Lily Johnson ’24 at her white coat ceremony at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine (above). We are here to guide pre-health students and alums through the application process to pre-health graduate and professional programs from preparation to admission.
Students may begin the application process as early as their junior year; however, the majority of students will take one or more gap years before matriculating to health professions school. Students should wait to apply until they are the most competitive applicant they can be, as an application heavily lacking in some aspects can be viewed in a negative light. If your application is not ready, it is much better to wait and use the time to strengthen your profile.
While there is no checklist for a competitive application, strong applicants tend to have high science and overall GPAs, competitive standardized test scores, significant exposure to the field, a demonstrated history of service to others, and interests outside of the medical field. In addition, competitive applicants to medical school should be able to demonstrate the skills, knowledge, and abilities outlined in the Core Competencies for Entering Medical Students.
Most programs require a standardized test as part of their application to health professions school. Each test differs somewhat, but all test reading comprehension, critical thinking skills, problem-solving ability, and some subject area knowledge.
MCAT (MD, DO, DPM)
DAT (DDS, DDM)
OAT (OD)
GRE (PA, PT, OT, DVM, Public Health, and others)
Most health professions schools utilize a central application service. Applications open at different times, depending on the program. Most programs review applications on a rolling basis, so we recommend you apply as close as you can to the open submission dates.
AMCAS (MD)
AACOMAS (DO)
AADSAS (Dentistry)
NursingCAS (Nursing – not St. Olaf)
OTCAS (Occupational Therapy)
OptomCAS (Optometry)
PharmCAS (Pharmacy)
CASPA (PA)
AACPMAS (Podiatry)
SOPHAS (Public Health)
VMCAS (DVM)
TMDSAS (Texas Medical, Dental, and Veterinary Schools)
The personal statement is your primary opportunity to allow Admissions Committees to gain a sense of who you are, your values, interests, motivation, and goals. Your statement should breathe life into your application, as well as to give admissions committees an understanding of your communication skills. Piper Center coaches can help you with your personal statement.
Piper Center Personal Statements Video
Crafting Your Personal Statement
Personal Statement Online Workshop (UMN)
Writing a Personal Statement (Emory)
Health Professions Personal Statement (UVA)
Personal Essay (Duke)
After reviewing your application, schools that think you may be a good fit will invite you for an interview. The interview may be either virtual or in-person. Your interview day will usually include an information session and a chance to talk to current students.
Interviews vary from school to school and can be traditional 1:1 interviews or Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs), where you will rotate through 8-10 stations. We encourage you to prepare, especially for MMI interviews, and students may schedule mock interviews with Heather Banks, the Pre-Health Career Coach in the Piper Center. Alumni may schedule with Dana Rechtzigel, Alumni Career Coach.
Navigating Application Expenses for Health Professions School
Medical School Admissions Requirements (MSAR)
American Dental Student Association List of Dental Schools in the United States
Osteopathic Medical School Explorer
Veterinary Medical School Admissions Requirements (VMSAR)
American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) Postbaccalaureate Database
How to Finance Your Medical Education
For International Students: While the process of preparing for and applying to U.S. health professional schools is the same whether or not you are a U.S. citizen and many health professional schools will not consider international students. Options for financing your education are also extremely limited. If you are an international student interested in applying to a health professions school, please see Heather Banks and Kevin Crisp early in college to best understand your options.
Applying to Allopathic Medical School as an International Student
International Students and Medical Education: Options and Obstacles
For Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Students:
Allopathic Medical School Policies on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
Pre-Health Dreamers