Health Professions Advising

Health Professions Advising

Green Hall 4th Floor
106 Central Street
Wellesley, MA 02481
Tel 781-283-3145
cseltzer@wellesley.edu

Welcome to Career Education’s Health Professions Advising page. Through the resources on this page, we will help you to explore clinical care across a variety of patient-facing roles, including: nursing, dentistry, veterinary medicine, medicine, physical therapy, speech language pathology, physician assistant, podiatry, pharmacy, and more. We encourage you to use this page to learn more whether you are exploring, preparing, or applying within the health professions. We look forward to working with you!


Applying in 2024 for 2025 Matriculation?

Make sure to note our Deadlines and Requirements for a Committee Letter, download and read the applicant handbook and watch the Application Kickoff Video

 

Wondering Where to Begin?

Watch the recording of our October 2022 Info Session "What I Wish I Knew My First Year," which covers how to plan your path to medical school, be successful in academics, and prepare early for the application process.


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Update your Career Interests in Handshake to sign up for Health Profession newsletters from Cindy! You'll learn about events, discover opportunities, hear alumnae stories, and more.

healthprofessions

Green Hall 4th Floor
106 Central Street
Wellesley, MA 02481
Tel 781-283-3145
cseltzer@wellesley.edu

Office hours 

Appointments can be scheduled in Handshake for Mon–Fri.

Valentina Morakis
As a first-generation medical student, it's surreal to be living my dream of attending medical school. The journey has been tough, but the bonds I’ve formed with my classmates make it rewarding. The process of getting into medical school is lengthy and difficult but it’s definitely worth it in the end so keep pursuing your goal and surround yourself with the right people who will support you and keep you motivated.
Valentina Morakis ’22
UT Southwestern Medical School
Solveig Stensland
The first few weeks of medical school have been a dream. My classmates are inspiring and the faculty is eager to mentor. I’m so excited to be taking this definitive step towards my dream of becoming a physician. I’m beyond grateful for all of the support I received from Wellesley from the first moment I started to consider medicine to the very end of my application cycle.
Solveig Stensland ’21
Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western
Sophia Zupanc
My journey into medicine as a non-traditional student has been long, but it has been worth it. Joining the medical profession is a privilege that is honored by caring for patients reliably, equitably, and unwaveringly.
Sophia Zupanc ’19
University of California at San Francisco
Sanjana Ramchandran
Medical school demands a lot from you, both physically and mentally. Although it's important to center your academic success during the preclinical period, try not to lose sight of the bigger picture. Whether through interest group meetings, patient panels, or networking events with physicians, constantly remind yourself of why you chose this career path and what it has in store for you. This has helped me stay motivated and counter feelings of disillusionment and self-doubt.
Sanjana Ramchandran ’22
University of Texas School of Medicine at San Antonio
Evelyn Ruiz
There were many times along this journey where I doubted whether I could do it. In those moments, lean on your support system. Between my family, friends, and the Wellesley Health Professions team, I always had someone telling me it was possible, even when I felt it wasn't.
Evelyn Ruiz ’21
University of Kansas School of Medicine
Fee Puertas
The start of medical school has been so exciting— moving to a brand-new city, meeting lots of my supportive classmates, and receiving my white coat! The first couple weeks of school have definitely been academically challenging, but every time I enter the anatomy lab and get to work, I am reminded of why I want to be a doctor.
Fee Puertas ’23
Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at University of Buffalo
Harshini Raman
My advice would be to roll with the punches, whether it's taking gap years, stumbling upon exciting research opportunities, or even enrolling in a class that's way off the premed track. My own gap year turned out to be a real gem, and I wouldn't change a thing about it. Embrace change, because it's those unplanned detours that add the spice to your journey and give you a fresh perspective when you finally hit medical school.
Harshini Raman ’22
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Physician Scientist Track
Rhoda
To all my pre-meds who are currently going through the pain of studying for the MCAT, writing all the dreaded essays, or nervously preparing for interviews, remember that it shall all come to pass!
Rhoda Tano-Menka ’19
Stanford University School of Medicine
Sartu
Becoming a medical student and walking across the stage to don my white coat was so surreal. The journey to getting here was long and arduous, but it feels insignificant compared to the privilege that I feel to finally be able to start my journey as a member of the medical profession.
Sartu Taha ’16
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine
Molly
What I would say to Wellesley sibs at any point in their pre-med process is this: don’t lose sight of your passion for medicine, but don’t lose yourself in the process. The classic saying goes: medicine will always be there. And it will! Make sure to ground yourself in your relationships and what makes your life meaningful outside of an academic setting before setting foot in medical school. You will thank yourself later, and be a better student/physician for it in the end!
Molly Mann ’21
M.D. Maine Track Program, Tufts University School of Medicine
Zoe
It was so surreal donning my white coat for the first time, something so symbolic of the anticipation and hard work to achieve this moment and the incredible privilege of this next chapter. My advice for anyone going down this path is to follow your own timeline and ask for help when you need it! I would not be here without the support and resources of Wellesley mentors, friends, and family. 
Zoe Matticks ’18
University of California San Diego Medical School
Faith
Every day I'm made aware of what a privilege it is to have a role in the care of a patient, and that as part of the next generation of physicians, I am expected to continue to improve patient care.
Faith Arimoro ’17
Medical Student, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
Tanvee
Whenever I felt overwhelmed as a premedical student at Wellesley, I would remind myself of what I was working towards: the privilege of caring for and supporting patients through one of the most challenging experiences of their life.
Tanvee Varma ’18
Yale Medical School
Amina
At Wellesley, I explored my passions, both in the sciences and humanities; I never had to choose.
Amina Ziad ’17
Harvard Medical School ’23
Liana
Register others’ opinions and advice thoughtfully, but also stay true to yourself and frequently recall your personal motivations for wanting to pursue a given career: this will shine through during the application process.
Liana Goehring ’15
NYU, MD/PhD
Camilla
My advice to those applying to med school would be don’t limit yourself. Whether that be regionally or selectivity or what by whatever guidelines you have set for yourself. I had no idea I would be in Iowa for med school a year ago (I got in off the waitlist in May) and here I am.
Camilla Koczara ’19
Medical School Student at University of Iowa
Janessa
The first few days I felt imposter syndrome beginning to creep back in. I was worried that maybe I wasn't cut out for WashU. Wellesley was academically challenging for me and I thought if I struggled in undergrad, what would happen in medical school? But I realized that overcoming those challenges is exactly what prepared me for medical school. And having the honor of receiving my white coat made all the hard work worth it.
Janessa Sullivan ’18
Washington University Medical Student
Victoria
Living in an exciting new city, being surrounded by peers with the same passion, and having myriad new opportunities introduced to me constantly has been beyond wonderful — but most importantly, I feel truly prepared after Wellesley for everything to come in the busy but rewarding next 4 years.
Victoria Liu ’19
University of Pennsylvania Dental School

