Frequently Asked Applicant Questions

Application Cycle and Timeline Questions 

Q: How do I know if I’m ready to apply this year? 

A: In whichever year you apply, you should ensure that you have the strongest application possible. Review this flowchart to self-assess your readiness to apply. 

Q: When should I submit my application for my health graduate program? 

A: The table below outlines application opening months for the health professional programs we advise, as well as recommended timelines to apply.

Q: What parts are included in the application? 

A: While application content can vary depending on the type of program you apply to, most applications include some version of the following sections: 

• Biographical and demographic information: 
• Coursework and academic information/transcript request 
• Entrance exam score 
• Personal statement 
• Work and Activities/Experiences 
• Letters of evaluation 
• Secondary or supplemental applications 
• Situational Judgment Tests 

Q: What resources are available to guide me through the application process? 

A: Our office has compiled a list of comprehensive support resources available on this webpage. Other supports include: 

• Application Workshops: Learn about each component of the application from our PreHealth advisors. 
• Application Readiness Program: Work with your PreHealth advisor to develop the strongest application possible. 
• Specialized guidance on selecting letters of evaluation and creating a strategic school list. 

Q: How much does it cost to apply to a health graduate program? 

A: The table below outlines anticipated costs for program applications based on the number of schools our office recommends applying to. 

Application Readiness Program 

Q: What is the Application Readiness Program? 

A: The Application Readiness Program is offered by the PreHealth advising office to help applicants prepare the strongest application possible through the submission of a Mock Application (see section below) and completion of an Application Readiness Meeting with their PreHealth Advisor.

The Application Readiness Program is open only to Northeastern University undergraduate degree-seeking students and alumni and students and alumni of the Northeastern University’s Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Certificate Program (completion of at least 8 required courses).

Students who intend to request a Northeastern letter packet MUST participate in the Application Readiness Program. Candidates who are not using a letter packet may also participate in the Application Readiness Program. Please be mindful of all Application Readiness Program deadlines, found here.  

Q: Who can participate in the Application Readiness Program? 

A: Any Northeastern student or alumni who intends to apply in the particular cycle to medical, dental, physician assistant (PA), podiatry, veterinary, and optometry programs. Applicants who are applying with either individual letters or letter packets are invited to participate. Applicants who hope to utilize the Northeastern Letter Packet service must meet all deadlines for the letter packet and for the Application Readiness Program. 

Q: Can I still participate in the Application Readiness Program if I have not registered for my required entrance exam? 

A: This mandatory requirement applies to health professional programs that require an entrance exam for admission. In these cases, you must register for your entrance exam or be on a waitlist to complete the Mock Application and prior to scheduling your Application Readiness Meeting.

Q: Should I follow the first-time applicant or re-applicant Application Readiness Program Timeline?

A: A first-time applicant is someone who has never completed the application process for their chosen health profession before. If you are using a letter packet for the first time, you are also considered a first-time applicant. Applicants who withdrew their application in a previous cycle are also considered first-time applicants. A re-applicant is an applicant who has completed the application process in a prior cycle (unless they are using a letter packet for the first time). 

Q: What if I miss a deadline for the Application Readiness Program? 

A: All applicants are expected to meet all Application Readiness Program deadlines. It is uncommon for applicants to receive extensions. If you miss a deadline, consult with your PreHealth advisor about what services and support you can access. 

Q: What is an Application Readiness Meeting? 

A: An Application Readiness Meeting is a 45-minute meeting with your designated PreHealth advisor to review your Mock Application. This meeting is an open dialogue to discuss your strategy for the application cycle. Your advisor will provide feedback on the components of your Mock Application and offer recommendations. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions about the application process. 

Q: How can I prepare for my Application Readiness Meeting? 

A: Thoughtfully and carefully completing your Mock Application will allow you to receive the best feedback. Make sure to have reviewed all application workshops. In addition, 48-hours prior to your Application Readiness Meeting, let your advisor know if there have been any updates to materials (i.e. personal statement or experience portfolio). Come to your meeting with questions. While your advisor does not expect you to have all of your materials in a final version, they will expect you to have put significant time and effort into developing complete drafts. 

Q: My advisor doesn’t show availability for my Application Readiness Meeting soon. Can I meet with another advisor? 

A: Applicants are required to meet with their assigned PreHealth advisor for their Application Readiness Meeting. Email your assigned PMPH advisor to ask about availability. 

Q: I completed my Mock Application. How do I schedule my Application Readiness Meeting, and what should I do if I didn’t receive a confirmation email?

A: When you submit your Mock Application, you should receive an email confirmation at your preferred email address. This email includes a link to schedule your Application Readiness Meeting. If you don’t see the confirmation, first check your spam or junk folders, and verify any other email addresses you may have listed as your preferred email (it may not be your Northeastern email). If you still cannot locate the link, contact your assigned PreHealth Advisor for assistance.

Mock Application 

Q: What is the Mock Application? 

A: The Mock Application is a survey designed to mirror the questions you will receive on your real application. It is also a required component of the Application Readiness Program (see section above). This is not your official application, and it will not be submitted to health professional schools. While you may use content from the Mock Application in your actual application, this is a practice exercise designed to be reviewed individually with your PreHealth Advisor. 

Q: How long will it take to complete the Mock Application? 

A: The Mock Application includes several required components and cannot be completed in one sitting. We recommend setting aside multiple 2–3-hour sessions to ensure thorough completion. You can exit the Mock Application at any time and return later from the same computer to finish. Mock Applications that are incomplete or do not follow the guidelines will not be accepted. Candidates who submit an incomplete Mock Application may lose eligibility for the Application Readiness Program and Letter Packet process. 

