Getting Ready to Apply
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Centralized Applications
Many health professional schools have established centralized application services to simplify the application process. Rather than filling out multiple forms, applicants need only submit one standardized online application and select schools they would like to have their application forwarded to. Centralized application services process applications, verify transcript information, and send a copy to the schools selected by the applicant. Please research the specific health profession you are considering and become informed about the timeline for applying, pre-requisites and visit schools you are considering applying to for up to date information. For many health professional schools the process for applying begins in June and can take up to a year, which may include secondaries and interviews
Keep in mind, centralized application services may charge an application fee and they accept applications only for a specific period, depending on the centralized application service.
Some health professional programs will request secondary information after verifying your centralized application. Secondary information is requested to learn more about you. Secondary information comes with a deadline date to return information and may include an additional fee to continue to process your application.
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Letters of Recommendation
A well-written letter of recommendation provides admission committees with information that is not found elsewhere in your application. It gives readers a detailed discussion of personal qualities, accomplishments, and experiences that make you unique. What makes them even more valuable is their ability to show that someone else believes in your capabilities as a future healthcare provider. The support of your letter writers can help you stand out further from the other applicants. Please make sure you ask your letter writer if they can ask for a strong letter of support. In addition, provide them with information about you such as:
- Copy of your resume
- Copy of your personal statement
- PowerPoint presentation (See sample below)
- Deadline for letter
- Instructions on where the letter should be send
- Remind them it must be typed, on letterhead with their signature
- Send a thank you note
We currently utilize and recommend students use Interfolio, a secure fee-based service for the collection, storage, management and distribution of letters of recommendation. Letter writers may submit their letters of recommendation electronically or by hard copy. You can monitor the status of your documents and delivery requests at any time.
Once you have set up membership with Interfolio, you can begin requesting letters immediately. Selecting “Add Document” from your account menu, you are able to electronically request letters of recommendation from your letter writers.
Send an email to prehealth@lmu.edu to receive a promotion code for a discounted rate.
- Asking for a Letter of Recommendation
- Guidelines for Writing a Letter for a Medical School Applicant
- How to request letter using Interfolio
- Using Interfolio with AMCAS
- Using Interfolio with AACOMAS
- Using Interfolio with AADSAS
- Guidelines for Writing a Letter of Evaluation for a Medical School Applicant
Keeping track of applications, deadlines, and letter writers can get overwhelming and confusing. Organizing all the information in a single spreadsheet to include key information can help you prioritize and stay on top of things. You can find a sample below.
- Interviews
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Helpful Websites
- Exploring Health Professional Careers http://explorehealthcareers.org
- DO http://www.osteopathic.org/Pages/default.aspx
- MD https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/amcas/