Support and Advising for Applicants
Are you planning to apply to a health-related graduate or professional program in the 2026-2027 application cycle? We want to support you! Whether you are a current student or graduate, we invite you to take advantage of resources and support available through Willamette's Health Professions Program as you prepare your application and navigate each step of the process.
Please complete our 2026-2027 Applicant Intake Form to let us know that you are planning to apply to a health-related graduate or professional program in the upcoming cycle (you plan to submit an application between May 2026 and March 2027).
2026-2027 Applicant Intake Form
How we support our applicants:
Your application is the culmination of many years of hard work. We designed this process to guide you through the steps needed to prepare the strongest application possible–one that demonstrates the unique strengths, characteristics, perspectives, and experiences you will contribute to your future program and profession of choice.
Our support for applicants consists of four primary components:
- An Applicant Workbook that you and your advisor can customize to the needs of your program(s) and application cycle. You'll find guidance about each piece of your application, as well as tools you can use to assess your candidacy, develop your application strategy and timeline, build your school list, and draft written materials. This Workbook will also serve as a centralized resource that you and your advisor can use to track your progress, keep meeting notes, and facilitate material reviews in one central location. Please complete our Applicant Intake Form to receive a copy of the Workbook.
- Dedicated advisors who will be your points of contact for the application cycle.In addition to working with one of Willamette University’s Health Professions Faculty Advisors, the FamilyCare Pre-Health Director will serve as an advisor for all applicants. Advisors are available to support you with every step of the process, including:
- Assessing your candidacy
- Crafting your application strategy and timeline
- Building a school list that aligns with your goals and strengths
- Requesting letters of recommendation
- Drafting your personal statement and other written elements of your application
- Preparing for interviews
- Interview preparation through the Health Profession Program's Practice Interview program. You can request a practice interview with the Health Professions Advisory Committee using our Practice Interview Request Form.
- Weekly applicant meetings held on Wednesdays at 5:30 PM PT, led by Willamette's FamilyCare Pre-Health Director, Claire Hoffman. These meetings will serve as a point of connection with Willamette advisors as well as fellow applicants from Willamette. Each meeting will also include a presentation on best practices related to preparing your application.
Who can participate in this process?
Current Willamette students and graduates who are planning to apply to a health-related professional or graduate program are welcome to participate. This includes applicants to programs in medicine, dental medicine, veterinary medicine, optometry, pharmacy, public health, health administration, and other health-related fields.
Application Review Timeline & Steps
- As soon as possible (before May 10, 2026): Submit the Applicant Intake Formto let us know you are planning to apply in the 2026-2027 application cycle. After submitting this form, you will receive a copy of the Applicant Workbook and an invitation to schedule an initial orientation meeting. During this meeting, the FamilyCare Pre-Health Director will provide an overview of the process and work with you to customize the Workbook to the needs of your application cycle.
- Begin filling out your Applicant Workbook, and meet with the FamilyCare Pre-Health Director as needed for questions and guidance. You may also reach out to faculty advisors with whom you are in contact prior to receiving your official advisor assignment.
- Advisors will be assigned to applicants by May 31, 2026
- Schedule a meeting with your advisor to review your Workbook and determine a schedule for future meetings, if desired.
- Reach out to your assigned advisor(s) as needed for support with questions and drafting written application materials.
- Submit your primary application (if applicable).
- Prepare your secondary applications, reaching out to your advisors for support as needed
- Schedule practice interviews to get some initial practice or to prepare for interviews with programs.
- Keep us posted as you have updates or as questions arise!