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Are you ready to apply to your professional health program?
As you prepare yourself for applying to professional health programs, use this Self-Assessment Tool to determine your next steps. Apply when you are really ready for the process – it’s a lengthy one!
Stand out as an applicant
Admission Committees are looking for various qualities in the review process. Your ability to address the following elements are key to standing out and finding the best fit as an applicant.
- You understand the profession (ex: medicine, dentistry) to which you’re applying.
- You have an interest in and ability to do the work in the profession.
- Your goals match their program’s mission. Discover programs’ mission statements from their websites and from talking with current students or alumni.
- Your values match what their program is able to provide.
Plan ahead
Use the links within this section to learn detailed information and access resources for applying to specific health professional programs. This list is not exhaustive; if there is a professional health program you’re interested in that’s not listed here, contact the Health Professions & Natural Science Pathways Manager.
Application resources in general
Almost every graduate program you apply to will require a personal statement or a series of short essays. Not only does this serve as a writing sample but it is also an opportunity to show the admissions committee that you are a good fit for the program. It is an opportunity to showcase your strengths, personal stories, and your passion and commitment to your chosen field. Because it is such an important aspect of your application, you must devote the appropriate amount of time and thought to your statement.
Here are some tips for a successful personal statement:
- Give yourself enough time. Create a schedule well in advance of the due date that includes several drafts, edits, and space to seek feedback.
- Utilize your resources. At UWB there are many people on campus that can help you shape your personal statement. 足彩app哪个是正规的?Writing and Communication Center, the office of?Merit Scholarships,?Career Services, the Health Professions & Natural Science Pathways Manager, and?some of your faculty may be willing to read your essay and give you suggestions for improvement. Also enlist family and friends who know you and can help ensure that your writing matches your voice.
- Do your research. Look at the program’s website, read the school’s mission statement, and ask alumni/current students for advice. Weaving alignment between your values and goals and the values and goals of the program is the best way to demonstrate a match – it’s not enough to qualify; you need to be a qualified candidate who is also a good fit for the program. And the program needs to be a good fit for you! Reflect on the ways in which you will bring value to this program and this field. Getting admitted into your program of choice needs to be mutually beneficial to you and the program admitting you.
- Show, don’t tell. Anyone can say that they want to be a health professional; your essay needs to show the reader your alignment with the field. Tell stories that serve as evidence for your claims.
Every school will require letters of recommendation. Make lasting connections with your faculty members, advisors, supervisors in professional settings, health care professionals that you’ve worked with, etc. Everyone has had to ask for a letter of recommendation at some point and most people are happy to provide good recommendations if approached the right way. Approach individuals who can speak to your interest in and capacity for the program to which you are applying.
Here are some things to consider to ensure that your letters are effective:
- How many and from whom? Every program will have slightly different requirements, so be sure to do your research. Not only will it vary in the quantity required, but they might be very specific about who they want letters from.
- Build relationships. Start thinking about who you will approach to write your letters of recommendation. It is important that you’ve made connections with faculty on your campus and have good relationships with professionals in your chosen field, especially those that you’ve shadowed. 足彩app哪个是正规的se relationships will serve you well when it’s time to ask for letters of recommendation. Also, make sure that you are identifying people that really know you and can speak to who you are as a student, a person, and a future healthcare professional.
- Ask early. Once you’ve identified who you want to ask, be sure to ask them with enough lead time. It’s okay to ask early as long as you provide your timeline. For instance, you could say, “I’m planning to apply to dental school within the next two years; would you be willing to write me a support letter when I apply?” Update your letter writers along the way to maintain your relationship.
- Provide support. Give your letter writers as much lead time and information about you as possible. Communicate due dates. Send a copy of your personal statement and resume/activities log – even in draft form – so they can see what you’re saying about yourself. 足彩app哪个是正规的 AAMC also provides this?helpful guide?that you can provide to your letter writers.
- Articulate gratitude. 足彩app哪个是正规的 people you are approaching to write letters of recommendation have been in your shoes; they likely had to ask for letters of recommendation at some point. Ensure that your approach is respectful (both in timeliness and manner), professional, and appreciative. Send a thank you note for their support and provide updates along the way so they can share in celebrating your success.
Application resources by program
Medicine
足彩app哪个是正规的 practice of medicine refers to the clinical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of human disease, injury, or condition.
Apply to medical schoolDentistry
Dentistry, also known as dental medicine and oral medicine, is the branch of medicine focused on the teeth, gums, and mouth.
Apply to dental schoolOccupational 足彩app哪个是正规的rapy
Occupational therapists (OTs) help people learn or regain daily living or work skills.
Apply to occupational therapy programsOptometry
Doctors of Optometry (ODs) are the primary health care professional for the eyes.
Apply to optometry programsPharmacy
Pharmacists dispense medications prescribed by health practitioners and are experts in educating patients and practitioners on drug selection, dosage, and side effects.
Apply to pharmacy programsPhysical 足彩app哪个是正规的rapy
Physical therapists work with individuals with movement or mobility problems in order to prevent, restore or resolve the dysfunctional condition.
Apply to physical therapy programsPhysician Assistant/ Physician Associate
PAs (physician assistants/physician associates) are licensed clinicians who practice medicine in every specialty and setting.
Apply to PA programsVeterinary Medicine
Veterinarians are highly trained medical professionals who provide for the health and quality of life of all kinds of animals.
Apply to veterinary medicine programs