Applications, Entrance Exams, Forms, and Cover Letter
DID YOU KNOW?
…that many health professions programs have a rolling admission, so make sure your application material is submitted early and is complete.
Applications
Most (but not all) health professions graduate programs use a centralized application service. Here are a few:
- AMCAS The American Medical College Application Service
- AACOMAS The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service
- AADSAS Associated American Dental Schools Application Service
- VMCAS Veterinary Medicine College Application Service
- OptomCAS Optometry Centralized Application Service
- PharmCAS Pharmacy College Application Service
- PTCAS Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service
- CASPA Central Application Service for Physician Assistants
Entrance Exams
Most health professions graduate programs each have their own universally required entrance test: Each of the tests is administered several times during the academic year.
Generally, it is suggested that students take the appropriate test late in the spring of their junior year (for medical school), or else in the summer or after. It is especially important to have completed the required science courses prior to taking the test.
The Career Advancement Center maintains a relationship with test preparation services and practice exams are given at Lake Forest College. Contact the Career Advancement Center and take a practice with no obligation!!
- MCAT Medical College Admissions Test
- DAT Dental Admission Test
- VCAT Veterinary College Admissions Test
- OAT Optometry Admissions Test
- PCAT Pharmacy College Admissions Test
- GRE Graduate Record Exam
Forms
These informational items and forms are pertinent for pre-health students. You are encouraged to meet periodically with any member of the Health Professions Advisory Comittee (HPAC) concerning your health professions preparation and application procedures.
Informational items:
- General information for all pre-health students
- A time line of events for junior and senior pre-health students
- How to write an effective personal statement for your health professions application
How does HPAC write a cover letter?
The Health Professions Advisory Committee writes an original committee letter (sometimes called a cover letter) that draws on all that we know about the student, including his or her academic record, test scores, resume, personal statement, and the recommendations of the student’s individual evaluators. We generally send a single packet from the HPAC chair containing this committee letter, the student’s letters of recommendations, the waiver form, and explanation of our rating system and transcripts to the U.S. application service (or schools of the student’s choice). If you are an alum, please contact the HPAC to determine if this meets your needs.
Forms required for students requesting a cover letter from the HPAC:
