The Application Process

Every application will be slightly different, but most will require the usual personal information (name, birth date, social security number, college information, etc.), a college transcript (official, of course), the appropriate test scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Some schools have a more centralized application process. For example, law schools have individual applications for the programs, but your test scores, letters of recommendation, and transcripts are distributed by the LSDAS (Law School Data Assembly Service). You will send one copy of these key pieces of information to LSDAS and then buy "releases" of the data for the schools to which you apply (i.e. if you plan to apply to ten schools, buy ten releases of your data). Medical school is even more centralized - entrance into MD programs is based on one standard application form provided by AMCAS (American Medical College Application Service). Sounds easy, but the form is long and requires a lot of time to complete.

To have the best chance of admission, request an application from your schools of choice as early as possible (for medical school this will be the late spring of your JUNIOR year). Working on the applications in the summer or at the beginning of the semester will be far easier than trying to finish them in November as your senior fall semester is in full force.

In the spirit of starting early, talk to those people from whom you want recommendations at the end of your junior year or when you return to school in the fall. Talk with them about the schools to which you are applying and ask them if they would like a list of your activities and accomplishments at school (remember, professors may only know you from class and may not realize that you were the lead in the last school play, or the sophomore man or woman of the year). Remember, too, that you should choose individuals who will write a strong recommendation for you. A marginal letter is worse than having no letter at all from that person.

Put together the list of your schools for the Registrar's Office so that they can get your transcripts to the appropriate institutions as soon as possible. As the semester progresses, more and more students request transcripts for school and various jobs. By getting your list in early, you will avoid the rush and not have to worry about delays.

If you have questions about your applications, talk with your advisor or come to the Career Center for help. Our staff can provide insight into the more challenging questions and can give guidance about issues related to your academic career at Dickinson . Law schools in particular are interested in students' judicial records, and many questions arise concerning what to do about an especially uncomfortable blemish in an otherwise spotless college experience. We can help you find answers for these issues, too.

When you have the application finished, all materials collected, and everything ready to go, make a copy of the materials for yourself and then send the packet to the school using a service with tracking capabilities.