3- 12 MONTHS PRIOR
JUNE 1 - DECEMBER
B E F O R E A P P O P E N S
BEFORE JUNE 1
Identify who will write your3 - 6
letters of recommendation.
Recommended: 2 from science
professors, 1 from non-science
professor, research mentor,
community leaders, orwork
supervisor
AMCASapplication opens
AMCAS Cost (2017): $160 for first
school, $39 for each additional
school. Fee waivers available.
AUGUST - FEBRUARY
Medical schoolinterviews
Out-of-state travel expenses
(e.g., flight, lodging) can total to at
least $500 out of pocket.
APRIL - JUNE
Individuals on the
waitlistnotifiedwhether they
have been accepted.
Study for and take theMCAT.
MCAT scores take up to 1 month
to be processed.
MCAT Cost (2017): $310
Fee waivers available.
Recommended: Minimum300
hours of test preparation
Prepare, edit, and finalize your
personal statement.
Request official transcripts be
forwarded directly to AMCAS by
each university/college attended
Update your resume/CV
The med school application process
typically begins 1.5 years before an
applicant attends medical school.
JULY - FEBRUARY
Submit school-
specificsecondary/
supplemental applications
Cost (2017): $0 - $150 per
secondary/supplemental
application. Fee waivers
available.
SEPTEMBER - APRIL
Acceptancesreleased
Highly recommended to submit your application as soon as it opens.
Each medical school has their own set of coursework requirements.
Check each school's website for additional details.
Faith-based medical schools may require additional letter of
recommendation from clergyman or spiritual leader.
UCLACAC: Pre-Health Career Services in Medicine
Special Thanks toKevin Truong, UCLA'16, UCLA DGSOM '20| Information Cultivated by Becky La, UCLA '16
NOTE:Medical schools have
rolling admissions policies.
AMCAS: American Medical College Application Service
AAMC: Association of American Medical Colleges
3- 12 MONTHS PRIOR
JUL 15 - NOVEMBER 1
B E F O R E A P P O P E N S
BEFORE JULY 15
Identify who will write
your3letters of
recommendation.
Recommended:1 from
pharmacist, 1 from science
professors, 1 fromnon-science
professor, research mentor,
community leaders, orwork
supervisor
PharmCASapplication opens
PharmCAS Cost (2017): $175 for
first school, $55 for each
additional school. Fee waivers
available.
Submit school-specific
secondary/
supplemental applications.
Cost (2017): $0 - $90 per
secondary/supplemental
application. Fee waivers
available.
Study for and take the PCAT.
Only offered in January, July, and
September. Official scores take
up to 1 month to be processed.
PCAT Cost (2017): $210
Fee waivers available.
Recommended: Minimum300
hours of test preparation
Prepare, edit, and finalize your
personal statement.
Request official transcripts be
forwarded directly to PharmCAS
by each university/college
attended
Update your resume/CV
Thepharmacyschool application
process typically begins 1.5 years before
an applicant attendspharmacyschool.
AUGUST - MARCH
Pharmacy school interviews
Out-of-state travel expenses
(e.g., flight, lodging) can total to
at least $500 out of pocket.
Do NOT enter information into PharmCAS before July 15th or else all
inputted information will be erased, but submit as soon as it opens.
Eachpharmacyschool has their own set of coursework requirements.
Check each school's website for additional details.
Faith-based pharmacy schools may require additional letter of
recommendation from clergyman or spiritual leader.
Deposits to hold your spot may be refunded depending on the
pharmacy school's policy.
UCLA CAC: Pre-Health Career Services in Medicine
Acceptances released.
NOTE: Applicants have 2 weeks
from interview to accept or deny
their admission. Tohold your spot,
must submit $200 - $2000 deposit.
Individuals on the waitlist
notifiedwhether theyareaccepted.
Special Thanks toVanessa Lee, UCI '16, USC Pharmacy '19 | Information Cultivated by Becky La, UCLA '16
PharmCAS: Pharmacy College Application Service
pharmacyforme.org |
American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy
JUNE 1 -FEBRUARY 1
B E F O R E A P P O P E N S
BEFORE JUNE 1
3 - 12 MONTHS PRIOR
Identify who will write your3 - 4
letters of recommendation.
