MySLC

Academic Preparation 

Algebra-based physics is accepted by most programs and is all that is needed for the MCAT. Some MD/PhD programs require calculus-based physics, so check out the requirements for specific programs that may interest you.

It all depends. The majority of medical and dental programs will accept AP credits in fulfillment of prerequisites, with the following restrictions:

• Sarah Lawrence College needs to have accepted those courses as credit toward your degree and that must appear on your transcript.
• In almost all cases you must go on to take advanced level courses with labs in those disciplines.
• Sarah Lawrence faculty reserve the right to require that you take the introductory course at SLC, if they have reason to think that you aren't fully prepared to go on to the next level in the discipline . High school biology or chemistry, even AP courses, may not give you a strong enough foundation, especially if more than one year has passed.
• AP Physics is typically accepted without taking any further classes; however we recommend forgoing your AP credits and take Physics at the College. 
• AP Calculus is typically accepted by health professional programs. However, we strongly encourage students to take at least one semester college math; statistics is a great option for those that already took Calculus in high school. 

It is a tempting option and it does work out well for some students. But it has several important pitfalls that you need to be aware of:

• Taking these courses at an "easier" school, e.g. a small community college, may earn you an A, but will leave doubt about the rigor of the course. Medical schools expect you to take summer school classes for the core prerequisites at the your home institution, that is, Sarah Lawrence, or at a school with equal standing.
• Students sometimes double up and take a whole year of physics, or a whole year of chemistry, in one summer.  The problem is that even if you do well in the courses you may remember very little six months later. When it's so concentrated and intense it may never move into long-term memory. That can show up on the MCAT exam taken some time later or in subsequent courses taken in that subject. So proceed with caution.

The Math/Science Third allows you, in effect, to fit two science and/or math courses into one 5-credit slot.  Therefore it allows you to take four courses at the same time.  However, rather than receiving 5 credits per course, the SLC norm, for the two that are sharing one slot, you receive 5 credits for the two courses combined, or 2.5 credits per course. However, given the fact that students are permitted to take up to 18 credits per semester (for a flat tuition rate for 12-18 credits), we do not advise registering for a math/science third. Instead, we recommend you take one course for 5 credits and the other course for 3 credits. Note: the ability to take a course for 3 credits is by instructor permission only as space permits, and you will only be able to registrar for the course in the second week of the add/drop period. Students are not permitted to enroll initially in a course for 5 credits and then drop down to 3 credits. 

Students are strongly advised to enroll in the core prerequisite courses with lab (e.g. general Biology with lab; General chemistry with lab, etc) for 5 credits. 

For more information on the Math/Science Third, click here. 

If you have yet to do so already, we strongly advise you to map out a multi-year course plan using our Course Planning Tool. Dean Cohen is always happy to meet with students to help them map out their classes (schedule an appointment with Dean Cohen).  

You can find both a list and chart of the prehealth prerequisite courses, along with sample course sequences, under the Academic Preparation tab. 

We know that this can be a very stressful and overwhelming time, so we are here for to support you! Below, we have some ideas of how to be productive and prioritize your work while practicing self-care - the best recipe to be successful and avoid burnout. 

The Pomodoro Technique can be a great way to tackle a ton of schoolwork without getting easily distracted. The technique works like this: 
First, choose a task to work on and set a timer for 25 minutes-  work on only that task. Put those phones away- no checking emails or texts during this time! 
Next, when the timer goes off, take a break for 5 minutes. Now is when you can check your phone/emails. 
Do this 4 times, and then take a well deserved 30 minute break! Grab something to eat too (staying nourished is important for your brain to work well!). With this structure and opportunities for little  brain breaks, this method is a great way to increase your productivity!  

To learn more about the Pomodoro method, check out their website!

Prioritizing Tasks: The end of the semester can feel like there is a never ending pile of work, and sometimes the hardest part is figuring out where to even begin. Something that can be really helpful is making a to-do list, and then sorting it by priorities. You can organize it by deadline, and then by any other way that you would like! Some people feel really good by checking off tasks, so they like to tackle the smaller tasks first before beginning the bigger things. Others feel really good by checking off the big things first, and then moving on to the smaller things. It is totally up to you!

Check out the LC's To Do/Task Worksheets

Make sure to practice self-care!

Whether it be going to get a sweet treat, going on a run, hanging out with friends, or decompressing by watching a show, make sure to take time to take care of yourself. You will perform the best if you feel good, and burn out is real! Check out this picture for 50 ideas of how to take fun breaks during your studying!

