Top Ten Mistakes when Applying to a Health Professions Program

Mistake One
Not contacting the centralized agency or the College's Office of Admission to verify that all items of the application have been received.

Mistake Two
Waiting too long to write the personal statement (maybe even writing it in a day) and not seeking feedback from valuable resources, such as advisors, friends, professors, parents, and professionals in your field.

Mistake Three
Under-explaining or over-explaining discrepancies (such as gaps in time or a series of poor grades) in the application. Seek guidance from the health professions advisor.

Mistake Four
Starting the process late. The process includes everything from clinical exposure to actually filing the application. Start early and devote time and energy to every step.

Mistake Five
Sharing too little of personal drive and desire. Many personal statements only reflect what the student considers to be ideal steps in the application process (clinical experience, work history details, and so on). Admissions' offices would like to hear more about the specific examples that accompany such experiences.

Mistake Six
Not reviewing your primary or secondary application for typos, grammar and content errors. Have someone else read the information for mistakes too!

Mistake Seven
Getting letters of evaluation from individuals who have only known the application for a short period of time. Build relationships!

Mistake Eight
Acting inappropriately when contacting the admissions office or coming for an interview. Every part of the application process is a part of the decision.

Mistake Nine
Not taking the opportunity to practice interview skills.

Mistake Ten
Demonstrating only a cursory understanding of the health profession you want to pursue. Take the time to read and reflect on the particular health profession, current issues in that profession, the particular school you are interviewing with and its curriculum.

Taken in part from the Office of Admissions at the A.T. Still College of Osteopathic Medicine.