacture and use. They ensure drug purity and strength and make sure that medications do not interact in a harmful way. Pharmacists are the medication experts ultimately concerned about their patients health and wellness ( How do I become a pharmacist? The Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree requires at least two years of undergraduate work followed by four academic years of professional study. A growing number of first-year students enter a pharmacy program with three or four years of college experience.

50 50 Here is a link to a map showing the locations of all pharmacy schools: Is there a need for pharmacists? According to the AACP, the demand for trained pharmacy professionals has increased in recent years due to the rapid growth of the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, especially for the growing elderly population. A 2000 report by the Health Resources and Services Administration found that the current demand for pharmacists is outpacing the supply of new pharmacists entering the field. What courses do pharmacy programs require? Typical requirements include: Two semesters of general chemistry Two semesters of organic chemistry Two semesters of general biology Physics Microbiology Calculus Anatomy and physiology Two semesters of English Public speaking What is the required entrance exam? Pharmacy schools require the PCAT. The PCAT is approximately a four hour exam with seven sections including verbal ability, quantitative ability, biology, chemistry, reading comprehension, and two writing sections. For more information, go to: What do I need to score on the PCAT? Accepted students scored in the 55th percentile on average. What should my GPA be?

51 Average GPAs for students accepted to pharmacy programs were 3.29 for science courses, 3.59 for non-science courses, with a 3.41 overall GPA. What clinical work is required? Pharmacy schools encourage, and sometimes require, students to have paid or volunteer experience working with patients in a healthcare setting or in a pharmacy. Am I required to work with the Health Professions Advising Committee? You are not required to have a composite letter from HPAC to apply to pharmacy school. Instead, you will usually need to submit three letters of recommendation directly to the school. However, you may wish to work with HPAC to strengthen your candidacy. How much does it cost to go to pharmacy school? Tuition rates vary. For example, SUNY Buffalo s tuition is $12,641 in-state and $22,965 out-of-state per semester. Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, a private school, lists their tuition at $26,900 per year. Long Island University, another private school, lists their tuition at $1,239 per credit, and students take approximately credits per year. Use this link to compare pharmacy programs by location, program length, and cost: Centralized Application Service: The Pharmacy Central Application Service (PharmCAS): Application Cycle: Opens in June with deadlines between November and March for the following fall, depending on program. Other Resources: A short version of the one-hour documentary Pharmacists: Unsung Heroes can be found here: This page has lots of helpful information for exploring a career in pharmacy, including information about what pharmacists do, what they earn, and what pharmacy schools are looking for: 51

52 52 Public Health (MPH) Professional Organization: Association of Schools of Public Health (ASPH): What does a professional in public health do? Public health is a broad field with many different specialties and job opportunities. Employees in public health may analyze statistics, conduct research, or work directly with people. Public health professionals confront complex health care issues, like improving access to health care, reducing environmental hazards, or combating substance abuse. For a great overview of the field, visit:

53 53 The five core disciplines of academic public health, which all CEPH (Council on Education for Public Health)-accredited schools are required to offer, are: Biostatistics - The use of statistical methodology for analyzing health related data. Epidemiology - The study of the distribution and determinants of disease and disability in populations. Health Services Administration - The study of health care systems, health care reform, health law, financial management, clinic management, and policy analysis. Health Education/Behavioral Science - The practice of selecting, applying and monitoring appropriate behavioral, social and political change strategies to enhance the health of populations. Environmental Health - The study of issues associated with the adverse chemical, physical and biologic agents in the environment on human health. How long will it take to complete a master s degree in public health? Most MPH programs are two years, however, some schools also offer accelerated, part-time, and other degree options. Is there a need for public health professionals? The American Association of Public Health (AAPH) states: The public health workforce is diminishing over time (there were 50,000 fewer public health workers in 2000 than in 1980), forcing public health workers to do more for more people with fewer resources. At the same time, the US population is growing (a projected 19% from 2000 to 2020) and an additional 23% of public health professionals are eligible to retire by This combination of factors will result in a projected shortage of nearly 250,000 professionals approximately one-third of the workforce needed to combat new, evolving and emerging public health threats. What courses do public health programs require? Choosing the right major and pre-requisite courses will depend on what area of public health you are interested in studying. For example, if you are interested in epidemiology or biostatistics, consider a major in mathematics or basic science. For behavioral sciences or health education, think about a major in sociology, psychology or anthropology. For studying health services administration, you might major in business. To study global health, a social science degree is helpful. To study environmental health, majoring in biology or chemistry might help (

54 54 What is the required entrance exam? Usually the GRE, but sometimes schools allow the MCAT or GMAT, depending on the program. What do I need to score on the GRE? Most programs state that you must score in the 50 th percentile on the GRE. More competitive programs, like the one at UNC Chapel Hill, state that their accepted students scored in the 60 th - 70 th percentile on average. What should my GPA be? Most programs require at least a 3.0 GPA. What clinical work is required? Some programs require two or more years of full-time work in the health care field. While not all programs require work experience, most of their admitted students have worked in the field. For example, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, students admitted into the school of public health students have, on average, 5-7 years of work experience in the field. Work or volunteer experiences may include: Working part-time or full-time at a hospital or health clinic Volunteering for a non-profit organization such as a local chapter of the Red Cross. Working at a non-profit organization that is directly involved in public health advocacy and policy. Working or volunteering for a local health department. Volunteering or working at a federal agency Exploring options provided by public service organizations such as the Peace Corps, Americorps, or Teach for America ( Am I required to work with the Health Professions Advising Committee? You are not required to have a composite letter from HPAC to apply to schools of public health. Instead, you will usually need to submit three letters of recommendation directly to the school. However, you may wish to work with HPAC to strengthen your candidacy. How much does public health school cost?