Recommended:1 fromdentist, 2
from science professors
AADSASapplication opens
AADSAS Cost (2017): $245for
first school, $98for each
additional school. Fee waivers
available.
Study for and take theDAT.
Can only take exam 3 times.
Official scores take up to 1
month to be processed.
DAT Cost (2017): $415
Fee waivers available.
Recommended: Minimum 300
hours of test preparation
Prepare, edit, and finalize your
personal statement.
Request official transcripts be
forwarded directly toAADSASby
each university/college attended
Update your resume/CV
Thedental school application
process typically begins 1.5 years
before an applicant
attendsdentistryschool.
JULY - MARCH
Dental school interviews
Out-of-state travel expenses
(e.g., flight, lodging) can total to
at least $500 out of pocket.
DECEMBER - MARCH
Acceptancesreleased
START EARLY
Shadow dentists and acquire
dental experience
Competitive applicants
complete minimum 100 hours
of shadowing/dental experience
It is highly encouraged to mention manual dexterity skills (e.g.,
activities requiring hand-eye coordination) in AADSAS application
Eachdental school has their own set of coursework requirements.
Check each school's website for additional details.
Each dental school may require secondary materials. Check school's
application requirements in AADSAS application for additional details.
Faith-based dental schools may require additional letter of
recommendation from clergyman or spiritual leader.
UCLA CAC: Pre-Health Career Services in Medicine
Individuals on the waitlist
notifiedwhether they have been
accepted.
Special Thanks to Marvin Chen, UCLA '16 & Michael Ly, UCLA '17, Dental School Applicants & Christine Nguyen, UCLA
'15, ATSU Dentistry '21 | Information Cultivated by Becky La, UCLA '16
AADSAS: Associated American Dental Schools Application Service
ADEA: American Dental Education Association
ASDA: American Student Dental Association
NOTE:Most dentalschools have
rolling admissions policies.
Highly recommended to submit
application as soon as it opens.
JULY 18-FEBRUARY 1
B E F O R E A P P O P E N S
BEFORE JULY 18
3- 12 MONTHS PRIOR
Identify who will write your3 - 5
letters of recommendation.
Recommended:1 fromOT, 1 from
professor, 1 fromprofessor,work
supervisor, community leader, or
research mentor
OTCASapplication opens
OTCAS Cost (2017): $140 for first
school, $60 for each additional
school. Fee waivers available.
Submit
supplemental/secondary
applications
Supplemental Cost (2017):
$0 - $85
Study for and take theGRE.
Official scores take up to 14 days
to be processed.
GRE Cost (2017): $205
Fee waivers available.
Recommended: Minimum100
hoursof test preparation
Prepare, edit, and finalize your
personal statement.
Request official transcripts be
forwarded directly toOTCAS by
each university/college attended.
Update your resume/CV
Theoccupational therapyapplication
process typically begins 1.5 years
before an applicant
attendsoccupational therapy school.
Occupational therapy
schoolinterviews
Out-of-state travel expenses
(e.g., flight, lodging) can total to
at least $500 out of pocket.
Acceptances released
Individuals on the waitlist
notifiedwhether they have
been accepted.
START EARLY
Shadow occupational therapists
in 2 different settings and
acquire OT experience
Competitive applicants
complete minimum80hours of
shadowing/OTexperience.
Options to apply directly to school's program are available.
Highly recommended to submit your application as soon as it opens.
Not all occupational therapy schools require the GRE. Check each
school's website for their standardized test requirements.
Eachoccupational therapy school has their own set of coursework
requirements. Check each school's website for additional details.
UCLACAC:Pre-Health Career Services in Medicine
Special Thanks toTeresa Cao, UCLA '16, OT School Applicant| Information Cultivated by Becky La, UCLA '16
OTCAS: Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service
AOTA: American Occupational Therapy Association
APRIL 27 - MARCH
BEFOREAPRIL 27
3- 12 MONTHS PRIOR
Identify who will write
your3letters of
recommendation.
Recommended:2 from physician
assistants, 1 from work/volunteer
supervisor, research mentor, or
community leader
CASPAapplication opens
CASPA Cost (2017): $175for first
school, $50 for each additional
school. Fee waivers available.
Study for and take theGRE.
Official scores take up to 14 days
to be processed.
GRE Cost (2017): $205
Fee waivers available.
Recommended: Minimum100
hoursof test preparation
Prepare, edit, and finalize your
personal statement.
Request official transcripts be
forwarded directly toCASPAby
each university/college attended.
Update your resume/CV
The physicianassistant application
process typically begins 1.5 years
before an applicant
attendsphysicianassistantschool.
Submit
supplemental/secondary
applications.
Cost: $30 - $110
Fee waivers available.
MAY - JANUARY
Acceptances released.
SEPTEMBER - APRIL
APRIL 27 - MARCH
 PA school interviews
Out-of-state travel expenses
(e.g., flight, lodging) can total to
at least $500 out of pocket.
START EARLY
Shadowphysicianassistants
and acquirePAexperience.
Competitive applicants
complete minimum2000hours
of shadowing/PAexperience.
Research PA programs.
Highly recommended to submit your application as soon as it opens.
Eachphysicianassistant schoolhas their own set of coursework, GRE,
letters of recommendation, and shadowingrequirements.Research
programs 6 - 12 months before CASPA opens and check each
school's website for additional details.
UCLA CAC:Pre-Health Career Services in Medicine
BEFORE APP OPENS
Individuals on waitlist notified
whether they have been
accepted.
Special Thanks toRyan Fong, UCLA '13, UC Davis Physican Assistant'17| Information Cultivated by Becky La, UCLA '16
CASPA: Central Application Service for Physician Assistants
PAEA: Physican Assistant Education Association  | PA Focus
JULY 1 - MAY
BEFORE APP OPENS
BEFOREJULY 1
3 - 12 MONTHS PRIOR
Identify who will write your3 -
4letters of recommendation.
Recommended:1 fromPT, 1
fromscience professor, 1
fromprofessor,work/volunteer
supervisor, community leader,or
research mentor
PTCASapplication opens
PTCAS Cost (2017): $145for first
school, $45for each additional
school. Fee waivers available.
Study for and take theGRE.
Official scores take up to 14 days
to be processed.
GRE Cost (2017): $205
Fee waivers available.
Recommended: Minimum100
hours of test preparation
Prepare, edit, and finalize your
personal statement.
Request official transcripts be
forwarded directly toPTCASby
each university/college attended
Update your resume/CV
The physical therapyapplication
process typically begins 1.5 years
before an applicant attendsphysical
therapyschool.
Submit
supplemental/secondary
applications.
Cost: $50 - $110
Fee waivers available.
JULY - MARCH
Acceptances released.
DECEMBER - JUNE
DECEMBER - MARCH
 PTschool interviews Out-of-state travel expenses
(e.g., flight, lodging) can total to
at least $500 out of pocket.
START EARLY
Shadowphysical therapist and
acquirePTexperience in 2-3
different settings.
Competitive applicants complete
minimum 100 hours of
shadowing/PT experience
Highly recommended to submit your application as soon as it opens.
Not all physical therapy schools require the GRE. Check each school's
website for their standardized test requirements.
Eachphysical therapyschoolhas their own set of coursework
requirements. Check each school's website for additional details.
UCLA CAC: Pre-Health Career Services in Medicine
Individuals on waitlist
notifiedwhether the they have
been accepted.
NOTE: Each PT program's
supplemental deadline varies.
Special Thanks toCarolyn Phan, CSUF '16, PT School Applicant| Information Cultivated by Becky La, UCLA '16
PTCAS: Physical Therapy Central Application Service
APTA: American Physical Therapy Association
MAY 11 - OCTOBER 2
BEFORE MAY 11
3 - 12 MONTHS PRIOR
Identify who will write your3
letters of recommendation.
