Applying to Graduate and Professional School Douglas McBride Pre-professional Advisor

Academic Factors Your Chosen Major No major is better than any other major for professional school. No major is better than any other major for professional school. Major can matter for graduate programs. Major can matter for graduate programs. Advantage of Biology and Chemistry Majors. Advantage of Biology and Chemistry Majors. 140 Credit issue. 140 Credit issue.

Prerequisite Classes Medicine. Medicine. Medicine. Dentistry. Dentistry. Dentistry. Optometry. Optometry. Optometry. Podiatry. Podiatry. Podiatry. Other. Other. Other. Academic Factors

Other Required Classes University of Utah Diversity Requirement. University of Utah Diversity Requirement. University of Utah Diversity Requirement. University of Utah Diversity Requirement. Books: MSAR, ADEA, OPTED Books: MSAR, ADEA, OPTED Online Resources Online Resources Online Resources Online Resources Data Sheets. Data Sheets. Data Sheets. Data Sheets. Academic Factors

Recommended Classes The value of additional upper division classes The value of additional upper division classes Biochemistry. Biochemistry. Liberal Arts Classes Liberal Arts Classes Only doing the minimums. Only doing the minimums. Calculus Calculus Academic Factors

GPA An extremely important quantitative measure. An extremely important quantitative measure. A great GPA does “NOT” guarantee admittance. A great GPA does “NOT” guarantee admittance. Cumulative vs Science GPA Cumulative vs Science GPA GPA from a “competitive” vs “non-competitive” school. GPA from a “competitive” vs “non-competitive” school. GPA trends and standardized test scores. GPA trends and standardized test scores. Academic Factors

Standardized Test Scores - Other Pharmacy – PCAT or GRE. Pharmacy – PCAT or GRE. PT/OT/Other graduate level programs – GRE. PT/OT/Other graduate level programs – GRE. Veterinary School – GRE. Veterinary School – GRE. VCAT no longer available. VCAT no longer available. Chiropractics – Usually not required. Chiropractics – Usually not required. Medical – MCAT Medical – MCAT Dental – DAT Dental – DAT Podiatry – MCAT or GRE Podiatry – MCAT or GRE Academic Factors

“The reward goes not to him with the greatest ability, but to him with the greatest determination.” -Voltaire Non-Academic Factors

University of Utah Example- “As important as grades and test scores are, by themselves they do not predict who will be successful in medical school. The demands of medical education and life as a physician are not for everyone. We consider how the applicant balances outside activities and responsibilities with schoolwork as an indicator of ability to deal with the rigors of life as a physician. The committee is interested in motivation for attending medical school and understanding of the medical profession. Commitment to community service, ethical behavior, compassion, leadership ability and communication skills are important characteristics of physicians. We expect applicants to be courteous, respectful and professional at all times.” -Dean of Admission University of Utah Medical School University of Utah Medical School Non-Academic Factors

The three guiding principles for selection: Overall Excellence Overall Excellence Humanitarian Skills Humanitarian Skills Diversity of Experience Diversity of Experience Non-Academic Factors

Bio Professional School Preparation Extracurricular Activities The more diverse your background and experience, the more interesting you will become to the admissions committee. The more diverse your background and experience, the more interesting you will become to the admissions committee. Don’t avoid out of fear of a lower GPA. Don’t avoid out of fear of a lower GPA. Make sure your participation is ‘Active’ participation. Make sure your participation is ‘Active’ participation. Personal anecdotes in your application. Personal anecdotes in your application.

