Primary Application:
Most health professions programs require a primary application submitted through a centralized service (see below). This application includes your personal statement, biographical info, coursework, extracurriculars, and a list of schools you’re applying to.
Since many schools use rolling admissions, we recommend submitting your primary application by late June. Application services typically open in May or June, but we suggest checking each service for exact dates. After submission, your application goes through a verification process (which can take a few weeks) before being sent to schools. You’ll then begin receiving secondary applications.
Our Preparation and Application Toward Healthcare (PATH) process is designed to help you prepare for both primary and secondary applications. Many of the questions mirror those on the actual applications, so thoughtful responses will serve you well throughout the process.
Allopathic Medicine Programs (MD):
AMCAS: American Medical College Application Service
AMCAS Applicant GuideDates
- Application opens: May 1
- Application submission available: Last week of May
- Verified applications sent to schools starting: Last week of June
Fees:
AMCAS requires an initial application fee of $175, which covers the cost of applying to one school. There is an added fee of $46 for each additional school to which an individual applies. The average applicant to medical school applies to around 17 programs.
For financial assistance, please see the AAMC Fee Assistance Program.
Program Selection:
For comprehensive information about MD programs in the United States and Canada, individuals should consider a subscription to the Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR) tool.
Osteopathic Medicine Programs (DO):
AACOMAS: American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service
AACOMAS applicant help centerDates:
- Application opens: First week in May
- Application submission available: any time after application opens
- Document processing starts: First week in May
Fees:
AACOMAS requires an initial application fee of $198, which covers the cost of applying to one school. There is an added fee of $55 for each additional school to which an individual applies.
For financial assistance, please see the AACOMAS Fee Waiver Program.
Program Selection:
The AACOM offers a free, searchable database of all osteopathic programs in the United States known as the Choose DO Explorer.
Dental Medicine Programs (DMD/DDS):
AADSAS: Associated American Dental Schools Application Service
AADSAS Applicant Help CenterDates:
- Application opens: Mid-May
- Application submission available: First week of June
Fees:
AADSAS requires an initial application fee of $264, which covers the cost of applying to one school. There is an added fee of $115 for each additional school to which an individual applies.
For financial assistance, please see the AADSAS Fee Assistance Program.
Program Selection:
The ADEA offers the Dental School Explorer as well as the Official Guide to Dental Schools. Prospective applicants can purchase either of these services, or a bundle of the two.
Physician Assistant Programs (PA):
CASPA: Central Application Service for Physician Assistance
CASPA Applicant Help CenterDates:
- Application opens: Last Thursday of April
Fees:
CASPA requires an initial application fee of $184, which covers the cost of applying to one school. There is an added fee of $61 for each additional school to which an individual applies.
For financial assistance, please see the CASPA Fee Assistance Program.
Program Selection:
The PAEA offers a free, searchable database of all of the Physician Assistant programs in the country, called the PAEA Program Directory.
Important Note:
CASPA, the application service for PA schools, does not accept committee letters or letter packets, so PA applicants must request individual letters from their recommenders.
Optometry Programs (OD):
OPTOMCAS: Optometry Centralized Application Service
OPTOMCAS Applicant Help CenterDates:
- Application opens: End of June
Fees:
OPTOMCAS requires an initial application fee of $187, which covers the cost of applying to one school. There is an added fee of $80 for each additional school to which an individual applies.
Program Selection:
The ASCO offers a comprehensive list of participating programs in the United States and Puerto Rico through the Directory of Schools and Colleges. To search programs based on their criteria, explore the Optometry Programs Admissions Directory.
Podiatry Programs (DPM):
AACPMAS: American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine Application Service
AACPMAS APPLICANT HELP CENTERDates:
- AACPMAS begins processing admission applications the first Wednesday in August each year for Fall admission the following year.
Fees:
AACPMAS requires an initial application fee of $205, which covers the cost of applying to one school. There is an added fee of $70 for each additional school to which an individual applies.
Program Selection:
The AACPM hosts a list of Accredited U.S. Podiatric Medical Schools for individuals to explore. The CPME also offers a free, searchable List of Podiatric Medical Colleges.