Preparation for podiatry school involves engaging in experiences that develop and demonstrate skills in communication, leadership, community service, research, and familiarity with the podiatric profession. What you do with your time helps define who you are on your application. Podiatry schools will learn what you care about and who you are through experiences that align with your interests and goals. Keep in mind that activities complement your coursework, but will not compensate for low grades. Both are important!

• Keep a detailed record of all hours and experiences — document contact information and reflections on each activity. Most students track hours and experiences on an Excel spreadsheet.
• All activities should be completed during your undergraduate study.
• Try to complete activities consistently throughout the school year.
• Be intentional and deliberate in planning your experiences, so you are prepared to apply when the time comes.

Shadowing

Shadowing should be one of your first experiences as a pre-podiatry student. Observing podiatrists in action will help you gather the information you need to commit to the profession fully. Shadowing requires professional dress and conduct.

Competitive applicants shadow at least 2-3 different podiatrists and accumulate 100+ hours of shadowing.

Community Service

Because you are preparing for a humanitarian profession, it is important to have volunteer experiences that demonstrate a consistent and long-term commitment to serving others in your community. Look for service opportunities with an underserved population, in your community, on campus, or in a humanitarian setting. Volunteer activities need not be related to podiatry but should be meaningful to you. Quality of the experience is more important than quantity.

Competitive applicants complete at least 3 different experiences and gain 300-400 hours of volunteer experience during their undergraduate study—this is in addition to any church service.

Leadership Experience

As a podiatrist, you will be a leader in many ways. Professional schools admit students who have experience making and recognizing the consequences of their decisions. Leadership involves teamwork and builds solid communication skills. Examples of leadership could be mentoring, tutoring, society presidencies, student government, in a job, coaching, or church callings.

Competitive applicants complete 2-3 different experiences and gain 100-200 hours.  At least half of your hours need to be non-church related.

Research Experience

Podiatry schools desire applicants who understand scientific literature, know how research is performed and can distinguish credible research. Any research, as long as it is hypothesis-based and utilizes the scientific method can build your experience. As you do research, make sure you understand the hypothesis, the procedure, and your responsibility in the project. You can count research projects done in your courses or participate in research through faculty-directed work, Idaho INBRE, the UC-Davis internship, or other research internships nationwide.

Competitive applicants will have 100+ hours of research.

Patient Exposure

Interacting well with patients is one of the key indicators of a successful future provider. Your experience can be either paid or unpaid. It may or may not require certification. Examples include ER or hospice volunteer, EMT, CNA, scribe, etc.

Competitive applicants will complete 100+ hrs.of patient exposure.

Hobbies

While podiatry schools do not have requirements for hobbies, they are interested in well-rounded students who know how to balance work with recreation. Hobbies and interests can make your application unique to you. 

"Double-Dipping"

To be competitive, you should strive to meet the requirements in each individual area. One activity should not be counted in two areas. This is called “double-dipping,” and makes it appear you are not taking the time to develop yourself fully. While an activity may be both volunteer and leadership, or volunteer and patient exposure, you will list the experience as a single experience on your application—recognizing there may be overlap in some experiences.

Helpful Websites and Resources

• The Other Medical School: A Detailed Look at Podiatric Medical Training
• Getting Admitted to Podiatry School

The MCAT is the Medical College Admissions Test and is required for any student applying to Podiatry school. It is recommended you take the MCAT at least two months before the application opens in August. However, if you need to test later, the latest recommended test date would be the end of July of the year you are applying. It is best to take it right after you finish the classes tested on the MCAT, so the content is fresh. The MCAT is administered in January and then between March and September each year.

What content does the MCAT contain?

The MCAT is broken down into four sections:

1. Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
2. Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
3. Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
4. Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills

How is the MCAT scored?

A score is given for each of the four individual sections and the total. Each section is scored from 118 to 132 points. The total score given is out of a range from 472 to 528 and is the total of the individual sections. Competitive scores are:

Allopathic (M.D.): 510 or above

Osteopathic (D.O): 506 or above

Podiatry: 500 or above

What Classes Should I Complete Before Taking the MCAT?

SOC 111, PSYCH 111, BIO 180, BIO 181, CHEM 105, CHEM 106, CHEM 351, CHEM 352, CHEM 481, PH 105, and PH 106 are all foundational courses to prepare you for the MCAT.

Other courses that may be helpful for your preparation are BIO 375, BIO 461, BIO 240, and CHEM 482.

What are the costs associated with taking the MCAT?

The registration fee for the MCAT is found at https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/article/2015-mcat-registration-fees/.

The costs for study materials, travel, and the exam can be between $500-$10,000, depending on if you choose to self-study or purchase programs and materials.

How to register for the MCAT?

Go to https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/taking-mcat-exam/register-mcat-exam/ to register for the exam. You will need to create an AAMC account before you can register.

