Create a Timeline

Deciding to apply to health professional program is a big decision. And if a graduate degree is necessary to complete your career goals, you will especially want to give yourself plenty of time to complete the application process.

Start creating your timeline now, by mapping out the following elements, in your path to applying to a health professional program.

Coursework: Determine what prerequisite classes and/or recommended courses you need in order to apply. You can check the prerequisites for U of M programs directly from our website. Otherwise, be sure to contact each school to make sure you know their requirements.

Admissions Test: Determine if you need to take an admission test (i.e. GRE, MCAT, DAT, PCAT, etc). Learn when and where the tests are administered. Register early, if applicable.

Application: Understand each school's application process and deadlines. Many programs, such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and public health have centralized application services. Be sure to double check application deadlines. It is always a good idea to submit your application prior to the application deadline, as many programs will review applications as they arrive.

Personal Statement: Determine if the program you are applying to requires a personal statement. Attend one of our personal statement workshops for information on how to get started. Use the Student Writing Center as a resource to help you out as well.

Letters of Recommendation: If your application requires letters of recommendation, consider people such as work supervisors, your academic advisor, internship or volunteer supervisors...in other words, people who have known you on a professional and personal level, over a period of time. Be sure to give them no less than two weeks notice. Use the Recommendation Letter Service as a resource.