 

Medical and Dental School Advising


 

Step 1: Explore

magnifying glass

Begin to explore what it means to work in health professions, learn about Wellesley student & alumnae pre-health organizations, networking resources, and more.

Step 2: Prepare

grad cap

Academics

This resource covers academic considerations as you prepare to apply for health professions schools, including choosing your courses, studying abroad, and what to do if your grades aren't strong.

briefcase

Experiential Learning

This resource is an overview of ways to gain clinical experience, service experience, and research experience. It also discusses ways to discover summer opportunities.

MCAT GRE DAT

Entrance Exams

Preparing for and taking your MCAT, DAT or GRE will be an important part of your application process. Successful students can expect to spend 300-400 hours over a period of 3-4 months preparing. This resource will help you to understand how to approach the exams.

Assessment

Self-Assessment

Are you ready to apply to health profession schools? This resource contains the self-assessment planning document, GPA and MCAT data, and information about gaining competencies valued in the admission process.

Clock

Waiting to Apply

Trying to balance academics, clinical experiences, community service, research, other extracurricular activities, hobbies, and relationships? Not feeling ready to prepare for your standardized tests or to tackle the application process? Not absolutely sure of your career path? Learn more about taking a gap year (or more) before applying to health profession schools.

Distinct Populations

Distinct Populations

A crucial topic in healthcare today is how to eliminate inequities in the quality and availability of medical care for ethnic, racial, social, and economic minorities. There is an urgent need to increase both the diversity and cultural competence of our health care workforce. Learn about resources for underrepresented students and alumnae across distinct populations.

Step 3: Apply

Financial Planning

Financial Planning

Application and medical/dental education will be expensive. This resource will help you to understand for the associated costs and direct you to resources.

plan

Preparing Your Application

Learn about application components including: the Wellesley College Applicant Portfolio, writing your personal statement, choosing your schools and joint degrees. 

letter

The Medical Professions Advisory Committee (MPAC) & Letter Process

This resource will introduce you to the MPAC committee and walk you through the process and deadlines for your letters of recommendation.

gears

Application Components & Process

This resource covers information you will need as you write and compile various elements of your application. It also covers completing secondary applications & sending application updates.

interview

Interviewing

Participating in interviews is a critical part of the application process. This resource offers information about interview formats, the question types you might anticipate, and ways to prepare.

footsteps

Next Steps

Health profession schools have varying timelines for notifying applicants about acceptances. Learn about managing applications, as well as what to do if you are not accepted.

