Jump to a Section:
- Candidacy Assessment
- ACPMAS
- Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
- Selecting Schools
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
- Personal Statement
- Transcripts
- Application Timeline
Candidacy Assessment
Your preparation for application to Podiatry programs should always begin with assessment of your individual candidacy. Use the Pre-Health Pillars Candidacy Assessment as a guide to self-assess and plan to speak with a Pre-Health Advisor about your progress.
Resources:
Pre-Health Pillars Candidacy Assessment
ACPMAS
American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine Application Service. This application opens on the first Wednesday in August each year. Despite published application deadlines, you should apply as early as possible.
Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
The MCAT exam consists for the following four sections:
1. Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
2. Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
3. Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
4. Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
Some colleges will accept the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Dental Admission Test (DAT) in lieu of the MCAT.
Test Preparation Resources
There are many types of test preparation resources that vary in cost and approach. Pre-Health Advisors do not endorse any of the providers below, but are happy to speak with you about how you might identify the style of preparation that best fits your needs.
Coming Soon: AAMC How I Studied for the MCAT Exam Testimonials
| Source | Cost Level |
| AAMC Interactive Content Tool: What's on the MCAT? | Free |
| AAMC Creating a Study Plan Guide | Free |
| Khan Academy MCAT Collection | Free |
| Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs): Coursera and EdX | Free |
|
AAMC Materials: Official Guide to the MCAT Exam, Fourth Edition |
Low |
| Dr. Flowers MCAT | Low - Mid |
| Exam Krackers | Low - High |
| NextStep Test Prep | Free - High |
| Free - High | |
| Princeton Review | Free - High |
| Altius Test Prep | Free - High |
Selecting Schools
It is essential to select schools that are not only a good fit for you academically, but also a good fit for your values, skills, interests, and that will help you become the professional you want to be. Take time to research programs prior to the application process. Here are some factors you should consider:
- Admission requirements: coursework and clinical experiences
- Institution's mission, goals, curriculum, grading system
- Size of cohort/class
- Location. Where do you want to live? Where will you have a support network in place? What is the cost of tuition and cost of living?
- Where will you complete your clinical rotations? What type of patient population will you serve (i.e. urban, rural)? Will this provide the experiences you hope to gain?
- Does the school's mission and training focus align with your professional interests (i.e. research, personalized medicine, rural medicine, etc)
Resources:
Guidelines for Making a School List
AACPM College Information Book
Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
You should provide 2 to 3 LORs electronically through Interfolio or by mail. Determine any specific LOR requirements from programs of choice. However, letters are most commonly required by:
- Science Faculty
- Academic Advisor
- Podiatric Physician
- Medical Professional
Resources:
Guidelines for Letters of Recommendation
Personal Statement
Your personal statement is a distinctive aspect of your application. It begins with reflection. Consider the following questions to begin:
- Why do you want to become a podiatrist? Why is this the profession you have chosen instead of another?
- Think back to your experiences volunteering, shadowing, researching, studying abroad. Can you provide a specific story that deeply impacted you and your decision to become a podiatrist?
- What do you want the committee to know about you as a person or future colleague? What makes you a good fit for the profession?
Resources:
- Guidelines for Personal Statements
- Pre-Health Advising Personal Statement Reviews (by appointment)
- UVA Writing Center
Transcripts
Request official transcripts from all institutions attended. Make sure to carefully follow ACPMAS instruction manual guidelines for specific details on transcript submission to the application service.
Resources:
Interview Preparation
Pre-health mock interviewing is available to students and alumni preparing for or currently in the health professions application cycle. Interviews are one hour and include a feedback session aimed at increasing your readiness and confidence before an actual admissions interview. To schedule a mock interview complete the following steps.
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Schedule Your Mock Interview With an Advisor: Contact the UVA Career Center at 434-924-8900 and indicate you are requesting a Pre-Health Mock Interview or schedule online through your Handshake account.
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Come to the Career Center to be Interviewed: Please dress as if this were a real interview. By doing so, you can become comfortable with an interview situation dressed in professional attire. The Pre-Health Advisor will provide feedback as to appropriate interview attire. If you do not have interview attire at this time, please dress in the most appropriate outfit you have available.
Application Timeline
The entire application process lasts approximately 12 months. Whether you plan to apply immediately after your 3rd year, 4th year, or after graduation, this timeline begins in the fall prior to your application submission in August.
October
- Have your resume reviewed by a Career Counselor to use when requesting Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
- Attend all relevant application process meetings and workshops in preparation for application submission the following summer
- Consider creating an Interfolio account (Letter of Recommendation reference file account information can be found at Interfolio.com)
November
- Begin drafting personal statement
- Begin requesting LORs from faculty and healthcare professionals or employers
- Attend all relevant application process meetings and workshops if not attended in October
December
- Practice using InterviewStream to prepare for Mock Interview with Pre-Health Advisor
January
- Continue revising your Personal Statement Draft
- Submit Interview Stream for Mock Interview Appointment
February
- Research programs and schools
- Participate in Mock Interview Program
March
- Consider Mock Interviewing if not previously completed
April
- Participate in Mock Interview if not previously completed
May
- Finalize personal statement
- Confirm receipt of all LORs in Interfolio account
June
- Review AACPMAS application instructions
July
- Gather and compile any remaining materials in preparation for August application
- Utilize Interview Stream and Mock Interviewing
August
- Primary application (AACPMAS) opens in early August
- Submit primary application, transcripts, and all LORs
- Utilize Interview Stream and Mock Interviewing
September
- Complete secondary applications within two weeks of receiving them
- Utilize Interview Stream and Mock Interviewing
Fall
- Interviews begin and continue until spring
- Send any relevant updates (academic, co-curricular) to schools in December
Spring
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Make final choice of school based on AACPMAS traffic rules
