Tips for Maximizing your Admission into a Professional Program
Midwestern University–Glendale Campus offers the following degree programs:  Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O)
 Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)
 Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies (M.M.S.)
 Master of Occupational Therapy (M.O.T.)
 Master (M.B.S.) of Biomedical Science
 Master of Arts in in Biomedical Science (M.A.)
 Master of Science in Cardiovascular Science (M.S.)
 Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.)
 Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia (M.S.)
 Master of Arts (M.A.) in Clinical Psychology and Doctor of
Psychology (Psy.D.)
 Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.)
 Doctor of Optometry (O.D.)
 Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.)
 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.)
 Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (M.S.)
AWARENESS
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Obtain brochures from professional programs you are interested in.
Learn about the career you are interested in by visiting the professions’ websites.
Visit with or speak to an academic advisor from the professional program to have questions answered.
Be smart about taking advice from other students. Confirm all information before making any decisions.
When requesting information from a program, speak clearly so the proper information can be sent to you.
RESEARCH

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Research prospective colleges and request brochures and catalog.
Visit each college’s website.
Be familiar with the curriculum and history of each institution you apply to.
Take the time to visit the campus, take a tour and meet with current students and faculty.
Review books for the various entrance exams are available at library, bookstores, and career centers.
If you are an international student, learn what else may be needed from you.
PREPARATION

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Be certain to fulfill all the academic prerequisites.
Maximize your exposure to a variety of test preparation materials and plan to review over a prolonged period of time. Take your admission test preparation seriously and start preparing early.
Register to take your professional entrance exam only when you are maximally prepared to perform at your best. Completion of the general chemistry and general biology course sequences is recommended.
Take the initiative to make sure your professors know who you are in every course you enroll in.
Make a habit of attending classes diligently and attempt to sit in rows near the front of the class.
Study hard and learn as much as you can in all of your classes.
Maintain your commitment to studying hard even though the course or professor may not be the most interesting or enjoyable. Remember learning is the primary goal, not being entertained or liked by the professor.
Establish an authentic record of service to others through volunteer experiences, extracurricular involvement, leadership roles, tutoring, active membership in service organizations, etc. (as opposed to a paper chase list of organizations you have joined).
Be a self-starter. Don't wait for others to tell you what to do. Be well informed and get off to a good start.
MOTIVATION

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Focus your narrative on why you want to be admitted to a professional program. You should have more than one or two reasons and you should place these in priority as you discuss them.
Remember that motivation cannot make up for unsatisfactory academic performance or low scores on the professional academic exam. Motivation for entrance to any professional program should translate into above average academic performance and competitive exam scores.

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Demonstrate maturity by doing well in courses that you do not find the most interesting or challenging.
If you are having difficulty in a prerequisite course, evaluate your options. Consider using tutors, visiting with the professor during office hours, changing study habits, setting appropriate priorities, studying with peers, withdrawing from the course and taking it when you have more time, or taking it from another professor.
Take higher-level science coursework to better prepare for professional school.
Demonstrate a sustained record of 14-16 credit hour loads per term with two or more sciences. Use common sense in your coursework schedule. Do not take overloads in credit hours per semester in an attempt to complete prerequisites ahead of time.
Maintain a comprehensive master calendar and exercise sound time-management skills.
TIMING
• Avoid procrastination in the preparation of your application materials packet. Complete all applications as early as possible and mail with return-receipt requests. If possible, hand-deliver your application to the Office of Admissions.
• Pay close attention to details such as policies, procedures, process fees, due dates, and deadlines. Follow instructions completely and accurately.
COMMITMENT
• Be sure to gain some clinical exposure/experience by shadowing, volunteer experiences, or employment in your area of interest. You need to demonstrate an understanding of the life of practicing professionals.
• Consider participating in one or more pre-professional organizations on campus.

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INTERVIEWS
• Take advantage of all seminars, workshops and/or videotapes dealing with the application and interview process. Be relaxed, be yourself, but be prepared. You need to have a sound understanding of the interview process. This is a first impression exercise, and you need to come across as calm, self-confident, emotionally stable, bright, mature, and disciplined.
Retain copies of all school-specific narratives and familiarize yourself with what you wrote before interviewing.
Review your autobiography carefully before each interview.
Remember: this is a professional interview and you should dress and act accordingly.
Have questions for interviewers at the end of allotted time period.
COMMON SENSE AND COURTESIES

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Avoid phone calls and drop-in inquiries related to your uncertainty, anxiety, and uneasiness as the admission process evolves. Do not attempt to force responses sooner than others are prepared to offer them! Patience is a real virtue in this arena.
Study hard; there is no substitute for good grades. Learn as much as you can, but make sure you enjoy doing it.
Be prepared to make personal sacrifices to compile a competitive academic and non-academic record.

For additional information contact:
Midwestern University -Office of Admissions
19555 North 59th Avenue
Glendale, Arizona 85308
Phone: 623/572-3275
FAX: 623/572-3229
Email: admissaz@midwestern.edu

(Adapted from the Tip Sheet-Tips to Maximize Your Chances for Admission to a College of Pharmacy prepared by Dr. Michael W. McKenzie,
University of Florida College of Pharmacy.)