The PPHA office offers Letter Packet services to support JMU students and alumni applying to medical or dental school. Many admissions programs prefer this format, as it presents your letters of recommendation in a comprehensive and organized way.
Through this process, PPHA collects your individual letters and compiles them into a formal packet that includes a cover page and advisor summary. This packet is then submitted on your behalf through the appropriate application services: AMCAS (MD), AACOMAS (DO), TMDSAS (MD/DDS), or AADSAS (DDS).
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 deadlines (see below)
The Letter Packet process and Pre-Application Review (PAR) Timeline
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:
- Request access to the Pre-Med or Pre-Dent Applicant & Alumni Teams site
- Meet with a PPH Pre-Med ror Pre-Dent Advisor to discuss and review your application timeline.
January - February of the intended application year:
- Decide who you will ask for letters of recommendation, and make appointments with faculty/mentors in order to ask in person.
- Attend the Winter/Spring Pre-Application Workshops
- 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.
- Begin drafting your Pre-Application Review (PAR) Materials accessible in the Applicant & Alumni Teams site.
March - July of the intended application year:
- Set up your PrivateFolio account and send official letter request to letter writers.
- Schedule a Pre-Application Review (PAR) session with the PPHA office (offered between March and June of the application year).
- Complete your PAR materials and attend PAR session.
- 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.