Q: How do I access the Mock Application? 

A: Log into MAP and click the “Application Readiness Program” tab. Click on the link to the “Mock Application.” 

Q: Can I receive an extension on my Mock Application? 

A: In order to be fair to all students, we do not offer extensions to any deadlines for the Application Readiness Program (ARP). While students who miss the Mock Application deadline are no longer eligible to schedule an ARM, they are still encouraged to complete a Mock Application as a helpful exercise to draft and refine their application materials. Additionally, students may continue to schedule regular advising meetings with their assigned PreHealth advisor and are welcome to move forward with submitting their application to the health graduate program(s) of their choice. 

Q: Do I need to have a final draft of my personal statement or experience descriptions? 

A: A final draft of the written components is not required. However, you should have a complete draft of your personal statement in essay format, and experience descriptions written in complete sentences. 

Q: I completed my Mock Application. How do I schedule my Application Readiness Meeting, and what should I do if I didn’t receive a confirmation email?

A: When you submit your Mock Application, you should receive an email confirmation at your preferred email address. This email includes a link to schedule your Application Readiness Meeting. If you don’t see the confirmation, first check your spam or junk folders, and verify any other email addresses you may have listed as your preferred email (it may not be your Northeastern email). If you still cannot locate the link, contact your assigned PreHealth Advisor for assistance.

Prerequisites and Academics 

Q: I don’t have a 4.0 GPA. Can I still get into a health graduate program? 

A: Your GPA is an important metric on your application, but it is not the only metric. It is uncommon for applicants to have a 4.0 GPA. However, the average GPA for admitted students across health professions is above 3.6. If you are significantly below this GPA, speak with your PreHealth advisor about options for enhancing your GPA prior to applying. 

Q: I took CHEM 1161/1162 or CHEM 1151/1212, but my schools list two semesters of General Chemistry as prerequisites. What do I do? 

A: General Chemistry (CHEM 1161 or CHEM 1151) at NU encompasses most learning objectives from both General Chemistry 1 and 2. This is widely accepted by allopathic medical programs and is commonly accepted by other health professional programs as fully meeting their requirements. However, it is the student’s responsibility to review school-specific policies and consult their PreHealth Advisor regarding any exceptions.

If you qualify for a letter packet, the cover sheet links to Northeastern’s official coursework resource page with additional details. If a program requests more information regarding your general chemistry coursework, you can share Northeastern’s official coursework resource page for verification: Northeastern University Coursework

For guidance on how to communicate about this coursework in your secondary applications, watch our secondary application workshop.

Q: My health professions program requires statistics. Do I need to take a specific statistics class?
A: Any statistics class is typically acceptable, unless otherwise specified on a health profession program’s website. While some statistics courses are offered by departments other than the Department of Mathematics, they maintain a strong foundation in statistical principles and methodologies relevant to various fields of study.

If a program requests more information regarding your chosen statistics course, you can share Northeastern’s official coursework resource page for verification: Northeastern University Coursework

Q: Northeastern doesn’t list a standalone Medical Terminology course, but I took Basic Clinical Skills. How should I address this on my application?
A: This will not negatively affect your application. At Northeastern, a core focus of the Basic Clinical Skills course is introducing students to medical terminology. The course covers all chapters of Jane Rice’s Medical Terminology for Health Care Professionals and integrates these concepts throughout the curriculum. Because of this comprehensive coverage, Basic Clinical Skills is widely accepted by PA programs as fulfilling the medical terminology requirement. However, it is the student’s responsibility to review school-specific policies and consult their PreHealth Advisor regarding any exceptions.

If a program requests more information regarding your chosen medical terminology coursework, you can share Northeastern’s official coursework resource page for verification: Northeastern University Coursework

Q: What are my science, non-science, and cumulative GPAs, and how can I calculate them?

A: Centralized application services for health professional programs typically calculate multiple GPAs, including science (often called BCMP—Biology, Chemistry, Math, and Physics), non-science, and cumulative GPAs. These GPAs are calculated separately for undergraduate and graduate coursework.

To determine your GPAs, review the instructions in the GPA Calculations section under Supporting Information on the Academic Preparation page.

For some students, courses included in the science GPA may come from departments outside Biology, Chemistry, Math, or Physics but still focus on those subjects. Here is a list of NU courses that we’ve identified as meeting these criteria. Ensure that you classify the course in your primary application under the BCMP department most aligned with its content.

Q: If I retake a course, will the application service still calculate the original grade into my GPA(s)?

A: Health professional programs require you to report all attempts of repeated courses in your application. Application services will include every grade earned in their GPA calculations, even if Northeastern does not factor the original grade into your institutional GPA.

We generally do not recommend retaking a course in which you earned a passing grade (“C” or higher for most health professional programs). A stronger strategy to address a lower grade is to demonstrate improved performance in future, more advanced coursework.

Q: Can I still apply if I have not finished all my prerequisite courses? 

A: Prerequisite coursework varies across health professional programs. It is the applicant’s responsibility to review required coursework at each program they plan to apply. Some programs may require prerequisites to be completed prior to application submission while others may allow 1-2 prerequisites to be completed prior to matriculation. In cases where schools allow incomplete prerequisites, they often place preference on candidates who have completed all required courses by the time they apply. Therefore, it is generally in your best interest to complete prerequisite courses prior to taking your entrance exam. 

Additionally, completing required coursework helps you prepare for the program’s associated entrance exam. 

Entrance Exams 

Q: When should I take my entrance exam? 

A: It’s important to wait and take your entrance exam when you are ready and confident you will receive your goal score. This typically takes between 4-6 months of dedicated study. You should let your readiness dictate when you take your exam! You should also take your entrance exam at a time that allows you to apply early, based on the guidelines below: 

Q: What’s a good score on my entrance exam? 

