While application opening dates and deadlines are consistent annually, the decision of when to apply and when to take any necessary tests can vary significantly from student to student. There is no definitive right or wrong approach to this process; therefore, we encourage students to discuss their plans with an advisor before finalizing their timeline for applying.
Students often consider the benefits of taking a gap year versus applying immediately after graduation. While there are advantages to taking a gap year, many students opt to apply during the summer before their fourth year, allowing them to transition directly into professional or graduate school following graduation.
The timeline below is a general guideline to consider, while keeping in mind that many students follow different paths to achieve success.
First Year
Explore: Research careers in healthcare to begin determining which health profession is right for you.
Advising: Meet with your assigned advisor in the Undergraduate Advising Center to develop an educational plan that includes the necessary prerequisite coursework for your programs of interest.
Connect: Join student organizations which align with your fields of interest.
Second Year
Advising: Continue working with your assigned advisor in the Undergraduate Advising Center to make progress towards Pre-Health prerequisite coursework and degree requirements.
Experience: Pursue opportunities to shadow healthcare professionals, volunteer in clinical settings and conduct research on campus.
Third Year
Connect: Connect with faculty and other mentors to develop relationships and learn from their experience. These individuals might be good sources for your letters of recommendation.
Plan: Begin researching programs in your chosen health field and compiling information about their admissions requirements. Consider registering for any necessary entrance exams and begin studying.
Experience: Continue shadowing, engaging in clinical work and contributing to research on or off campus.
Summer After Third Year
Apply: Submit applications for the programs of your interest, gathering letters of recommendation, personal statements and any requested supplemental materials. Prepare for interviews and campus visits.
Fourth Year
Experience: Continue the shadowing, volunteer, clinical and lab experiences which have been the most meaningful for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
Applications generally open one year prior to the program start date. For example, if you are hoping to start your health profession program in Fall 2027, you would submit your application during Summer 2026.
You might choose to apply the summer between your third and fourth year and plan to transition directly into your health profession program. You might also choose to apply after you graduate, allowing additional time to strengthen your application and financially prepare for further education.
When should I begin working on my personal statement?
You can begin drafting your personal statement as early as you would like. We recommend preparing a draft 6 months before you intend to submit your application. This will allow you ample time to make revisions and seek the support of campus resources like Career and Leadership Development and the Tutoring and Academic Resource Center.
How do I get letters of recommendation?
Your letters of recommendation will come from the faculty, mentors, supervisors, and clinicians you’ve built a good rapport with over time. You will want to request letters of recommendation 3-4 months ahead of your application deadline, to give your letter writers ample time to write thoughtful statements of support for your application.