How to narrow your professional school list

How to narrow your professional school list Share Share via TwitterShare via FacebookShare via Google PlusShare via LinkedInShare via E-mail Refer back to theAreas of Interestin each section of our website to identify the number of different schools people commonly apply to for your profession. You should not apply to too many schools, especially if you will need to fill out supplemental applications for each school. (If so, each supplemental application will typically require an additional application fee and one to several mora essays, and it is important for each of your supplemental essays to be as well-crafted as your original personal statement.)Even more important than the number of schools to which you apply, however, is whether your list represents a realistic selection. You can use the following criteria to help you draw up a reasonable listSchools at which your GPA and standardized test scores are competitive.Schools that are looking for applicants with your part icular personal strengths and that provide programs in your areas of interest. You can often identify the type of student a school hopes to attract based on the schools mission statementAre they seeking to train people who will reach out to those who tend to be overlooked and underserved by the healthcare professions? Then they are looking for people who have a documented history of ongoing community service and helping those in need and will provide opportunities for this type of community engagement while you are in school.Do they want to train the next generation of healthcare researchers? Then they value research experience and will offer research opportunities to their students.Are they seeking to train the next generation of leaders in their profession? Then they want applicants with strong leadership experience. And so on . . .Schools you can afford. (But keep in mind that that private professional schools may offer more financial aid than public schools, to offset higher tui tions.) This consideration also applies to application and interview expenses.Schools where CU Boulder students have been accepted recently. (Your Pre-Health Advisor can provide you with guidance in this area.)Schools that are in geographical areas you can tolerate for the length of your program (remember you will be studying for much of that time). Also, consider the proximity of people who can provide you with support during your professional education family, friends, church, etc.Once you have created a narrowed-down list of schools that you feel would be a good fit, your pre-health advisor would be happy to review the list and offer additional suggestions.CategoriesHealth Professions