Recommended:1
fromveterinarian, 1 fromprofessor,
1 fromsupervisor, community
leader, or research mentor
VMCASapplication opens
VMCAS Cost (2017): $205for first
school, $105for each additional
school. Fee waivers available.
NOTE: Must send all application
materials (including LoRs and
transcripts) by September 15th
at midnight (EST).
Study for and take theGRE.
Official scores take up to 14 days
to be processed. Biology GRE
subject test may also be
required.
GRE Cost (2017): $205
Biology GRE Cost (2017): $150
Fee waivers available.
Recommended: Minimum100
hours of test preparation
Prepare, edit, and finalize your
personal statement.
Request official transcripts be
forwarded directly to VMCASby
each university/college attended
Update your resume/CV
Theveterinaryschoolapplication
process typically begins 1.5 years
before an applicant
attendsveterinary school.
Submit
supplemental/secondary
applications.
Cost: $0 - $120
Fee waivers available.
MAY - OCTOBER
Acceptances released.
Individuals on waitlist
notifiedwhether they havebeen
accepted.
JANUARY - APRIL
DECEMBER - MARCH
 Veterinaryschool interviews Out-of-stateand country travel
expenses (e.g., flight, lodging)
can total to at least $500 out of
pocket.
START EARLY
Shadowveterinarians and
acquiresubstantial experience
working with animals first-hand
There are only54veterinary schools in theworld (30 in the US).
Highly recommended to submit your application as soon as it opens.
Some veterinary schools do not require GRE scores or also accept
MCAT scores. Check each school's website for additional details.
Eachveterinaryschoolhas their own set of coursework requirements.
Check each school's website for additional details.
UCLA CAC: Pre-Health Career Services in Medicine
B E F O R E A P P O P E N S
Special Thanks toOri Nagasaka, UCLA '16, UC Davis Veterinary '20| Information Cultivated by Becky La, UCLA '16
VMCAS: Veterinary Medical College Application Service
AVMA: American Veterinary Medical Association
JUNE 28 -MAY
B E F O R E A P P O P E N S
BEFORE JUNE 28
3 - 12 MONTHS PRIOR
Identify who will write your
3 - 4 letters of
recommendation.
Recommended:1 from
optometrist, 1 from science
professor, 1 from supervisor,
research mentor, or community
leader
OptomCASapplication opens.
NOTE: Optometry schools have
rolling admissions policies.
OptomCAS Cost (2017): $170 for
first school, $70 for each
additional school.
NO fee waivers available.
Study for and take theOAT.
Can only take exam 3 times.
Official scores take up to 1
month to be processed.
OAT Cost (2017): $450
Partial fee waivers available.
Recommended: Minimum300
hoursof test preparation
Prepare, edit, and finalize your
personal statement.
Request official transcripts be
forwarded directly toOptomCAS
by each university/college
attended.
Update your resume/CV
Theoptometry schoolapplication
process typically begins 1.5 years
before an applicant attends
optometryschool.
Optometry schoolinterviews. Out-of-state travel expenses
(e.g., flight, lodging) can total to
at least $500 out of pocket.
Acceptances released.
Individuals on the waitlist
notifiedwhether they have been
accepted.
JULY - MARCH
Submit school-specific
secondary/supplemental
applications.
Cost: $25 - $125
Fee waivers available.
OCTOBER - JUNE
SEPTEMBER - MAY
START EARLY
Shadow optometrists
andacquireoptometry
experience.
Currently, there are only 23 optometry schools in the US/Puerto Rico.
Highly recommended to submit your application as soon as it opens.
Each optometry school has their own set of coursework
requirements. Check each school's website for additional details.
UCLACAC: Pre-Health Career Services in Medicine
Special Thanks toLorraine Cheng, UCLA '16,UC Berkeley Optometry '20| Information Cultivated by Becky La, UCLA '16
OptomCAS: Optometry Centralized Application Service
ASCO: Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry
MID-AUGUST
B E F O R E A P P S O P E N
BEFOREAUGUST
3 - 12 MONTHS PRIOR
Identify who will write your3 - 5
letters of recommendation.