Personal Statements – Common Topics The five common topic areas: The five common topic areas: Your motivation for a career as a physician. Your motivation for a career as a physician. The influence of your family / early experiences in life. The influence of your family / early experiences in life. The influence of extracurricular, work/volunteer activities on your life. The influence of extracurricular, work/volunteer activities on your life. Your long-term goals. Your long-term goals. Your personal philosophy. Your personal philosophy. Description of irregularities in you record. Description of irregularities in you record. Personal Statement

Attributes Committee Look For: Realistic self-assessment Resourceful Accountable Cooperative Persistent Resilient Reserve Supported Focused Active Learner Flexible Efficient Organized Purposeful Acknowledging limitations Seeking help when appropriate Accepting responsibility for learning Working well with others Completing tasks Accepting disappointment and moving on Good performance in activities without being distracted by them Not isolating self from others Concentration on task at hand Integrating and applying new information Willingness to change Making good use of time Systematically taking care of business Setting long-term and short-term goals Personal Statement

The Most Common Essay Mistakes: Underestimating the Importance of the Essay. Underestimating the Importance of the Essay. Using Excessive Detail Using Excessive Detail Failing to Make the Essay Personal. Failing to Make the Essay Personal. Embellishing the Essay. Embellishing the Essay. Failing to Proofread the Essay. Failing to Proofread the Essay. Personal Statement

Allopathic Medical Schools MD/Ph.D., MD/JD MD/Ph.D., MD/JD MD/Ph.D., MD/JD MD/Ph.D., MD/JD Individual Applications. Individual Applications. AMCAS vs non-AMCAS AMCAS vs non-AMCASnon-AMCAS 115 out of 125 schools participate in AMCAS 115 out of 125 schools participate in AMCAS Online AMCAS Available around May 15 Online AMCAS Available around May 15 Processing 1st to middle of June. Processing 1st to middle of June. Early Decision Program Early Decision Program Early Decision Program Early Decision Program Deadline August 1 st Deadline August 1 st Application Fees Application Fees $160 for the first school $160 for the first school $30 for each additional school. $30 for each additional school. Application Process

Osteopathic Medical Schools AACOMAS vs non-AACOMAS AACOMAS vs non-AACOMAS 20 out of 21 schools participate in AACOMAS 20 out of 21 schools participate in AACOMAS University of North Texas at Fort Worth University of North Texas at Fort Worth Online AMCAS Available around May 1 Online AMCAS Available around May 1 Processing begins June 1. Processing begins June 1. Application Fees Application Fees A graduated scale: A graduated scale: 1 - $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ – $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $655 Application Process

Dental Schools AADSAS vs non-AADSAS AADSAS vs non-AADSAS 54 schools participate in AADSAS 54 schools participate in AADSAS Non-AADSAS - Louisiana State, Medical College of Georgia, Northwestern U., University of Mississippi, University of Tennessee Non-AADSAS - Louisiana State, Medical College of Georgia, Northwestern U., University of Mississippi, University of Tennessee Online AMCAS Available around May 15 Online AMCAS Available around May 15 Processing begins June 1. Processing begins June 1. Application Fees Application Fees $195 for first school. $195 for first school. $60 for each additional school up to ten. $60 for each additional school up to ten. $50 for each additional school from 11 to 20 $50 for each additional school from 11 to 20 $25 for each additional school over 20 $25 for each additional school over 20 Application Process

Optometry Schools Independent Applications Independent Applications Deadlines Deadlines OAT Scores OAT Scores Transcripts Transcripts Application Process

Podiatry Schools AACPMAS AACPMAS AACPMAS AACPMAS vs non-AACPMAS AACPMAS vs non-AACPMAS 6 out of 8 schools participate in AACPMAS 6 out of 8 schools participate in AACPMAS New York and Midwestern University in Arizona New York and Midwestern University in Arizona Online AMCAS Available around September 1 st. Online AMCAS Available around September 1 st. Application Fees Application Fees Application Processing Fees: Application Processing Fees: 1 school: $ school: $ schools: $ schools: $ schools: $ schools: $ Application Process

Pharmacy Schools PharmCAS vs non-PharmCAS PharmCAS vs non-PharmCAS PharmCASnon-PharmCAS PharmCASnon-PharmCAS 42 out of 84 schools participate in PharmCAS 42 out of 84 schools participate in PharmCAS Online AMCAS Available around May 5th Online AMCAS Available around May 5th Application Process

