Prepare for Graduate School

Each Dental School has different requirements for prerequisite courses. A curriculum based on chemistry, biology, physics, and liberal arts is required.

*Please note that Dental school requirements vary from school to school. Research schools early for specific information about requirements.

The following courses are generally required for most dental schools:

One semester or two quarters of biochemistry

Two semesters or three quarters of biology with laboratories

Two semesters or three quarters of general chemistry with laboratories

Two semesters or three quarters of organic chemistry with laboratories

One semester or two quarters of general physics with laboratory

Two semesters or three quarters of English with emphasis on communications

One semester or two quarters of microbiology

Additionally, follow all of the steps in the Engineering Career Strategy: Steps to Success Year by Year Guide.

US dental schools admit students once a year in the Fall.

Applications are submitted 12-15 months before your desired dental school enrollment date. This means the application process can begin as early as the spring after your Junior year. However, the timing depends on when you will complete your degree and the necessary coursework (and successfully take the DAT).

Dental schools requirements vary from school to school. Research schools early for specific information about requirements.

Dental School Application process includes 5 main components:

1. The Dental Admissions Test (DAT)
2. Primary Application
3. Letters of Recommendation
4. Secondary Applications
5. Interviews

June-August

• AADSAS opens on or around June 1. Begin to fill out primary applications as soon as possible. 
• Make final decisions on which dental schools to apply to and submit primary applications.
• Order official transcripts from all colleges and universities that you have attended to be sent to AADSAS
• Have letters of recommendation sent to AADSAS – check individual schools for specific criteria
• AADSAS verifies primary applications and notifies applicants of verification or problems with verification
• Submit supplemental application materials if required by individual dental schools.  Generally, you should try to submit supplemental applications within two weeks of receiving them.
• Continue working on and submitting secondary applications.

September – November

• Prepare for and attend interviews.
• Continue to complete and submit secondary applications
• Send dental schools application updates if acceptable
• Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, FAFSA, in October.

December-February

• Dental school admissions committees meet and decide status: accept/reject/waitlist.
• Schools begin extending acceptance offers on December 1. Depending on the date of an offer of admission, you will have a specific response time.

Letters of Recommendation/Support:

Requirements for letters vary between schools, most schools require 1-3 letters of recommendation. Begin early to establish a network of professors, supervisors (for volunteer or paid work), and healthcare providers who are familiar with your work. It is important to choose recommenders who know you well.

Many schools require letters from faculty members who have taught you in a class and are able to make specific observations about your personal and academic achievements and your potential for school. Schools can ask for letters of recommendations specifically from science professors. Get to know your professors early, start your Freshman year.

Personal Statements:

The personal statement is about you and your motivation for pursuing a career in healthcare. Describe your current passion for the field with specific stories from recent experiences. Try to choose a theme rather than random thoughts. The primary application activities section provides a list of accomplishments. Your personal essay is an opportunity to provide additional, more in-depth information and not repeating your accomplishments. It can be helpful to remember why you are interested in the field of healthcare. 

The DAT  (Dental Admissions Test) is administered throughout the year at local testing centers. It should be taken 18 months prior to the dental school class you plan to enter. (Ideally, Taking the DAT when you have finished the necessary coursework.)  It is to your advantage to take it early—by April-June in the year you are submitting your application.

For DAT information and registration, visit https://www.ada.org/en/education-careers/dental-admission-test 

Most dental schools hold “interview days” where they bring in a group of applicants for a day that may consist of some or all of the following: Interviews, written essays, school tours, and opportunities to meet students and faculty.

Interviews can take many forms, so it is important to research your schools and be prepared for each kind. The Stuckert Career Center can help you with preparation tips and practicing your interviewing skills.

The most common types of interviews are:

• One on one interview—Usually one or two 30-45 minutes interviews
• Multiple Mini Interview (MMI)—7-10 rooms with a different prompt or scenario posted on the door. You are typically given 2 minutes to think about the prompt before entering a room, and 5-8 minutes to respond to the prompt and any follow-up questions or play out the scenario with a trained actor.
• Group interview—May be either one applicant interviewed by several interviewers, or in a group of applicants interviewed by one or more interviewer.

CASPer

Dental schools incorporate a variety of tools in their assessment in order to gather a holistic view of their applicants, to make sure they are not only academically capable but also possess the characteristics of someone who will likely succeed on the job. One such tool that is used by a few dental schools including the University of Utah is CASPer®, which is a situational judgment test designed to assess how an individual will behave in certain situations.

CASPer® assesses for 10 characteristics: Collaboration, Communication, Empathy, Equity, Ethics, Motivation, Problem Solving, Professionalism, Resilience, and Self Awareness.

It is a 60-90 minute virtually proctored assessment, made up of 12 sections. Each section contains a video-based or word-based scenario and three open-ended questions. Test takers have five minutes to type their responses to all three questions.

Further information is on the CASPer Website. http://takecasper.com.

Involvement allows you to supplement a strong academic record. Pharmacy school admissions committees like to see evidence of initiative, creativity, leadership and collaboration, and organizational skills. However, it is important to remember that such activities will not substitute for poor grades, so don’t sacrifice study time for activities.

Search Engineering and Computer Science Student Organizations/Programs: https://engr.uky.edu/student-success/student-organizations.

Volunteering

Lawyers are leaders in their communities. However, their work also requires collaborating with others, so interpersonal skills are essential for attracting and working productively with clients, co-counsel, opposing attorneys, expert witnesses, and many others.

Search UK Service-Learning and Civic Engagement for opportunities to help in the community: https://servelearnconnect.uky.edu/community-organizational-needs.

Engineering Guide to Success

It is vital to take ownership of your career success journey from the moment you first set foot on campus! Acclimating to engineering or computer science studies is a huge task and being told you also need to begin your career success journey can seem overwhelming. Planning out your time at UK doesn’t have to be overwhelming and we’ve put together a guide with year by year instructions to serve as a career development map.

• ADEA: American Dental Education Association: http://www.adea.org/godental/
• ASDA: American Student Dental Association: https://www.asdanet.org/
• ADA: American Dental Association: https://www.ada.org/en

Pre-law students are encouraged to challenge their thinking and reasoning skills by pursuing a rigorous and diverse undergraduate program.

Law schools do not require or expect a particular undergraduate degree program. Therefore, are no specific course requirements or recommended majors, so students are urged to choose a major in which they are truly interested. It is not so much what you study that matters, rather it is selecting courses that motivate you, challenge you, and require you to use research, writing, and analytical skills. You may consider taking additional writing, philosophy, or sociology classes to increase your skills.

Follow all of the steps in the Engineering Career Strategy: Steps to Success Year by Year Guide.

Most Law schools start their newly admitted classes once a year in the Fall.

Applications are submitted at least 6-12 months in advance of the desired enrollment date.

To maximize your opportunities, you should apply to law schools the Fall before you wish to enroll. While applying early in the cycle has advantages, the best time for you to apply is when your application is the best it can be.

Requirements vary from Law School to Law School. Research schools for specific information about requirements.

The Law School Application includes 5-6 components:

1. Entrance Exam-The Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) or the GRE (Select Programs)
2. Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Report
3. Application form
4. Personal Statement
5. Letters of Recommendation
6. Resume (Most Schools)

May – September

• Set up your free LSAC Account Online: https://www.lsac.org/jd-applicants/steps-apply-jd-programs
• Register for the LSAT. *Take it by November if possible. June/July is optimal as you know your scores early and it allows for Fall repeat if necessary.
• Subscribe to the Credential Assembly Service CAS at http://www.LSAC.org
• Make a list of potential law schools
• Start to talk, tour, or visit virtually the schools you are interested in
• Meet with a pre-law advisor

September – December

• Meet with a Pre-Law Advisor
• Familiarize yourself with the applications online
• Make a checklist and schedule for each school application
• Send transcript request forms to all undergraduate and graduate schools you have attended. Transcript Request Forms are available through your CAS subscription
• Approach your recommenders and schedule an appointment to discuss writing a letter.
• Finalize your personal statement
• Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)  in October.
• Submit your applications. Thanksgiving time is a good time to shoot for.

January – August

• Meet with a Pre-Law Advisor
• Receive monthly updates from CAS
• Wait for the acceptances to come in
• Talk, tour, or visit virtually the schools you are interested in
• Decide which offer to accept. Send in acceptance of admission and financial aid and seat deposit
• Until April 1, seat deposits should be refundable if you change your mind. After that, they generally are not

Letters of Recommendation/Support 

Requirements for letters vary between schools, most law schools require 1-3 letters of recommendation. Begin early to establish a network of professors and supervisors (for volunteer or paid work) who are familiar with your work. It is important to choose recommenders who know you well.

Academic Letters: At least one to two letters, should be from faculty members who have taught you in a class and are able to make specific observations about your personal and academic achievements and your potential for law school. Get to know your Professors early, start your Freshman year.

Personal Statements

Law schools will want a Personal Statement on who you are and your interests with the field of Law.

