As pre-admission counselors, we have seen that it has become much more competitive in recent years in all health career fields. It will be in your best interest to have a "back-up plan b" in the event you are not admitted to the program of your choice.

• Reapply to one program. It is not uncommon for applicants to high demand programs to apply two or even three times before being admitted.
  
  
• Explore other interests you have and research new emerging health fields.
  
  
• Stay in touch with the college and the program you want to attend to make sure you are taking appropriate prerequisite coursework and are on track.
  
  
• If you are rejected for your first career choice, ask about other options or suggestions that will make you more competitive. You will need to improve your application (e.g., raise GPA, increase volunteer/shadow time, etc.) and/or target any areas of weakness.
  
  
• Find out applicant/admission statistics for the last class admitted (e.g., the number that apply, number accepted, maximum class size, mean grade point average, average volunteer experience, average shadow time, etc).
  
  
• Consider applying to other schools to increase your chances of acceptance.
  
  
• Network with other health care professionals in your chosen field(s). Find out all you can about your career choice.
  
  
• If you are unsure about a career path, seek out volunteer opportunities that might be available to you.