School Selection
There are several factors to consider when deciding on schools. There might be things that are important to you such as location and access to your support system,
One important factor to start with is what is your budget? Applying to health profession schools is expensive and you want to make sure you’ve established a budget that will allow you to apply to all of the schools on your list.
Most schools release data regarding admitted student averages or ranges for GPA/standardized tests. Some professions have the information in a database and most schools list that information on their website.
It’s important to be realistic about your chances of being admitted to that school. If you fall way below their average or range for accepted applicants, your chances are slim.
Applicants vs. Interviews vs. Matriculants: Some schools receive 5+ times the number of applications than they have spots available in their class. Most schools release data on the number of applicants who apply, the number who are offered interviews, and the number who matriculate into the program. Schools that have high number of applicants and low acceptance rate are known as high yield or more selective.
Health profession schools are either publicly or privately funded.
- Public schools, which are supported by state funds, often have stipulations that a certain percentage of their class must be in-state residents. If you’re from that state, you have a stronger chance of being competitive.
- If you’re an out of state resident, it’s important to look at the number of applicants they interview and accept from out of state. If it’s very competitive for out of state students to be admitted, it’s likely that school only considers out of state students with very strong metrics.
- Private schools are not primarily supported by state funds and typically do not prefer in-state residents.
- Some schools might ask what tie or connection you have to that state. If you have family from that state, attended school in that state, or lived there (even if it’s not your primary state), those are all factors schools consider in their admission review.
The U.S. News and World Report releases rankings for health profession programs. While attending a high ranking school is not necessary for success in your career, in some professions, ranking can have an influence on your network and post-graduate opportunities.
Every school has a mission statement, usually found on their website, which drives the type of education they provide. For example, some schools are teaching institutions, some are research intensive institutions, and some are service driven.
What will it be like to be a student at this school? What opportunities are offered?
- Scholarships
- Does the school offer scholarships at admission or to current students?
- What does it take to be eligible?
- Research
- Does the school offer research opportunities for current students?
- Do students have to be enrolled in a specific course/pathway to participate in research or is it open to any student?
- Curriculum
- Are classes offered Pass/Fail?
- Is class attendance mandatory?
- Is there a dress code?
- Does the curriculum incorporate problem based learning or small group discussion?
- Do students set up their own clinical experiences or does the school do it for them?
- Is the school located on an undergraduate campus, a health sciences campus, or a satellite campus?
- Where are the clinical sites located (in relation to where classes are located)? Will students need to travel more than one hour to get their clinical sites?
- Student Experience
- What student organizations are available?
- How does the administration handle student feedback?
- What opportunities are available for national meetings/professional memberships?
- What opportunities are available for dual-degrees? International experiences?
- What opportunities are available for interdisciplinary education?
- Are tutoring services available?
- Location
- Is it located in an urban, suburban, or rural area?
- What’s the cost of living in that area?
- Will you need a car to get to the school or to your clinical rotation sites? Is public transportation available?
- How far is it from your home?
- Is there on campus housing?
What are the success markers for graduates? This might include residency/fellowship match rates or job offers.
