Information for Third and Fourth Year Students
Details will depend when you plan to apply (see applying to programs page).
- Review application process - looking at two years from starting Skidmore HPAC process to matriculating in the program. With your HPAC advisor, revise your application timeline as needed. Be sure to use the HPAC Interview Timeline Excel Spreadsheet to assist you.
- Refine the list of programs you plan to apply to. Review their particular requirements and revise your course plans and timeline accordingly. Be sure to review Skidmore's articualtion agreements.
- Complete relevant coursework ahead of taking the relevant entrance exam if required, applying to programs, and matriculating. Note - certain courses may need to be completed prior to applying while other courses need to be completed by matriculation.
- Continue meeting with your HPAC advisor at least once per semester. You will want to discuss your strengths and areas to develop further, courses to take, other experiences to have (research, volunteering, clinical, shadowing, internships, work, leadership, etc.), your timeline, and your goals and plans.
- Discuss with your HPAC advisor regarding your grades, target test scores (e.g., MCAT score), and where to apply. Be aware of the national statistics overall (AAMC Grid MCAT Score & GPA). GPA and test scores are not destiny but may mean being very targetted in where to apply and or developing a plan to get you competitive at the institutions you are interested in.
- Go over why you want to be a medical doctor, dentist, nurse partitioner, vet, etc. The HPAC interview will start with why you want to go to to the program you are interested in and what makes you a good candidate. If a medical doctor, why not a Nurse Practitioner or a Physician Assistant?
- If you are taking a gap/glide year or two, discuss with your HPAC advisor what you
plan to do in that year(s). Use the Career Development Center to find opportunities and refine your materials.
- Look at NAAHP Listed Opportunties for students.
- Look at the NAAHP Postbac Opportunities.
- Take advantage of the relevant opportunities, activities, and experiences offered. In particular, keep an eye out for e-mails from HPAC and the Career Development Center.
- Develop your resume/CV and use the resources available from the Career Development Center.
- As appropriate study for and take the relevant entrance exam if required (e.g., MCAT) according to your timeline to apply. For medicine, you will want to also prepare for CASPER and AAMC PREview. You may also want to take Duet.
- Continue to develop professional relationships with faculty members and other professionals. These relationships serve as the foundation for letters of recommendation.
- If you have accomodations, please review the guidelines and requirements to apply
for accommodations on the relevant standardized tests. MCAT for example needs prior
verification and a current evaluation.
- MCAT Accommodations Application Guidelines & Requirements - note, a current evaluation is required in addition to previous verification.
- DAT Accommodations
- OAT Accommodations
- PCAT Accommodations
- GRE Accommodations