Tutoring is being offered through the Learning Commons through the end of the semester! Attend a SciMath tutoring session or schedule an appointment with a writing tutor.  Do not be afraid to ask for help- these resources are all available to make sure that you feel supported and successful!

Pre-Health Student Alliance Group 

Yes! We have a very active and robust student group with a very strong group of board members. Students are always welcomed and encouraged to join the Prehealth Alliance. To learn more and join, click here. 

Health Professional Schools

We are so glad you are exploring your options! There are plenty of jobs within the world of healthcare, and it can be super interesting and eye-opening to learn about the whole scope of the field! In fact, often people believe that if they want to help people/work with patients, then they must pursue medicine or dentistry. It makes sense as these are the most commonly encountered professions we've engaged with since childhood. However, there are many, many different types of clinical professions in healthcare, and one can be a great fit for you!

Below, you can find information and resources to learn more about the more commonly pursued allied health fields. And don't forget to use your network to connect with healthcare professionals. In fact, a great way to learn more is by connecting with SLC Alumni via (SLC Connect or LinkedIn)!

For a full list of healthcare fields, check out Explore Health Careers.org 


Nursing can include being a registered nurse, nurse practitioners, and nurse anesthetists, among other jobs! These are great jobs for people who want to be hands on in the care of patients, and who are integral parts of the daily care of patients. To learn more about these pathways, look here:
American Association of Nurse Practitioners
American Nurses Association
American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology

The therapy-based jobs are a wonderful option, and some of the most common ones are Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech Therapy (also known as speech language pathology). These are awesome healthcare jobs with are hands on with patients, and great for those looking to build relationships with patients. To learn more: 
American Occupational Therapy Association
American Physical Therapy Association
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)  - this is the specific page for speech, but also check out this page to learn more about audiology!

Physician Associates/Assistants are one of the most up and coming healthcare jobs, with demand being higher than ever! This is a great path for those who want to provide hands on care, but have the flexibility of being able to work in any specialty. To learn more about PA's, check out the American Academy of Physician Associates.

A common question that comes up is about the difference between PA's and NP's. Here are some great articles that compare and contrast the two professions: Check it out here and here!

Mental Health Clinicians, such as a clinical psychologist, social worker, marriage and family therapist, are such an important field and it is ever-growing! It is a great field for people who want to be involved in the mental and emotional field of healthcare, without having to provide physical care. Some of the most common jobs in this field are clinical psychologists and social workers! To learn more about each job, check out the links below. Of note, there are two ways to become a clinical psychologist (PHD vs. PsyD) so be sure to read up on the differences!
Society of Clinical Psychology
National Association of Social Workers

There are so many more healthcare jobs that can be amazing options depending on your interests. Below are a bunch more to explore!

Genetic Counseling - National Society of Genetic Counselors
Nutrition -  American Society of Nutrition
Child Life Specialist - Association of Child Life Professionals
Ultrasound Technology/Diagnostic Medical Sonography - The Association for Medical Ultrasound
Pharmacy - American Pharmacists Association
Veterinary - American Veterinary Medical Association
Optometry - American Optometric Association

Have questions about any of these clinical positions and/or want help mapping out a plan to pursue a graduate program in the health profession, schedule a meeting today with Dean Melinda Perlo Cohen, prehealth advisor. 

Gaining Clinical Experience 

While it is ideal to volunteer and have experiences in-person as much as you can, it is understandable that not everyone will be able to always fit this into their busy schedules. There are plenty of opportunities that allow for volunteering remotely, often on your schedule so that you can continue to volunteer even during busy semesters or break! Below are a few that are awesome, but there are plenty more online. Remember, you should volunteer with something that you are passionate about, and it does not always have to be directly related to medicine - do what you enjoy most!

Here are a few great ones to start, but there are plenty more online:

Pre-Health Shadowing 
Virtual Shadowing sessions from current healthcare professionals 
View upcoming live sessions

Crisis Text Line is an online 24/7 texting platform for anyone who is looking for free, confidential support. Volunteers are trained by mental health professionals, and then volunteer any time of day or night as trained crisis counselors. Shifts can be done anytime, anywhere, and do not have to be at the same time each week; just require a time commitment per week.

Be My Eyes is an app that connects blind and low-vision users who want sighted assistance with volunteers and companies anywhere in the world, through live video and artificial intelligence. You volunteer on your phone by answering calls through the app, and can help out whenever they have time!

Caring Calls through DOROT is an 8-week, low commitment program where volunteers are matched with senior citizens seeking companionship and connections. As a volunteer, you’ll hop on the phone and chat with older adults experiencing isolation and loneliness. You are expected to call once a week for about 30 minutes.

Learn to Be is an online volunteer tutoring program where volunteers work with students from underserved communities in any subject that they feel comfortable tutoring in. You can find a student that matches your schedule, and the commitment is to remotely work with the student once a week. 

PA Programs: These programs require a minimum number of clinical hours. The specific number of hours can vary from program to program, ranging from 500 hours to as high as 1500 hours. Feel free to check out Physician Assistant Education Association program directory which specifies school-specific minimum hour requirements

Medical/Dental/Vet/Nursing/Genetic Counseling: These graduate programs do not specify a minimum number of clinical hours; however, admissions committees are looking for a steady commitment, providing evidence of your interest, understanding, and commitment to health care and your desired profession. Committees are also looking for evidence of active engagement with patients and the health care team. This can look like talking with and comforting patients, helping nurses deliver supplies, etc. So rather than focus on the number of hours, focus on finding opportunities that excite and motivate you, and offers a valuable opportunity to actively engage. 

How to find clinical opportunities:

• Attend the Internship & Volunteer Fair 
• Check out our program's newsletter (see newsletter archives)
• View opportunities in Handshake
• Connect with your peers, family, and friends
• Contact SLC Alumni via (SLC Connect or LinkedIn)

Many hospital volunteer programs require 4-8 hours per week and/or 100 hours over a year commitment. However, these programs often do not require a 4 hour block commitment, it can usually be less at a time! These programs are very understanding and accommodating of students' schedules, including winter and summer breaks. It is okay to apply to be a volunteer even if you don't know your spring schedule yet. However, because the process can take several weeks to sometimes several months (!) from the time you apply to when you are trained and placed in the hospital, it's important to initiate the process early!

To find a list of hospitals with links to their volunteer department websites, view our clinical experience page on our program's mySLC site.

A great resource to begin your search to shadow is the AAMC Shadowing a Doctor Guide. Although it is created for premedical students, the same advice can be applied to any health profession. 

How Do I Contact Them? Can I cold email them? 
Yes! While we understand that cold calling or emailing may feel scary and uncomfortable, providers are usually so happy to help future students, especially when the provider is a SLC Alum, family member, or friend! [Learn more about connecting with a SLC Alum]

Need help drafting an email? Feel free to to reach out to our Graduate Assistant, Gabriella at prehealthprogram@sarahlawrence.edu. 

How long should I be shadowing for?
That is totally up to you and really depends on the shadowing experience! Shadowing is a great opportunity for you to learn about a particular field or specialty in healthcare, understand the day-to-day role of the doctor/clinician, observe the healthcare team working together, and more! However, the time and nature of shadowing opportunities vary tremendously. Some providers will be open to you shadowing for a longer period of time, while some may only have a day or two of availability. Or you might find you are only allowed to observe the provider, while another experience may allow you to be more actively engaged with patients and the healthcare team, such as talking and/or following up with patients. Remember that health professional schools are looking for evidence of active engagement with patients and the healthcare team, so depending on the nature of your shadowing experience, you may wish to stay a while or just take a quick peak. And who knows, maybe shadowing has the potential to turn into something more!

So, a good recommendation is to seek out opportunities that allow you to learn and observe in a valuable way that allows you to meaningfully share your experience in an application or interview. And it can be beneficial to spread out your time shadowing different providers to get a good sense of the field’s depth and diversity.

How can I find a Shadowing Opportunity?

• Utilize your Network - Connect with your peers, professors, family, and friends!

• Ask your own healthcare provider(s)

• Connect with SLC Alumni via (SLC Connect or LinkedIn)

Additional Resources:

• AAMC’s Shadowing a Doctor Guide

• The Big Picture: Questions about Clinical Experience 

• The Premed’s Complete Guide to Shadowing a Doctor

• Translating Pre-Medical Experiences into Clinical Skills

Have more questions? Contact prehealthprogram@sarahlawrence.edu

Schedule an advising appointment with Melinda via Handshake.

If you need a time outside of these hours, please contact Dean Cohen directly. 

Study Abroad

It is possible to study abroad and be a pre-health student, but this will take advanced planning. We encourage you to discuss your options early on in your academic career with your don, the pre-health dean and the Office of Global Studies.