Physician Assistant Schools CASPA vs non-CASPA CASPA vs non-CASPA CASPAnon-CASPA CASPAnon-CASPA 68 out of 134 schools participate in CASPA 68 out of 134 schools participate in CASPA Online CASPA application available April 15 th. Online CASPA application available April 15 th. Application Fees Application Fees Graduated Scale Graduated Scale Graduated Scale Graduated Scale Application Process

Why Take Standardized Tests? Grades Don’t Tell the Whole Story Grades Don’t Tell the Whole Story The Great Equalizer of Undergraduate Education The Great Equalizer of Undergraduate Education More Important for Students Graduating from Schools not Well Known or Schools Who’s Reputation is Less than Other Schools. More Important for Students Graduating from Schools not Well Known or Schools Who’s Reputation is Less than Other Schools. Determine the Test Taking Ability of an Applicant. Determine the Test Taking Ability of an Applicant. Will you Do Well on Medical School Exams? Will you Do Well on Medical School Exams? Will you Do Well on a Licensing Exam? Will you Do Well on a Licensing Exam? Standardized Tests

What are the Different Tests? MCAT MCAT Allopathic Allopathic Osteopathic Osteopathic Podiatry Podiatry Some Veterinary and Pharmacy Schools Some Veterinary and Pharmacy Schools DAT - Dental DAT - Dental OAT - Optometry OAT - Optometry PCAT – Pharmacy PCAT – Pharmacy VCAT – Veterinary (No Longer Offered) VCAT – Veterinary (No Longer Offered) GRE – Graduate Schools GRE – Graduate Schools Standardized Tests

Should You Retake a Test? Are your scores consistent with your grades? Are your scores consistent with your grades? Did you prepare adequately for the test? Did you prepare adequately for the test? Will you have the time and motivation to prepare for a second test? Will you have the time and motivation to prepare for a second test? Doing the same or worse a second time will hurt you. Doing the same or worse a second time will hurt you. Standardized Tests

What is your job as a freshman student? Work hard and get good grades. Work hard and get good grades. Get as much out of the university resources as possible. Get as much out of the university resources as possible. Get to know you professors. Get to know you professors.

How do you get to know your professors? Arrive at your appointments on time. Arrive at your appointments on time. Find time for extra appointments. Find time for extra appointments. Be honest about any problems you may have with an application. Be honest about any problems you may have with an application. Always feel free to ask questions. Always feel free to ask questions. Have evaluators read your personal statement. Have evaluators read your personal statement. Let your evaluators know where you have been accepted. Let your evaluators know where you have been accepted. Letters of Recommendation

Why are letters important? Judgment of your non-academic attributes. Judgment of your non-academic attributes. Character Character Personality Personality Motivation Motivation Maturity Maturity Integrity Integrity Etc.. Etc.. Will you make a good clinician? Will you make a good clinician? Letters of Recommendation

Letters of Recommendation Tips Ask potential evaluators if they can write a ‘good’ letter on your behalf. Ask potential evaluators if they can write a ‘good’ letter on your behalf. Let your evaluator know the type of health profession school you are applying to. Let your evaluator know the type of health profession school you are applying to. Be prepared to furnish information about yourself. Be prepared to furnish information about yourself. Get at least two science evaluations. Get at least two science evaluations. Diversity your evaluations. Diversity your evaluations. Give sufficient lead time. Give sufficient lead time. Collect evaluations after you finish a class. Collect evaluations after you finish a class. Keep track of your evaluations. Keep track of your evaluations. Letters of Recommendation

Letters of Recommendation – Don’ts Don’t get a letter from family member. Don’t get a letter from family member. Don’t get letters from well known persons unless they know you well. Don’t get letters from well known persons unless they know you well. Don’t procrastinate. Don’t procrastinate. Don’t act unprofessional around your potential letter writers – Ever. Don’t act unprofessional around your potential letter writers – Ever. Letters of Recommendation

Keep up on current topics! World and Local News World and Local News Current Industry Issues Current Industry Issues Interviewing

