Planning for the Health Services

Freshman year

• Research schools that you might wish to attend and note their requirements for admission.
• Read some general books on strategies for successful admission.
• Consult with your Academic Adviser about expectations and requirements.
• Students considering attending one of the articulating schools (e.g. College Misericordia, Thomas Jefferson University) must declare so to their Academic Adviser by October 15^th .
• Surf the web and see what's available on-line for health sciences.
• Consider costs and how you will finance your schooling.
• Study hard and maintain a good GPA (3.5) in all courses but especially science courses.

Summer after your Freshman year

• Volunteer in a clinic, hospital, doctor's office, etc. 

Sophomore year

Fall

• Study hard and maintain a good GPA (3.5) in all courses, but especially science courses.
• Volunteer in a clinic, hospital, doctor's office, etc.
• Find a mentor and register for experiential learning credit during the Fall semester. 
• Arrange a visit to schools you are considering attending.  
• Notify professors from whom you would like letters of recommendation. Give them an up-to-date resumé of your academic coursework and lists of extracurricular, experiential learning  and work activities before you leave for the Thanksgiving break.
• Complete applications before the end of the Fall semester.

Spring

• Study hard and maintain a good GPA (3.5) in all courses, but especially science courses.
• Ask professors to send their recommendations as soon as possible, but no later than dates requested on the applications. Be sure you give them plenty of time to write and mail recommendations.  
• Prepare for any interviews that you are offered.
• Research the schools in advance and look at interview web sites.
• Ask a professor to give you a mock interview.
• Go to interviews. 
• Wait to hear whether you have been admitted.
• After receiving acceptance from the school of your choice, send in the required deposit, and contact other schools and decline acceptances.
• Write thank you notes to people who helped you!