    Most medical schools discourage this. It's difficult to evaluate the quality of courses in foreign institutions. There is also concern that the topics covered may be different, even if the course names sound similar. And finally, spending lots of time in a lab may not be the best way to spend your time when you are studying abroad.  Better to use that time exploring the local culture, developing language skills, and in general broadening your horizons.

    If you think, as you begin college, that you want to both (a) follow a premed path and (b) study abroad, then you need to consider that you are on the DIRECT ROUTE, even though it will take you 4 years, not 3, to get to the point that you are ready to apply to medical school. Even though you are applying at the end of senior year, consider the study abroad year as outside the premed path.

    One exception here is to take the sciences courses in England through the Sarah Lawrence at Oxford program. Courses taken in our own English-language study abroad program seem to be fully acceptable to all schools. Likewise, NYU has a science program in London geared for premed students and it too seems to be acceptable to medical schools.

Committee Letter of Evaluation 

Who should complete CL Part I: Declaration of Intent?
Any current student or alumni of the College wishing to matriculate into medical or dental school in Summer 2026 will initiate the CL process this Fall. Why start now if you won't matriculate for another 1.5 years? Because these application timelines are quite a beast lasting over a year long! Therefore, you initiate the CL process in the fall prior to the summer in which you plan to apply/ two summers before you matriculate into medical/dental school. 

I am still deciding if I am going to apply this cycle. Am I committed to applying if I fill out the CL Part I: Declaration of Intent? 
No, we understand that you may still be deciding if you are ready to apply this cycle. However, it is much better to initiate the process and decide to delay, rather than attempt to apply after the  committee letter deadlines have passed! Thus, if you are considering applying this cycle, please complete CL Part I, Declaration of Intent and attend the Application Year Overview Session on Wednesday, November 6th.

How long will it take me to fill out Part I? 
It should take you no more than 20-30 minutes to fill out the intent form. This includes a self-assessment: a tool to help you assess your candidacy, begin planning your application, and guide your conversation with Dean Cohen at your Cycle 2025 applicant initial meeting. Remember, this is a tool to help you! So please be thoughtful, insightful, and honest in your responses.  

Who will have access to Part I?
Aside from the demographic section, what you write in Part I, specifically the self-assessment, will be kept completely confidential- the only person that will have access is Dean Melinda Perlo Cohen. Your responses will be used to guide your conversation with Dean Cohen at your Cycle 2025 initial applicant meeting. The information will not be shared with our Prehealth Advisory Committee nor be used in your committee letter.

What should I do after I fill out Part I?
Congrats on taking your first step towards applying this cycle! There are three things to do after you submit:

1. Attend the Application Year Overview session, Part I on Wednesday, November 6th from 5:30-6:45pm (join in person or over zoom).
2. Schedule a Cycle 2025 applicant initial meeting appointment with Dean Cohen, required of all applicants. 
3. Await more information about CL Part II: Portfolio opening in Dec 2024.  

How can I learn more about the Committee Letter process and applying to medical/dental school? 
Join the Application Year Overview, Part I session on Wednesday, November 6th from 5:30-6:45pm to get lots of information and resources! This session will take place in the Prehealth Community Space  (alumni can join over zoom). Bring your questions! 

Winter and Summer Breaks

Winter break can feel like a great opportunity to get ahead on your list of things that you want to do that are not just school-work. While it can feel really tempting to work on your resume all break, also remember that this is your time to recharge for next semester! Below are some ideas for ways to make the most of your break!

Shadowing can be a great way to learn about different medical fields, and to get some hands on experience in healthcare settings! Shadowing does not necessarily have to be a long term commitment, it can be great to even spend one day with a healthcare provider to get insight into a day in their lives. 

Check out our FAQ archive to see our answers about how to find shadowing opportunities, what to look for, and more about shadowing!

Spring Opportunities: With spring on the horizon, this is a great time to start setting up your extracurriculars for next semester! Whether that be an internship, clinical opportunities, volunteering, or shadowing, it is great to secure these opportunities while you have time for applications! 

Check out our FAQ archive to see our answers about how to find clinical opportunities, what to look for, and alternative ideas for those pressed for time!

Searching for a clinical experience?
Check out our program's 'Gaining Experience' page.

Summer Opportunities: if you haven't seen it yet, make sure to start checking out our Summer Opportunities Guide! Winter break is an essential time to begin doing research, crafting your resumes and cover letters, and gathering recommendation letters. Most deadlines fall in January and February so this time is essential in making sure that you are going to meet all of the deadlines for these programs!

