"A goal without a plan is just a wish."   Antoine de Saint-Exupery 

 FIRST YEAR

Fall

• Be open to new ideas.  Choose classes that allow exploration of possible majors
• Meet with Leslie North to discuss tentative four-year academic plan—especially important if considering a semester or year of study abroad or an Early Assurance application to medical school.  To meet with Leslie North, sign up for an appointment at Science Center #1005.
• Consider participating in health and service related extra- and co-curricular activities (HAVOC volunteer activities, EMT training, tutoring, etc.)
• Get to know your professors—and let them know you!  Be open and make these people your allies in reaching your goals!
• Investigate "Alternate Spring Break" opportunity.
• Attend advertised group advisory meetings.
• Speak to your science professors by January if you want to explore the possibility of a summer research grant.
• Make use of Hamilton's academic resources: the Writing Center, Quantitative Literacy Center, departmental tutoring services, class review sessions. On-going conferences with your professors can assist you in refining your study habits and improving your academic record.
• Discuss spring course choices with your academic advisor before pre-registration in November; Leslie North is happy to meet with you, as well.
• Consider planning a week-long shadowing experience or volunteer work during winter break. 

Spring

• Visit Career Center and Leslie North in January to explore opportunities for research or clinical work over summer break. Update resume.

• Consider adding or subtracting campus activities. Investigate new opportunities.
• Discuss schedule with advisor before pre-registration in April.  See Leslie North if additional advice would be helpful.
• If considering a semester or year abroad, check out "preferred programs" list on web site.  Visit with the Coordinator of Study Abroad Programs in Dean of Students office to explore options and requirements.
• Attend relevant programs on health-related topics.
• Honestly evaluate your academic performance.  How are you doing?  How can you improve? Can you challenge yourself more?

• Engage in a full-time clinical or research position, if possible. If a full-time clinical or research position is unavailable, plan some volunteer work in addition to a paid job. 
• Consider an EMT course at home, if available. 

SOPHOMORE YEAR

• Evaluate campus involvement.  Medical schools allow you to write about 15 experiences, honors, jobs on your application.  Several of these experiences should be service or research or clinical activities that are meaningful to you.  Are you spending your time on activities that reflect your values?
•  Begin exploration of pertinent internships for winter and summer breaks.
• Investigate a wide range of health professions.  Attend advertised meetings with professional school representatives who visit campus.
• Meet with health professions advisor if interested in filing an Early Assurance application to medical school.
• Ivestigate clinical opportunities available through Hamilton connections at Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, St. Elizabeth Medical Center  and New England Center for Children.  Discuss with health professions advisor.

Spring

• Declare major.
• Discuss your plans with the health professions advisor.
• Continue to evaluate your extracurricular commitments.
• Finalize summer plans for pertinent research, service, or clinical position.
• Finalize study abroad plans.

JUNIOR YEAR

Fall

• Make plans to take MCAT/DAT/GRE.  Decide whether to apply to professional school after your junior year, your senior year, or at some point further on.  Discuss plan with health professions advisor. 
• Consider accepting leadership positions in campus or service activities.
• Make plans for substantive summer experience.  Consult Career Center and discuss research opportunities with faculty and health professions advisor.
• Use winter break for MCAT/DAT/GRE study or spend a few days on appropriate volunteer work, shadowing or internship.
• Begin research of potential professional schools.
• Continue to attend health professions programs.  
• Consider applying for the H.E.L.P. internship in January with St. Elizabeth's Family Medicine Residency Program or the Burke Rehabilitation Center summer internship.

Spring

• If making application after junior year: a) ask four to six professors/ employers/research supervisors if they will be willing to write a recommendation;  b)submit Health Professions Advising Questionnaire to advisor before February 1;  the health professions advisors will then send an official request to the recommenders you have indicated; c) make appointment with advisor for two-hour interview before April 15; d) sign confidentiality and access waivers;   
• Attend campus meetings on the application process for professional school you wish to attend (separate meetings for medical dental, vet candidates.) 
• Finalize plans for responsible health-related summer position.
• Continue test preparation.
• Consider the benefits of applying for a postgraduate fellowship (Fulbright, Watson, Bristol Fellowship) and visit with the Student Fellowship Coordinator (Virginia Dosch) to discuss your candidacy.  In recent years, Hamilton students have deferred entry to medical school to accept a Fulbright, Bristol or other post-baccalaureate fellowship.

• Complete AMCAS/AACOMAS/AADSAS/VMCAS etc. applications. Medical and dental school admission is "rolling." Those who apply early may have an advantage in the process.  After you submit your online application, it may take 4-8 weeks before your application is "verified" and sent to the schools.  Then there will be supplemental material to send.  Aim to complete applications and submit by mid-July.
• Leslie North will be happy to advise you on your essays and look over your application.
• If necessary, buy an all-season interview suit.

• Once AMCAS/AACOMAS applications have been filed, complete secondary applications promptly.
• If you plan to work for a year or two before applying to professional school, update resume and begin process of looking at potential jobs.
• Attend Interview Preparation Workshop.
• Prepare for interviews by practicing with both Leslie North and Leslie Bell in the Career Center. Even if you don't plan to apply until later, use this resource while it is easily available to you.
• Consider St. Elizabeth H.E.L.P. internship.
• Make time for interviews!  Keep up-to-date with your work and plan to make up work you missed when you are away for interviews.

• File FAFSA.
• Stay in contact with Leslie North throughout the application process.
• Develop a strong "Plan B" and consider the benefit of additional work and/or academic experience while waiting to hear from professional schools.
• Make time for "Second look" days at schools where you have been admitted