Being a successful professional school applicant is about so much more than academics (though that's important, too).
On this page, you can learn about what reviewers will look for and how to excel in every area while a student at Chapman.
Academic performance
General academic expectations include the following:
- High grades in science pre-requisite courses, as well as overall.
- As a general rule, a 3.5 or above cumulative grade point average is desirable, although each institution has different expectations.
- Score highly on health professions admissions tests (MCAT, DAT, PCAT, GRE, etc.). This not only demonstrates command of the subject material, but also indicates ability to succeed on tests "down the road," including professional licensing examinations.
- Various test preparation strategies are available, including self-study guides and preparation courses through Kaplan, Princeton Review, or other companies.
Clinical experience
In general, clinical experiences should:
- Show that you have learned about the profession through clinical experience with patient contact, shadowing, informational interviews, etc.
- Show that you are motivated and dedicated to the profession.
- Demonstrate that you understand your “why” for going into the profession and be able to articulate that reason.
Research
Conducting research is a valuable academic experience, as it develops your:
- Critical thinking
- Analytic skills
- Capacity for teamwork
- Ability to provide and receive feedback
- Tenacity
In general, the research exposure you receive at Chapman can be sufficient, however, you may also explore internships and external program to gain these skills.
Community service
Participating in community service demonstrates your care for those in your community. It shows your altruism, compassion, and can teach you about communities and cultures very different than your own.
Many health professions programs expect applicants to demonstrate their service to others. In general, things you can consider are:
- Shelters
- Food banks
- After school programs
Experiences and activities
Experiences can include:
- Medical student clubs and organizations
- Research in faculty labs
- Shadowing / patient care
- Leadership opportunities
- Healthcare-related internships
- Participating in student-run clinics
- Tutoring positions
Letters of reference
It is important early on to get to know your professors so you can use them as a resource for your letters of reference. When applying to professional schools, they usually require:
- Two letters from science faculty (if you were involved in research, your research advisor should be one of these).
- One or two letters from non-science faculty, and someone who has observed you doing volunteer work in the profession of your choice.
While two science letters and one or two non-science letters are common, it is advised that you also seek letters from research mentors, clinical mentors, and specialized programs in which you were involved. You want to provide a well-rounded picture of yourself to the committees.
Remember to always check with the schools where you apply to ensure you have the letters they require.
Interviews
It is important to be well-prepared for interviews, as it is your chance to talk with actual representatives of the admissions committee of your desired professional school.
- Explain your motivations for entering the profession.
- Explain to them why you will make a good practitioner.
- Remember: You can't just say it - you must have lived it!
To help prepare for your interview, schedule a mock interview with Dr. Christine Crispen, our Pre-Health Advisor.
