Preparing for The 2008 Application Cycle
Dr. James Pollard – Committee Chair Amy Dickens - Advisor
Pre-Professional Health Programs Advisory Office
Pre-Professional Health Programs Advising Office
University Advising and Career Center Hood House Room 102 862-2064
Resources
Health Professions (HP) Web page
www.unh.edu/premed-advising
Resource Library - Hood House 102
– Abbreviated list of books on web site
Meeting with Health Professions Advisor
– Scheduling appointments: 862-2064
Health Professions Study Application Preparation
Register with the HP Advising Office
www.unh.edu/premed-advising
Complete (by May 2007) prerequisite courses for admission to desired health program
Gain the volunteer/healthcare experience necessary for
admission (on going)
Prepare for the requisite entrance exam
MCAT, DAT, OAT, PCAT, GRE
Prerequisite Courses
Completed by end of May 2007
1 year General Biology w/lab (BIOL 411/412) 1 year General Chemistry w/lab(CHEM 403/404) 1 year Organic Chem. w/lab (CHEM 651-654) 1 year General Physics w/lab (PHYS 401/402) 1 year English Composition (ENGL. 401+ one of the
following:501,502, 503,519, or Engl. Literature class)
1 year Math (Statistics and 1 semester Calculus) 1 semester Biochemistry w/lab
– Additional (not required) courses to explore are listed on web page
How do Schools Evaluate Applicants?
Schools do not evaluate applicants on their major
Evaluation is based on: Grades - Overall GPA and BCPM Experiences Entrance Exams Letters of Recommendation/Evaluation Interviews
What type of students are schools looking for?
“Medical school admission committees seek
students whose intellectual curiosity leads them to a variety of disciplines and whose intellectual maturity assures that their efforts are persistent and disciplined.”
(from Medical College Admission Requirements, 20062007, p. 11)
What if I AP a required course?
AP Credit, though accepted by UNH, is not universally accepted by medical or dental schools. It is strongly recommended that you take the course at UNH. This will insure that you are adequately prepared for further upper level work. If you do not take the course, you will need to take additional upper level courses in that subject area.
You have
Made Academics Your Priority (kept a
balance between academics and social activities)
Made good grades ( ideal: 3.5> GPA) Gotten to know your professors and advisors Gotten involved in your major– look into research
opportunities/independent study
Taken advantage of support services: CFAR,
Writing Center, Access, course study groups
Become fluent in a foreign language Become a tutor
READ Widely
Health professions schools are interested in well rounded, broadly educated students. Read newspapers, take a broad spectrum of classes that involve reading and writing,
– Check out the reading list on our website – There is a strong correlation between MCAT scores and reading comprehension skills.
Those who read and think quickly and accurately have better ability to problem solve test questions that are buried in complex paragraphs.
You have:
Explored the health professions
– Researched the options – be informed
Read the Health Professions info sheets Look at health professions web sites
Subscribed to an on-line health profession newsletter?
– Gained exposure to the profession
Informational interviews Volunteer Job shadow
You have also been:
Developing excellent communication skills Involved in your campus/community
– an exemplary citizen – Developing leadership and team building skills – Gaining the skills to participate effectively in a diverse world. Obtain a globally authentic education: travel, learn
about cultures, races, religions, sexual orientations, ethnicities
Cautions
Face Book, My Space, etc.
Everyone has access to your information including future Admission Committee members and employers
E-mail
Reflects your maturity and professionalism. When communicating with professors and others be respectful and use proper grammar. What does your email address (voice mail message) say about you?