Calendar & Deadlines

Fall


January

  • Take entrance exam (only if ready)

February

  • First Deadline: Complete Applicant Portfolio Due to Health Professions Advising February 7 via the Request for an MPAC Advisor Form.
  • First Deadline: Completed Self-Assessment Due to Health Professions Advising February 7 (upload to the Documents page of your Applicant Portfolio).
  • Contact individual letter writers to ask for letters of recommendation. Talk to letter writers in person if possible to discuss your plans and goal.
  • After the letter writer has agreed, send them the Information for Letter Writers letter. Make sure letter writers are aware that the deadline is May 26.

End of February/Beginning of March

  • Recieve your MPAC Advisor Assignment. Share your Applicant Portfolio with your MPAC advisor. 
  • Email your MPAC Advisor within one week of receiving your assignment to set up your first meeting.
  • Sign up for your MPAC interview when dates are released.
  • Recieve your Alum Mentor, schedule your first time to meet.

March - May

  • First meeting with your MPAC Advisor.
  • Have your MPAC Committee Letter Interview with your MPAC advisor. Your advisor will review your portfolio before your interview.
  • Check your schools to see if any require the CASPer exam. Register if they do.
  • Take your entrance exam if you haven't already.
  • Follow up with your letter writers to make sure they are aware of the deadline.

May

  • Applications open to be filled out.
  • Send official transcripts to application services for all schools where you have completed coursework (seniors and graduate students who are in classes may need to wait to send in transcripts until semester's grades and degree are posted)
  • Finalize school list.
  • Submit application (Osteopathic Medical School, sometimes MD as well).

May 26

  • Letters of recommendation from faculty and non-faculty are due to Health Professions Advising. Letter writers submit according to directions in Information for Letter Writers.
  • Recommendation Release Form due to Health Professions Advising.

    June

  • Submit your application! Upload to your portfolio so your advisor can use in writing your letter.
  • Send in any remaining official transcripts.
  • Begin prewriting secondaries using previous year's prompts.

July

  • Secondaries come from schools. Check junk/spam folder for prompts.
  • Complete secondary applications in one - two weeks of receiving requests.
  • MPAC Committee Letters sent in by the middle of July.
  • First interview invitations extended. Check email for invitations, make sure to check junk/spam.

August

  • Interview invitations arrive. Schedule promptly.
  • Interviews begin.
  • Schedule a mock MMI/Mock interview with Health Professions Advising if you haven't done one already.
  • Practice self-care while waiting. For some applicants, the waiting can be the most stressful part!
  • Final Deadline: August 31 - Deadline to submit and request Committee Letter. Applicants who fail to submit by August 31 will recieve a letter packet, which does not include a letter from their MPAC advisor.

September

  • Interviews begin in earnest
  • Practice self-care while waiting.
  • First DO acceptances. 

October-December

  • First MD acceptances October 15. 
  • First Dental acceptances December 1.
  • Ongoing interviews.

January

  • By the end of January most schools have filled all their interview seats.
  • Applicants will cancel interviews, so occasional invitations will be extended.
  • Wait list applicants send a Letter of Intent to top choice school. For more than one waitlist, send a letter of interest to other programs.
  • Applicants with no interviews, consider options.
  • Speak with Health Professions Advising Director by January 15 if considering applying in the next application cycle

February – April

  • Interviews wind down.
  • Non-rolling admissions schools send acceptances.
  • Financial awards begin going out.
  • Second Look Days begin for applicants with multiple acceptances.
  • Anyone wait listed at a top choice school can send a final update.

April - May

  • Applicants with multiple acceptances carefully follow traffic rules on withdrawing from programs.
  • May 1-5 Schools start going to their waitlists.

May - July

  • Most waitlist movement occurs
  • Make your final decision
  • Plan your finances
  • Plan your move
  • Get ready for orientation!

“At Wellesley, I explored my passions, both in the sciences and humanities; I never had to choose.”

“I’ve learned that at its core, medicine is all about creating an environment where relationships can be fostered and grown.”

“My advice to those applying to med school would be don’t limit yourself. Whether that be regionally or selectivity or what by whatever guidelines you have set for yourself. I had no idea I would be in Iowa for med school a year ago (I got in off the waitlist in May) and here I am.”

“Living in an exciting new city, being surrounded by peers with the same passion, and having myriad new opportunities be introduced to you constantly has been beyond wonderful — but most importantly, I feel truly prepared after Wellesley for everything to come in the busy but rewarding next 4 years. ”

“The first few days I felt imposter syndrome beginning to creep back in. I was worried that maybe I wasn't cut out for WashU. Wellesley was academically challenging for me and I thought if I struggled in undergrad, what would happen in medical school? But I realized that overcoming those challenges is exactly what prepared me for medical school. And having the honor of receiving my white coat made all the hard work worth it.”

“I will be the first doctor in my family and the first to attend graduate school with the gift of the Sarah Perry Wood Medical Fellowship.”