What percentage of an applicant’s overall evaluation does the interview constitute? 0-25%1720%25-50%3439% 50-75%2933% %78% Interviewing

Why do schools interview? Intellectual Curiosity Intellectual Curiosity How you approach the unknown How you approach the unknown How do you organize your thoughts How do you organize your thoughts What is your preferred learning style What is your preferred learning style Do you have the desire for continuous learning Do you have the desire for continuous learning Social Awareness and Cultural Competency Social Awareness and Cultural Competency Exposure to people with different interests, religion, culture, economics, gender, age, ethnicity, language, education, and race. Exposure to people with different interests, religion, culture, economics, gender, age, ethnicity, language, education, and race. What value do you place on these differences What value do you place on these differences Can you modify your behavior to show respect for differences. Can you modify your behavior to show respect for differences. Interviewing

Why do schools interview? Communication and Interpersonal Skills Communication and Interpersonal Skills What is your perception of yourself What is your perception of yourself What is your response when others have misunderstood you What is your response when others have misunderstood you What are your experiences with teamwork What are your experiences with teamwork How do you handle criticism How do you handle criticism Maturity Maturity What have you done to explore a health career What have you done to explore a health career What disappointments have you experienced in your life What disappointments have you experienced in your life What accomplishments are you most proud of What accomplishments are you most proud of What is your definition of a leader What is your definition of a leader Interviewing

Practice your responses to questions. Practice your responses to questions. List five important things you want to make sure the interview knows about you. List five important things you want to make sure the interview knows about you. List five powerful questions you want to ask during the interview. List five powerful questions you want to ask during the interview. Describe three ways you can contribute to your class. Describe three ways you can contribute to your class. What are your three most significant leadership qualities? What are your three most significant leadership qualities? List of anticipated questions. List of anticipated questions. List of toughest questions you could be asked. List of toughest questions you could be asked. Review potential interview questions. Review potential interview questions.questions Learn all you can about specific schools. Learn all you can about specific schools. Mock Interview. Mock Interview. Preparing for an interview Interviewing

Any Questions? Don’t forget to have some good questions to ask. Don’t forget to have some good questions to ask. Interviewing

What is it like in Graduate School? Masters (M.S. Degree) Masters (M.S. Degree) Most Graduate Schools offer an M.S. degree Most Graduate Schools offer an M.S. degree Typically 2 years Typically 2 years Thesis usually required. Thesis usually required. Ph.D Programs Ph.D Programs 1/5 of graduate schools offer Ph.D ONLY program. 1/5 of graduate schools offer Ph.D ONLY program. The rest offer combined M.S./Ph.D programs. The rest offer combined M.S./Ph.D programs. Typically about 5 years Typically about 5 years Masters/Ph.D Programs

How hard is graduate school? Attrition rate of some Ph.D programs is as high at 75% Attrition rate of some Ph.D programs is as high at 75% By comparison more than 90% of medical school students receive degrees. By comparison more than 90% of medical school students receive degrees. Very few jobs in biology for B.S. degree students. Very few jobs in biology for B.S. degree students. You usually must do a graduate level program to get a good job. You usually must do a graduate level program to get a good job. Masters/Ph.D Programs

Choosing a Graduate School Talk to professors Talk to professors Review graduate school posters Review graduate school posters List programs that have degrees in your area of interest List programs that have degrees in your area of interest Visit the school Visit the school Learn about and talk to researchers in your area of interest to find out if space is available in their lab. Learn about and talk to researchers in your area of interest to find out if space is available in their lab. Masters/Ph.D Programs

Financing a Graduate School Education National Fellowships National Fellowships University Fellowships University Fellowships TA, Research Assistants TA, Research Assistants Loans Loans Masters/Ph.D Programs

How do programs select students? GPA GPA Reputation of undergraduate school Reputation of undergraduate school GRE scores GRE scores Letters of recommendation Letters of recommendation Statement of Goals Statement of Goals Masters/Ph.D Programs