Judicial Sanctions and/or Criminal Record
You will be ask on applications
Low Grades
It is very difficult to overcome a low GPA
The Professions* *Require HP Committee Letter w/ Application
Allopathic- M.D. 4 years +
– The treatment of disease through drugs and surgery accompanied by a special concern for preventative and public health measures – Acceptance rate for 2002-2003: 50%
Osteopathic- D.O. 4 years +
–
Philosophy that all body systems are interrelated and dependent upon one another for good health. Identifies the musculoskeletal system as a key element of health, emphasizes preventative medicine, eating properly, and keeping fit. – Acceptance rate for 2002-2003: > 55%
The Professions*
*Require HP Committee Letter w/ Application
Dental Medicine/Surgery, DMD/DDS- 4 years+
if specialize
– Concerned w/ the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of problems associated with the hard and soft tissue of the mouth – Rate of acceptance: > 60%
Optometry- O.D. 4 years
– Examines, diagnoses, treats, and manages diseases and disorders of the entire visual system
– Rate of Acceptance: 70%
Podiatric Medicine, DPM- 4 years
– – Specializes in the prevention diagnosis and treatment of foot disorders, diseases and injuries. Field includes treatment of sports injuries, diseases, and overall health of patients with emphasis on the foot and ankle Rate of acceptance: 76%
D.O., M.D., DDS/DMD, and DPM, are trained and licensed to prescribe medicine and perform surgery. O.D’s are licensed to prescribe medicine.
The Professions* * HP Committee Letter NOT Required w/ Application
Chiropractic, D.C.- 4 years Naturopathic, N.D.- 4 years Physical Therapist, PT or DPT- 2 to 3 years Pharmacist, Pharm.D – 3 years
Physician Assistant, PA – 2 years
Application Process for 2008
Two Year Application Cycle
– To matriculate in fall 2008 - Application process begins fall 2006
Why Two Years?
– Most schools use a rolling admissions process, which means that they evaluate applications as they are completed. Therefore, it is in your best interest to complete your application at the earliest possible date. This timetable is designed to have your application completed and considered for admission at the earliest possible date.
Are you ready to apply now?
YES
– You are confident your credentials are at their best – You are ready to spend the time (and money) necessary preparing for entrance exams, completing the applications, researching schools, and traveling for interviews. – You are ready to commit the next four plus years to medical training – You will take your entrance exam no later than
– June 07
Application process may begin in the fall of the
year the required courses are completed
Are you ready to apply now?
NO
Your GPA, experiences, letters, exam scores need improvement. You can not take the MCAT/DAT until after June 07 You (a junior) want to take a year off after graduation to do...? – Schools seek applicants who are prepared to face the challenges/commitment ahead. Delaying your application will not be viewed in a negative light.
Apply next year
The national average GPA’s and exam scores for recently admitted students are listed in the following table. It is important to remember that these are averages and do not reflect other factors that come in to play when evaluating an applicant’s file.
FIELD
Medicine 34,786 applied (MD) 17,539 accepted Dentistry Optometry Podiatry
GRADE POINT AVERAGE
MD: 3.6 Overall/3.5 Science (UNH 3.65) DO:3.4Overall/3.3 Science 3.4 Overall/3.2 Science 3.3 3.0
EXAM SCORE
MCAT: 30 (Allopathic Schools) (UNH29P) 25 (Osteopathic Schools) DAT: 17 (Academic Average), 18(Perceptual Aptitude) OAT: 330 MCAT: 22
Chiropractic
Naturopathic
3.0
3.29 Overall/3.34Science
No test required
No test required
UNH GPA/MCAT Scores 2002-2005
40
35
30 NonAdmitted (35) Admitted (37)
MCAT
25
20
15
10 1.75 2.00 2.25 2.50 2.75 3.00 3.25 3.50 3.75 4.00 4.25
GPA
Fall Semester
Open a file with the HP Office
Complete required paper work on schedule
– – – – Cover Sheet and Waiver form Request letters of recommendation w/cover sheet Copy of Transcripts from all colleges attended Personal Essay
– All forms are available to download from the 2008 Application Cycle link at: www.unh.edu/premed-advising – Attend the Personal Statement writing workshop Nov. 29 – Begin study for MCAT, DAT, OAT, PCAT,GRE
Spring Semester
Interview with HP Advisory Committee – File info must be complete
Three separate interviews scheduled through the HP Advising office Sign up for interview practice at the UACC 862-2064
Attend Interview Skills Workshop
– Jan 30 12:30 -2:00 MUB 338
Spring Semester (Con’t)
Study, register, and take appropriate exams
Agree to Release info to UNH Apply early for Fee Assistance Programs (FAP)
Begin organizing information for primary applications Research schools
Spring, Summer and Fall
Have primary application ready to submit in June/early July (MD/DO/Dental)
– Available on line in May Release info to UNH (exam and application)
Complete secondary applications promptly
– Notify Advising Office via email to send Letters to secondary schools
Interview at school (if offered)
– If you haven’t practiced interview questions you can still call the UACC 862-2064 and come in for a practice session.
