Applications and Preparation

Centralized Application Services for Various Health Professional Schools 
You have done great things; make sure to describe your activities well when you apply.  The selection committee needs to know what your awards and positions entailed.  Take time to explain your leadership roles.  Polish all written responses the way you polished your brass as a knob; make them shine.  If you are applying to Uniformed Services University, be sure to emphasize your military experience here at The Citadel, and wear your uniform when you interview there.
Medical School, MD: AMCAS Application Instructions
Medical School, DO: AACOMAS Application Instructions
Medical or Dental School, Texas Schools Only: TMDSAS Instructions
Dental School: Application Manual and AADSAS Instructions
PA School: CASPA Quick Start Guide
Veterinary School: VMCAS
Optometry School: OptomCAS

Applying In-State vs. Out-of-State

Most private schools give no preference to in-state students, but many public schools accept very few from out-of-state. Criteria for in-state classification vary by institution, sometimes even within the same state. If you are not sure what is required by a particular college to be designated with in-state residency, you must consult their web site or contact their “Residency Officer.” Having an in-state driver’s license and voter registration card is a good start.

Additional information is provided in two locations on campus: The third floor corridor of Duckett Hall houses a bookcase full of Pre-Health Information, and the third floor corridor of Bond Hall houses a bulletin board posted with important notifications and information. Apply early; many schools use rolling admissions, meaning that the earlier you apply, the better your chance of being accepted.

Applying to medical or dental school can be overwhelming.  White Coat Strategists is a consulting firm that will mentor you through the entire process, so that you can put your best foot forward.  Learn more here.

For Re-Applicants

  • If you need to boost your science GPA or improve your MCAT scores, many schools now offer one-year Masters in Biomedical Science programs that are designed to help students transition into medical/dental/veterinary school. Just search “masters biomedical science” to find a program suited to you.
  • Post-baccalaureate Programs to take missing prereqs and/or improve GPA
    • Post-Baccalaureate Programs offer students who were able to complete all prerequisites in college the opportunity to take the required science courses prior to applying to medical school or to other Pre-Health Graduate Programs. Graduates of Post-Baccalaureate Programs typically enjoy high success in Medical School admissions. You can search available programs by various criteria at this AAMC web site: Search Postbac Programs. Be sure to use the drop-down menu to select the correct “Special Program Focus.” Also, if you want to be enlisted in the military, this is a good option: Enlisted to Medical Degree Preparatory Program (EMDP2)

Prepare for Interviews

Writing a Personal Statement

Letters of Recommendation

How To Choose Your Referees Wisely
What is a Committee Letter of Recommendation?  Is it required?
Pre-Health Professions Committee (PHPC): Requesting Committee Letters from The Citadel PHPC or from other Referees
How to complete a folder for a committee letter of recommendation from The Citadel
Pre-Dental Letters of Recommendation:
—Info for you from ADEA
—ADEA Guidelines for Letter Writers
Pre-Medical Letters of Recommendation:
—Info from AMCAS
–Info from AACOMAS 
—Using Interfolio to Submit Letters to TMDSAS
—AAMC Guidelines for Letter Writers
Pre-Optometry Letters of Recommendation
—OptomCAS Recommendation Information