Participating

Participating in PATH consists of the following: 

All workshops and events will be posted to Handshake.

PATH Orientation

Attendance at a PATH Orientation is required. During Orientation, students will:

  • Learn about the PATH process and timeline
  • Understand portfolio requirements
  • Learn how HPAC supports applicants
  • Review Letter Packet requirements
  • Officially join PATH through Brightspace

Letters of Recommendation

Applicants should begin requesting recommendation letters shortly after attending PATH Orientation.

Letter requirements:

  • Minimum of two (2) URI faculty letters
  • At least one (1) letter from a science faculty member
  • Additional letters from supervisors, mentors, healthcare professionals, or research mentors

Letters from relatives, peers, or family friends will not be accepted.

MCAT Workshop

Members of the AAMC will join us virtually to review study strategies for preparing for the MCAT. Applicants can also take advantage of various materials that the AAMC offers including:

Personal Statement Workshop

Attend a personal statement workshop offered in collaboration with the URI Writing Center and Office of Fellowships.

This workshop provides guidance on brainstorming, structure, and reflection.

Personal statements should reflect your own experiences, voice, and writing and are an important piece of the application. By preparing your draft in November, writing a final draft in March will feel more achievable.

PATH Office Hours

Weekly drop-in office hours provide ongoing support throughout the PATH process.

Students may attend to receive assistance with:

Individual Readiness Meeting

This meeting focuses on application readiness, competitiveness, or remaining gaps in preparation.

Before this meeting, students should have:

Portfolio Deadline

The following must be completed and submitted by March 1:

Multiple Mini Interviews

Applicants will participate in a series of short interviews with HPAC members and guest interviewers. Professional attire is required. All participants will sign up for a date in Handshake.

MMIs provide an opportunity to practice:

  • Critical thinking and ethical reasoning
  • Communication skills
  • Professional presence
  • Self-reflection

HPAC Mock Interview

Applicants will complete a 60-minute mock interview with an HPAC committee member.

Unlike the MMI format, this interview focuses on:

  • Personal experiences
  • Motivation for healthcare
  • Reflection and self-awareness
  • Readiness for professional school interviews

Applicants will also receive individualized feedback to strengthen their interviewing skills.

Group Meeting

Pre-Health Career Pathways will host a group session in early May (sometimes, early April depending on the academic calendar).

In this meeting, we will review the process of completing primary applications including:

Final Meeting

Applicants will have their final meeting with Pre-Health Career Pathways throughout the month of May.

Participants will be expected to start writing their primary application prior to this meeting, where we will review applicants draft of their activities and experiences, requesting transcripts, and the Letter Packet.

The goal is that applicants submit their application at the end of May for rolling admissions.

Waiver of Right to Access Letters of Recommendation

Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), you have the legal right to view letters of recommendation written about you.

However, health professions schools strongly prefer that these letters remain confidential, as they tend to carry greater credibility when the author knows the letter will not be viewed by the applicant. Confidential letters are often perceived as more candid and objective, which can ultimately strengthen your application.

As part of the PATH process, you are asked to indicate whether or not you waive your right to access both your individual letters of recommendation and the Letter Packet.

You will have the opportunity to make this decision as a part of completing your applicant readiness and reflection form. This selection is required in order for your portfolio to be reviewed.

Please consider this choice carefully, as it may impact how your application materials are perceived by admissions committees.