When you register, you will have access to test dates, times, and test locations. Make sure that whatever information you put in the registration system matches your government issued ID (ex. Driver’s license) exactly. If it does not match on test day, you will not be allowed to take the exam.

Where do I take the MCAT?

The MCAT is administered at approved testing centers throughout the country. The closest location to BYU-Idaho is at Idaho State University in Pocatello. When registering, you will be able to see the different testing center options and select the best one for you. Register early because the testing dates fill fast. If you don’t register early, you may have to travel some distance to take the test.

How do I Prepare for the MCAT?

Studying for the MCAT is the equivalent of a part-time job. It’s best to study for the MCAT during a flex- track semester. On average, students study at least 3-4 months for the exam and spend a minimum of 400 hours preparing. Do not try to cram studying into a few weeks. The biggest mistake students make when preparing for the MCAT is not spending adequate time studying. Even if you feel you are a good test-taker, it is important not to take studying for the MCAT lightly. The MCAT is designed to test critical thinking and is very different than other tests.

The AAMC website offers a free guide to preparing a study plan for the MCAT. If you decide to undertake your preparation by self-study, make sure you have a good plan and stick with it.

There are multiple test prep courses available. When deciding between the courses, consider the following:

• Cost: compare what resources will be available through each test prep course for the expense.
• Location: some test preps are only available online while other test preps will have in-person classes or tutoring available.
• Guarantee: look into what kind of guarantee the program is offering and what resources will be available if a retake is needed.
• Teaching Style and Structure: Compare the length of the programs, the teaching style, and how the programs are structured.

Helpful Resources and Websites

• MCAT FAQs
• What is on the MCAT?
• Learn About MCAT Scores and Score Reports
• Free Resources from the AAMC to help with test preparation
• How to Avoid Common Mistakes on the MCAT

Podiatry schools admit students once a year in the fall, but applications are submitted 12 months before the desired podiatry school enrollment date. Applications open each year in August for the following year admission.

When you apply depends on when you will complete your degree, complete necessary prerequisite coursework, and successfully take the MCAT. Timing is sensitive, so you will want to plan well.

Apply early in the cycle, but make sure your application is the best it can be. Podiatry school requirements vary from school to school — research schools early for specific information on their requirements.

Before submitting your application, have people with an unbiased eye go over the entire application to catch any errors.

Podiatry School Application process includes 5 main components

1. The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)
2. Primary Application
3. Letters of Recommendation
4. Secondary Applications
5. Interviews

The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)

The MCAT is administered in January and then between March and September each year. The closest testing site to BYUI is Idaho State University. You can obtain the most updated information from https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/faq/mcat-faqs/.

Primary Application

Primary Applications are processed through a central processing service and are sent to every school affiliated with that service. The application service for podiatry school is called AACPMAS.

The application opens online in August each year and can be submitted when complete. It is important to apply early!

READ ALL INSTRUCTION MANUALS AND DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY!

AACPMAS requires:

• Your MCAT score
• A list of all college classes taken, as well as official transcripts from each college where you have earned credit
• A list and descriptions of your activities since graduating from high school
• A Personal Statement outlining your motivation for pursuing a career as a podiatrist
• Letters of Recommendation

NOTE: To help us advise other students, we would appreciate it if you would release your statistical information from your applications to the Health Professions Advisor when prompted. This information will always be kept confidential.

Personal Statement

Your personal statement is a very important piece of your application and should be given a high degree of attention in the process. You can begin creating your first draft at any time, but serious work should be done a few months before applying. A personal statement is about you and your motivation for pursuing a career as a podiatrist.

Get feedback! Have 3 or 4 people you can trust to be honest with you (professor, doctor, parent, advisor, etc.) read your essay and offer feedback. Give yourself plenty of time to make revisions.

A great personal statement will answer the following:

• Motivation - Why podiatry?  Why podiatry over another helping profession?
• Capacity - How have you prepared to become a podiatrist? 
• Fit -  What makes you a good fit for the profession?
• Vision - What impact do you wish to make?  

GENERAL PERSONAL STATEMENT DOs AND DON'Ts

DO answer the question, “Why do you want to be a podiatrist?”

DO concentrate more on actual experiences rather than speculation about future accomplishments.

DO focus more on what you can give rather than on what you can get by becoming a podiatrist.

DO “show” more than “tell.”

DO limit the number of “I” statements you use.

DO share your background if it is appropriate.

DO describe meaningful experiences.

DO pay careful attention to grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

DO pay attention to the character count (4500).

DO NOT use the “I want to help people” theme if possible.

DO NOT devote too much space to writing about other people (family, patients, a podiatrist you know).

DO NOT summarize or merely repeat what is on the activity list on your primary application.

DO NOT use overly flowery language.

DO NOT use your essay to criticize medicine today.

DO NOT assume everyone knows what you know.

DO NOT try to make jokes.

DO NOT use a foreign language.

DO NOT begin your essay with a quote.