A: You should aim for a score that is within the average range for schools you are interested in attending. National averages for students admitted to particular programs are listed below: 

Q: I am considering a reduced course load to prepare for my entrance exam. Is this ok?

A: We would not recommend a reduced course load in order to prepare for your entrance exam unless it is your final semester and you only have a few courses remaining to graduate. Programs seek students who exercise good time management and are fully engaging in a rigorous course of study. Rather than take a reduced course load, consider a more manageable course selection, study over a longer period of time, or adjust your application year to allow for additional preparation.

Q: Is it ok to retake my exam? 

A: While you should be as prepared as possible when you take the exam the first time, one poor score is unlikely to keep you out of your chosen health professional program. However, multiple low scores may cause a school to question if you are academically prepared for a rigorous graduate curriculum in the sciences. If you choose to retake your entrance exam, be sure to allocate sufficient preparation time and take multiple practice exams. Because each applicant’s context is unique, we also encourage you to meet with your PreHealth advisor to discuss your plan. 

Q: I didn’t reach my goal score on my exam. Should I still apply this cycle? 

A: Your entrance exam score is a key part of your application. If your score doesn’t align with the expectations of the programs you’re interested in, we recommend meeting with your assigned PreHealth advisor. They can help you revisit and revise your school list to ensure you’re maximizing your chances of success and/or help you decide if you should defer your application to a future year.

Q: How long should I wait before retaking my entrance exam? 

A: Rushing to retake an entrance exam often doesn’t yield the best results. We recommend taking several months to prepare thoroughly before attempting a retake, as it typically takes just as much time to study for a retake as it does for a first-time test taker. Depending on your timeline, this may mean postponing your application to a future cycle. 

Q: How many times can I take an entrance exam? 

A: This table shows the limits set by the exam services; however, you should not plan to maximize these limits, opting instead to take the exam the minimum number of times necessary to achieve your desired result. We recommend consulting with your PreHealth advisor if you plan to retake the exam. 

A: When should I take my Situational Judgment Tests (SJTs)? 

A: You should review the requirements for each of your schools to determine if they require a Situation Judgement Test (Casper or AAMC PREview). Typically, applicants take these tests in the June-August timeframe, following submission of the primary application, but check for program-specific deadlines. 

Letters of Evaluation 

Q: Should I request my letters of recommendation in MAP? 

A: Whether or not you request your letters in MAP is determined by the letter type you will use to apply to your program. Applicants who use individual letters SHOULD NOT request letters through MAP. These applicants should wait until they begin their application and request their letters directly through the application portal. 

Applicants using a letter packet MUST request their letters through MAP by the appropriate deadlines. All deadlines are listed on our Letters of Evaluation webpage. Please note that requesting a letter from an evaluator is different from requesting your letter packet. Requesting a letter from an evaluator happens before you begin your application. Requesting your letter packet takes place after you have submitted your application to your health graduate program.  

Q: All of my science classes were large lectures. I’m afraid my professor won’t remember me. What do I do? 

A: Even in large lecture classes, it’s possible to form a relationship with the professor by attending office hours and asking questions in class. If you did not do this during your class, but still performed well in the class, it’s possible a professor may still be willing to write a letter of evaluation for your application. Northeastern faculty members expect to be asked for letters of evaluation and understand that it is an important part of the application process. 

When you conduct your initial outreach to the professor, remind them of what class you took with them, the semester you took the class, and reflect on 2-3 things you learned from the class before asking for an appointment. You can also reflect on how that course is related to your interest in your chosen health profession. 

Q: Do schools favor applicants with one letter type over another? 

While schools sometimes indicate on their website that they “prefer” a particular type of letter (i.e. Committee Letter, Letter Packet, etc.), this preference is typically due to administrative reasons. Schools do not use letter types to filter or prioritize applicants. 

Q: What is a Committee Letter, and can I request one? 

A: A Committee Letter is a composite letter with an evaluation authored by a pre-health committee or pre-health advisor. A committee letter is often sent with additional letters of recommendation in support of your candidacy. Northeastern does not offer a committee letter service.

Northeastern University does offer a Letter Packet service. A letter packet is also a composite letter that includes multiple letters of recommendation in support of your candidacy, but it does not additionally include a pre-health committee evaluation. In its place, we include an institutional cover sheet from the PreMed and PreHealth Advising Program. 

Schools do not prioritize applicants with one type of letter over the other—both are equally valid. Many leading universities have discontinued offering Committee Letters, as the information they provided is often included elsewhere in the application. By focusing on a singular, robust Letter Packet, we eliminate duplication while improving support for your application.

Q: I requested a letter of recommendation in MAP but now I want a different person to write my letter instead. Can I swap out the letter? 

A: Letter swaps are only permitted in extenuating circumstances, usually when the letter-writer is suddenly unable to fulfill the request due to unforeseen circumstances. For this reason, you should be confident in your choice of letter-writer before requesting your letter in MAP. If you believe you have an extenuating circumstance that warrants a change in letter-writer, please reach out to your PreHealth advisor. 

Q: I’m a re-applicant. Since applying last year, I have developed new professional relationships, and would like to ask those individuals for letters, but I do not have any available spaces for new recommenders in MAP. What should I do? 

A: Contact your PreHealth advisor for instructions on how to request additional letters since your previous application cycle. 

Q: I need to request my letters to meet the letter packet deadline, but I think I might defer my application to a future cycle. What will happen to my letters? 

A: The PMPH office will store your previous letters in MAP. You do not need to request an updated letter from internal (faculty) recommenders if the letter was written in the last two years. However, we recommend that you request updates to your letters from external recommenders. Connect with your PreHealth advisor to learn about this process when you are ready to apply.  

