Application Process

Application Steps

  • General Application
  • Health Professions Committee Letter
  • Secondary Applications
  • The Interview
  • The Decisions

General Application

The first step is to register and complete your online common applications. These applications include academic work, a list of activities, personal statement, etc. Each year, applications become available in early May/June. Though deadlines are often not until December it is a MUST to get them in early in order to have time to complete secondary applications.

American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS)
American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS)
Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS)
Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA)
PHARM Centralized Application System (PHARMCAS)

Health Professions Committee Letter

Most institutions’ policies state that if the undergraduate institution has a Health Professions Committee, that it is preferable for the applicant’s primary letter of recommendation be a committee/composite letter. At the University of Maine, we do have a Health Professions Committee. You must contact and meet with your committee/composite letter writer by May 1st of the year you are applying. You may also choose to request a letter packet. This consists of a cover letter followed by copies of your original letters.

Secondary Applications

Secondary applications vary by institution. Some schools send them to everyone who applies; others are more selective. Check the schools’ website for information on what to expect. A fee for secondary applications is almost always included. Be prepared to write more essays. Keep an eye on deadlines! Do not wait until December.

The Interview

Interviews are by invitation only. The institutions will send you an invitation by mail or email; sometimes institutions extend them by phone. Therefore, you need to keep your contact information up to date.

Consider scheduling a mock interview with the Career Center to practice. Some medical schools are using a multiple mini interview (MMI) format. This is a series of short problem-based questions. Our staff will be able to help you prepare for this new format.

Interview topics can include your motivation for a professional career, your personal assessment of your strengths and weaknesses, why you have applied to that particular school, what aspects of your personality suit you to your planned profession, and even how you plan to finance your professional education.

Sometimes you will be asked about your backup plan if not accepted, so be prepared.

The Decisions

This is the best and worst part. You are done, but you have to wait. Some schools have a quick turnaround, while others are slower. Be patient, don’t lose hope, and don’t be afraid to call the admissions office of an institution to check on the status of your application. Many institutions will post your status online. It is possible that something is missing from your file, which can hurt you. Just be polite to the Admissions Staff; they receive many requests.