Application Components

Preparing to apply to the professional school of your choice takes significant planning. The following outlines common application requirements you should be developing during the year before you apply to your program.

Letters of Recommendation

Prepare

Begin getting to know your professors early, go ahead and get started your first year. The better they know you, the better your letters of recommendation will be.

Request Your Letter

Schedule an appointment with your potential recommenders to discuss your intended goals. Remember is ask if the person is willing to provide a positive letter of recommendation.
Provide your recommender with enough information to write a positive letter. Prepare copies of the following documents for them:
- Resume
- Personal Statement Draft
- Additional information as appropriate, such as completed research
Give your letter writer 6-8 weeks to write your recommendation. Provide them with a deadline!
If necessary, provide instructions on how to submit their letter of recommendation using the appropriate application tool.
Send a thank you note.
Keep your recommender updated about your acceptances!

Submit Your Letter

Review the process to submit letters of recommendation before beginning your application.

Personal Statements

Your personal statement is an opportunity to set yourself apart from other applicants. It is the portion of the application where you get to discuss who you are and what is important to you, so take advantage of this opportunity! Consider highlighting two or three specific experiences that demonstrate your commitment and motivation to entering a health career. Unlike other portions of your application, which is focused on what you have done, your personal statement should provide depth into why and how you came to your decision that a career in the health professions is a good fit for you.

Professionalism

Remember to approach the application process seriously and ensure you communicate with professionalism. This includes being honest and treating each person you interact with respect. You are demonstrating to everyone who you will be as a future healthcare provider.

AAMC has a great resource outlining the importance of professionalism in the application process.