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Timeline for Preparation

Timeline for Preparation

Attend/View “Introduction to the Pre-Health Office” Presentation
Sign up for WVU Pre-Health Newsletter
Connect with WVU Pre-Health on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter
Get involved with Pre-Health student organizations (link) on campus
Seek opportunities to volunteer, work, or shadow in a healthcare field of your interest
Start a log or journal to keep track of your experiences and help you prepare for essays and interviews down the road
Identify research opportunities on campus, if you are interested
Develop relationships with faculty members on campus
Create an Action Plan (download):

Plan your prerequisite coursework and supplemental coursework (e.g. classes that will help prepare you for an entrance exam or strengthen your application)
Brainstorm extracurricular activities and experiences that will strengthen your application (e.g. clinical experiences, service, leadership, research, study abroad, etc.)
Create a tentative plan for when you will take an entrance exam, if applicable

Incorporate or complete necessary pre-requisite courses

Complete prerequisite courses
Pursue meaningful experiences related to your field of interest (clinical, service, leadership, research)
Apply for summer enrichment, research, or internship programs
Participate in Pre-Health activities on campus
Evaluate progress on Action Plan (download)

Pursue meaningful experiences related to your field of interest (clinical, service, leadership, research)
Participate in summer enrichment, research, or internship programs
Complete pre-requisite courses, if interested or necessary
Research your program of choice:

Application process for programs of interest
Prepare application timeline
Entrance exam
Schools of interest
Fee assistance programs for application services and exam preparation

Evaluate progress on Action Plan (download)

Complete prerequisite courses
Continue meaningful experiences related to your field of interest (clinical, service, leadership, research)
Identify the best time to take the entrance exam and registration deadlines
Begin to study for the entrance exam
Consider which individuals you will ask to write strong, positive letters of recommendation (link) on your behalf
Draft your personal statement (link)
Considering a gap year? Explore meaningful opportunities/experiences to complete during that time

Complete prerequisite courses
Continue meaningful experiences related to your field of interest (clinical, service, leadership, research)
If you haven’t done so already:

Identify the best time to take the entrance exam and registration deadlines
Study for the entrance exam
Consider which individuals you will ask to write strong, positive letters of recommendation (link) on your behalf
Write your personal statement (link)

Take entrance exam (if it is time, and you are prepared)
Join the Pre-Health Application Prep Program (link) for more structured support during the application cycle
Familiarize yourself with application service for your programs of interest
Start application

Continue meaningful experiences related to your field of interest (clinical, service, leadership, research)
Complete the Pre-Health Application Prep Program (link) (and receive the optional Letter Packet to accompany your application to medical or dental school)
Prepare and submit your application early
If you haven’t done so already:

Identify the best time to take the entrance exam and registration deadlines
Study for the entrance exam
Consider which individuals you will ask to write strong, positive letters of recommendation (link) on your behalf
Write your personal statement (link)

Continue meaningful experiences related to your field of interest (clinical, service, leadership, research)
Mock Interview (link) with the Pre-Health Office
If your program application process began in the summer:

Complete secondary applications, if applicable
Interview
Receive acceptances

Some fields have Applications and Acceptance Protocols. Review these, if applicable
If your program application begins in the fall:

Complete your application early

Apply for meaningful gap year experiences, if applicable
Complete degree requirements

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Advisors Toolkit

If you are an academic advisor to a student interested in pursuing a healthcare profession, this toolkit is here to assist you in answering questions and getting them on the right track.

View Toolkit

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Timeline for Preparation

Fall and Spring of Year 1

Summer of Year 1

Fall and Spring of Year 2

Summer of Year 2

Fall Year 3

Spring Year 3

Summer Year 3

Year 4

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