Letters of Recommendation

AACPMCAS has a service that allows your letter writers to upload your letter directly to the application and have them distributed to all schools to which you have applied.

Requirements for letters vary between schools, so research schools early and know what you need. Most schools require 3 or 4 letters.

Requesting Letters of Recommendation

• Ask if potential writers feel capable of writing a STRONG letter. If anyone is hesitant, you should probably try someone else.
• Ask if recommenders would welcome any written background material. You could include a brief biographical sketch or resume, your interests and activities, career goals, and motivation toward your intended profession.
• Always give recommenders ample time. Two to three weeks at a minimum.
• Make sure letter writers know their letters must be signed and on letterhead.
• Follow-up with your letter writers and be sure to send thank you notes.

Secondary Applications

Once podiatry schools receive your Primary Application, they will send out Secondary Applications. These are specific to each school, and vary in length and structure, but often require one or more additional essays, or ask you to list certain experiences in a specific format. FOLLOW DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY.

Some schools send Secondary Applications to every student who submitted a Primary Application. Other schools will screen Primary Applications first and only send Secondary Applications to students who are under consideration for admission.

Secondary Applications usually have a fee attached, so it is a good idea to re-evaluate your list of schools at this point. If you have changed your mind about applying to a school, you do not have to complete their Secondary Application.

Make sure you promptly return your Secondary Applications with well-written, thoughtful, and professional responses.

Interviews

The final stage of the application process is the interview. If you receive an invitation for an interview, that is an indication that a school has decided that you are a qualified applicant and they want to get to know you better. Some podiatry schools hold “interview days” where they bring in a group of applicants for a day that may consist of some or all of the following: Interviews, lunch, school tour, and opportunities to meet students and faculty. Remember, the entire day is the interview, not just those times when you are in a formal meeting. Be on your best professional behavior all day!

Interviews can take many forms, so it is essential to research your schools and be prepared. A Health Professions Advisor can help you with preparation tips and practicing your interviewing skills.

The most common types of interviews are:

• One on one interview—Usually one or two 20-30 minutes interviews.
• Multiple Mini Interview (MMI)—7-10 rooms with a different prompt or scenario posted on the door. You are typically given 2 minutes to think about the prompt before entering a room, and 5-8 minutes to respond to the question.  Additional questions or a role play situation could be part of the interview.
• Group interview—Either one applicant interviewed by several interviewers, or a group of applicants interviewed by one or more interviewer.
• Zoom Interview—More schools are implementing video interviews. Before the interview, applicants are sent a link to a site like Zoom, Teams, HireVue, etc., where they will be asked to provide a timed video or written response to questions.

• Applications are submitted 12 months before the desired podiatry school enrollment date. Applications can be submitted in August for the following year.
• It is helpful to create a timeline for yourself when applying to podiatry school. Having an academic plan, a plan to complete extra-curricular activities, and a plan for test preparation all contribute to your timeline.

Preparing to Apply

• Talk to the potential writers of your Letters of Recommendation. Give them plenty of time to write the letters.
• Continue with your volunteer, shadowing, or research activities until you have received an acceptance letter from a podiatry school. Do not stop these activities until you have an official offer of admission. It may take more than one application cycle to gain admission, so you need to be continually improving your application until you do.
• Prepare for and take the MCAT - Register for the MCAT and take it by the end of June in the year you submit your podiatry school application.
• Consult the website from the AACPM to find further information about each school. Always confirm school-specific requirements by checking each school's website directly.
• Continue to save money for the application process.

International students are students who are not green card holders or permanent residents. A permanent resident is generally considered the same as a US resident for application purposes. International students not holding a green card can be accepted to some US podiatry schools. If an international student is accepted, schools have policies that may require a student to show evidence of their capacity to pay tuition above and beyond the INS requirements for an I20. Some schools may expect the student to pre-pay tuition for the entire four years or create an escrow account for these funds. Some institutions will accept loans co-signed by a US citizen.

International students do not qualify for Federal Financial Aid, but a few institutions may provide merit scholarships.

Research Schools and Plan Accordingly

Each podiatry school is different, and it is imperative that you check individual admissions websites to view policies regarding international applicants, coursework requirements, financial requirements, etc.

Create a Financial Plan for Podiatry School

Podiatry school is an expensive endeavor. The average cost of attending a 4-year program can range from $100,000 to $250,000.  International non-resident students do not qualify for Federal Financial Aid, so consider alternate options. For instance, some institutions offer school-specific loan programs. Additionally, some major banks offer private student loans to international applicants, but you would need to have a co-signer who is a citizen of the US.

The key is to evaluate the available options and have a plan in place before starting school.

Most important, Make Yourself a Competitive Applicant

This really is the key to the whole process. Achieve high grades in your prerequisite coursework. Study diligently for the MCAT and secure a competitive score.

When you apply, it is imperative there are no gaps in your application.