55 55 Tuition varies depending on whether the school is public or private and on residency status. For example, at UNC Chapel Hill, annual tuition is $10,248 for in-state residents and $27,460 for out-of-state residents. At SUNY Buffalo, it is $5,615for in-state residents and $9,270for out-of-state residents. At a private school, like Columbia University, tuition is $33,990. Centralized Application Service: SOPHAS (Centralized Application Service for Public Health): Application Cycle: The cycle opens in September for the following fall. Deadlines vary by program. Other Resources: A brochure with lots of helpful advice about applying to accredited public health programs:

56 AACOMAS AACPMAS ADEA AADSAS Application Service Name American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Services American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine Application Service ADEA Associated American Dental Schools Application Service Association American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine American Dental Education Association Number of Schools 28 colleges, 4 branch campuses and 1 additional teaching location participate in AACOM. All 9 schools and colleges participate in AACPMAS 65 Schools participate in AADSAS (63 US, 1 Puerto Rico, 1 Nova Scotia) Contact Information [email protected] [email protected] Applicant Contact: [email protected] [email protected] Opening Date* May 1 August 1 June 3 Submission Date** June 3 August 1 June Deadlines Range from October 2012 April 2013 April 1st is the priority deadline. Pending available seats, final deadline of June 30th Different according to each school Letters of Recommendation Letters of recommendation sent directly to colleges following the processes outlined by each college. Letters of recommendation sent directly to designated colleges or through VE or Interfolio see chart in the FAQ section on for details. Up to four individual letters of evaluation or one Committee Report plus one individual letter of evaluation. Most dental schools strongly prefer that letters are submitted to AADSAS as either an online electronic document or as a paper letter that is mailed to AADSAS. Standardized Test Scores Scores should be sent directly to AACOMAS. Applicants must use MCAT s THx system to release their MCAT scores to their AACOMAS application. Students must provide their 8- digit MCAT number, beginning with 1, on the MCAT section of the AACOMAS application. MCAT and US DAT scores (no older than 3 years) must be sent directly to AACPMAS. Official DAT scores are downloaded by dental schools through a DAT website. When registering for the DAT, applicants should indicate all the schools where they want their official DAT scores sent. There is no longer a restriction on the number of schools an applicant can select in the DAT registration process. Transcripts No data provided. Send official transcripts directly to AACPMAS. Send official transcripts directly to ADEA AADSAS.

57 AMCAS CASPA ChiroCAS Application Service Name American Medical College Application Service Central Application Service for Physician Assistants Chiropractic Centralized Application Service Association Association of American Medical Colleges Physician Assistant Education Association Association of Chiropractic Colleges Number of Schools 140 schools and programs will participate in AMCAS. The only exceptions are the Regular M.D programs at Texas Public Schools and the UMKC BA/MD program. 161 programs participate in CASPA 16 schools participate in ChiroCAS. Contact Information Applicant Contact: Opening Date* May 8 April 18 No data provided. Submission Date** June 1 April 18 No data provided. Deadlines Early Decision Program deadline including transcript deadline is August 1. Regular M.D. and all other program deadlines range Oct. 1 -Dec. 31st. Individual deadlines per school, 8 options June 15 August 1 September 1 October 1 November 1 December 1 January 15 March 1 No data provided. Letters of Recommendation Most medical schools receive letters through AMCAS (5 schools/ programs do not participate). Evaluators submit letters electronically directly to AMCAS, or through VirtualEvals, Interfolio, U.S. Mail, or the AMCAS Letter Writer Application. Three letters of recommendation are processed by CASPA and disseminated to programs. CASPA reference letters of recommendation will be completely electronic, unless requested otherwise by a reference, for the cycle. No data provided. Standardized Test Scores MCAT Scores are automatically sent to AMCAS for distribution to applied participating schools once the applicant scores are available. All test scores (except TOEFL) should be sent directly to the programs to which they are applying. No data provided. Transcripts Send official transcripts directly to AMCAS. Send official transcripts directly to CASPA. No data provided.

