Pre-Podiatry 101: Essential Steps to Start Your Path to Becoming a Podiatrist

So you have decided to apply…

Congrats! You have taken a huge step toward an amazing profession. Of course, I am biased, but I hope you will feel the same way too.

Now let’s get you ready to crush the application process!

Podiatry is unusual in the sense of when the application cycle starts. Most healthcare program applications open in April, whereas podiatry does not open until August. One thing that podiatry school applications have in common with other healthcare applications is that you apply the year before you want to attend.

If I could give just one piece of advice, it’d be to start early. I’m not saying you need to plan years—just a few months can make the application process less stressful (and more organized).

Questions to ask yourself before starting your prep work for your application

When do you want to start podiatry school?
Do you have the time to commit to the application?
Why podiatry?
Have you done any shadowing?

Your answers to these questions will be important for your journey. Do not skip thinking about your answers to these questions

Now that we have ensure you are in the right path, let’s start checking off items on that application!!

Podiatry programs were generally friendly and welcoming to prospective students. Most of them require the same core prerequisite courses—the main differences lie in whether they allow substitutions for certain classes and whether you can apply with some prerequisites still in progress. I have listed the basics below, but for school-specific requirements, use the website AACPM to look at each college. This website will become your go-to resource throughout the application process!

Application Checklist

College Transcripts
- 2 Semesters of each of the follow with the lab component
  - Biology
  - Chemistry
  - Organic Chemistry
  - Physics
  - English
- Letters of Recommendation
  - DPM
- MCAT

Does looking at these requirements cause you to think of some questions? I had my fair share of questions after looking at the requirements. Below are the questions I had and the answers I found. Enjoy!

One of my required classes is 5+ years old; can I still use it?

I contacted the program I was applying to and asked this exact question. They told me that as long as the class was completed within the last 10 years, it would be accepted

I got a C+ in organic chemistry. Should I retake the class for a higher grade?

I get it! Honestly, I wouldn’t stress about retaking a class just to bump up your grade, especially if you’ve already got a C or better. I brought up my organic chemistry grade during my interview, and there’s a spot on the application where you can add any extra info about your academics that you think the school should know.

What is a good MCAT score?

I scored a 493 after two months of study, but keep in mind I was also working full-time and taking an online class. My advice? Aim for a 500, but focus on doing your best regardless of the number.
Need help finding study resources for the MCAT? Check out this post.

I took community college classes for some of the requirements; will they still count?

The short answer is yes but always check with the program to be sure.

How many letters of recommendation should I get? I had 3, including the one from the DPM that I shadowed. For more help, check out this post!
How do I find someone to shadow? Ask your current doctor! If they don’t know anyone, then use Step into Podiatry. It lists DPMs you can contact.

How many letters of recommendation should I get?

I had three letters of recommendation, including one from the DPM I shadowed.
Need some tips about letters of recommendation? Check out this page

How do I find someone to shadow?

Ask your current doctor! If they don’t know anyone, they can use Step into Podiatry, which provides a list of DPMs you can reach out to.

I haven’t received my MCAT score back yet; should I submit my application?

I recommend checking AACPM to see what your program says. I applied without my MCAT score and still got an invite to interview.