Green Hall 4th Floor
106 Central Street
Wellesley, MA 02481
Tel 781-283-3145 cseltzer@wellesley.edu
Welcome to Career Education’s Health Professions Advising page. Through the resources on this page, we will help you to explore clinical care across a variety of patient-facing roles, including: nursing, dentistry, veterinary medicine, medicine, physical therapy, speech language pathology, physician assistant, podiatry, pharmacy, and more. We encourage you to use this page to learn more whether you are exploring, preparing, or applying within the health professions. We look forward to working with you!
Watch the recording of our October 2022 Info Session "What I Wish I Knew My First Year," which covers how to plan your path to medical school, be successful in academics, and prepare early for the application process.
Sign up for newsletters!
Update your Career Interests in Handshake to sign up for Health Profession newsletters from Cindy! You'll learn about events, discover opportunities, hear alumnae stories, and more.
Green Hall 4th Floor
106 Central Street
Wellesley, MA 02481
Tel 781-283-3145 cseltzer@wellesley.edu
Office hours
Appointments can be scheduled in Handshake for Mon–Fri.
Discounted Test Preparation Resources for the MCAT and DAT
Health Professions Advising is pleased to offer students and alums a discount on common test prep products, including Princeton Review, AAMC Prep Bundle, DAT Bootcamp, & UWorld MCAT Prep.
In addition to advising students applying for medical school, Health Professions advising at Wellesley can help you explore other patient-facing careers.
The Pre-Med Scholars program supports Wellesley's inclusive excellence initiative, preparing students for careers in medicine by offering connections, information and opportunities during the crucial first year of college. The goal of the cohort program is to support students from low-income and first generation backgrounds in successfully preparing for and entering medical careers.
Interested in learning more about the Medical Professions Advising Committee (MPAC) letter process and learning more about Wellesley admissions to medical school? Learn more in our 2023-24 Annual Report.
Upskill is a one-week, immersive experiential learning opportunity during wintersession where students will gain hands-on experience and begin building skills in specific industries. Students will participate in a 4 day hands-on learning experience at Harvard Medical School with the MEDscience program. Participants will take part in simulated medical emergencies and learn new medical skills to encourage critical thinking, effective communication, problem solving, and teamwork.
I hope to practice medicine with humility, gratitude, and joy, remembering that it quite literally took a village for me to receive the opportunity to pursue my long-awaited dream. I am excited to learn not only the intricacies of the human systems but also the soft skills required to build trusting relationships with patients in the next few years!
Riley Choi ’22
Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
Trust the process! Applying to medical school can feel overwhelming at times. I remember thinking there were so many boxes I needed to check to be seen as a strong applicant. But authenticity will take you further than a million extracurricular activities. Find what you’re passionate about, and let that passion guide your journey.
Sahar Habibzai ’24
Tufts University School of Medicine - Maine Track
Our first class after the white coat is a mastery course that introduces us to the medical profession. It has been overwhelming to see all that I will need to learn to meet the needs of the people I will serve as a physician. This learning is not just the medical knowledge but the economic and structural disparities that face the people and communities. We have had a few patient conversations/interactions and every time, my heart just breaks to see how ill we(humans) can get and how lonely it is to be in the hospital. I hope this feeling never leaves me so I can seek to provide the best care every time for the people I will serve.
Oluwakemi Badusi ’21
Yale School of Medicine
Beginning medical school has been such an incredible privilege, and I am grateful for all my mentors, professors, friends, and family who helped me and held me while I was on this journey. I know it can feel so arduous and challenging in the moment, but on the other side of it, I am lucky enough to be able to say that it is all worth it.
Alex Reichle ’22
University of Mississippi School of Medicine
The start of med school is super busy, and your schedule will only become more packed as the weeks go by. Make sure you take care of yourself and put your health first. Establish a self-care routine, find a hobby that helps you unwind, and regularly keep in contact with your biggest supporters. You got this!
Eugenia Ma ’24
Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
iI there was one thing I wish could tell anyone going through it is to never feel like you have to go it alone. Whether you're just beginning to consider if this is a path you want to take or you're learning the ins and outs of anki for the MCAT, know that my door (and that of so many other sibs) is always open. We are here to support you!
Julianna Kenny ’22
The Pritzker School of Medicine. University of Chicago
After my orientation week (including our white coat ceremony!), classes have finally started, and it's been nothing short of rewarding and inspiring to learn about all aspects of dentistry. Although dental school can be rigorous and challenging at times, I truly believe my Wellesley education and experiences have prepared me very well. If you're committed to pursuing a career in dentistry— first off, amazing choice. And secondly, I wish you all the luck in the admissions process and hope to be a helpful resource!
Noelle Yoo '22
The University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine
As a first-generation medical student, it's surreal to be living my dream of attending medical school. The journey has been tough, but the bonds I’ve formed with my classmates make it rewarding. The process of getting into medical school is lengthy and difficult but it’s definitely worth it in the end so keep pursuing your goal and surround yourself with the right people who will support you and keep you motivated.
Valentina Morakis ’22
UT Southwestern Medical School
The first few weeks of medical school have been a dream. My classmates are inspiring and the faculty is eager to mentor. I’m so excited to be taking this definitive step towards my dream of becoming a physician. I’m beyond grateful for all of the support I received from Wellesley from the first moment I started to consider medicine to the very end of my application cycle.
Solveig Stensland ’21
Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western
My journey into medicine as a non-traditional student has been long, but it has been worth it. Joining the medical profession is a privilege that is honored by caring for patients reliably, equitably, and unwaveringly.
Sophia Zupanc ’19
University of California at San Francisco
Medical school demands a lot from you, both physically and mentally. Although it's important to center your academic success during the preclinical period, try not to lose sight of the bigger picture. Whether through interest group meetings, patient panels, or networking events with physicians, constantly remind yourself of why you chose this career path and what it has in store for you. This has helped me stay motivated and counter feelings of disillusionment and self-doubt.
Sanjana Ramchandran ’22
University of Texas School of Medicine at San Antonio
There were many times along this journey where I doubted whether I could do it. In those moments, lean on your support system. Between my family, friends, and the Wellesley Health Professions team, I always had someone telling me it was possible, even when I felt it wasn't.
Evelyn Ruiz ’21
University of Kansas School of Medicine
The start of medical school has been so exciting— moving to a brand-new city, meeting lots of my supportive classmates, and receiving my white coat! The first couple weeks of school have definitely been academically challenging, but every time I enter the anatomy lab and get to work, I am reminded of why I want to be a doctor.
Fee Puertas ’23
Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at University of Buffalo
My advice would be to roll with the punches, whether it's taking gap years, stumbling upon exciting research opportunities, or even enrolling in a class that's way off the premed track. My own gap year turned out to be a real gem, and I wouldn't change a thing about it. Embrace change, because it's those unplanned detours that add the spice to your journey and give you a fresh perspective when you finally hit medical school.
Harshini Raman ’22
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Physician Scientist Track
To all my pre-meds who are currently going through the pain of studying for the MCAT, writing all the dreaded essays, or nervously preparing for interviews, remember that it shall all come to pass!
Rhoda Tano-Menka ’19
Stanford University School of Medicine
Becoming a medical student and walking across the stage to don my white coat was so surreal. The journey to getting here was long and arduous, but it feels insignificant compared to the privilege that I feel to finally be able to start my journey as a member of the medical profession.
Sartu Taha ’16
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine
What I would say to Wellesley sibs at any point in their pre-med process is this: don’t lose sight of your passion for medicine, but don’t lose yourself in the process. The classic saying goes: medicine will always be there. And it will! Make sure to ground yourself in your relationships and what makes your life meaningful outside of an academic setting before setting foot in medical school. You will thank yourself later, and be a better student/physician for it in the end!
Molly Mann ’21
M.D. Maine Track Program, Tufts University School of Medicine
It was so surreal donning my white coat for the first time, something so symbolic of the anticipation and hard work to achieve this moment and the incredible privilege of this next chapter. My advice for anyone going down this path is to follow your own timeline and ask for help when you need it! I would not be here without the support and resources of Wellesley mentors, friends, and family.
Zoe Matticks ’18
University of California San Diego Medical School
Every day I'm made aware of what a privilege it is to have a role in the care of a patient, and that as part of the next generation of physicians, I am expected to continue to improve patient care.
Faith Arimoro ’17
Medical Student, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
Whenever I felt overwhelmed as a premedical student at Wellesley, I would remind myself of what I was working towards: the privilege of caring for and supporting patients through one of the most challenging experiences of their life.
Tanvee Varma ’18
Yale Medical School
At Wellesley, I explored my passions, both in the sciences and humanities; I never had to choose.
Amina Ziad ’17
Harvard Medical School ’23
Register others’ opinions and advice thoughtfully, but also stay true to yourself and frequently recall your personal motivations for wanting to pursue a given career: this will shine through during the application process.
Liana Goehring ’15
NYU, MD/PhD
My advice to those applying to med school would be don’t limit yourself. Whether that be regionally or selectivity or what by whatever guidelines you have set for yourself. I had no idea I would be in Iowa for med school a year ago (I got in off the waitlist in May) and here I am.
Camilla Koczara ’19
Medical School Student at University of Iowa
The first few days I felt imposter syndrome beginning to creep back in. I was worried that maybe I wasn't cut out for WashU. Wellesley was academically challenging for me and I thought if I struggled in undergrad, what would happen in medical school? But I realized that overcoming those challenges is exactly what prepared me for medical school. And having the honor of receiving my white coat made all the hard work worth it.
Janessa Sullivan ’18
Washington University Medical Student
Living in an exciting new city, being surrounded by peers with the same passion, and having myriad new opportunities introduced to me constantly has been beyond wonderful — but most importantly, I feel truly prepared after Wellesley for everything to come in the busy but rewarding next 4 years.
Victoria Liu ’19
University of Pennsylvania Dental School
Medical & Dental School Advising
Step 1: Explore
Begin to explore what it means to work in health professions, learn about Wellesley student & alumnae pre-health organizations, networking resources, and more.
This resource covers academic considerations as you prepare to apply for health professions schools, including choosing your courses, studying abroad, and what to do if your grades aren't strong.
This resource is an overview of ways to gain clinical experience, service experience, and research experience. It also discusses ways to discover summer opportunities.
Preparing for and taking your MCAT, DAT or GRE will be an important part of your application process. Successful students can expect to spend 300-400 hours over a period of 3-4 months preparing. This resource will help you to understand how to approach the exams.
Are you ready to apply to health profession schools? This resource contains the self-assessment planning document, GPA and MCAT data, and information about gaining competencies valued in the admission process.
Trying to balance academics, clinical experiences, community service, research, other extracurricular activities, hobbies, and relationships? Not feeling ready to prepare for your standardized tests or to tackle the application process? Not absolutely sure of your career path? Learn more about taking a gap year (or more) before applying to health profession schools.
A crucial topic in healthcare today is how to eliminate inequities in the quality and availability of medical care for ethnic, racial, social, and economic minorities. There is an urgent need to increase both the diversity and cultural competence of our health care workforce. Learn about resources for underrepresented students and alumnae across distinct populations.
Application and medical/dental education will be expensive. This resource will help you to understand for the associated costs and direct you to resources.
Learn about application components including: the Wellesley College Applicant Portfolio, writing your personal statement, choosing your schools and joint degrees.
This resource covers information you will need as you write and compile various elements of your application. It also covers completing secondary applications & sending application updates.
Participating in interviews is a critical part of the application process. This resource offers information about interview formats, the question types you might anticipate, and ways to prepare.
Health profession schools have varying timelines for notifying applicants about acceptances. Learn about managing applications, as well as what to do if you are not accepted.
First Deadline: Completed Self-Assessment Due to Health Professions Advising February 7 (upload to the Documents page of your Applicant Portfolio).
Contact individual letter writers to ask for letters of recommendation. Talk to letter writers in person if possible to discuss your plans and goal.
After the letter writer has agreed, send them the Information for Letter Writers letter. Make sure letter writers are aware that the deadline is May 26.
End of February/Beginning of March
Recieve your MPAC Advisor Assignment. Share your Applicant Portfolio with your MPAC advisor.
Email your MPAC Advisor within one week of receiving your assignment to set up your first meeting.
Sign up for your MPAC interview when dates are released.
Recieve your Alum Mentor, schedule your first time to meet.
March - May
First meeting with your MPAC Advisor.
Have your MPAC Committee Letter Interview with your MPAC advisor. Your advisor will review your portfolio before your interview.
Check your schools to see if any require the CASPer exam. Register if they do.
Take your entrance exam if you haven't already.
Follow up with your letter writers to make sure they are aware of the deadline.
May
Applications open to be filled out.
Send official transcripts to application services for all schools where you have completed coursework (seniors and graduate students who are in classes may need to wait to send in transcripts until semester's grades and degree are posted)
Finalize school list.
Submit application (Osteopathic Medical School, sometimes MD as well).
May 26
Letters of recommendation from faculty and non-faculty are due to Health Professions Advising. Letter writers submit according to directions in Information for Letter Writers.
Submit your application! Upload to your portfolio so your advisor can use in writing your letter.
Send in any remaining official transcripts.
Begin prewriting secondaries using previous year's prompts.
July
Secondaries come from schools. Check junk/spam folder for prompts.
Complete secondary applications in one - two weeks of receiving requests.
MPAC Committee Letters sent in by the middle of July.
First interview invitations extended. Check email for invitations, make sure to check junk/spam.
August
Interview invitations arrive. Schedule promptly.
Interviews begin.
Schedule a mock MMI/Mock interview with Health Professions Advising if you haven't done one already.
Practice self-care while waiting. For some applicants, the waiting can be the most stressful part!
Final Deadline: August 31 - Deadline to submit and request Committee Letter. Applicants who fail to submit by August 31 will recieve a letter packet, which does not include a letter from their MPAC advisor.
September
Interviews begin in earnest
Practice self-care while waiting.
First DO acceptances.
October-December
First MD acceptances October 15.
First Dental acceptances December 1.
Ongoing interviews.
January
By the end of January most schools have filled all their interview seats.
Applicants will cancel interviews, so occasional invitations will be extended.
Wait list applicants send a Letter of Intent to top choice school. For more than one waitlist, send a letter of interest to other programs.
Applicants with no interviews, consider options.
Speak with Health Professions Advising Director by January 15 if considering applying in the next application cycle
February – April
Interviews wind down.
Non-rolling admissions schools send acceptances.
Financial awards begin going out.
Second Look Days begin for applicants with multiple acceptances.
Anyone wait listed at a top choice school can send a final update.
April - May
Applicants with multiple acceptances carefully follow traffic rules on withdrawing from programs.
May 1-5 Schools start going to their waitlists.
May - July
Most waitlist movement occurs
Make your final decision
Plan your finances
Plan your move
Get ready for orientation!
For Prospective Students
The liberal arts skills you will develop at Wellesley— including critical thinking, problem solving, synthesis of information, and effective communication — are highly valued by health professions schools. Learn about health professions advising at Wellesley and the advantages and opportunities we offer students who are considering careers in the health professions.
Join the Health Professions Advising Facebook Group
Members are students and alumnae who are exploring or practicing clinical care across a variety of patient-facing roles, including: nursing, dentistry, veterinary medicine, medicine, physical therapy, speech language pathology, physician assistant, podiatry, pharmacy, and more.
“My advice to those applying to med school would be don’t limit yourself. Whether that be regionally or selectivity or what by whatever guidelines you have set for yourself. I had no idea I would be in Iowa for med school a year ago (I got in off the waitlist in May) and here I am.”
“Living in an exciting new city, being surrounded by peers with the same passion, and having myriad new opportunities be introduced to you constantly has been beyond wonderful — but most importantly, I feel truly prepared after Wellesley for everything to come in the busy but rewarding next 4 years. ”
“The first few days I felt imposter syndrome beginning to creep back in. I was worried that maybe I wasn't cut out for WashU. Wellesley was academically challenging for me and I thought if I struggled in undergrad, what would happen in medical school? But I realized that overcoming those challenges is exactly what prepared me for medical school. And having the honor of receiving my white coat made all the hard work worth it.”