Q: I’m using a letter packet and applying to medical school but did not form a close relationship with an MD or DO. Is it ok if I request a letter from another type of clinician, like an RN? 

A: A letter from an MD or DO is a required component of the Northeastern University Letter Packet for medical school. While a letter from an RN or another type of clinician may be used as an optional letter, it may not be substituted for an MD or DO letter. However, letter packets are optional. If the Northeastern University Letter Packet process, requirements, or timeline does not best represent your application, then applying with individual letters may be a better option. 

Q: I am having difficulty securing a letter of evaluation for my Letter Packet. Can I get an extension?

A: Our program strictly adheres to the established deadline to request all required letters of evaluation in MAP for the Northeastern University Letter Packet with no exceptions. However, letter packets are optional. If the Northeastern University Letter Packet process, requirements, or timeline does not best represent your application, then applying with individual letters may be a better option.

Q: I’m applying to PA school and do not have a letter from a PA. Is this ok? 

A: Applicants applying to PA school should review school-specific guidelines to see if a letter from a PA is required. While a letter from a PA may be preferred, most schools accept letters from other licensed clinicians.  

Q: After I request my letters in MAP, what do the different statuses mean? 

• If a letter is marked as “Sent,” it means that the request was emailed to the evaluator. 
• Letters marked as “Awaiting Verification” have been received from the evaluator and are waiting to be reviewed by PMPH staff for formatting components. 
• Once a letter has been reviewed by PMPH staff, it will be marked as “Verified.” These letters are ready for use in the letter packet. 

Q: My evaluator says they did not receive an email from PMPH to upload their letter. What should I do? 

A: First, confirm that the evaluator has checked their junk/spam folders in their email. If they cannot locate the email, double check that their email was input correctly into MAP. If it was not, reach out to your PreHealth advisor. If it was, re-send the request through MAP. This will re-send the link to the evaluator. 

Q: My evaluator agreed to write my letter, but they missed the submission deadline—or the deadline is soon, and it hasn’t been submitted to MAP. What should I do?

A: If your evaluator has agreed to write a letter, they are usually conscientious about meeting submission deadlines. It’s common for letters to arrive during the week they are due, so a short delay can be normal. You may send a couple of polite, well-spaced reminders, but always remain respectful. Extensions are only granted in extenuating circumstances, and we must speak directly with the evaluator to make such determinations.

Personal Statement 

Q: I don’t know where to start with my personal statement. What do I do? 

A: This is a common challenge! It’s difficult to summarize your path to your chosen field in a single essay. The Personal Statement Workshop can offer some ideas.  Some other options for brainstorming include: 

• Mission Statement: In a document or on a piece of paper, write down what impact you hope to have as a healthcare provider. Then, reflect on why it is important to you to have that impact. Identify experiences you’ve had that show why that impact was/is important to you. 
• Values Assessment: Use the Personal Statement Workbook to conduct a values assessment. Then, reflect on how these values drive you to pursue a career in healthcare. 
• Chronological Recounting: While your final draft of your personal statement should be more focused on themes than chronological, writing an initial draft that outlines your chronological path to healthcare can be a good place to start. Once you’ve written the draft, put it away for a couple of days. Then read it again and see what themes jump out to you. Ask yourself why you pursued each experience. 

Q: Who can help me brainstorm and revise my personal statement?  

A: You have many resources available to support you. Be sure to limit yourself to 2-3 —if you get feedback from too many sources, it becomes easy to lose your voice. Possible resources might include: 

• The Northeastern Writing Center: you can make online appointments as a student or alum to review your plans 

• Your PreHealth advisor: during your Application Readiness Meeting, you’ll review a draft of your personal statement together 

• A trusted mentor: if you have a mentor in the field you are pursuing, it can be helpful to receive their perspective 

Q: What is the character limit? 

A:

Q: I’m afraid my personal statement sounds cliche. How do I make it more unique? 

A: Rather than making it unique, focus on being authentic. Do some critical reflection on what has prompted you to pursue healthcare, and what impact you hope to have as a healthcare provider. Make sure that you can connect the experiences that you have had with these themes. 

Q: My disability and/or other personal health information is a big reason why I chose to pursue medicine. Is it ok to talk about this in my personal statement? 

A: This is a very personal choice, and there is no right answer. Medical schools cannot ask for this information, and they are not permitted to use this information in determining admissions decisions. However, if you choose to disclose this information on your application, you may be asked about it during an interview. If you choose to disclose this or similar sensitive information, consider the following: 

1. Be sure you are comfortable discussing the information further in an interview setting. 
2. Clearly connect your experience with your decision to pursue your healthcare profession, or how it will allow you to care for your patients more effectively. 
3. Write about your experience from a growth perspective, and identify skills you’ve developed to manage this aspect of your identity. 

Work and Activities 

Q: How many experiences should I include in my application? 

A: Most competitive applications list between 12-15 distinct experiences. However, the quality of your experiences also matters. You should be able to write reflectively about each experience and connect it to the pre-med competencies. Typically, applicants only list experiences they have participated in after graduating from high school. Only in very unusual circumstances is it acceptable to list high school experiences. Consult with your PreHealth advisor if you have questions about this. 

Q: How should I be logging experiences before my application? 

A: Our office has created an Excel document that allows you to track your experiences in one place. You can download that document here.  

Q: What is the character limit for each description? 

A:

Q: How should I write about these experiences in my application? 

