Researching Target Schools

Choosing which health professional programs to apply to is one of the most important steps in the application process. Each school has its own mission, admissions criteria, curriculum structure, and expectations—so it’s essential to find programs that align with your academic profile, career goals, and personal values.

Start by exploring centralized application services (CAS) for your intended profession. These platforms provide tools to compare schools, review admissions data, and identify programs that match your interests. As you build your list of target schools, consider the following:

Admissions Requirements

Each program has its own set of academic and experiential expectations. Be sure to review:

GPA benchmarks: Some schools have minimum GPA requirements, while others consider trends and improvements over time.
Entrance exam scores: Whether it’s the MCAT, DAT, GRE, or another test, check average scores for admitted students to gauge competitiveness.
Prerequisite coursework: Confirm that you’ve completed all required science and general education courses, and note any unique requirements.
Clinical and volunteer experience: Many programs expect applicants to have meaningful exposure to patient care and community service. Review what types of experiences are valued and how many hours are recommended.

Mission and Values

Understanding a school’s mission can help you determine whether it’s a good fit for your goals and interests. Ask yourself:

Does the program emphasize primary care, rural health, research, global health, or underserved populations?
Is there a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion?
Do the school’s values align with your personal motivations and long-term career aspirations?

Reading mission statements, student testimonials, and program highlights can offer valuable insight into a school’s culture and priorities.

Location and Cost

Where you study—and how much it costs—can significantly impact your experience and financial future.

Consider your geographic preferences: Do you want to be close to home, explore a new region, or live in an urban vs. rural setting?
Evaluate cost of living in the area, including housing, transportation, and daily expenses.
Review tuition and fees, and understand how in-state vs. out-of-state status may affect both cost and admissions competitiveness.
Explore financial aid options, scholarships, and loan repayment programs offered by each institution.

Curriculum Style

Different programs use different teaching models, which can influence how you learn and engage with material.

Some schools follow a traditional lecture-based format, while others use problem-based learning (PBL) or team-based learning.
Hybrid models may combine lectures with small-group discussions and case studies.
Look for programs that offer early clinical exposure, interdisciplinary training, or specialized tracks (e.g., global health, research, rural medicine).

Understanding the curriculum structure can help you choose a program that matches your learning style and interests.

Student Support and Outcomes

A supportive learning environment and strong outcomes can make a big difference in your success.

Investigate student support services, such as academic advising, mental health resources, tutoring, and mentorship programs.
Review board exam pass rates (e.g., USMLE, COMLEX, INBDE, NBDE, NBEO, PANCE, etc.) to assess academic preparation.
Look into residency match rates, job placement statistics, and alumni achievements.
Consider opportunities for career development, networking, and research involvement.

Keep track of all your potential school research on the Professional School Prep Tracker.

Application Services and School Directories:

Dental Programs: Dental School Guide
DO Physician Programs: Choose DO Explore
MD Physician Programs – MSAR
Occupational Therapy Programs: Find an OT School
Optometry Programs: ASCO Member Schools & Colleges
Podiatry Programs: Accredited U.S. Podiatry Schools
Pharmacy Programs: Pharm.D. Directory
Physician Assistant Programs: CASPA Program Directory
Physical Therapy Programs: American Physical Therapy Associate
Veterinary Programs: Accredited Veterinary Colleges

Building a Balanced School List

When applying to health professions programs, it’s important to create a well-rounded list of schools that reflects both your aspirations and your academic profile. Applying to a mix of schools—commonly referred to as reach, match, and safety schools—can increase your chances of acceptance while ensuring you have options that align with your goals.

Reach Schools
These are programs where your academic metrics (such as GPA and entrance exam scores) fall below the average range for admitted students. However, you may still be a competitive candidate due to other strengths—such as exceptional clinical experience, leadership, research, or a compelling personal story. Reach schools are aspirational and may be more selective, but they’re worth applying to if you feel your overall application tells a strong story.
Match Schools
Match schools are those where your qualifications closely align with the average profile of admitted students. Your GPA, test scores, and experiences are within the typical range, and you meet or exceed the stated admissions requirements. These schools represent a solid chance of acceptance and should make up the core of your application list.
Safety Schools
Safety schools are programs where your academic and experiential background exceeds the average applicant profile. While no school is ever a guaranteed acceptance, these programs are considered less competitive for your specific credentials. Including safety schools ensures you have options in case more competitive programs don’t work out, and they may offer additional benefits such as scholarships or early decision opportunities.

Build Your Foundation
for a Health Career

Office of Pre-Health Advising
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Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 AM – 5 PM
Kia Hart
(313) 993-1928
hartkl@udmercy.edu

Researching Target Schools