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Tips & resources about the application process

Tips to prepare for the application cycle

The application cycle is a year-long process which typically begins the summer a full year prior to the fall of your matriculation (start) into professional school. In addition, you should be actively working on your application for up to a full year prior to the application cycle.

  • Be familiar with both the four-year undergraduate timeline and academic and other preparation.
  • Attend an HPA 202 session (see events calendar) and join the Health Professions Advising Hub on Canvas.
  • Create an Excel spreadsheet for the schools to which you will be applying; know their admission requirements and deadlines, and attend open houses and admissions officers/deans visits to campus.
  • Meet with an HPA advisor at least once during the fall semester of the year prior to your planned application submission. For a 10-minute drop-in, complete the Self-Evaluation Form and bring a printed copy of your responses. For a 30-minute appointment you will be provided with a link to a Student Advising Questionaire for you to complete prior to your meeting.
  • Know all Health Professions Evaluation Committee (HPEC) deadlines and what is required of you for each date.
  • Plan the date you will take your admission exam, and create a study plan:
    Know how long after your exam date it will take for your score to be sent to you and your schools, and select your exam date accordingly. Allow three to six months to study for the exam.
  • Identify and start speaking with individuals who may potentially write letters of recommendation on your behalf.
  • Participate in the committee letter [HPEC] process in the spring semester before your summer application. Starting June 1 of that year, you may request your HPEC Committee Letter. Find specific details on the HPA Hub [Canvas].
  • Our office highly recommends that students complete and submit an error-free application within the first 45 days after your centralized application service opens.
  • For schools that require a secondary application, be diligent and return these completed within two weeks.
  • Accept invitations, prepare for, and attend interviews at your health professional schools. You may do a practice interview to prepare.
  • Send thank-you notes to your reference letter-writers and to your admission interviewers at professional schools.

Additional information if applicable: