{"id":11199,"date":"2025-10-28T13:18:32","date_gmt":"2025-10-28T17:18:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.citadel.edu\/ssm\/?page_id=11199"},"modified":"2025-11-04T10:43:13","modified_gmt":"2025-11-04T15:43:13","slug":"applications-and-preparation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.citadel.edu\/ssm\/applications-and-preparation\/","title":{"rendered":"Applications and Preparation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-centralized-application-services-for-various-health-professional-schools-nbsp-you-have-done-great-things-make-sure-to-describe-your-activities-well-when-you-apply-nbsp-the-selection-committee-needs-to-know-what-your-awards-and-positions-entailed-nbsp-take-time-to-explain-your-leadership-roles-nbsp-polish-all-written-responses-the-way-you-polished-your-brass-as-a-knob-make-them-shine-nbsp-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-nbsp-amcas-application-instructions-medical-school-do-nbsp-aacomas-application-instructions-medical-or-dental-school-texas-schools-only-tmdsas-instructions-dental-school-application-manual-and-nbsp-aadsas-instructions-pa-school-caspa-quick-start-guide-veterinary-school-vmcas-optometry-school-optomcas\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/healthcareers.umn.edu\/program-application-guide\/centralized-application-services\">Centralized Application Services for Various Health Professional Schools<\/a>&nbsp;<\/strong><br>You have done great things; make sure to describe your activities well when you apply. &nbsp;The selection committee needs to know what your awards and positions entailed. &nbsp;Take time to explain your leadership roles. &nbsp;Polish all written responses the way you polished your brass as a knob; make them shine. &nbsp;If you are applying to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usuhs.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Uniformed Services University<\/a><\/strong>, be sure to emphasize your military experience here at The Citadel, and wear your uniform when you interview there. <br><strong>Medical School, MD:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/students-residents.aamc.org\/applying-medical-school\/applying-medical-school-process\/applying-medical-school-amcas\/amcas-tools-and-tutorials\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AMCAS Application Instructions<\/a><\/strong> <br><strong>Medical School, DO:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aacom.org\/become-a-doctor\/apply-to-medical-school\/application-instructions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AACOMAS Application Instructions<\/a><\/strong> <br><strong>Medical or Dental School, Texas Schools Only: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tmdsas.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TMDSAS Instructions<\/a><\/strong> <br><strong>Dental School: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.adea.org\/uploadedFiles\/ADEA\/Content_Conversion_Final\/dental_education_pathways\/aadsas\/Applicants\/GeneralInstructions\/FINAL2019ADEAAADSASInstructionsDEPRevised3-3.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Application Manual <\/a>and&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.adea.org\/GoDental\/The_application_to_dental_school__ADEA_AADSAS.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AADSAS<\/a> Instructions<\/strong> <br><strong>PA School: <a href=\"https:\/\/help.liaisonedu.com\/CASPA_Applicant_Help_Center\/Starting_Your_CASPA_Application\/Getting_Started_with_Your_CASPA_Application\/00_CASPA_Quick_Start_Guide\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CASPA Quick Start Guide<\/a><\/strong> <br><strong>Veterinary School: <a href=\"http:\/\/aavmc.org\/students-applicants-and-advisors\/veterinary-medical-college-application-service.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">VMCAS<\/a><\/strong><br>Optometry School: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.optomcas.org\/\">OptomCAS<\/a><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-applying-in-state-vs-out-of-state\">Applying In-State vs. Out-of-State <\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>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 &#8220;Residency Officer.&#8221; Having an in-state driver\u2019s license and voter registration card is a good start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Applying to medical or dental school can be overwhelming.&nbsp; White Coat Strategists is a consulting firm that will mentor you through the entire process, so that you can put your best foot forward.&nbsp; <a href=\"https:\/\/citadel.edu\/root\/images\/Biology\/pre-health\/white_coat_strategists.2019.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Learn more here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-for-re-applicants\">For Re-Applicants<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>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 &#8220;masters biomedical science&#8221; to find a program suited to you. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/postbaccas.liaisoncas.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Post-baccalaureate<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/a><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/postbaccas.liaisoncas.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Programs to take missing prereqs and\/or improve GPA<\/a><\/strong> \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>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: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/mec.aamc.org\/postbac\/#\/index\">Search Postbac Programs<\/a>. <\/strong>Be sure to use the drop-down menu to select the correct &#8220;Special Program Focus.&#8221; Also, if you want to be enlisted in the military, this is a good option<strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/medschool.usuhs.edu\/academics\/emdp2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Enlisted to Medical Degree Preparatory Program (EMDP2)<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-prepare-for-interviews\">Prepare for Interviews<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/students-residents.aamc.org\/applying-medical-school\/article\/what-its-participate-multiple-mini-interviews-mmis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">What is an MMI Style Interview?<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/citadel.edu\/root\/images\/Biology\/pre-health\/atlantis.pre-med.handbook.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pre-Med Handbook from Atlantis &#8211;<\/a><\/strong> has good interview prep advice, see pp. 40-52.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/students-residents.aamc.org\/medical-school-interviews\/publication\/medical-school-applicant-interview-preparation-guide?utm_source=sfmc&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=advisor&amp;utm_content=newsletter\">Interview Preparation for Pre-Medical Students<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Other <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/citadel.edu\/root\/images\/Biology\/pre-health\/interview.resources.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Interview Resources<\/a><\/strong> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Practice your Interview via the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.citadel.edu\/career\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Career Center<\/a>: <\/strong>Look under Online Resources for &#8220;Interview Stream&#8221;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/schools.studentdoctor.net\/?view=medical\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Learn about the interview questions used by various schools.<\/strong><\/a> Choose a school, under &#8220;Interview Feedback&#8221; choose &#8220;View Survey Results&#8221; then scroll down to the bottom of the survey data and choose &#8220;Questions&#8221;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-writing-a-personal-statement\">Writing a Personal Statement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.adea.org\/dental_education_pathways\/aadsas\/Applicants\/Pages\/PersonalStatement.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">For Dental School<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aapa.org\/news-central\/2019\/05\/dos-and-donts-for-writing-a-strong-caspa-personal-statement\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>For PA School<\/strong><\/a> (tips apply to other applications too)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/students-residents.aamc.org\/applying-medical-school\/7-tips-writing-your-amcas-personal-comments-essay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">For Medical School<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pomona.edu\/administration\/prehealth\/apply\/application-process\/write-personal-statement#:~:text=Think%20of%20a%20personal%20statement,will%20help%20you%20get%20there.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Writing your Personal Statement<\/a><\/strong>   <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.igi-global.com\/gateway\/chapter\/full-text-pdf\/303441\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>What to Avoid and What to Include<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/reflectivemeded.org\/2017\/02\/28\/tough-love-for-your-personal-statement-advice-from-a-medical-school-dean\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tough Love for Your Personal Statement: Advice from a Medical School Dean<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-letters-of-recommendation\">Letters of Recommendation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/gradschool.about.com\/od\/askingforletters\/a\/askrec.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How To Choose Your Referees Wisely<\/a><\/strong><br><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/students-residents.aamc.org\/applying-medical-school\/advisor-corner-preparing-committee-letter-process\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">What is a Committee Letter of Recommendation?&nbsp; Is it required?<\/a><\/strong> <br><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.citadel.edu\/biology\/phpc\/\">Pre-Health Professions Committee<\/a>&nbsp;(PHPC): <\/strong>Requesting Committee Letters from The Citadel PHPC or from other Referees<br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.citadel.edu\/biology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/How.to_.Folder.Committee.Letter.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>How to complete a folder for a committee letter of recommendation from The Citadel<\/strong><\/a><br><strong>Pre-Dental Letters of Recommendation: <\/strong><br>&#8212;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/help.liaisonedu.com\/ADEA_AADSAS_Applicant_Help_Center\/Filling_Out_Your_ADEA_AADSAS_Application\/Supporting_Information\/01_Evaluations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Info for you from ADEA<\/a> <\/strong><br>&#8212;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.adea.org\/docs\/default-source\/godental-documents\/aadsas\/dental-student-loe-guidelines.pdf\">ADEA Guidelines for Letter Writers<\/a><\/strong><br><strong>Pre-Medical Letters of Recommendation: <\/strong><br>&#8212;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/students-residents.aamc.org\/applying-medical-school\/article\/section-6-letters-evaluation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Info from AMCAS<\/a><\/strong><br><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/help.liaisonedu.com\/AACOMAS_Applicant_Help_Center\/Filling_Out_Your_AACOMAS_Application\/Supporting_Information\/1_Evaluations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">&#8211;Info from AACOMAS<\/a>&nbsp;<\/strong><br>&#8212;<strong><a href=\"http:\/\/support.interfolio.com\/m\/62586\/l\/646853-how-do-i-use-interfolio-to-deliver-letters-of-recommendation-to-tmdsas\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Using Interfolio to Submit Letters to TMDSAS<\/a><\/strong><br>&#8212;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/aamc-orange.global.ssl.fastly.net\/production\/media\/filer_public\/e5\/70\/e5706c62-af17-43da-9ef8-cac322841071\/guidelines_for_writing_a_letter_of_evaluation_for_a_medical_school_applicant.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AAMC Guidelines for Letter Writers<\/a><\/strong><br><strong>Pre-Optometry Letters of Recommendation<\/strong><br>&#8212;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/help.liaisonedu.com\/OptomCAS_Applicant_Help_Center\/Filling_Out_Your_OptomCAS_Application\/Supporting_Information\/01_Evaluations\">OptomCAS Recommendation Information<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Centralized Application Services for Various Health Professional Schools&nbsp;You have done great things; make sure to describe your activities well when you apply. &nbsp;The selection committee needs to know what your awards and positions entailed. &nbsp;Take time to explain your leadership roles. &nbsp;Polish all written responses the way you polished your brass as a knob; make [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":30,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_coblocks_attr":"","_coblocks_dimensions":"","_coblocks_responsive_height":"","_coblocks_accordion_ie_support":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-11199","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v22.8 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Applications and Preparation - Swain Family School of Science and Mathematics<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.citadel.edu\/ssm\/applications-and-preparation\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Applications and Preparation\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Centralized Application Services for Various Health Professional Schools&nbsp;You have done great things; 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