Preparing for professional school starts year one at Carthage, and we are here to help you each step of the way! We recommend that you reach out to your advising team as soon as possible regarding your plans so they can help you start preparing.
School Applications
While Carthage students usually apply to somewhere between 3-4 schools, you can apply to as many schools as you would like. However, you should be aware that there is a financial commitment associated with application fees and the cost of submitting materials for review. As such you should only apply to schools you would genuinely consider attending.
Application Process Timeline
Applications will be submitted through the SOPHAS platform. If you are planning on attending right after your undergraduate degree you should apply the summer of your junior year. It is recommended that you have all materials ready when the platform opens mid-August and submit your application as soon as possible.
Shadowing and Volunteering
Although work, volunteer, research, and/or internship experience relevant to public health isn’t typically required for admissions, it is highly recommended to strengthen your application and make you a competitive applicant.
Entrance Exam
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) The GRE will require less or more time studying based on how extensive your knowledge is on tested material and you should pace out those hours around your own current and anticipated schedules. ETS.org has free resources and practice test available to assist you. Some schools will also accept the MCAT or the PA-CAT but the majority will require the GRE.
Personal Statement
You will need to submit a personal statement with your application. To help craft your personal statement, attend our Personal Statement Workshop, typically held in the fall semester.
Letters of Recommendtion
You will need several letters of recommendations (3-4) for your application. While different schools may have different expectations for where your letters of recommendation should come from, it is usually expected to have at least 1-2 from a science course professor and 1-2 from a public health professional you have worked with or shadowed under.
Letter of Recommendation Timeframe
Ideally, you should ask for letter of recommendations at least 2-3 months in advance of your application deadline, although give as much time as possible. This way they have adequate time to reflect upon their experience and write the best possible letter they can.