58 HAMPCAS NDCAS NursingCAS Application Service Name Health Administration, Management & Policy Centralized Application Service Naturopathic Doctor Centralized Application Service Nursing s Centralized Application Service Association Association of University Programs in Health Administration Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Schools American Association of Colleges of Nursing Number of Schools 30 schools participate in HAMPCAS 4 of the naturopathic colleges participate in NDCAS 115 schools of nursing participate in NursingCAS Contact Information (703) , x-130 [email protected] g Applicant Contact: [email protected] Phone: Applicant Contact: [email protected] g Opening Date* September September 4 No data provided. Submission Date** September September 4 No data provided. Deadlines Closes August 2013 Individual deadlines per school. No data provided. Letters of Recommendation Submitted to HAMPCAS reference portal. Three letters of recommendation are submitted to NDCAS and processed for dissemination to the designated programs. The recommendations can be sent electronically or via paper from the reference. Committee and composite letters are accepted. No data provided. Standardized Test Scores GREs are self reported into application, then sent directly to schools. Not required (TOEFL is required in some cases, those results are sent directly to the schools) No data provided. Transcripts Send official transcripts directly to HAMPCAS. Official transcripts sent directly to NDCAS. Send official transcripts directly to AMCAS.

59 OptomCAS OTCAS PharmCAS Application Service Name Optometry Centralized Application Service Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service Pharmacy College Application Service Association Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry American Occupational Therapy Association American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy s Number of Schools 21 schools and colleges participate in OptomCAS 74 OT programs with 6 additional locations will participate 104 pharmacy programs participate in PharmCAS Contact Information Applicant Contact: [email protected] TTY [email protected] [email protected] Opening Date* July 1 July 17 June Submission Date** July 1 July 17 June Deadlines Deadlines vary by school and range from December June Deadlines vary by program. Ranges by program from November March Letters of Recommendation Recommendation letters must be sent directly to OptomCAS by the evaluator, either electronically. References should come directly from the evaluator to OTCAS electronically. Send up to four references to PharmCAS which will disseminate to colleges. Letters must be sent directly to PharmCAS by the evaluator, either electronically or hard copy, or to the program, if required. Standardized Test Scores Official OAT scores must be sent to optometry schools and colleges when the exam is taken. Applicants are asked to self-report OAT scores on the OptomCAS application. If required by program, GRE and TOEFL test scores must be entered on the OTCAS application. Any other scores should be sent directly to the program. Send PCAT, TOEFL, & TSE scores to PharmCas, if required. (PCAT not required by all pharmacy schools) Transcripts Send official transcripts directly to OptomCAS by the school or college s deadline. Send official transcripts directly to OTCAS. Send official U.S. transcripts to PharmCAS. Policies for Int'l transcripts vary.

60 PTCAS SOPHAS TMDSAS Application Service Name Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service Schools of Public Health Application Service Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service Association American Physical Therapy Association Association of Schools of Public Health Texas Medical and Dental Schools Number of Schools 164 programs participate in PTCAS 42 Schools Participate in SOPHAS Most Texas schools (8 medical, 3 dental and 1 veterinary schools) participate in TMDSAS Contact Information Applicant Contact: (ASPH) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] (SOPHAS) [email protected] Opening Date* July 2 September May 1 Submission Date** July 2 August May 2 Deadlines Early Decision Program deadline is August 15. Regular program deadlines range from October 2013-May Varies according to program. July 1 st for students applying through the JAMP program. Otherwise, August 1 st September 30th, depending on school. Letters of Recommendation Send up to 4 references directly to PTCAS using paper or electronic (elor) process. PTCAS will disseminate letters to designated programs. Program-specific reference requirements are posted online at rogram.html Recommendation letters must be sent directly to SOPHAS electronically. Recommendation letters accompanied by TMDSAS evaluation forms must be sent to TMDSAS. Applicants are also required to submit one Health Professions Committee Packet OR two individual letters of recommendation from Interfolio or Virtual Evals. One vet letter must be from a veterinarian. Standardized Test Scores Send official GRE scores directly to designated PT programs, if test is required by institution. Program-specific GRE requirements and codes are posted online at MCAT, GRE and TOEFL test scores can be sent directly to SOPHAS; other test scores should be sent directly to the program. All MCAT score(s) MUST be reported directly to TMDSAS by AAMC. All DAT scores must be released to each of the dental schools they are applying with. GRE scores must be submitted directly to Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine using the institution code #6812. Transcripts Send official U.S. transcripts directly to PTCAS by program's deadline. Arrange for any updated fall 2013 transcripts to arrive at PTCAS as soon as they are available from the registrar s office. Official transcripts should be sent to SOPHAS. Send most recent, official transcripts to TMDSAS.

61 VMCAS Application Service Name Association Number of Schools Contact Information Veterinary Medical College Application Service Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges All veterinary medical colleges in the United States and Canada, 9 depts. of vet. science, 7 depts. of comparative medicine, 3 other vet. medical education institutions and 7 international colleges of vet. medicine participate in VMCAS [email protected] Opening Date* June 7 Submission Date** June 7 Deadlines October 2, 2012 Letters of Recommendation Standardized Test Scores Transcripts Electronic evaluations must be sent through elor to VMCAS who will disseminate them to colleges. Number required varies by school. Send scores directly to colleges. See college specific requirements. Send official transcripts directly to colleges.