1. Applying to Medical/Vet/Dental School in 2020-2021 cycle and Beyond
Your Dartmouth Health Professions Program Team
Sarah Berger
Alicia Kehn
Rae Stokes
Michael Zegans, MD

2. Data and other admissions factors
Application components (including the composite letter, and other letters of evaluation)
Timeline/Resources
Data and other admissions factors
Road Map Includes:

3. How do Dartmouth Applicants do?
Some data!

4. Accepted Applicant Information (2019 Matriculants)
National
Dartmouth
# of Applicants
50,906
141
% Accepted
43%
(21,741)
76-86%
Median CGPA (Accepted)
3.72
3.65
Median *BCPM (Accepted)
3.56
Median MCAT
(Accepted)
514
516
Ave Schools # Per Applicant 23
Ave # of Acceptances Per Applicant
2.8
*Science GPA (BCPM) includes Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math, Stat, Neuroscience (not Psych), some engineering
Interesting to Note:
Of the 36 applicants who did not receive an acceptance this past cycle:
If we were to “take out” those who applied even with strong advice to wait or applied w/out seeking advice but whom we would have advised to wait— percentage increases to 86%
Another group were older alum we never met-if we were to “remove” from list 92% acceptance
5 were applicants we were very hopeful for but could have gone either way
3 were real surprises

5. Applicants Not Accepted (2019) Matriculation)
Dartmouth Accepted
Dartmouth Not Accepted
Median
Cum GPA
3.65
(range: )
3.3
(range: )
Median *BCPM
3.56
(range: )
3.20
(range: )
Median MCAT
516 (range: )
511 (range: )
*Science GPA includes Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math, Stat, Neuroscience (not Psych), some engineering
Applicants Not Accepted (2019) Matriculation)
Unsure of what goes into your Science GPA?
See the AMCAS Course Classification Guide below
Website Link
PDF version

6. OTHER Factors AS Well As GPA & MCAT
Clinical Experience/Exposure
Service/Altruism
Research/Scholarly Experience
Personal Statement
Interview
Letters of Evaluation
Utilization of Advising Services
Road/Distance-Travelled
Sincerity
School List (fit)
OTHER Factors AS Well As GPA & MCAT

7. Evaluating Beyond The Numbers qualities
Skills and Abilities
Personal/Professional Characteristics
Active listener
Problem solver
Communicator (oral, written)
Critical thinker
Multilingual
Initiative
Follow Through
Cultural Competency
Integrity/Judgment
Resiliency
Adaptability
Reliability/Dependability
Persistence
Motivation
Intellectual curiosity
Empathy
Compassion

8. While it can sound like a check list….
There are natural reasons why certain attributes and skills are valued, and still in the end…

9. This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC

10. If you are thinking of applying this year:
Make your intention to possibly apply known to our advising system.
Join the MedApp listserv by going to HPP website homepage.
You can join if you wish to get information in anticipation of a future application.
Have a conversation with an advisor as to whether 2020 is the optimum time for you to be applying to medical school or whether delaying would be beneficial to your outcome.
Familiarize yourself with all the sources of information. Use the HPP website!
Fill out the Timeline Agreement
Keep to announced deadlines
Read all application newsletters!
If you are thinking of applying this year:

11. Resources for the 2020-2021 cycle (and Beyond)
Your Dartmouth Pre-Health Advisors and Program Coordinator (of the Health Professions Program)
HPP website: instructions for application process
American Association of Medical Colleges:
Links for: AMCAS, MCAT, MSAR, Aspiring Docs.org

12. Timeline
General Overview

13. Timeline: AMCAS 2020-2021 Composite Process Fall 19-Summer 20
Learn about composite process
Choose and ask letter writers
Discuss if needed with HPP
Open PrivateFolio
Complete Forms for HPP
Write auto sketch, update resumé & transcript
Send to support writers
Upload documents
Reflection, Writing, Letters
Winter-Spring 20
Reflect and write
Brainstorm
Attend “Writing for Application Workshops”
Send reminders to writers
Monitor PrivateFolio
Preparing the Application
Prepare application
Draft essay and activities
Review with HPP advisors and/or other readers
Attend “How to Fill Out Application” workshop
Choose medical schools
Prepare your application to submit
The Official Application
Summer 20
Complete and submit primary application
When complete, transmit composite letter and packet Upload official transcripts
Work on secondary applications
Interview Invitations
Fall 20
Finish up secondaries
Interviews begin and continue through March
October 15: first round of offers begins; rolling basis after
Complete FAFSA
Interviews, Final Decisions
Winter-Spring 21
Continue interviews
If holding more than 1 offer, begin withdrawing other offers and finalizing decisions
Some schools will release offers in March

14. CASPer Test Website: https://takecasper.com/
Test Dates:
When you register, you will see a list of schools that require it.
You will want to select all the schools that will receive the report.
CASPer Webinar: information-webinar-for-us-applicants admissions- cycle/
Cost: $10 for exam, additional $10 fee/per school
After the test, it takes 4 weeks to deliver your scores to schools.

15. Timeline: AMCAS 2020-2021 Submitting Primary Application
June ‘20-Early July ’20
Read Application Guides for more information
Demographics
Work and Activities
Personal Statement
Exam Scores
Composite letter
Transcripts
Schools
Secondary Applications
Early July ‘20-Early Sept ’20
Essays for each school
How you met prerequisites (sometimes)
Combined with portal for uploading updates
Interviews
Early Aug ‘20-Early March ’21
Traditional
Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI)
Hybrid
Timeline: AMCAS

16. The 4 parts of a complete application
Common Application Services:
Allopathic Medicine (MD): AMCAS
Osteopathic Medicine: AACOMAS
Dentistry: AADSAS
Veterinary Medicine: VMCAS
All Health Grad Programs Texas TMDSAS

17. Application Components
1. Test scores
MCAT score for medical
DAT for dental
GRE for veterinary
2. Letters of evaluation
Composite Letter
3. Primary application
Personal background information
Experiences
Personal narrative
School list
4. Secondary applications
Supplementary essays/questions
Additional $$
Application Components
Interview invitations anytime between late Aug-early March

18. 1. Test Scores

19. Testing: MCAT (allopathic and osteopathic medical programs)
Registration:
Late October for dates in the upcoming year (i.e. Late October 2019 for 2020 test dates)
for regular updates and announcements
Cost: $315
Fee Assistance (next slide)
How to prepare
MCAT Survey: “How Dartmouth Students Prepare”
MCAT-AAMC Link
Testing Accommodations
Link for more information
Testing: MCAT (allopathic and osteopathic medical programs)

20. Fee Waivers-MCAT & Application Fees
AMCAS/MCAT Fee Assistance (link):
Apply at least 6 weeks before signing up for MCAT (not retroactive)
Gives you reduced MCAT and rescheduling fees.
Gives you free MCAT practice products.
Gives you free access to MSAR report.
Gives you waiver for that cycle’s application fee (up to 20 MD schools).
Many medical schools will also waive secondary fees.
AACOMAS Fee Assistance (link):
Apply in May (as soon as you create an application).
First come, first served, usually run out by August.
Must submit application within 14 days of award.
Worth $195 (1 school). Applicants still must pay $45 per school after that.
Fee Waivers-MCAT & Application Fees

21. 2. The Dartmouth Composite Letter of Evaluation
And supporting letters of evaluation

22. The Composite Letter of Evaluation for MD/DO/Dental programs
What is it?
What do YOU need to do?
Read through explanation on HPP website > application section
Listen to MED/APP PODCAST RE: Composite Letter of Evaluation Process.
Read Newsletters
Letters of Evaluation

23. A unique, comprehensive letter of evaluation that shares a cohesive narrative about the applicant. It includes information about an applicant’s academic/intellectual background, their extracurricular experience, and their personal/professional qualities.
The Composite Letter Dartmouth’s Letter of Evaluation For MD, DO, and Dental Schools

24. You choose a Composite Writer, from the Dartmouth Community (including Geisel and DHMC) most often a faculty member, sometimes staff, PI, etc.
They are your “main” writer
You choose 3-5 Support Writers
Using information from support letters, and including their own evaluation, the Composite Writer creates one cohesive letter “presenting you,” from Dartmouth.
How does it work?

25. Your writers (including Composite) will be from among these categories:
2 faculty who have taught you in a science class (one can be science- based neuro or engineering)
They don’t both need to be from Dartmouth)
One faculty from major (if other than science), and/or from another type of class that was meaningful for you
Experience outside the classroom, such as a research supervisor (PI), coach, internship supervisor, job supervisor, FSP faculty, conductor, etc. (this can include individuals outside of Dartmouth as well
Your Writers
The best combination of writers are different facets of you and your experiences.

26. The completed COMPOSITE LETTER OF EVALUATION document is created by the Health Professions Program staff. HPP ensures confidentiality, integrity, and quality of the letter.

27. HPP Forms to submit online Here :
TIMELINE AGREEMENT: Fall through Mid-Winter Terms (target)
Confirms that you understand your responsibilities and steps through the process
Lets the HPP office know who is anticipating applying in that cycle
COMPOSITE LETTER WORKSHEET: Fall through Mid-Winter (target)
This lets HPP know and review who your intended support and composite writers will be
COMPOSITE LETTER RELEASE: Spring-Early Summer (target)
Submitted when all your support letters and documents have been uploaded in PrivateFolio.
“Release” notifies us that your file is ready to be sent to your composite writer and gives us identifying information so that we match the correct support letters.
HPP Forms to submit online Here :
The forms you must complete

28. Choose and ask a “Composite Writer”
Choose and ask 3-5 supporting letter writers
Create deadlines for your writers
Submit a Timeline Agreement Form to HPP
Submit a Composite Worksheet to HPP
Start a PrivateFolio account-use our specific instructions
Input your support writers’ contact info into PrivateFolio
Write an autobiographical sketch
Update your resume
Submit auto sketch and resume to support writers
Upload your auto sketch, resume, and transcript onto PrivateFolio
Submit a “Release to Composite” form: HPP then delivers support letters plus auto sketch, resume etc, to composite writer
Summary of Steps
YOU CAN CONSULT YOUR HPP ADVISORS ABOUT CHOOSING WRITERS; HOW TO ASK; SETTING DEADLINES

29. Timeline: Support Writers
Target Deadline for Support Letters: April 1-15
HPP Deadline: May 30
These deadlines are ideal for things to happen in a timely fashion, there is some flexibility and exceptions based on writer needs and changes in your own timeline
Discuss deadlines with writers based on their schedule:
Do they need to write sooner?
Later?
How does that change your timelines?
Ultimately the letters must be completed in a timely fashion to most fully benefit your own application timeline.
Timeline: Support Writers
Discuss with HPP if you have timeline questions or concerns.

30. Timeline: Requesting Letters
Asking writers: October-February-15TH
The sooner the better:
Writers may get multiple requests and their roster may fill
It can be helpful for them to know now that this task is on their calendar
It allows you to give them a generous deadline while still having letters completed in a timely fashion so that HPP can support the process in a timely fashion—benefitting your application cycle.
HPP Deadline: March 20
(Exceptions):
You are still getting to know faculty and staff that you hope to ask
Something changes
Your decision to apply came late (if so, please discuss with advisor)
Timeline: Requesting Letters

31. Start a PrivateFolio Account
Go to our HPP Pre-health Advising website for instructions to Dartmouth’s HPP PrivateFolio account
ehealth/applying/evaluation_let ters/interfolio.html
Submit Letter Request forms for Each Writer (PrivateFolio will send them a link for uploading letters)
Let writers know they will be receiving that link
Start a PrivateFolio Account

32. You thank them for agreeing to write, and share the deadline dates you’ve agreed upon.
You can update them with any news along the way
You can send them a gentle reminder about the letter 2-3 weeks before due date, and again, 5-7 days before do date. Emphasize gentle.
Etiquette