Recommended:2 from
academic professors, 1 from
work/volunteer supervisor,
research mentor, or community
leader
SOPHASapplication opens.
Application cycle lasts until the
following August.
SOPHAS Cost (2017): $135 for
first school, $50 for each
additional school. Fee waivers
available.
Study for and take the GRE.
Official scores take up to 14 days
to be processed.
GRE Cost (2017): $205
Fee waivers available.
Recommended: Minimum 100
hoursof test preparation
Prepare, edit, and finalize your
personal statement/statement
of purpose.
Request official transcripts be
forwarded directly toSOPHASby
each university/college attended.
Update your resume/CV
Theprocess of applying to MPH
programs typically begins 1.5 years
before an applicant starts an MPH
program.
Individuals on the waitlist
notified whether they have
been accepted.
Submit school-specific
secondary/supplemental
applications.
Fee waivers available.
JANUARY -APRIL
APRIL - MAY
START EARLY
Researchschools with MPH
programs geared towards your
area(s) of interest
Not every MPH program uses SOPHAS to submit their program
application. Check each school's website for additional details.
It is highly encouraged to receive a letter of recommendation from
public health professor, if possible.
Most MPH programs have a December 1st deadline, but this varies.
EachMPH program has their own set of coursework requirements.
Check each school's website for additional details.
SOPHAS: Schools of Public Health Application Service
Acceptances released
All applicants must
accept/decline admission by
April 15th
Special Thanks toMichael Huynh, UCLA '16,UC BerkeleyPublic Health'18| Information Cultivated by Becky La, UCLA '16
ASPPH: Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health
CEPH: Council on Education for Public Health
AUGUST - FEBRUARY
B E F O R E A P P S O P E N
BEFOREAUGUST
3 - 12 MONTHS PRIOR
Identify who will write your
3 - 4 letters of
recommendation.
Recommended:1 fromacademic
professor,2fromwork supervisor,
research mentor, orvolunteer
coordinator
NursingCAS/nursing
schoolapplications open.
NursingCAS Cost (2017):$70 for
first school, $40 for each
additional school.
Fee waivers available.
Prepare, edit, and finalize
yourstatement of
purpose/personal statement.
Request official transcripts be
forward directly tonursing
school/NursingCAS by each
university/college attended.
Update your resume/CV
Thenursingapplication process
typically begins 1.5 years before an
applicant attends nursing school.
Acceptances released.
Individuals on the waitlist
notified whether they have
been accepted.
JANUARY - FEBRUARY
Nursing schoolinterviews
Out-of-state travel expenses (e.g.,
flight, lodging) can total to at least
$500 out of pocket.
MARCH - JULY
FEBRUARY - MARCH
START EARLY
Shadowandacquire
experience in clinical settings
Competitive applicants
complete minimum 100 hours
of shadowing/nursing
experience.
Strongly recommended to complete ALL coursework before applying.
Some schools have 1-3 cycles per year, and some schools only open
their application for 1-3 months. Not all nursing schools use
NursingCAS. Check each school's website for additional details.
Some nursing schools do not require GRE/TEAS test scores.
Some nursing schools conduct interviews (online or in-person), while
some do not. Check each school's website for additional details.
UCLA CAC: Pre-Health Career Services in Medicine
Study for and take the GRE
and/or TEAS Test.
OfficialGRE scores take up to 14
days to be processed.
TEAS Cost (2017): $100
GRE Cost (2017): $205
Fee waivers available.
Recommended: Minimum 100
hoursof test preparation
Special Thanks to Minh Truong, UCLA '16, Nursing School Applicant | Information Cultivated by Becky La, UCLA '16
NursingCAS: Nursing Centralized Application Service
discovernursing.org
SEPTEMBER - FEBRUARY
B E F O R E A P P S O P E N
BYOCTOBER
3 - 12 MONTHS PRIOR
Identify who will write your
2 -5letters of
recommendation.
Recommended:1from
academic professor, 2 from
work/volunteer supervisor,
research mentor, or community
leader
Applications open.
