Junior
Many students will begin the process of applying to health professions schools during their junior year. Even if you are planning to delay your application, it’s important for you to begin to think about next steps.
The application process is complex and lasts about eighteen months, ending when you accept the offer from your chosen health professions school.
HPA will help to guide you, with services to support the application process and you achievement of this milestone in your life. We do this through a variety of programs, and also by providing each candidate with the University’s Letter of Evaluation (also called the Committee Letter) in support of your application.
Now is the time to complete your myHPA profile and submit it as soon as possible. Your overall GPA and Science GPA are always key indicators of performance, but now, your standardized test scores create an additional benchmark. So will your supporting letters of recommendation from your professors and other professionals.
Talk early with the Office of Health Professions Advising about questions around performance and standards. This is also a good time to expand your experience internationally through programs like Study Abroad and DukeEngage.
- Attend HPA application season Fall Kickoff
- Submit your completed myHPA profile online
- Engage in all aspects of the HPA application program. Monitor the HPA calendar for announcements.
- Attend Office of Health Professions Advising Applying Workshops
- Attend information sessions offered by the Office of Health Professions Advising
- Sign up for your interview with HPA for your HPA Committee Letter of Evaluation. Sign up starts as soon as you submit your myHPA profile. You will be directed to a link where you can sign up online for an interview appointment.
- Gain international experience through programs like Study Abroad and DukeEngage.
- Demonstrate your humanitarian commitment through your activities.
- Prepare for and take appropriate standardized tests; evaluate your performance with Dean Scheirer or one of the other health professions advisor team members.
- Develop a letter of recommendation strategy for letters from professors and then request letters.
- If you experience problems, get help immediately from the HPA Office. If you haven’t already done so, join the HPA listserv.
- Create a summer experience that will make a difference in your life.