A: Your experience descriptions should strike a balance between providing context and reflecting on the competencies you developed. For common roles, like a medical assistant, it’s unlikely that you would need to give a detailed description of your tasks or the job description. However, if you have a unique experience, it may be useful to provide a one-sentence summary of the purpose of the organization and your role in it. Wherever possible, use specific examples to illustrate the competencies you used. Remember to show rather than tell. Watch our Work and Activities Workshop for more guidance. 

Q: I don’t have contact information for some of experience entries. What do I enter? 

A: You may enter yourself as a contact if there is not another person. It’s important to have a contact listed, but it’s also uncommon for medical schools to reach out to this person. 

Q: How many clinical/research/volunteer/etc. hours should I have on my application? 

A: There is no magic number of hours in each of these areas. In general, strong applicants have: 

• Multiple clinical experiences, including shadowing and paid/unpaid hours. It’s recommended to have ongoing and/or recent clinical experiences at the time of your application submission. For PA applicants, our office recommends accruing at least 2,000 hours of direct patient care experience by the time of application. 

• For medical applicants, a long-standing research experience. The national average for research hours is over 1,000 hours. However, keep in mind that this is an average, and some candidates had more and some less than that. 

• Multiple volunteer experiences are recommended. Ideally, at least one of these should last more than six. It’s recommended to have ongoing and/or recent volunteer experiences at the time of your application submission to show continued investment in serving your community. 

Q: Can I list future or anticipated experiences? 

A: On AMCAS (MD), you can list anticipated experiences. However, keep in mind that these experiences have less impact on your application, because you can’t reflect on what you have learned from them. In general, you should only list 1-2 anticipated experiences at most, and only if you are confident they are going to take place. 

Q: I’m a PA applicant. How do I know if my experience counts as direct patient care? 

A: You should reflect on the tasks you completed in a role to determine if it will qualify as direct patient care. If you were directly responsible for a patient’s care, then it generally qualifies as patient care experience. Our office recommends having at least 2,000 hours of direct patient care experience at the time of your application. If you had a position in which part of your responsibilities included direct patient care, and the other portion was administrative, it would be appropriate to split the role into two separate entries on the CASPA. See the CASPA Applicant Guide on the PAEA website for more information. 

Q: Can I split up an experience into multiple entries? 

A: In some cases, it can be appropriate to split an experience into multiple entries. In most cases, this will be because you held two different roles within an organization. If you split experiences, be sure to offer different reflection or information in the associated description. 

Q: Can I combine experiences? 

A: Similarly, there are some cases where it can be appropriate to combine experiences. This is typically for applicants completing the AMCAS, where multiple experiences resulted in the development of similar skills. Common examples include combining shadowing experiences into a single entry, or multiple roles within one student organization/club. 

Q: Which experiences should be my most meaningful experiences (AMCAS and TMDSAS only)? 

A: There is no right answer to this question. Your most meaningful experiences should be those that truly impacted your journey to healthcare the most. However, most applicants typically choose at least one clinical experience to be a most meaningful experience. 

Developing a School List 

Q: How many schools should I be applying to? 

A:

Q: How can I compare schools I’m interested in? 

A: Our office has created a template that you can use to keep track of schools you are interested in. You can download the template here.  

Use your program specific school search tool to learn more about schools of interest: 

• MD: MSAR tool (subscription required) 

• DO: Choose DO Explorer 

• Dental: ADEA Dental School Explorer 

• PA: CASPA Program Directory 

• Optometry: ASCO Admissions Directory 

• Veterinary: VMSAR 

Q: How do I know if I’m a good fit for the schools I’m applying to? 

A: There are many factors you should consider when assessing your fit for a school. One of the most important factors is the school’s mission statement. You should review the school’s mission statement and determine if you align with the goals and values of the school. You can do this by reviewing the school’s website, attending admissions events, and reviewing their secondary application prompts. 

You should also ensure that your metrics (GPAs, Entrance Exam Scores) match those of students admitted to the school. Other factors to consider include (but are not limited to) state residency (many public schools and some private schools favor in-state applicants), geographic location, urban/suburban/rural setting, and cost. 

Q: Is there a difference in applying to public schools versus private schools? 

A: There can be! In general, public schools are required to reserve a certain number of seats for in-state applicants, which can limit the number of acceptances they offer to out-of-state applicants. Be sure to research the extent to which a public school you are interested might favor in-state applicants before applying.  

Q: Shouldn’t I just apply to as many schools as possible to “cast a wide net”? 

A: No! A strategic school list, rather than an extensive one, yields results. If you apply to schools that don’t match your applicant profile, you risk spending time, energy, and money on a school where you have a lower chance of acceptance. While it’s okay to put a few schools that fall a little outside of your profile, around 80% of your schools should be ones that closely align with your experiences, values, and metrics. 

Primary Application Questions 

Q: When does the application open? 

A:

Q: What is “verification” for health graduate applications?

A: Verification is the process by which your application service (AMCAS, AACOMAS, AADSAS, etc.) reviews and confirms the coursework you entered against your official transcripts from all U.S. and Canadian colleges and universities (including U.S. institutions overseas) where you attempted college credit. During verification, your grades, credit hours, and course classifications are checked for accuracy, and your GPA is calculated using the service’s standardized format. Letters of evaluation are not required for verification to begin or be completed. Your application will not be considered complete—or sent to schools—until verification is finished. Verification timelines vary depending on the service and the time of year, so submit your transcripts and application early to avoid delays.

Q: How long does verification take? 

A:

Q: How do I record my letter packet in AMCAS? 

A: Indicate that you will apply with a letter packet. Then input the information your designated PreMed/PreHealth advisor as indicated below. While AMCAS provides an option to list each individual contributor to your letter packet, this is not required. 

