Getting Started
The Pre-Health Advising Application Prep Program provides a full suite of personalized support for Brandeis students and graduates applying to health profession schools, including medical, dental, physician assistant, optometry, physical therapy, physician assistant and podiatry.
If you wish to apply for 2027 admission, plan to participate in PHA AppPrep during the 2025-2026 academic year.
Important Dates - Fall Term 2025
Intro to the Application Cycle Webinars
Webinar for any student or graduate considering applying for 2027 admission to health profession schools. Attendance is required for participation in PHA AppPrep.
- Each session is 5:00-6:15 pm Eastern Time on Zoom.
 
Dates & Registration:
Individual Self-Assessment Meetings
- 
October 14, 2025-January 16, 2026
 
Application Essay Workshops
In this virtual workshop, we'll give you an overview of most application essay types and focus on helping you get started with your personal statement. This will include reading a sample essay, reviewing best practices for the personal statement, and completing a brief writing exercise.
- Any current student or graduate planning to apply to any health profession schools for 2027 admission is welcome to attend.
 - Please plan to attend the entire workshop with your camera on.
 - The workshop is repeated on the following dates, each from 5:00-6:15 pm.
 
Dates & Registration:
Timeline for the 2026-2027 Cycle
This timeline details the processes involved in applying to medical, dental, optometry, PA, and podiatry programs. If your interest is in another program, contact pha@brandeis.edu to discuss the details and deadlines.
- 
Attend an Intro to the Application Cycle webinar
 - Complete Self Assessment Forms
 - Attend a Self Assessment Meeting with Andrew Simmons
 - Request Letters of Recommendation
 - Dossier opens up on December 1st
 
- 
Begin drafting personal statement and other essays for your dossier
 
January 2026
- 
Last self assessment meetings held by January 16th
 - 
Final Dossier submitted by January 26th
 
February 2026
- 
Interviews begin on February 2nd
 
April 2026
- 
Letters of recommendation due by April 15th
 - 
Final interviews concluded by April 24th
 - 
Application launch webinar on April 23rd
 
May 2026
- Medical and dental school application services open (“primary” applications)
 
June 2026
- Submit primary application(s), e.g. AMCAS, AADSAS, CASPA, etc.
 - Verification of AMCAS, AACOMAS, AADSAS, CASPA primary applications begins
 - Optometry and physical therapy school application service opens
 - Letter packet submissions begin (late June)
 
July 2026
- Work on secondary applications
 - Letter packet submissions continue
 
August 2026
- Complete secondary applications
 - Podiatry application opens
 - Interview season begins
 
Fall 2026 and Spring 2027
- Interviews
 - Decisions
 
Late Summer 2027
- Begin health professions program! (Note that some PA programs start in January 2027)