The Health Professions and Prelaw Center (HPPLC): Helpful Resources for Students and Alumni

Introduction: What is HPPLC?

Even the most prepared students may cringe at the thought of completing law or medical school applications. The Health Professions and Prelaw Center (HPPLC) can support students in the application process and help them prepare for their careers. HPPLC provides IU Bloomington students and alumni with resources and assistance for those interested in careers in law, medicine, and other healthcare fields. The center provides advising, tips on the application process, clubs and student organizations, and many other services to help students reach their career goals. The advisors will also meet with students who are merely curious about a career in health or law to help them decide if this is something they would like to pursue. 

What Every Student Wants to Know: What Looks “Good” on an Application?

Although this may be the question on many students' minds, HPPLC’s ultimate goal is to give students a strong foundation of knowledge to use in pursuing careers in these professions, not simply to tell students what “looks good” on their applications. With that said, though, the HPPLC Web site provides helpful information about completing law and medical school applications. By building skills and experience, knowing what to expect from the application process, and taking advantage of the resources available to them, students can increase their chances of being accepted. 

Academic advising is the first step at HPPLC for those considering either medical or law school. Rachel Tolen, Assistant Director and Premedical Advisor, suggested, “Students should make sure to periodically make an appointment to meet with an advisor at the HPPLC office. We can provide specialized advice on meeting admission requirements, obtaining letters of recommendation, preparing for entrance exams, and all aspects of the complicated application process.”

Applying to Law School

Regardless of how long a student has been thinking about law school, there are a number of steps he or she will want to take as a student at IU. A good place to start, of course, is HPPLC, which provides extensive information on applying to law school, what to do as a freshman and sophomore planning on a degree in law, how to best compete for law school, how to complete your application, and much more.

Mac Francis, HPPLC Director and Prelaw Advisor, explained: “Unfortunately, preparation for and applying to law schools is a complex, confusing, intimidating task. ... Students literally must do everything right [on their applications] and do it early to maximize their chances for success.”

When considering an application timeframe, Francis acknowledged, “Applying early in the cycle can be an advantage—meaning by Thanksgiving of the senior year. This means that the admissions decision may well be based only on their first three years in college.” Of course, this schedule also means the applicant would ideally need to be prepared for the LSAT the June after his or her junior year. However, Francis also said, “While preparing earlier is always preferable, it is really never too late.”

A prelaw advisor will also want to discuss whether there are ways a student can accomplish his or her underlying career goals without going to law school. Before meeting with a prelaw advisor, students should consider the specific reasons they might want to go into law. To find this out, Francis suggested that students might benefit from shadowing a local attorney; visiting the courtrooms at Seventh and College; volunteering or interning in a law-related organization; and/or visiting different law schools. There’s one right on this campus! You can just call its admissions office to schedule a tour and to arrange to sit in on classes.

Francis also wanted students to remember that even the most organized, motivated, and prepared applicants can benefit from speaking one-on-one with a Prelaw Advisor about one’s individual situation. It is never too early to get started.

Applying to Medical School

According to Tolen, students who dream of attending medical school should take full advantage of their undergraduate educations. She explained, "Medical schools are seeking applicants with a very strong foundation in the sciences, as well as other strengths. They look for students with strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills." Premed courses help build a strong science foundation, but Tolen explained that a student can be more competitive by "being adventuresome and taking challenging coursework outside of the sciences also. [This] can help you develop many of the other abilities you will need for medical school and a career as a physician."

Medical school-bound undergraduates need to focus on maintaining a strong academic record, getting community service experience, and gaining exposure to medicine. Younger students can begin exploring whether a career in medicine is right for them by shadowing physicians. This experience can also help keep students stay motivated throughout college; once a student has confirmed through direct experience that becoming a physician is the right choice, it can make it easier to stay determined in getting through difficult coursework and preparing for the MCAT.

Tolen also highlighted the importance of the MCAT: "Solid preparation for the MCAT is crucial, and, unfortunately, this is the point where many highly-motivated and otherwise excellent students meet a serious obstacle." Students need to go beyond just completing the coursework required for admission. Tolen recommends serious, intensive preparation with lots of repeated practice testing over an extended period of time, perhaps eight months to a full year.

While a student's background and application may be nearly perfect, a lot also depends on timing and organization. Since most medical schools admit students on a rolling basis, accepting applicants long before the final application due date, students should apply to medical school as early as possible, preferably by June or July after completing their junior year.

The Final Word

HPPLC can help students and alumni prepare for professional careers in law and healthcare, but only if they come to the Center and enlist its help. To make the most of their undergraduate careers and to be fully prepared for medical or law school, students need to be aware of and use the resources available to them, including what HPPLC has to offer. Speaking with HPPLC advisors early and often will help students immeasurably in reaching their career goals.

For More Information

To make an appointment with a HPPLC advisor, call 812-855-1873. If you have questions or would like more information about the Center, you can also email HPPLC.

For additional resources, visit the following:
- Applying to Medical School
- Applying to Law School
- Prelaw Publications
- Events and Workshops
- Premed and Prelaw Student Email Lists - The email lists keep students updated on events, programs, workshops, and visits sponsored by the HPPLC. Just click on the link for “Email Lists” to sign up. Students will only receive emails relevant to their year in school and their career of interest.