General Timeline
The Health Professions Advising Center (HPAC) helps Cornell students and alumni with the decision of when to apply, completion of applications in a timely manner, and navigating the admissions cycle.
Below is a broad overview, specific timelines for different professions can be found in the Application Module of the Pre-Health Guide.
+ Fall Semester, before intended application cycle:
- Begin the Application Module that aligns with your intended profession in the Pre-Health Guide. Recommend start date October.
- Attend HPAC application series events throughout the semester.
- Begin reaching out to letter writers.
- Complete assignments in the Application Module.
- Apply for fee assistance/waiver programs, if applicable.
- Register for standardized entrance exam.
+ Spring semester, leading up to intended application cycle:
- Complete assignments in the Application Module.
- Schedule Comprehensive Application Coaching Appointment with HPAC pre-health advisor. Completion of assignments in the Application Module are a prerequisite to qualify for an appointment.
- Take standardized entrance exam early spring, if you haven’t already.
- Jan/Feb: open PrivateFolio account (platform used to gather letters of recommendation and generate Cornell Letter Packet). Unique link for Cornell users and more information on the Letter Packet provided in Pre-Health Guide.
- Attend HPAC application series events throughout the semester.
- Request Cornell Letter Packet, once all letters are received.
- AMCAS/AACOMAS//TMDSAS all open in early May.
- CASPA opens in April.
- Begin working on your primary application.
- After confirming in Student Center that your spring grades have been posted, request your official Cornell transcript (through the registrar) be sent to the application service(s) you are applying to.
- Request all non-Cornell official transcripts to be sent to the application service(s) you are applying to.
+ Summer, cycle you are applying/submission:
- HPAC uploads your Cornell Letter Packet to PrivateFolio
- Submit your primary application.
- For PA programs, deadlines are not set by CASPA. Deadlines can vary and are determined by individual programs.
- Verification varies by application platform.
- Schedule delivery of your Cornell Letter Packet.
- Upon request, submit secondary applications to medical/dental schools.
- If applicable, schedule and take the situational judgement test (differs by program, please check for specific requirements).
- Attend the HPAC Interview Workshop.
+ Fall, after submission:
- If invited, interview with medical/dental schools.
- If relevant, provide letters of continued interest or update letters. Updates should be significant, new information, such as a new publication. We recommend developing a unique strategy for this, rather than "casting your net wide". Please consult HPAC if you have questions.
+ Spring, after submission:
Take stock of the offers you have and make a final decision. Please consult the school/program directly for specific information on deadlines, deposits, etc.
Learn more about financing health profession school next.