Applying to a health professions program-- can be challenging, and it is much easier to go through the process with a guide. HPAC can aid you in making the tough choices about careers and schools, and help you navigate the sometimes complicated application and admissions process.
The Office Guide to Medical School Admissions in FREE to download for the first time ever!
This is an excellent guide to learn about the medical school application process and how to develop a goal-plan and timeline that works best for you.
Please note: This guide does not replace meeting with an HPAC advisor. This is a different resource than the AAMC-MSAR.
Osteopathic Medicine (DO) - AACOMAS American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Services
Dental Medicine - AADSAS American Dental Schools Application Service
Occupational Therapy - OTCAS Occupational Therapy Centralized Application
Optometry - OPTOMCAS Optometry Centralized Application Service
Pharmacy - PharmCas Pharmacy School Application Service
Physician Assistant - CASPA Principle Application Service for Physician Assistants
Podiatric Medicine - AACPMAS American Association of Podiatric Medicine Application Service
Public Health - SOPHAS Schools of Public Health Application Service
Physical Therapy - PTCAS Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service
Veterinary Medicine - VMCAS
Most applications to health professions programs require a personal statement. First and foremost, a personal statement is personal. There is no one way to write a personal statement, but you should address the development of your interest in your chosen health profession and your path to applying to the program. Important experiences and what you learned from them, especially in terms of your personal growth, any particular strengths you will bring to the profession, and your educational and career goals should be considered when writing your personal statement. Also, consider discussing adversity you might have overcome and also how you will contribute to the diversity (in the broadest sense) of the class. The personal statement should not be a re-hash of your activities list or resume. HPAC staff can review and work with you on this important part of the application. As important as the statement is, an outstanding narrative is only as strong as the applicant's track record in service, leadership, and scholarly work. In other words, an outstanding statement cannot overcompensate for a weak record. HPAC offers a 90 minute, interactive workshop multiple times throughout the year for students who are interested in beginning or revising their personal statements! Our advisors will also assist students who they have met with previously on their personal statements once the student attends this workshop. For more information on the Personal Statement Writing Workshop as well as a full list of other HPAC workshops, please visit our Events page.
Letters of recommendation are a particularly critical component of the application because they verify the level of contribution, innovation, and independence that would be otherwise merely listed on the application. Admissions committees are very interested in your academic achievement and they are just as interested in your character, experience, and motivation for a career in the health professions. For more information on Letters of Recommendation and guidelines you can provide your letter writers, please refer to the AAMC Letter of Recommendation Guidelines HERE.
For more information on the Interview Workshop as well as a full list of other HPAC workshops, please visit our Events page.
For more information on how to prepare for interviews, please refer to the following resources from the AAMC:
Read study tips and approaches used by UCR students who performed well on the MCAT exam. Featured students share study schedules, strategies, and do's and don'ts that helped them prepare and perform well on the exam. Additional AAMC MCAT prep tips from successful test-takers can be found here!
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Virtual Interview Tips for Applicants
American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) Choose DO
