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Many health professional schools use an established centralized application system to simplify the application process. Rather than filling out multiple forms, applicants submit one standardized online application and select schools where they would like to have it forwarded. Students need to take a look at the appropriate centralized application system and become informed about the timeline for applying, fees and prerequisites. For many health professional schools the process for applying begins in late spring/early summer and can take up to a year.
Some health professional programs will request secondary information after verifying the centralized application, which is meant to learn more about the applicant. Secondaries will come with a deadline date to return information, and may include a fee. Additionally, select applicants may be offered an interview, which usually takes place at the health professional school.
Centralized Application Systems
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A well-written letter of recommendation gives readers a detailed discussion of personal qualities, accomplishments, and experiences that make the applicant unique. What makes them even more valuable is their ability to show that someone else believes in the applicant's capabilities as a future healthcare provider. Students should ask letter writers if they can write a strong letter of support. In addition, students should give their writers the following:
- Resume
- Personal statement
- Deadline
- Instructions on where the letter should be send
- Reminder that it must be typed and on letterhead with their signature
- Guidelines for Writing a Letter of Evaluation for a Medical School Applicant
- 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. Students can monitor the status of documents and delivery requests at any time. Once a membership has been set up with Interfolio, letters can be requested immediately. Send an email to prehealth@lmu.edu to receive a link for a discounted rate.
Keeping track of applications, deadlines, and letter writers can get overwhelming and confusing. Organizing all the information in a single spreadsheet that includes key information is highly recommended.
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Students are encouraged to research and explore many health professions before settling on one path. This is important because applicants to health professional school will not only need to demonstrate that they are a good fit for their chosen field, but also why related fields are not being pursued. It is recommended that students visit the LMU Career and Professional Development office for opportunities to explore different health professions. Additionally, students can research various careers online; some helpful websites are listed below.
Exploring Health Professions Careers:
Professional Associations