Make sure to take time for yourself to relax and recharge! You worked so hard this semester, and you deserve the break! We are so proud of everything you all have done and hope that you have a restful winter break :)

With all of this cold weather, we can't help but start to think ahead to the warmth of spring, and especially to our next big break, spring break! Many students use this time to recharge in the middle of the busy semester and/or to go home to see family. However, some students want to travel. What better way to travel than to also gain clinical experience at the same time! 

Of note, many of these programs come with a cost, so we would suggest applying as soon as possible in order to secure any possible financial aid. Below we have some options for "Alternative Spring Breaks" which can be fun ways to travel and learn at the same time! 

Habitat for Humanity offers a program called the "Collegiate Challenge" which is a program that helps set up college students  with Habitat locations that need volunteers! No experience is needed. To learn more about this program, check out their FAQ's here.

Projects Abroad: This organization offers volunteering and internships abroad, including gap years and study abroad. They specifically offer college Alternative Spring Break trips,  which include options in Peru, Mexico, and Jamaica. These trips each have a different theme, such as public health or early child development. To apply, click here!

International Medical Relief: This organization runs trips that are meant to support underserved communities worldwide. There are opportunities world-wide, from Guatemala to Turkey to Nepal. To check out their opportunities that are specifically available for spring travel, look here! There are tons of options that can vary in cost and opportunity, and this is a great option for someone that is motivated to go somewhere far but still give back to the local community.

International Volunteer HQ: This organization is a volunteer travel organization that helps set up trips worldwide for people to see the world and give back at the same time. They offer spring break specific trips which begin every Monday to many different countries. There are tons of different options to meet anyone's interests!

When looking at summer opportunities, it can sometimes be confusing to decipher if a position is a job, internship, or volunteer experience. We recognize these can be important factors to determine if an opportunity is the right fit for you. Generally, we can divide experiences into two categories: paid and unpaid. You often will see words like "internship," "volunteer," "paid opportunity", and "stipend" in the description which is a good indicator if its paid or unpaid. If it is not clearly stated in the title, the position description should hopefully reveal the answer. And when it doubt, contact the program to find out more. 

You may be wondering if a paid experience is more valuable than unpaid. The quick answer is "no, not necessarily." It is such a personal choice based on your needs and circumstances, and both types of experiences can be very meaningful. When determining your summer plans, please be sure to consider this factor to help you find the right fit. 

If you would like help finding and/or deciphering summer opportunities, please email or schedule a meeting with Dean Melinda Perlo Cohen.

Volunteer positions are unpaid, and usually they are considered to be great extracurriculars to add to your portfolio. These positions are often the most flexible with time commitments, ranging anywhere from a few hours a week to full time. Volunteer positions include working in the ER, helping out in a food pantry, or working mobile crisis units in the city. Most unpaid opportunities in healthcare are titled "volunteer" opportunities. 

Internships can be the most tricky to figure out based on title, because of the variability of what it can mean. This is the classic title that many people think of when they think of summer jobs. Internships can vary in length, time commitment, and pay. Generally, the word "internship" indicates that the position is for a limited time period (meaning not long term), and is unpaid. Look out for other key words in the description to indicate more details about expectations. Some examples may include a research internship, an internship rotating through different medical wards, or an internship with an organization. 

Paid Opportunities: As the title implies, these opportunities come with money! Often, the position title specify will reveal if an opportunity is paid - either hourly, weekly, or even with a full summer stipend. These jobs often will have stricter time commitments. Paid opportunities are great ways to earn money while still gaining experiences for your portfolio. Some examples may include: teaching at a summer school, working as a medical assistant, or being an ER scribe.

Application Prep

Figuring out when and how to start studying for the MCAT can feel really daunting. Everyone studies and learns differently, so there is not one right way to study for the MCAT. Resources can also be really expensive so many people look for some free options to help them study. One thing that many people think about is how to ease into studying, without going full speed during the school year. 

About 6 months out from whenever you are planning to take your MCAT, it is a great idea to start adding small activities that can take 10-30 minutes of your day just to get your mind thinking in "MCAT mode." Below are a few resources that are completely free, and are great ways to just begin to learn about the MCAT without a large commitment, both time-wise and financially. 

If you need help figuring out when to take the MCAT,  or any related questions, schedule a meeting with Dean Melinda Perlo Cohen.

