Applications

Application to professional schools is usually a multi-step process that includes a primary application, a secondary application, and an interview.
 

Centralized Application Services

Most professional schools utilize a centralized application service. The applicant sends one application to a central processing location that verifies transcripts, calculates GPAs. Charging a fee for each application, the Central Application Service forwards the information to the schools the student has designated. Not all schools utilize such services, so it is important to check with each school to make sure you know how to initiate an application. Most schools, after receiving the preliminary application from the centralized application service, will require additional information, and an additional application fee. IT IS CRUCIAL FOR STUDENTS TO READ THE APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS PRIOR TO BEGINNING THE APPLICATION. Be sure to be aware of all DEADLINES associated with the application cycle for your profession.
 
Disciplines and Their Application Sites
Profession Association Portal How to Apply Application Instructions
Medical (Allopathic) Association of American Medical Colleges AMCAS
TMDSAS (Texas schools)
AMCAS Instructions
TMDSAS Instructions
Medical (Osteopathic) American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine AACOMAS AACOMAS Instructions
Dentistry American Dental Educational Association AADSAS
TMDSAS (Texas Schools)
AADSAS Instructions
TMDSAS Instructions
Pharmacy American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy PharmCAS PharmCAS Instructions
Physician Assistant Physician Assistant Education Association CASPA CASPA Instructions
Occupational Therapy American Occupational Therapy Association OTCAS OTCAS Instructions
Physical Therapy American Physical Therapy Association PTCAS PTCAS Instructions
Veterinary Medicine Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges AAVMC
TMDSAS (Texas Schools)
VMCAS Instructions
TMDSAS Instructions
Podiatry American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine AACPMAS AACPMAS Instructions
Chiropractic Medicine Association of Chiropractic Colleges Apply directly to programs Via program websites
Optometry Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry OptomCAS OptomCAS Instructions
Naturopathic Medicine Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges NDCAS NDCAS Instructions
Profession Association Portal How to Apply Application Instructions

 

Supplemental Applications

After completing the primary application you will likely receive invitations to complete supplemental applications. Some professional schools send out supplemental (secondary) applications to all applicants while others send them to select students after an initial review of the primary application. Make sure these are completed and returned well before deadline dates. The quality of your supplemental applications is VERY important. Take your time and be sure you are answering the questions asked. We recommend returning them within 2-3 weeks.
 

Resume or CV

A Pre-Health résumé (or CV) is an easy way to keep track of all of your activities and honors as a student. While you won’t need to submit a résumé with your application, you will need to give a copy of your Pre-Health résumé to the people who write your letters of recommendation. You’ll also use it to fill out your application to professional school. It’s a simple way of compiling all of the necessary information in one easy to access place.
Some relevant information to provide: personal information, name, address, phone, email, education (major, minor, overall GPA, and science/math GPA).
The basic categories should include: healthcare experiences, volunteer/community service, employment, leadership, research, honors and awards, military service, extracurricular activities/affiliations (those that do not fit above), hobbies and interests, and skills.