Checklist for those applying to attend medical, veterinary, or dental school in the 2024-2025 cycle:

  • Inform the Health Professions Office of your intention to apply to professional school no later than Friday, February 2, 2024.
  • Register for CareerLink, a program offered by the Career Center.
  • Those planning to apply should have a study plan in place for the required exam(s), (e.g., MCAT, DAT, GRE).
  • Complete Scholarship Application (deadline TBA). Notice will be sent via the Health Professions Google Classroom.
  • Visit the website of your central application service, note the opening date of application period. You should download an application so that you know what materials you should be gathering in order to complete your application.
  • Request letters of recommendation before Spring Break. The Health Professions Office should receive your letters at um.healthprofessions@maine.edu by April 1, 2024.
  • Decide if you want a composite letter or letter packet.
  • Identify and meet with composite letter writer by May 3, 2024.
  • Register to take your required exams in or by spring.
  • Identify the schools to which you want to apply.
  • Complete your Health Professionals File by May 3, 2024. A completed file contains:
    • All letters of recommendation, excluding the composite letter. Keep in mind the specific requirements for the schools to which you are applying. There are often requirements for the number of science faculty and/or current practitioners, and limitations to the number of letters allowable for submission. The letters should be sent to healthprofessions@maine.edu by April 1, 2024.
    • An autobiographical statement. This should be shared with your composite letter writer and is an opportunity to discuss your goals, tell why you aspire to a career in medicine, and an overview academic and work history. This is a place to share any outstanding issues that may impact your application. Additional information to include: your choice of major, honors received, research, employment experience, medically related experiences (mentoring, job shadowing, volunteering) and extracurricular activities.
    • Unofficial transcriptt
    • Copies of “Letter of Recommendation Release Form” for each letter writer AND for the Health Professions Advisor.
    • List of schools, with addresses, to which you plan to apply
    • Composite letter writer name and contact information.
  • Draft a personal statement
  • Schedule a check-in meeting with the Career Counselor for STEM/Health Professions