Jack Westin is a platform that puts out daily free questions/passages of the day, which are great practice to just get used to the type of questions that the MCAT asks. They have questions from every section, but they are known for their CARS (reading comprehension) section of the day, which are very similar to the actual exam. Each free daily passage is 10 minutes maximum, and comes with explainations for the answers as well. This is a great way to just learn how to read like the MCAT does. 
Find their daily questions here and there is an option on that page to subscribe so the question comes to your inbox each day!

Anki is a platform that uses algorithms to make your studying smarter, by using flashcards that repeat based on your knowledge of them. These flashcard decks are often already created for MCAT material, and can be downloaded from online from different websites. Starting with 10 minutes a day of JUST the psychology/sociology terms can be a great way to be familiar with terms over time that are mostly related to common sense. If you look up "Psych/soc anki decks" you can find many free ones, such as from Mile Down or Jack Sparrow. There is no official deck to download, so feel free to browse and see which works best for you.

Reading: As simple as it may sound, getting into reading articles that you are uncomfortable with is a great skill to start working on. The CARS section will pull articles from every topic from arts, to history, to psychology. It is essential to get comfortable reading sections of academic articles pretty quickly, and being able to summarize them. Try challenging yourself to read one piece of literature a day - whether that be from a new newspaper, one of these 150 articles on different topics, or from your favorite archive, its important to expose yourself to different types of writing all the time.

Situational Judgement Tests (SJT) are another component of the application process for medical schools. These tests aim at understanding your judgement skills and reactions in different situations.  It can be a great way to shine and impress admissions committees.

We recognize any test can feel stressful, but these should feel low stress as they require minimal preparation. You may have even heard you don't need to study for SJT's. It's true that you don't need to study, but it does help to do some basic preparation- learn about the nature of the test and review some sample questions. 

SJT's should be completed by the end of August of your application cycle in order to complete your application. Read below to learn all about what is an SJT, what are the different tests, what schools require them, and when to take them!

If you need help determining what tests to sign up for, or any other related questions, schedule a meeting with Dean Melinda Perlo Cohen.

What are SJTs? A lot of applicants have never even heard about situational judgement tests. These tests are meant to help schools learn more about you, your personality, and how you make decisions. Being a successful healthcare provider is not just about knowing the information needed, but it is also about knowing how to be compassionate, non-judgemental, and ethical person.

These tests provide different scenarios or questions that can give insight on how you think through different situations. The main thing to remember is that there are no right or wrong answers for these tests, the goal is just to see how you think. Therefore, there is not so much preparation needed, but more information about preparation and tips will be featured in an upcoming question of the week!

What are the different SJTs available? There are two main situational judgement tests that schools will ask you to take, with a few exceptions of schools having unique tests. They are called CASPer and PREview:

CASPer is an open-response situational judgment test that measures aspects of your social intelligence and professionalism, like ethics, empathy, problem-solving and collaboration. It is taken online, and the format is both written and video responses. It also has an add on option which is called Duet, which only some schools require - check to see if this add on would be a requirement as well. 

AAMC PREview professional readiness exam is a situational judgement test designed to demonstrate some of the professional competencies that are important for medical school students.  It is also taken online, and the AAMC provides free resources to prepare for this exam. 

These exams are similar in nature, just different schools require different exams. You may even find yourself needing to take both, so it is important to look through your school list early on to figure out what you should plan for!

How do I know which ones I have to take? The AAMC puts out a list of which schools require what situational judgement tests, which can be found here. This is the most updated version of the PDF (updated December 2024), but it is essential to check at every single school that you are applying to if the tests are required. Every year, more schools are making these tests a requirement, so it is important to check if they are required for you. The AAMC updates this website as well for one of the tests (Preview). On the Casper website, you can also see which schools require it when choosing a date. 

When should I take the tests? Situational Judgement Tests are offered throughout the year, and can all be taken online at home. They usually are offered about once or twice a month, and need to be registered for in advance. Dates can be found both on the Casper and PREview websites. It is suggested that you finish the SJT by the end of August, but the earlier the better - schools may not review your application until they receive your scores, and it can take up to a month for those scores to be released. We will discuss more in a future question of the week, but these tests do not require much preparation, so take it whenever you have a day or two to prepare! 

Glide Year(s)

Did you know that taking a glide year has become more and more common in recent years? In fact, 92% of applicants from Sarah Lawrence and 73.2% of all matriculants to medical school (based on the AAMC 2024 Matriculating Student Questionnaire) took at least one year off between undergraduate and medical school. Another fun fact: The median age of an entering medical student is 23 years old! So, while this was quite uncommon 30 years ago, times have certainly changed! 

