Applying to health professions programs requires strong time management, attention to detail, and careful planning. The Pre-Professional Health Advising (PPHA) office is committed to supporting students throughout the application process - from deciding when to apply to preparing a timely, competitive, and comprehensive application, as well as navigating the often complex admissions cycle.

Recognizing that many students pursue a transition or “gap” year before matriculation, PPHA continues to support JMU students and alumni for up to four years after graduation (for example, Class of 2022 alumni applying for 2026 matriculation).

The PPHA Alumni Support Teams sites are designed for students and alumni seeking advising, application support, and formal services related to graduate health professions program applications. These Teams sites also serve as centralized resource hubs, providing continued access to advising materials, application resources, and appointment scheduling with PPHA advisors.

To request access to the PPHA Alumni Support Teams sites, please complete the request form below. Access requests are typically processed within 2–3 business days.

PPHA Alumni Support- Request Access to Alumni Teams – Fill out form

Alumni planning to apply to medical or dental school in a future application cycle and seeking PPHA letter packet services should request access to the Pre-Medicine and Pre-Dentistry Applicant & Alumni Support Teams sites using the same request form below. 

PPHA Letter Packet Support- Request Access to Alumni Teams – Fill out form

 If you have questions about Alumni Support services, please contact the PPHA office at pph@jmu.edu or 540-568-6652.  

Current students: please use MyMadison Connect to schedule a meeting with a PPH advisor.

The PPHA office provides Letter Packet services for JMU students and alumni preparing their application to Medical or Dental School. The Letter Packet is a preferred method of delivery for letters of recommendation by medical and dental school admissions. 

PPHA will collect individual letters of recommendation and prepare a formal letter packet (to include a cover page and advisor summary) to be submmitted on behalf of the applicant. For allopathic (MD), osteopathic (DO), and dental schools, letter packets are sent through AMCAS, AACOMAS, and AADSAS letter writer services, respectively. You need only to designate that you’re receiving a letter packet and do not include each individual letter writer separately.

Eligibility for a Letter Packet for New and Re-Applicants

• The applicant must have graduated no more than four years prior to time of application (i.e., class of 2022 for 2026 matriculation). 
• The applicant or re-applicant must submit the Intent to Apply Form 
• The applicant must sign up for and participate in a Pre-Application Review (PAR)
• The applicant must meet all paperwork deadlines (see below)

The process through which you’ll work with PPHA at JMU will help you prepare your application materials. This process also helps PPH advisors get to know you better. All of the materials you are asked to provide, along with the Pre-Application Review (PAR), feed into the overall application process. Here is a summary of the timeline of events and deadlines: 

October-December, prior to the intended application year: 

1. Request access to the Pre-Med or Pre-Dent Applicant & Alumni Teams site
2. Meet with a PPH Pre-Med ror Pre-Dent Advisor to discuss and review your application timeline. 

January - February of the intended application year:

1. Decide who you will ask for letters of recommendation, and make appointments with faculty/mentors in order to ask in person. 
2. Attend the Winter/Spring Pre-Application Workshops 
3. Complete the Applicant (or Re-Applicant) Intent to Apply Form and submit in the Applicant/Alumni Canvas page by February 1, 2026. This is our indication that you plan to apply for the 2027 Application cycle. 
4. Begin drafting your Pre-Application Review (PAR) Materials accessible in the Applicant & Alumni Teams site.

1. Set up your PrivateFolio account and send official letter request to letter writers.
2. Schedule a Pre-Application Review (PAR) session with the PPHA office (offered between March and June of the application year). 
3. Complete your PAR materials and attend PAR session.
4. Submit your application to AMCAS/AACOMAS/AADSAS.

Important Dates:

February 1, 2026: Deadline to submit your Intent to Apply Form, notifying PPHA of your intentions to particiate in the Letter Packet process.  

June 1, 2026: Final Deadline to schedule your PAR. If you have not scheduled your PAR, PPHA will not be able to provde Letter Packet Services on your behalf.

July 1, 2026: Final Deadline to complete the PAR meeting with your assigned advisor.