Application to Professional Schools
We know students have many questions about applying to health professions programs. You will find answers to some of the most common questions that we receive here, but we strongly encourage students who have questions to schedule an appointment with a pre-health advisor.
FAQ's about Applying to Health Professions Programs Heading link
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When do you apply to professional school?
Typically, applicants apply 12 to 15 months in advance of the date they wish to enter professional school. So, for example, a student might apply in Summer 2025 in order to start medical, dental, or veterinary medical school in Fall 2026.
Application cycles begin early summer and continue through the fall for most professional schools. Students are responsible for knowing each school’s admissions criteria and deadlines. It is highly recommended that students submit their applications early for greatest consideration. Students will find handouts with pre-requisite courses and application timelines for each educational goal in the Pre-Health Blackboard page. It is also encouraged that students begin meeting with a pre-health advisor in their sophomore year to begin to plan out a timeline well in advance of applying.
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When do I take entrance exams or admission tests?
Entrance exams, such as MCAT, DAT, OAT, GRE, etc., should only be taken after you have completed basic science coursework relevant to the exam content and considerable time is taken to study. Students should be aware of the test content for the exam they wish to take.
Official exams should never be taken for practice. In many cases, admission offices will be able to see all scores from all tests you have taken, and they will not know if you took one for “practice”.
If you are unsure of what entrance exam you should take, contact a pre-health advisor or come in for an appointment.
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I have applied to health professions school and was asked to provide a statement or letter regarding any disciplinary action and/or academic probation while I attended UIC. How can I get this letter?
The LAS Pre-Health Advising office works along side of the UIC Dean of Students office to provide this information to medical schools at your request. Please read the information on the Pre-Health Letter Request page and complete the form to submit your request to the LAS Pre-Health Advising Office.