What is a Glide Year?
A glide year, also commonly referred to as a "gap" or "bridge" year, is a gap of time between completing your undergraduate degree and matriculating into health professional school. A glide year can be for anyone going into any field; however, it has become extremely common for those applying to health professional programs. In fact, where ~ten years ago these applicants were referred to as "nontraditional" applicants, now this has become the more "traditional" path 

What To Do During a Glide Year?
There are so many different things that you can do during your time off, and there is no one right answer about what to do with this time. 

In a future QofW, we will explore common options/ideas of what you can do during your glide year/s. We will discuss common factors to consider when determining if a glide year is right for you. And we will discuss what decisions may be helpful to make early on in your planning and preparation process. So, stay tuned for Part II. 

If you need help determining if a glide year(s) is right for you, or any other related questions, schedule a meeting with Dean Melinda Perlo Cohen.

Glide Year or Years? 
Often, when people think of a glide year, they assume that it means taking only one year off between undergrad and grad school.  But in fact, many applicants take two or more years off. In fact, some job opportunities, especially research/clinical research positions, require a minimum 2 years commitment. So for those seeking these types of opportunities, its is advantageous to take multiple glide years. 

As with so many factors in the application process, there is no set amount of time for all; rather its determining the "right" amount of time for you!

$$$ Money: Many people use their glide year/s as a time to earn and save money to fund their graduate education. Saving money during this time can be extremely helpful for your years in graduate school when you won't be able to work. As such, getting a job to earn money is a common reason applicants take a glide year(s).

By the way, it's never too early to begin educating yourself about grad school finances. Check out the AAMC's FIRST resources and tools to learn more. 

Time: As simple as it may sound, many applicants need more time! With the increasing prerequisite courses, required experiences  and/or clinical hours, and a very competitive applicant pool, often applicants need more time to develop a really strong application. Not to mention, it can be pretty overwhelming to study for your entrance exam, apply, and interview all while being a full time student. Therefore, many applicants choose to stretch out their timeline and take a gap year so they can study for the MCAT in the summer prior to their senior year or application year. Then they can better balance school while completing their applications. 

Strengthening Your Portfolio: A common reason that one may choose to take a glide year is to fill a large gap on their resume and/or address weaknesses in an application. This may be academic weaknesses (e.g. low GPA) or experiential deficits (e.g. lacking patient-centered clinical experience). It is no secret that It is hard to juggle being a full time prehealth students completing the prerequisite courses and engaged in research, clinical, and community experiences while also pursuing hobbies and maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle throughout college. Many applicants realize they will benefit from taking a glide year(s) to address a deficit or weakness in their application to be as strong an applicant as they can be. 

Avoiding Burnout: Another important and often overlooked reason to consider a glide year is to avoid burnout! You have just worked extremely hard for 4 years in college with many more years of schooling prior. It is completely okay to need a break to rejuvenate before going back to school. And guess what? Your clinical training is a long road with very minimal breaks along the way. So taking some time away from the demands of school can be quite refreshing!

The glide year is a fantastic time to explore something you wont have the time to do once you begin your clinical training- Explore old or new hobbies, live in a new place, travel, and more. You deserve to take time to yourself before heading back to school!

When planning for your glide year, it can feel overwhelming to decide what types of jobs or opportunities to pursue. We can boil these down into 4 main categories. However, it is important to remember that there is no one right answer. Rather, think about how you can capitalize on this time to help you accomplish both short-term and long-term goals. 

Wondering what is a "glide" year (also known as a "gap" or "bridge" year? Check out Part I of this QoftheW.

We will tackle this question by examining four main categories of opportunities, but this is by no means an exhaustive list. Remember, the glide year is a year to grow and develop in many different ways that serve YOU!  As long as you are learning, engaging, and gaining valuable experiences from this year, and are prepared to speak about it in a future interview, then it's a great choice. 

Glide Year Opportunity of the Week:
Be sure to check out the glide year opportunity of the week that we have been including in our newsletters! To view past newsletters with their job postings, check out this link.  

If you need help determining what to do during your glide year, or any other related questions, schedule a meeting with Dean Melinda Perlo Cohen.

