Applications to professional schools may be due as early as one to one and a half years before you want to attend. Your application to professional school is sometimes referred to as your “primary application” and includes a number of pieces for you to submit.
Many programs use a holistic review process where they look at the whole applicant with all factors being considered, while some use mission-driven or competency-based approaches, and some have specific GPA or test score requirements. Hands-on experiences, such as clinical skills and relevant work, are a key part of a strong application because they show programs how you’ve developed the skills they are looking for.
Applying to several schools diversifies your chances of being accepted and can give you more options to choose from regarding where to attend.
Applications may include some or all of the following:
Online Application Form (CAS system submission)
Most professional schools require you to submit your application through a centralized application service (CAS) when applying to their program. This means you submit your application materials to the CAS who then sends out your materials to each school. Check the CAS opening date and deadlines in your area of interest.
Personal Statement
- The Personal Statement, sometimes referred to as the "Personal Essay”, “Personal Statement” or “Statement of Purpose” is your chance to provide the admissions committee with subjective information about your preparation, qualifications, and reasons for choosing a particular program/career. They are interested in your experience and skills in working with patients/clients in a clinical setting as well as knowledge of the profession.
- Before you start writing your statement, read the directions from the program(s) carefully to ensure you address any specific questions. We have also developed a “getting started” worksheet to get you thinking about what to include, located under your program of interest.
- Allow yourself ample time to write, rewrite, edit, and refine your statement. You can meet with us at any stage of the process to help you get started, develop a first draft, all the way to your final version.
Additional Statements
Some programs require additional statements, such as a general diversity statement or diversity of views and experiences (Dove). They may also include optional statements (i.e. extenuating circumstances).
Supplemental Questions (Secondary Applications)
After submitting your application through the Centralized Application Service (CAS) you may be asked to submit a supplemental/secondary application. Some schools do this automatically after receiving your application, others will review your primary application and then decide to offer you a secondary application. These secondary applications include a series of short answer paragraphs/essays to get to know more of why you want to pursue that profession, your goals and experiences, and why you want to attend that particular school.
Standardized Tests
Entrance tests may be required and vary by discipline and school. Examples include the LSAT for law school, MCAT for medical school, and DAT for dental school. The GRE may be required for Physician Associate programs as well as for some Physical and Occupational Therapy programs.
Letters of Recommendation
Each program will specify the number of letters of recommendation they require and from whom (e.g. faculty, research supervisors, or internship/work/volunteer supervisors, etc.) Recommendations should come from people who know your work and/or academic abilities well and can provide specific examples or comments about how you will be successful in your intended program or profession.
- Ask your recommenders if there is any information they need from you such as your resume/CV, personal statement, copy of your transcript, a list of courses you have taken from them, or writing samples to help them write a strong letter for you.
- Ideally, give your recommenders plenty of time before your deadline to write their letters. Follow up with them as the deadline nears to ensure they have completed the recommendation.
- Finally, be sure to thank each of your recommenders for their time and let them know you appreciate their efforts! Update them on your acceptances to share the good news!
Note: If you do not plan to apply for professional school before you graduate, you can still talk with your faculty or supervisors regarding your future plans. Ask if you can provide them with current copies of your resume and your personal statement (if you have a draft), to help them remember you and remind them of specific details. Then, when you are ready to apply, provide them with an updated resume, personal statement, and any information on the program(s) you are applying to.
Resume or CV
A resume or curriculum vitae (commonly referred to as a CV) is sometimes required for applications. A resume, or CV, emphasizes clinical experience, research, projects, other relevant work experience, papers, publications, and/or presentations related to your particular area of interest. A resume or CV for professional school is typically longer than a job search resume to be able to include all these things so don’t worry about strictly sticking to a 1-page format unless specifically told to do so by your program.
Interviewing
Many programs will invite you to participate in an interview after they have reviewed your application.
Interview preparation & sample interview questions
Interview resources by type of program
The Career Center does practice interviews! Contact us to schedule a time, or multiple times, to practice your interview.
You can also book one of our interview rooms for a quiet space to do your virtual interviews with schools.