Researching Professional Health Schools

Questions to ask about the schools:

• What is the geographic location/What is the campus like?
• What are the curriculum and classes like (class size, opportunity to take electives, specializations)?
• What are some unique opportunities available (volunteering, dual degree, abroad opportunities)?
• What is the cost of tuition per year?
• What financial aid or scholarships are available?
• What are their employment, placement, and/or board exam passage rates?

Questions to ask about admissions criteria:

• What prerequisites (if any) are required? 
• What is the average GPA and/or science GPA of accepted applicants?
•  Is an entrance exam required? If so, what is the average entrance exam score of accepted applicants? 
• Are there additional preference factors for being admitted to this school? (state of residence, Bachelor’s degree required, patient contact hours, etc.) 
• What was their acceptance rate for the most recent year (number of acceptances vs. number of applications, acceptance rate for out of state applicants vs. in state, etc.)? 
• How many hours of shadowing, if any, are required or recommended? 
• Are student involvement, leadership, or volunteer activities strongly encouraged?

Questions to ask about the application process:

• What is the cost of the application? 
• When is the application period (when does it open and close or is it rolling admission)? 
• Is an interview required? 
• How many/what kind of letters of recommendation are required (faculty, professional, personal etc.)?