33. Monitor Privatefolio and Your letters
When your support letters are all submitted in PrivateFolio:
SUBMIT YOUR RELEASE TO COMPOSITE FORM TO HPP
Monitor Privatefolio and Your letters

34. Scenario Timeline Your support writers agreed to an April 1st Deadline
You want your composite writer to have at least 4-6 weeks to write their letter
You submit your Release to Composite to HPP on April 3rd
It takes HPP up to 1-3 weeks to process depending on different factors
Composite writer gets material on April 20
In this scenario: good due date for composite writer=June 5-15
Scenario Timeline

35. After Composite Release is submitted
HPP staff send File that includes your support letters + your personal documents, along with explicit instructions to your composite writer
4-6 Weeks later (typically), writer sends letter directly to HPP
HPP staff review letter: Works directly with composite writer for any revisions weeks. (often sooner, but it can take that long)
HPP staff takes final letter and creates
COMPLETED COMPOSITE LETTER OF EVALUATION
After Composite Release is submitted

36. Transmitting to application systems
The final composite product is one single PDF.
It includes the composite letter, your 3-5 support letters and a cover letter from the HPP office that explains some unique aspects of Dartmouth College.
The HPP office works closely first with you, and then with your composite writer directly.
The letter is usually completed between late spring to mid- summer of the year you are applying.
Once the Composite Letter of Evaluation is completed, you will receive notification from our office with instructions for how to send it to AMCAS (MD), AACOMAS (DO) or AADSAS (Dental) Application service.
Transmitting to application systems

37. Timing of Letter Submission
Applicants submit their Composite Letter of Evaluation AFTER they have submitted their primary application.
You don’t have to wait to submit your primary application for the letter to be completed. It is typical for the Composite Letter (and Committee Letters from other schools) to be added later.

38. 3. Primary Application

39. Primary Application: AMCAS
Personal information (issue of institutional action/misdemeanor/felony)
Grades from all institutions with transcripts (paper)
Personal statement/narrative
Dual degree essays included here (ex: MD/PHD research statement)
Activities & experiences
School list: how to decide
Fees: $170 for first school; $40 for each additional school
See Fee Assistance Program (FAP)
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: MCAT SCORE IN HAND FIRST!
Primary Application: AMCAS

40. Institutional Action Felonies Misdemeanors
AMCAS (and Dental, Vet etc) will ask you if you have ever had an institutional action, felony, and/or misdemeanor. Secondaries might ask about “summary offenses” and other charges.
If you have—you must say “yes” and explain. Don’t freak out.
Please talk directly to your pre-health advisers about this between now and early spring.
We can coach you
What you will say about it
How to bring it forth to your composite writer or one of your support writers to give it context.
Institutional Action Felonies Misdemeanors

41. 4. Secondary Applications

42. Secondary Applications
Includes essays and other short questionnaires
Not all schools screen before sending secondary applications
Treat each secondary as if it’s the only one that matters!
Avoid:
Focusing on speed versus quality, or quality without timeliness
Getting tired, experiencing burnout, and trying to re-use when not appropriate
Be sure you know school mission, values, curriculum
Be sure you know how your candidacy aligns
Make sure THEY know too
Secondary Applications

43. Am I ready? 2020-2021 (and beyond) Timeline Questions
Should I apply in 2020?
When should I take the MCAT exam and how should I prepare for it?
When should I begin to ask for letters of evaluation and how does the Dartmouth letter system work?
How does the actual AMCAS application process work and what dates am I aiming for to complete it?

44. Applying in 2020-21 and beyond: final reminders/Advice
Medical application newsletters
Reflection assignments to prepare you and provide material to letter writers
Fall/Winter/Spring Term Workshops
The Composite Letter of Evaluation
Getting Started on a Personal Statement
Filling out the AMCAS Application
Choosing Schools
Interviewing
Post-Bacc/Gap Year Options
Investment of your time to do all of this
Applying in and beyond: final reminders/Advice

45. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else.
Final Advice:
Don’t compare yourself to anyone else.
Be yourself.

46. Questions?