• Name: Advisor Name 

• Address: 360 Huntington Ave 

• City: Boston 

• Phone: 617-373-3310 

• Email: Your advisor’s email address 

Q: How do I record my Letter Packet in LiaisonCAS (DO and Dental ONLY)? 

A: Indicate that you will submit a “Committee Letter” (AACOMAS and ADEA AADSAS do not have an option to select “Letter Packet”). Enter only one letter for your Letter Packet, listing your PreHealth Advisor as the author and including their email address. Use July 31, 2026 as the due date (though Letter Packets are typically uploaded within 2–3 weeks of your request). You must waive your right to access the evaluation. You do not need to record a message for the evaluator.

Q: I’ve recorded my Letter Packet evaluation request on my application(s). Does this mean that my Letter Packet is requested? 

A: No. After you submit your application(s), you must upload a PDF of your submitted application to MAP, complete MAP, and then request your letter packet through MAP. See additional instructions for “Completing MAP.” 

Q: My letters were requested and received in AMCAS, but my school’s secondary application portal indicates my letters are not received. What should I do? 

A: This could be due to a delay in processing between AMCAS and the school. Additionally, you should confirm that you assigned your letters to the specific schools in AMCAS. To do this, go to the Medical Schools section of your application, select the school, click Edit, scroll to Your Letter of Evaluation/Recommendation, choose the letter(s) you want to assign, and click Save.

Q: When asked, should I list co-op as a lecture, lab, or both? 

A: Co-op does not fall into a neat category. You can make the most appropriate determination based on the work you completed while on co-op. If your co-op was lab-based, it may be appropriate to list it as a lab. Otherwise, listing it as a lecture will be fine. 

Q: What is course classification, and how do I determine how to classify a course? 

A: Use your application service’s course classification guide to classify your courses based on the content of the course, which may be different from the course code that Northeastern uses. Depending on the application service, this may be called “classification” or “subject.”  

For example, on AMCAS, even though your Biochemistry course code is BIOL, it should be listed as Chemistry to align with the AMCAS classification guide. Another example is listing Human Anatomy and Physiology on the CASPA application. The NU course code is BIOL, but a more appropriate classification might be Anatomy, which is more specific. Do your best with the classifications. 

Q: I’ve taken courses at other U.S. colleges or universities (including community college or dual enrollment while in high school). Do I need to list these courses?

A: Yes. You must list every course for which you attempted college credit, even if it was taken at a community college, through dual enrollment in high school, or if the credit did not transfer to Northeastern. Create an entry for the school where you took the course, list the course, and request that a transcript from that school be sent to your application service.

Q: How do I list AP credit on my application? 

A: AP credit is usually listed alongside the first semester of coursework you completed at your primary institution. Application services typically have notations to indicate that the course was earned AP credit. Review your applicant guide for further details. 

Q: I spent five years at Northeastern. What do I list for my academic status for the fifth year? 

A: The Application Service(s) only recognize undergraduate academic statuses of Freshman, Sophomore, Junior and Senior. For students enrolled on a 5-year plan at NU, each undergraduate status should consist of about 24 to 35 credit hours (not including AP or college-level coursework credits before entering college). You should usually change your Year in School after every two semesters of full-term (i.e., Fall or Spring), full-time coursework. Do your best! It does not need to be perfect. 

Q: Do I need to request that my entrance exam scores be sent to my application service? 

A: AMCAS is the only application service that automatically receives entrance exam scores. For all other applications (AACOMAS, OptomCAS, CASPA, ADEA AADSAS, VMCAS), applicants must submit their scores to the application service. This is typically done through the testing vendor’s website. View your applicant guide for further details. 

Q: What is an impactful experiences essay, and do I need to write one? 

A: Some application services (like CASPA) may require an impactful experiences essay. This is an essay about any life circumstance that has impacted your journey to your health professional program. If an application service requires the essay, then you will need to submit one. If not, it is at your discretion; schools do not expect all applicants to include one. The guidance from the AAMC may also be helpful. If you’re not sure whether or not to respond to this question, ask your PreHealth advisor during your Application Readiness Meeting. 

Entering Study Abroad Coursework 

Q: How do I input coursework if I complete a Dialogue of Civilizations or Semester/Summer-In Program? 

AMCAS:  To differentiate between courses taken at your home institution and credits earned while on a DOC or Summer/Semester In, in the “Schools Attended” section of the application, list Northeastern University twice:  

• The first entry should be “Northeastern University” (Transcript Required)  

• The second entry should be “Northeastern University – Study Abroad – [city of DOC or Semester/Summer In]” (Transcript not required). The dates for this entry should only encompass when your study abroad took place.  

These courses should be listed under “Northeastern University – Study Abroad – [city of DOC or Semester/Summer In]” and included in your application exactly as they appear on your Northeastern University transcript. 

LiaisonCAS: List these courses normally with the rest of your undergraduate courses, exactly as they appear on your Northeastern University transcript. Make sure you mark these courses as Study Abroad during Transcript Review. Do not report your study abroad school as a foreign institution! A copy of your transcript not required. 

Q: How do I input coursework for a traditional study abroad program or Global Quest at an American institution overseas? 

• In the “Schools Attended”/”Colleges Attended” section of the application enter the name of the American college/US institution overseas you attended.  

• Input all coursework taken at the American college/US institution overseas under that institution.  

• Enter all coursework taken at an American college/US institution overseas exactly as it appears on the official transcript from the American college/US institution overseas.  

• Request an official transcript from the American college/US institution overseas be submitted to your application. 

Q: How do I input coursework for a traditional study abroad program or Global Quest at a foreign institution?  

AMCAS:  

• In the “Colleges Attended” section of the application enter the foreign institution you attended.  