Resumes

Many law schools require resumes as part of their applications, and those that don’t will often accept one anyway. A resume allows you to highlight all your activities and accomplishments in your own way. It can’t be stressed enough, however, that the resume is not a substitute for completely filling out the school’s application form.

The format of your resume is not all that critical as long as the information is clear and concise. A resume for law school can be a bit longer and more detailed than a resume for a job. It is okay for it to be 2 pages, especially if you have been working for some time. In addition to paid employment, you can add sections to list volunteer experience, research, and important leadership/activities.

Entrance Exam

The LSAT (The Law School Admissions Test) is designed to help predict your success in law school by measuring the skills necessary to succeed in that program. It is not a measure of how good of a lawyer you will be.

• Register for the LSAT
• LSAT Testing Dates
• Free LSAT Test Prep
• Sample LSAT
• Digital LSAT Tips 

Graduate Record Exam (GRE)

Some Law Schools now accept the GRE in lieu of the LSAT; however, the LSAT is still the preferred exam for most law school admissions. If you have questions about taking the LSAT vs. the GRE, refer to LSAC or talk with a Pre-Law Advisor

Most Law schools do not have or require an interview for part of their application process. However, if yours does, you can schedule a mock interview with us at the button “Schedule Appointment” or practice through Big Interview in your Handshake account.

Involvement allows you to supplement a strong academic record. Law school admissions committees like to see evidence of initiative, creativity, leadership and collaboration, and organizational skills. However, it is important to remember that such activities will not substitute for poor grades, so don’t sacrifice study time for activities.

Search Engineering and Computer Science Student Organizations/Programs: https://engr.uky.edu/student-success/student-organizations.

Additionally, here are a few university-wide examples of UK Student Organizations that are related to law:

• Phi Alpha Delta (Law Fraternity)
• Black Law Student Association
• Mock Trial Team
• WilDCats at the Capital

Volunteering

Lawyers are leaders in their communities. However, their work also requires collaborating with others, so interpersonal skills are essential for attracting and working productively with clients, co-counsel, opposing attorneys, expert witnesses, and many others.

Search UK Service-Learning and Civic Engagement for opportunities to help in the community: https://servelearnconnect.uky.edu/community-organizational-needs.

Engineering Guide to Success

It is vital to take ownership of your career success journey from the moment you first set foot on campus! Acclimating to engineering or computer science studies is a huge task and being told you also need to begin your career success journey can seem overwhelming. Planning out your time at UK doesn’t have to be overwhelming and we’ve put together a guide with year by year instructions to serve as a career development map.

• Law School Admissions Council (LSAC): https://www.lsac.org/
• AccessLex: https://www.accesslex.org/accesslex-center-education-and-financial-capability
• Law School Transparency: https://www.lawschooltransparency.com/
• National Law Journal: https://www.law.com/nationallawjournal/?slreturn=20200704082357
• National Conference of Bar Examiners: http://www.ncbex.org

Physicians diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses. They examine patients, take medical histories, prescribe medications, and order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests. They counsel patients on diet, hygiene, and preventative healthcare. Physicians may work as general practitioners or choose to specialize in any number specialties. 

Each Medical School has different requirements for prerequisite courses. A curriculum based on chemistry, biology, physics, and liberal arts is required.

*Please note that each Medical school requirements vary from school to school. Research schools early for specific information about requirements.

The following courses are generally required for most Medical schools:

Two semesters of general chemistry with labs

Two semesters of organic chemistry with labs

Two semesters of Biology with labs

Two semesters of Physics with labs

Two semesters of English with emphasis on communications

One semester of Biochemistry

*In order to be well prepared for MCAT, Stuckert strongly recommends that prospective applicants complete courses in cell biology, microbiology, statistics, psychology, and sociology.

Follow all of the steps in the Engineering Career Strategy: Steps to Success Year by Year Guide.

US Medical schools admit students once a year in the Fall.

Applications are submitted 12-15 months before your desired medical school enrollment date. This means the application process can begin as early as the spring after your Junior year. However, the timing depends on when you will complete your degree and the necessary coursework (and successfully take the MCAT).

Medical school requirements vary from school to school. Research schools early for specific information about requirements.

The Medical School Application process includes 5 main components:

1. The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)
2. Primary Application
3. Letters of Recommendation
4. Secondary Applications
5. Interviews

May

• Primary Application Services open in May. Begin to fill out primary applications as soon as possible. 
• For MD Schools: AMCAS https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/applying-medical-school-process/applying-medical-school-amcas/
• For DO Schools: AACOMAS https://www.aacom.org/

June – July

• Make final decisions on which medical schools to apply to and submit primary applications.
• Order official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities that you have attended
• Medical school begin sending secondary applications to applicants (if invited to complete a secondary application, begin and submit sooner rather than later).

