Key Factors Affecting Acceptance to Health Professions Programs

Successful completion of required undergraduate courses

Grade point average

Performance on standardized tests (MCAT, DAT, PCAT or GRE)

Extracurricular activities - especially those reflecting public or health-related service, volunteer work, and other evidence of your initiative. It is important to obtain direct patient care.

Letters of recommendation from undergraduate health professions advisors and faculty members as well as physicians, dentists, veterinarians, and other members of the health professions, community leaders, and other individuals who have employed you or supervised your volunteer experience.

Interview with the Health Professions' school admissions committees. Unlike colleges, which hold interviews early in the application process, the schools arrange them near the end. As they narrow their selection of candidates, most schools invite the most promising applicants to interview with faculty and other members of the admissions committee.

Taken in part from http://www.aamc.org/students/considering/gettingin