Frequently Asked Questions—Additional Health Professions

What is the typical profile of a successful candidate to an optometry program?

The best way to gain information on the typical profile of a successful candidate is to research the class profile for the prior year’s admitted or matriculating class at each institution of interest. The average GPA for accepted applicants at the 21 schools and colleges ranged from 3.03 to 3.73; the overall cumulative standardized GPA for all applicants was 3.31. Average OAT scores varied from 293 to 354.

Successful candidates have shown interest and involvement in the community, are well rounded with diverse experiences, demonstrate a high level of self-awareness and maturity, have knowledge of and/or has experienced opportunities in health care settings, have a good understanding of the profession, demonstrate verbal and interpersonal communication skills and a commitment to compassionate health care. (Western University of Health Sciences, Feb. 2014)

For more information, see www.opted.org/about-optometric-education/professional-o-d-programs/applicants-and-advisors/student-profile-prerequisites/.

What is the typical profile of a successful candidate to a podiatric physician program?

The best way to gain information on the typical profile of a successful candidate is to research the class profile for the prior year’s admitted or matriculating class at each institution of interest. A quick sampling of last year’s class profiles shows that average GPAs of successful applicants range from 3.2 to 3.65; average MCAT scores vary from 22 to 23. A good understanding and sincere interest in podiatric medicine, demonstration of extracurricular or community activities that indicate a well-rounded background and demonstrate a service orientation, and medically related experience that indicate sufficient exposure to allow an informed decision about medical careers are recommended. A letter of recommendation from a podiatrist is also recommended.  

What if I’m interested in a health profession that isn’t listed here?

Please visit the National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions (NAAHP) Resource Page at www.naahp.org/PublicResources/HealthProfessionsLinks.aspx.

Can you recommend some resources on becoming a chiropractor?

www.discoverchiropractic.org provides information about the profession and educational pathway. The site includes inspiring videos by current chiropractic students and practicing chiropractors that describe the profession and their interest in it, as well as background information about income and a wide variety of practice settings where chiropractors work. There are also convenient links to request information from specific chiropractic colleges, although you may still want to consult www.chirocolleges.org/prospective_students.html for a complete list of schools which includes a few additional non-participating US and Canadian chiropractic colleges.