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Other Useful Tips
Getting Into a Training Program
After you’ve taken a look at training programs that interest you, the next step is to find out how to apply. Not all training programs have the same application requirements, so check the program’s website or visit their admissions office for more information.
College and Graduate Entrance Tests
There are a variety of tests that students are required to take or may choose to take when applying to schools to earn a degree. Check with the schools that you are interested in to determine which entrance exams they require or recommend. Check the links below to find out how and when to register for these exams, or ask your guidance counselor how and where to sign up.
- SAT: Most colleges require students’ scores on the SAT, which is made up of three sections: critical reading, math and writing.
- SAT Subject Tests: These tests measure your knowledge of a particular subject area. The most relevant to health are Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Math Level 1 and Level 2.
- ACT (American College Test): This test is an alternative to the SAT and is not as widely used as the SAT, so check with the schools before taking the ACT.
- AP (Advanced Placement) Tests: These tests are designed to measure a student’s knowledge of a particular subject — English, math, reading, science and writing — usually after taking the AP class during the school year.
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): This test measures English reading and writing skills of those students whose first language is not English.
- GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): This test measures verbal, math and writing skills at an advanced level and gauges readiness for graduate education at the master’s or doctoral level.
- GRE Subject Tests: These tests measure undergraduate achievement in eight specific disciplines: biochemistry, cell and molecular biology; biology; chemistry; computer science; literature in English; mathematics; physics, and psychology.
- MCAT (Medical College Admission Test): This test assesses critical-thinking skills and science concepts, and is required by most four-year medical schools.
Completing Applications
The first step in applying to a school is to get the application — either through your career counseling office or by writing, phoning or requesting an application over the Internet. The application for each school contains all the instructions about how to apply. Different schools have different requirements for admission, so be sure to check with the institutions where you’re applying to ensure that you send them a complete application.
Most schools require students to take the following steps:
- Complete the school’s questionnaire about yourself.
- Arrange to have a high school transcript sent to the college or university.
- Ask one or two teachers and/or a college advisor to fill out a letter of recommendation or evaluation form recommending you to the college or university, if needed.
- Write a personal essay as outlined by the school, if needed.
- Fill out the financial aid profile, if needed.
- Have an interview on or off campus, if needed. (See Interview Tips.)