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To build a competitive application for a healthcare program, you must start planning
early. Since most application cycles begin over a year before you matriculate, plan
backwards from your submission deadline to ensure you have enough time to complete
the required coursework, entrance exam, and clinical experiences you need. The
Director of the Institute for Health Studies can help you create a detailed timeline as well
as assist with each of the steps below.

Calculating Your Science and Math GPA
The specific courses included a GPA calculation can vary between application services,
which often leads to confusion. Please use the link below to see which courses are
included in the Science and Math GPA for major health profession application services.

GPA Course Subjects

Entrance Exams and Situational Judgement Tests
Mastering your prerequisite coursework is foundational to your success. This knowledge is crucial not only for excelling in your health professions program but also for achieving a competitive standardized test score—a key requirement for most applications. We generally recommend dedicating 4 months to study for your admissions test. A good rule of thumb is to treat your preparation like a 4 credit course in terms of time and effort. There is no single "right" way to study. Some students succeed with self-study, while others prefer a structured prep course. Choose the method that best fits your learning style, discipline, and budget.

Common tests include:
● MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)
● DAT (Dental Admissions Test)
● PCAT (Pharmacy College Admissions Test)
● OAT (Optometry Admission Test)
● PA-CAT (Physician Assistant College Admissions Test)
● GRE (Graduate Record Exam) - Used by various programs, including some PA, PT, and MPH programs.

Situational judgement tests, such as Casper and PREview, are assessments designed to evaluate how you would respond to realistic, hypothetical scenarios you might encounter in a professional setting. Casper is designed to evaluate your "soft skills" and personal attributes, such as ethics, empathy, professionalism, problem-solving, and collaboration. The PREview exam assesses your understanding of professional competencies. It focuses on skills like service orientation, social skills, teamwork, ethics, and reliability.

Centralized Application Services
A Centralized Application Service (CAS) is a single online portal that allows you to apply to multiple schools or programs in a specific field (like medicine, dentistry, or physical therapy) using just one set of application materials.

Choosing a School
Creating your list of professional schools is a critical step. While the average applicant applies to 12–16 schools, the most effective strategy is about fit, not just quantity. The most important rule is simple: only apply to schools you would genuinely be happy to attend if accepted. Applying is an expensive and time-consuming process. Every school on your list should be one you've researched and can see yourself thriving at. A strong school list balances two key questions: Where am I competitive? (Based on your GPA, test scores, and experiences). Where will I be happy? (Based on your values, goals, and personal needs). To find your answer, create a list of factors and prioritize what is most important to you. As you research schools, track your findings and see how each school aligns with your priorities.

Letters of Recommendation
To secure strong letters of recommendation, first research the specific letter requirements for each school and then identify writers (faculty, clinicians, etc.) who know you well enough to provide positive, specific examples. When making the request, ask in person if possible: “Are you able to write me a strong, supportive letter of recommendation?” Be sure to request letters within the same calendar year you apply and give your writers a minimum of 3–4 weeks’ notice. Once a writer agrees, make their job easy by providing an organized packet containing your résumé, your personal statement, a “brag sheet” summarizing your accomplishments, and a clear logistics memo stating the purpose, due date, and submission instructions. Finally, follow up by sending a polite reminder two weeks before the deadline and a prompt, sincere thank-you note after they submit.

Personal Statements
A personal statement is a short, reflective essay designed to show admissions committees who you are beyond your grades and test scores. Its purpose is to give you a voice, allowing you to share your unique story, explain your passion for a specific field, and demonstrate how your experiences (academic, professional, or personal) have prepared you for their program. It is your single best opportunity to connect your past with your future goals and argue for why you are an excellent fit for their program. To write a strong one, start with a compelling “hook”—a specific anecdote or moment that introduces your theme, avoiding clichés. The body of your essay should not just list achievements but “show, don’t tell,” using 2–3 concrete examples that prove your skills, resilience, and motivation. Conclude by clearly connecting your story and goals to the specific program you’re applying to, showing you’ve done your research. The most important rules are to be authentic, be specific, and edit meticulously to ensure your essay is clear, concise, and error-free.

Transcript Requests
If applying to an allopathic medical school, follow these steps to send your transcript to AMCAS. Request official transcripts be sent to AMCAS for every institution that you have attended. After logging into your AMCAS account, go to the Schools Attended section, select Transcripts, and then Create Transcript Request Form. Enter the information for Adrian College and then select Print Transcript Request Form. Save the form as a PDF and then sign and date it. Next, go to Adrian College’s Transcript Request webpage. Enter AMCAS as the recipient and input the AAMC ID # and Transcript ID # from your Transcript Request Form.

If applying to an osteopathic medical, physician assistant, dental, pharmacy, optometry, or physical therapy school, then follow these steps to have your transcript sent to the appropriate centralized application service (AACOMAS, CASPA, AADSAS, PharmCAS, OptomCAS, PTCAS). Open your AACOMAS, CASPA, AADSAS, etc., account, select Academic History, followed by Colleges and Universities Attended, add Adrian College, and click on Order. In the Order Your Official Transcript screen, select your preferred option and then Download Transcript ID Form. Save the form as a PDF. Afterwards, go to Adrian College’s Transcript Request webpage. Enter your centralized application service (AACOMAS, CASPA, AADSAS, etc) as the recipient and input the CAS ID # from your Transcript ID Form. 

Interviewing
After submitting your applications, you may receive an offer to interview. While not all programs require an interview, an invitation is a strong positive sign—it means the admissions committee is genuinely interested in selecting you. The interview is the school's opportunity to assess the personal and professional qualities that a written application cannot fully capture. Be prepared to:

• Articulate Your Motivation: Clearly explain why you wish to pursue a career in this specific field.
• Share Your Experiences: Discuss the experiences (shadowing, volunteering, work) that have motivated and prepared you.

• Demonstrate Soft Skills: They will be evaluating your maturity, professionalism, interpersonal skills, and self-awareness.

While the program is determining if you are the right fit for their class, you must determine if the program is the right fit for you. This is your chance to assess their culture, faculty, and resources. We strongly encourage you to prepare your own thoughtful questions for the admissions committee. This not only demonstrates your genuine interest but also provides you with the crucial information you need to make the best decision for your future.