1. Requirements
Students should check with specific schools to which they intend to apply to ensure that all admission requirements are fulfilled. Competition for positions in professional schools and clinical programs is intense and never guaranteed. Admission to these schools and programs can be based on scholastic record, standardized test scores, personal recommendations, an interview with members of the admissions committee, shadowing and other extra-curricular activities.
See the UNK Undergraduate Catalog for more information on pre-requisite requirements for specific pre-professional and degree programs.
See the Health Professions: Comparison of Admissions Requirements and Application Processes for more information about admission requirements and the application process.
2. Applications
Students can apply to most professional schools through a centralized application service. Some schools have secondary applications for students as well. Students should check with each individual school to find out how the application process works for that particular school.
See the Application Services Handout for more specific information.
3. Requesting Letters of Recommendation
Nearly every professional program requires applicants to submit letters of recommendation. Don't underestimate the importance of these letters. While your transcript, standardized test scores, and personal statement/admissions essay are vital components to your graduate school application, an excellent letter of recommendation can make up for weaknesses in any of these areas.
A well written letter of recommendation provides admissions committees with information that isn't found elsewhere in the application. A letter of recommendation is a detailed discussion of the personal qualities, accomplishments, and experiences that make you unique and perfect for the programs to which you've applied.
Here are some tips to help you when requesting letters of recommendation:
- Many schools and programs will have specific instructions regarding the types of people from whom they would like to receive letters. Be sure to review those instructions and follow them carefully.
- Give the letter writer plenty of time to get the letter sent in before the deadline. Be sure to let them know the deadline date.
- Out of courtesy, you should provide the letter writer with an envelope that is already addressed and stamped for them to use when sending the letter. If applicable, check with the application service or program to find out if uploading the letter would also be acceptable.
- If the program you are applying to uses reference forms, there is usually a place at the top for the applicant to fill out and sign. Please do not forget to fill this in before giving out the forms.
- Most letter writers appreciate some type of resume (even an informal one) from the applicant. A copy of your application or personal essay would also be appropriate to give them. Even if the person knows you pretty well, they may not be aware of the work experiences you have and the extra-curricular activities you are involved in and a resume provides them with additional background.
- It is also helpful if the letter writer has some insight into your professional goals. You can provide them with this information by visiting with them or by providing them with a copy of the essay that will more than likely be required to be included in your application.
See the Letters of Recommendation page for more specific information.
4. Writing Personal Statements and Essays
Writing a personal statement is often the most difficult part of the graduate/professional school application process. However, an essay or “personal statement” should always be submitted with your application, even if the school says it is optional. If your qualifications make you a borderline student at a school that makes a point of considering subjective factors in its admission decisions, then your personal statement could make a difference between acceptance and rejection.
Writing requirements vary widely. Some programs request only 1 or 2 paragraphs about why you want to pursue graduate study, while others require numerous specific essays. Since personal statements can reveal your character more clearly than other application materials, they provide evidence that you bring something distinctive to the field such as unusual ability, background traits, experience, or a unique way of looking at the world.
See the Writing Personal Statements and Essays page for more specific information.
5. Interview Tips
Prepare yourself prior to the interview, dress so dress is not an issue, display confidence and provide clear, concise answers. The following handouts will provide more information regarding interview preparation and practice.
See the Interview Questions page for more specific information.
6. Job Shadowing and Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering takes up our time, energy, and sometimes, money. It can be hard work. It can find us doing and seeing new things, which can be challenging and even a little scary. So why does anyone even go there?
Because volunteers can make a difference where someone or something needs help. If people never help each other and only care about themselves, the world becomes a crueler, sadder place. But when we volunteer our time, money, or talents, we help make our planet a better, happier home where people work together to make life easier for all.
See the Job Shadowing page for more specific information.
See the Volunteer Opportunities for more specific information.
7. Interview Evaluation
Our office has compiled a file that contains interview evaluations done by former students who hae interviewed with many professional schools. These evaluations of their interview experiences will give you a great deal of insight about what to expect for your interview. Feel free to stop by anytime and look over the files.
Once you have completed your interview, please stop by or print out the form below and fill out the evaluation form for other students to use as a reference in the future.
If you are applying to a professional school this year, please be sure to let our office know if you have not already done so.
Also, don't forget to notify us by stopping in or emailing us as you start to hear back from the programs you applied to this year about whether or not you were accepted.