Application Cost (2017): $0 - $90
Fee waivers available.
Study for and take the GRE.
Official scores take up to 14 days
to be processed.
GRE Cost (2017): $205
Fee waivers available.
Recommended: Minimum 100
hoursof test preparation
Prepare, edit, and finalize your
personal statement/statement
of purpose.
Prepare to requestofficial
transcripts be forwarded directly
to the programs being applied to.
Update your resume/CV
Theprocess of applying tohigher
education/student affairs programs
typically begins 1.5 years before an
applicant startstheir HESAprogram.
Individuals on the waitlist
notified whether they have
been accepted.
NOTE: Most programs
havepriority deadlines in
early/mid-December, while
some have rolling deadlines.
JANUARY -FEBRUARY
MARCH - APRIL
START EARLY
Researchschools that have
graduate assistantships geared
towardsyour area(s) of interest.
There are 150+ universitiesthat offer 1-yearor2-year higher
education/student affairs programs. Check NASPA's and ACPA's
graduate school directories for additional information.
Not all programs require the GRE. Some will only require it if GPA
requirements are not met. Check each school's website for more info.
Some programs require 2 academic letters of recommendation and
ask transcripts to be sent after acceptances are released. Check each
school's website for additional details.
There is no centralized application service. Apply via school's website.
NASPA - Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education
Acceptances released.
On-campus preview days
andinterviews (for assistantships)
Out-of-state travel expenses (e.g.,
flight, lodging) can total to at least
$500 out of pocket.
NOTE: Not all programs will require
an assistantship, but it is strongly
recommendedtoseek out one to
gain experience and to help
fundyoureducation.
Special Thanks toEric Kang, UCLA '15, MSU Student Affairs Administration '19 | Information Cultivated by Becky La, UCLA '16
All applicants must
accept/decline by April 15th.
NOTE: Some schools will not let
recommenders submit letters
until application is submitted.
ACPA: American College Personnel Association
SEPTEMBER -MARCH
B E F O R E A P P O P E N S
BY SEPTEMBER
3 - 12 MONTHS PRIOR
Identify who will write your
2 -3letters of
recommendation.
Recommended:2from academic
professors
LSAC's CASapplicationopens.
Application Cost (2017): $60 - $150
Fee waivers available.
Prepare to request official
transcripts be forwarded
directly to LSAC's CAS.
Update your resume/CV
Register for LSAC's CAS service.
CAS Cost (2017): $185
Fee waivers available.
Study for and take theLSAT.
Offered 6 times per year. Can
only take exam 5 times.
LSAT Cost (2017): $180
Fee waivers available.
Recommended: Minimum200
hoursof test preparation
Prepare, edit, and finalize your
personal statement.
Some law schools allow the
GREin lieu of the LSAT. Official
GRE scores can take up to 14 days
to process.
GRE Cost (2017): $205
Fee waivers available.
Recommended: Minimum 100
hours of test preparation
Theprocess of applying to law
schooltypically begins 1.5 years
before an applicant starts attending
law school.
NOTE: Most law schools have
rolling admissions policies.
Visit law schools and/or law
school interviews
START EARLY
Researchlaw schools with
programs geared towardsyour
area(s) of interest.
Highly recommended to submit application as soon as it opens.
LSATis offered in February, June, September, and December. Strongly
recommended to takethe LSAT no later than September test date.
Law schools mayissue decisions at any time, taking as long as 4-5
months but as short as 3 weeks after application is submitted.
If law schools request to interview, strongly recommended to go in
order to provide law schools another opportunity to see you beyond
your application.
AALS: Association of American Law Schools
Special Thanks toJosh Tran, UCLA '17, UCLA Law '20 | Information Cultivated by Becky La, UCLA '16
MARCH - MAY
Acceptances released
Individuals on waitlist notified
whether they have been
accepted.
NOTE: Law schools allow you to
negotiate scholarship/aid
amounts. Negotiate aid amounts
as soon as you receive
moreacceptances.
ABA: American Bar Association | LSAC: Law School Admissions Council