Clinical Opportunities: One of the most common avenues that people choose to go down for their glide year(s) is to pursue clinical opportunities. These are more often harder to find as part time roles, so having a full year or more to dedicate to a clinical role can be the perfect opportunity to be hands on in a clinical setting. This is a great time to immerse yourself in a clinical setting, and start learning about the flow of working in the medical field. Some great ideas with minimal/short training requirements is becoming a CNA, a medical assistant, a vet assistant, a phlebotomist, and more! 

Be sure to check out our past questions of the week  which have discussed different clinical opportunities and ideas, as well as be on the lookout for our clinical opportunities guide, which is coming soon!

Research: This year can also be a great time to grow your research experience. It can be hard to find a lot of time to dedicate to research throughout college, so this can be a great opportunity to pursue during your glide year. This can take shape in many ways - you can do bench lab work, which would be more working with your hands in the lab, or clinical research work, where it would be more working on a trial, and often with patients. Any research opportunity is a great way to add to your resume, and can build great connections with healthcare professionals. However, it is important to note that many research jobs will request a two year minimum commitment because of the amount of on the job training needed. 

Volunteer: This is also a great year to build on your volunteer experiences. This can look different for everyone - for some people, they are able to commit to a volunteer position full time, while others can add this in at night or weekends. Because you no longer have homework to catch up on after your long day, it can be great to dedicate some time weekly to get involved in your local community and volunteer. Many students opt to volunteer in settings like their local hospital or clinics. 

Pursuit of Passion: A common choice for many students is to use this year to get a job in an area they are passionate about, whether or not it fits into their professional aspirations. As graduate school applicants, you have already chosen your future career path, so it is not uncommon for students to try out something totally different for the year. As long as you are engaging and developing additional knowledge and skills (think transferrable skills!), you are encouraged to explore and pursue opportunities that will make you happy! This can range from a dream job as a ski instructor (where you learn the value of patience and how to educate a wide range of people) to running a pottery studio (where you learn how to work with your hands, and about how the smallest changes can lead to huge impacts on results). 

Your Glide year(s) is not only a great times to grow your knowledge and build your resume, but it is also a great time for personal and professional development. Starting graduate school can be a very big adjustment, so creating some healthy habits early on can help set you up for success. These habits or skills can be small or large, and having a year (or more), without school to distract you, is a great time to work on them. So, pick some personal goals to achieve during your glide year! 

Wondering what is a "glide" year (also known as a "gap" or "bridge" year? Check out Part I of this QoftheWeek.

Glide Year Opportunity of the Week:
Be sure to check out the glide year opportunity of the week that we have been including in our newsletters! To view past newsletters with their job postings, check out this link.  

If you need help determining what to do during your glide year, or any other related questions, schedule a meeting with Dean Melinda Perlo Cohen.

Develop your interview skills: One of the most exciting yet common stressors during a glide year is upcoming interviews. From graduate school interviews to job interviews, this year can feel like you are constantly having to "sell yourself" through the interview process. Your glide year can be a great time to hone in on your interview skills - whether that be practicing with friends or family members, thinking through different scenarios, or keeping a journal of different workplace stories- there are so many ways to work on this skill. It will be essential throughout graduate school and beyond, so this is a great time to make sure that you start feeling comfortable in an interview setting. 

Tip: Schedule a mock interview with the Prehealth Program and/or Career Services. 

Creating Healthy Habits: This year is an opportune time to build and strengthen healthy habits. Graduate school can be really stressful, and during moments of high stress is a really hard time to begin to implement healthy habits into your routine. So, your glide year is a great time to start implementing these habits so that it can support you during your time in school. Healthy habits can range from incorporating exercise that you love doing to creating healthy sleep hygiene to learning to cook nutritious meals for yourself or finding a new hobby to relax and destress.  Any way that you choose to be healthy is great, and this is a great time for you to try out different things to implement into your lifestyle!

Balancing Finances: This is also a great year to work on your personal finances. Finances can be a really intimidating part of going back to school, so this is a great year to learn more about it! Depending on what type of graduate school that you go to, it can range from difficult to almost impossible to have a job while in school. Check out resources like FIRST to build your financial literacy. Learn to budget and spend responsibly to help set you up for success throughout graduate school.  And you may also want to pick up a small side hustle that you can maintain throughout school, such as tutoring or babysitting.

Finding ways to unwind: Graduate school can be quite stressful, so having productive habits to destress and unwind is essential. Your glide year is a great time to rejuvenate and discover different, enjoyable ways tto destress! Whether it be going on a walk, watching your favorite show, or reading a great book, building habits help you recalibrate and relax is so important before starting graduate school.