August

• Continue working on and submitting secondary applications.
• Begin to check medical school application status websites for schools where applied.

September – March

• Prepare for and attend interviews.
• Continue to complete and submit secondary applications (check deadline dates).
• Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, FAFSA, in October.
• Medical school admissions committees meet and decide status: accept/reject/waitlist.

April

• Newly admitted applicants must notify Application Services and the Medical school that they plan to matriculate of their decision by April 30
• Admits with multiple acceptances must choose one school by April 30th and withdraw their application from other schools.

Letters of Recommendation/Support:

Requirements for letters vary between schools, most schools require 1-3 letters of recommendation. Begin early to establish a network of professors, supervisors (for volunteer or paid work), and healthcare providers who are familiar with your work. It is important to choose recommenders who know you well.

Many schools require letters from faculty members who have taught you in a class and are able to make specific observations about your personal and academic achievements and your potential for school. Schools can ask for letters of recommendations specifically from science professors. Get to know your professors early, start your Freshman year.

Personal Statements:

The personal statement is about you and your motivation for pursuing a career in healthcare. Describe your current passion for the field with specific stories from recent experiences. Try to choose a theme rather than random thoughts. The primary application activities section provides a list of accomplishments. Your personal essay is an opportunity to provide additional, more in-depth information and not repeating your accomplishments. It can be helpful to remember why you are interested in the field of healthcare. 

The MCAT (The Medical College Admissions Test) is administrated from January through September. (Ideally, Taking the MCAT when you have finished the necessary coursework.)  It is to your advantage to take it early—by April-June in the year you are submitting your application.

For MCAT information and registration, visit: https://students-residents.aamc.org/media/15141/download
 

Most Medical schools hold “interview days” where they bring in a group of applicants for a day that may consist of some or all of the following: Interviews, written essays, school tours, and opportunities to meet students and faculty.

Interviews can take many forms, so it is important to research your schools and be prepared for each kind. The Stuckert Career Center can help you with preparation tips and practicing your interviewing skills.

The most common types of interviews are:

Group interview—May be either one applicant interviewed by several interviewers, or in a group of applicants interviewed by one or more interviewer.

One on one interview—Usually one or two 30-45 minutes interviews

Multiple Mini Interview (MMI)—7-10 rooms with a different prompt or scenario posted on the door. You are typically given 2 minutes to think about the prompt before entering a room, and 5-8 minutes to respond to the prompt and any follow-up questions or play out the scenario with a trained actor.

Involvement allows you to supplement a strong academic record. Medical school admissions committees like to see evidence of initiative, creativity, leadership and collaboration, and organizational skills. However, it is important to remember that such activities will not substitute for poor grades, so don’t sacrifice study time for activities. 

Search UK Student Organizations/Programs at BBNVolved  https://uky.campuslabs.com/engage/ 

UK Student Organizations related to Medicine 

• Pre-Medical Activities Council 
• Internal Medicine and Pediatrics Interest Group 
• The Apollo Society 
• American Medical Student Association (AMSA) 
• Multicultural Association of Pre-Health Students  
• Phi Delta Epsilon International Medical Fraternity 
• Hues in Medicine 
• Medicats  

Medical Shadowing/Observation 

Applicants must demonstrate, at the time of application, medical observation/shadowing in the medical field. Applicants should consider observing in a variety of medical settings. Besides shadowing doctors, applicants may select to use the following medical experiences/roles: CNA, EMT, CMA, Medical Tech., Professional Hospice Volunteer, Athletic Training, Scribe etc.   

Volunteering 

As a caring attitude is central to the practice of Medicine, applicants should demonstrate a commitment to service, more specifically direct service, and a desire to help others. Applicants may wish to highlight volunteer and service activities, including tutoring, assisting seniors, volunteer EMT, coaching youth sports, mentoring, etc.  

Engineering Guide to Success

It is vital to take ownership of your career success journey from the moment you first set foot on campus! Acclimating to engineering or computer science studies is a huge task and being told you also need to begin your career success journey can seem overwhelming. Planning out your time at UK doesn’t have to be overwhelming and we’ve put together a guide with year by year instructions to serve as a career development map.

• AAMC: Association of American Medical Colleges https://students-residents.aamc.org/
• AACOM: American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine https://www.aacom.org/
• Aspiring Docs: https://students-residents.aamc.org/choosing-medical-career/medical-careers/aspiring-docs/