Letters of Recommendation
Individual and Comprehensive Letters
Comprehensive writer
– knows you well, not just in a class setting, strong advocate
Individual letter writers
– send their letters to Comprehensive writer
Who should be selected as letter writers?
– Science (2) and other professors/advisors, other experience in research, volunteer, community – Meet with writer to discuss your request – Request early, include waiver sheet – Follow up and “Thank you” note
Composite Letter (Committee)
Written by Chair of HP Committee
– Based on:
All information in file Test scores*
– Letter will not be written until score is available
Three interviews
– Committee Chair plus two other Committee members
*Tests must be completed by end of June to have Committee letter completed
The Personal Essay
Choose a theme that will tell your story
– What do you want them to know about you? – Use personal anecdotes that illustrate your story
Why you? Who are you? What experiences have influenced you? What accomplishments make you proud? How does the experience relate to your future in medicine?
– Why medicine, dentistry…
What motivates you? Use examples of life experiences to support your statement.
The Personal Essay
The essay shouldn’t repeat information evident in your application
– If you have something in your application or background you feel you need to explain – keep it positive. Don’t complain, make excuses, or blame. Did you learn/grow/become a stronger person?
Write in your own voice Plan on doing multiple drafts Write clearly and concisely
– AMCAS Application: 5300 character limit
Don’t rely solely on your computer for proof-reading Have at least one other person (who’s judgment you trust) read the essay
Personal Essay Resources
HP Library Hood House 102
Write for Success – Preparing a Successful Professional School Application Resumes and Personal Statements for Health Professions Get in to Medical School - K. Iserson
The Connors Writing Center
– Workshop Nov. 29 @5:00 pm Hamilton Smith rm. 7
– Must register w/ HP office to attend
Transcripts for UNH File
Transcripts are required for:
– All courses granted college level credit including those completed during high school and summer sessions. – Contact Registrar’s offices to request
Does not need to be an Official transcript for your UNH file Keep copies for your records
Entrance Exams
Allopathic/Osteopathic/Podiatric – MCAT $210 Register on line Dental – DAT $170 Register on line, computerized test offered year round,
should be taken in spring or no later than end of June
Optometry – OAT $189 Register on line, computerized test offered year round,
should be taken in spring or no later than end of June
Pharmacy – PCAT $105 Register on line
Other programs –Check w/ individual schools
– ?? GRE $130
Test Prep Resources
Official test prep materials from MCAT, DAT, OAT etc. Commercial prep courses Books/CDs by above groups as well as others Start study early - fall semester. Don’t wait until spring. More info available on HP website
– Entrance Exams
Application Services
Dental www.adea.org Allopathic www.aamc.org Optometry www.opted.org (Apply to Indiv.schools) Osteopathic www.aacom.org Podiatry www.aacpm.org Pharmacy www.pharmcas.org Phys. Assistants www.caspaonline.org All others apply directly to individual schools
What We Send to Schools
All letters of recommendation including:
– Individual – Comprehensive – Committee Interview Evaluation – Composite Letter of Evaluation – We do not send any other information such as transcripts and personal essay
In Summary
Keep copies of all materials Be organized and prepared Start Early-know opening dates and deadlines Review application and exam web sites Make sure your information is accurate and up to date Check your email accounts
Sample of Expenses
MCAT Preparation Commercial Prep Class $1650
Tutoring
MCAT on-line Practice (official MCAT site) Test Registration Application Service MCAT/DAT/OAT/PCAT/GRE AMCAS (MD) AACOMAS (DO) AACPM (DPM) AADSAS (DDS/DMD) CASPA (PA) PHARMCAS Secondary Apps Interviews Varies by school Travel Accommodations Acceptance Deposits Varies by school
$80/hr
$80 $100 to $210 $160/1st school; $30 each addt’l $155 1st school, $30 each addt’l $ 7500/1st school, $35 each additional $195/1st school; $60 each addt’l $120+ $135 + $0 - $150 $250 plus for air fair $100 + for hotels in large cities $100 and up