• Input all coursework taken at the foreign institution under that institution.  

• Enter all coursework taken at the foreign institution exactly as it appears on the official transcript from NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY.  

• Do not request transcripts from the foreign institution. 

LiaisonCAS: If your grades for study abroad courses appear on your undergraduate Northeastern University transcript, you should list these courses normally with the rest of your undergraduate courses. Make sure you mark these courses as Study Abroad during Transcript Review. Do not report your study abroad school as a foreign institution or request transcripts from the foreign institution. 

Q: How do I input coursework if I completed NUin/NUBound through a US institution overseas? 

AMCAS & LiaisonCAS:  

• In the “Schools Attended”/”Colleges Attended” section of the application enter the name of the American college/US institution overseas you attended.  

• Input all coursework taken at the American college/US institution overseas under that institution.  

• Enter all coursework taken at an American college/US institution overseas exactly as it appears on the official transcript from the American college/US institution overseas.  

• Request an official transcript from the American college/US institution overseas be submitted to your application. 

Q: How do I input coursework if I completed NUin/NUBound through a foreign institution? 

AMCAS: 

• In the “Colleges Attended” section of the application enter the foreign institution you attended.  

• Input all coursework taken at the foreign institution under that institution.  

• Enter all coursework taken at the foreign institution exactly as it appears on the official transcript from NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY (with “T” for the grade).  

• Do not request transcripts from the foreign institution. 

LiaisonCAS: 

• Since your grades for these programs do not appear on your undergraduate transcript (i.e., they are listed as “Transfer” credit or “T”), you should report that you attended a foreign institution.  

• You do not need to list your courses under foreign schools as we do not allow foreign coursework to be recorded.  

• Do not request transcripts from the foreign institution.  

• Check with your programs to determine if they require/recommend foreign coursework evaluations. 

Q: I completed NUin Boston. How do I list that coursework? 

AMCAS: 

• In the “Schools Attended” section list Northeastern twice: Once as “Northeastern University – College of Professional Studies” for your NUin Coursework, and once as “Northeastern University” for your undergraduate degree program.  

• Input all coursework taken at NUin under “Northeastern University – College of Professional Studies” exactly as it appears on the Northeastern University “Undergrad Special” (unofficial in Banner) or “College of Professional Studies” (official) transcript (e.g., the version that includes the letter grade).  

• Do not request a transcript from this school! For “Northeastern University – College of Professional Studies”, select “Multiple-degree or consortium/cross-registration program with no separate transcript available”. 

LiaisonCAS: 

• In the “Colleges Attended” section only list Northeastern once.  

• List these courses normally with the rest of your undergraduate courses, exactly as it appears on the Northeastern University “Undergrad Special” (unofficial) or “College of Professional Studies” (official) transcript (e.g., the version that includes the letter grade).  

• Make sure you mark these courses as Study Abroad during Transcript Review. 

Q: I participated in a study abroad program that doesn’t fall into one of those categories. How do I list the coursework? 

A: In most cases, study abroad programs are transcripted through a US-based School of Record. Determine your school of record and follow instructions from AMCAS and LiaisonCAS. 

Q: How do I access my NUin transcript? 

A: If you need to request your NUin transcript, please review the NUin alumni resources page and find the instructions associated with the program you completed. 

Completing and Submitting Your Application 

Q: How do I know if my degree is conferred? 

A: The Northeastern degree conferral date is listed on the academic calendar. Typically, degrees are conferred in late April. However, it can take the Registrar’s office a few weeks to process the conferral for it to appear on your transcript. You can check your unofficial transcript to see if your degree conferral has been listed. 

Q: How do I order my transcript? 

A: Transcript orders are processed through Parchment. Our office recommends that you order an official transcript for yourself, in addition to sending a copy to your application service. Make sure to review your transcript to ensure it is correct. 

Q: Can I submit my application before my letters of evaluation have been submitted? 

A: Yes. Even though they are requested during the primary application step, the letters themselves are typically considered to be part of the secondary application. If you are using a Letter Packet, you are required to submit your application before your Letter Packet can be processed. 

Q: How do I enter co-op as coursework? 

A: For many, 6-month co-ops appear as two entries on your transcript (one for the summer portion, and one for the Fall or Spring semester). Enter both separately under the semester they appear on your transcript. For example, course code is COOP 3945, course title is Co-op Work Experience, subject can be listed as “Other Health Prof”, credits are 0, grade is S. 

Completing MAP 

Q: How do I complete MAP? 

A: Applicants MUST complete MAP in order to request their Letter Packet from the PMPH office. To complete MAP you must fully complete each section of the portal: 

1. Academics: Record your test scores. 
2. Evaluations: All required letters must be in the status “Verified”
3. Experiences & Activities: Upload your completed Experience Portfolio Template.
4. Personal Statement: Upload your completed Personal Statement Workbook or your final personal statement.
5. Application Readiness Program:
   • Upload a copy of your completed Mock Application. 
   • Upload a copy of your submitted primary application (make sure it has the “submitted date” listed on the PDF). 

Once you have completed all of the above steps, your MAP is considered completed and you will be able to request your Letter Packet in MAP.

Q: The Student Information included in my MAP “Profile” is not accurate. Can I update it?

A: Information included in the Student Information section of the MAP profile is automatically generated from your student account information in Banner. Even if it has changed/is inaccurate, the PMPH team does not rely on this information or share it with health professional programs.

Secondary Applications/Program Materials 

Q: When will I start to receive secondary applications? 

A: For some programs, secondaries are also called “Program Materials,” and are embedded within the primary application. For most MD and DO schools, secondaries are released after your application has been verified and transmitted to medical schools. This often happens in July and August. 

Q: When should I submit my secondaries? 

A: If not included with your primary application, submit your secondaries within 2-3 weeks of receiving the request for secondaries. 

Q: Will I receive secondaries for every school I applied to? 

A: Not necessarily. Some schools send secondaries to every applicant, but some schools screen applicants prior to sending secondaries. The process varies by school. 

Q: My secondary asks about a committee letter. How do I respond? 

A: Some programs may ask why you did not receive a Committee Letter. This question is not meant to suggest that a Committee Letter is preferred; rather, it is intended to better understand how you chose to engage with the advising resources available at your undergraduate/post-baccalaureate institution.  

In your responses, feel free to adapt the text below to your particular situation: 

• If you are applying with a Letter Packet: The Northeastern University PreMed and PreHealth Advising Program only offers a Letter Packet service and does not offer an additional Committee Letter service.  

• If you are applying with Individual Letters: The Northeastern University PreMed and PreHealth Advising Program does not offer a Committee Letter service. I additionally chose not to participate in my institution’s Letter Packet process because I wanted greater flexibility and customization in the types of letters I submitted—an approach that differed from the standardized format required by my school’s letter packet. 

A: When should I take my Situational Judgment Tests (SJTs)? 

A: You should review the requirements for each of your schools to determine if they require a Situation Judgement Test (Casper or AAMC PREview). Typically, applicants take these tests in the June-August timeframe, following submission of the primary application, but check for program-specific deadlines. 

Q: I took CHEM 1161/1162 or CHEM 1151/1212, but my schools list two semesters of General Chemistry as prerequisites. What do I do? 

A: General Chemistry (CHEM 1161 or CHEM 1151) at NU encompasses most learning objectives from both General Chemistry 1 and 2. This is widely accepted by allopathic medical programs and is commonly accepted by other health professional programs as fully meeting their requirements. However, it is the student’s responsibility to review school-specific policies and consult their PreHealth Advisor regarding any exceptions.

If you qualify for a letter packet, the cover sheet links to Northeastern’s official coursework resource page with additional details. If a program requests more information, you can also share this page for verification: Northeastern University Coursework.

For guidance on how to communicate about this coursework in your secondary applications, watch our secondary application workshop.

Interview 

Q: I received an interview invitation! What resources are available for me to practice interviewing? 

A: The PMPH advising office is happy to offer mock interviews. Applicants should not schedule a mock interview until they receive an interview invitation from a school. Information on how to schedule a mock interview will be available after the Interview Workshop (see schedule here). 

Other resources available to you include: 

• Northeastern’s Career Design office offers a number of interviewing resources (such as Big Interview) on their website HERE. 

• The PMPH Interview Workshop, found HERE. 

• What it’s Like to Participate in Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs). 

• AAMC’s Interview Preparation Guide. 

Communication with Admissions

Q: Admissions emailed me to inform me that I have outstanding prerequisites because I took CHEM 1161/1162 or CHEM 1151/1212, and they require two semesters of General Chemistry as prerequisites. What do I do?

A: General Chemistry (CHEM 1161 or CHEM 1151) at Northeastern University encompasses the learning objectives of both General Chemistry I and II. This sequence is widely accepted by allopathic medical programs and is commonly accepted by other health professional programs as fully meeting their requirements. However, admissions committees may occasionally reach out for clarification or choose not to accept this as a full substitute for their general chemistry requirement.

Below is sample wording you can copy and adapt when responding to admissions emails:

Dear [Admissions Office or Specific Contact Name],

A majority of colleges at Northeastern University have adopted an integrated general chemistry course (CHEM 1161 or CHEM 1151) that encompasses the learning objectives of both General Chemistry I and II. Northeastern recommends a chemistry sequence for PreHealth students that includes 5 credits of General Chemistry, followed by Organic Chemistry I and II, and Biochemistry—with accompanying laboratory components—before graduation.

This sequence totals 20 credit hours of chemistry coursework, which meets or exceeds the prerequisites for many professional programs. The Northeastern PreMed and PreHealth Advising Office has worked closely with the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology to draft departmental letters and compile course descriptions and syllabi as supplementary documentation to accompany the official Northeastern University transcript. This information can be found here: Information about Northeastern University coursework.

I am reaching out to confirm whether my integrated General Chemistry course, combined with my upper-level chemistry coursework, satisfies your program’s chemistry prerequisites. If your program requires an additional course, I will make plans to fulfill this requirement.

Thank you for your time and guidance.

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Applicant ID]

Q: There have been several changes to my application since I have applied. How do I inform schools of this?

A: You may send update letters if the information is substantial and adds a new perspective on you as an applicant. Typically, updates are sent once interview season is well underway (about 4–5 months after submitting your primary application).

Admissions committees are busy, so you should avoid sending multiple messages. Only update schools where you have not yet interviewed, and confirm that the school accepts updates (usually on their admissions website). Updates are generally not recommended for schools where you have already interviewed or are scheduled to interview, as the interview itself largely determines the admissions decision.

Note: Templates for update letters will be shared through PMPH cycle email communications once the application cycle reaches the appropriate stage.

Q: I’ve been waitlisted at a medical school. Is there anything I can do to help my chances of acceptance?

A. If you are waitlisted, you may send a letter of intent to one school to indicate that you would accept an offer if admitted from the waitlist. This is important because schools want to ensure that accepted waitlisted candidates will attend.

The letter is most effective after all acceptance decisions have been sent and schools have moved to their waitlists. Sending it too early may reduce its impact, as schools are aware that some applicants may send letters without being fully committed.

Note: Templates for letters of intent will be shared through PMPH cycle email communications once the application cycle reaches the appropriate stage.