Athletic Training School: Application Process

Your application process begins in spring or summer at the end of your junior year, if you have completed the necessary requirements. Most AT programs admit students once a year, for summer or fall matriculation, but UofU MAT classes start in June. You’ll take the GRE (Graduate Record Exam) if necessary, and submit an application about a year in advance of the year for which you are applying.

While applying early in the cycle has advantages, the best time for you to apply is when your application is the best it can be.

Requirements vary from school to school. Research schools early for specific information on their requirements.

Before any submitting application, have people with an unbiased eye go over each entire application to catch any errors. Your PreProfessional advisor is happy to do this for you.

Athletic Training School Application process includes 4 main components

1. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) *not required by all schools including the UofU MAT*
2. Application
3. Letters of Recommendation
4. Interviews *dependent on the program*

Follow social media of programs of your interest, visit their website, attend webinars, and visit their campus if possible.

Choose schools that are of serious interest to you, but give your list enough variety to maximize your chances for admission.

Types of Schools to Consider

• one or two “reach” schools where your GPA and GRE might be on the low end
• at least one to two solid "back-up" schools at which your chances are very good
• several school where you are likely competitive, but in the middle of the pack

Assess your credentials realistically and give your school selection careful thought. 

• Size of School and size of individual classes.
• Location and environment--do you prefer a large metropolitan area or a smaller city atmosphere? What about surrounding area, quality of life, etc.?
• Simulation labs and other facilities--quality of simulation labs, tutoring and other academic support services, adequate staff, study/meeting space, open hours, etc.
• General “personality” of School--what are your impressions from their faculty representatives you meet?  Are you looking for an intense, more competitive environment or more of a community feeling?
• Special interest areas: combined degree programs; specialized courses, clinical programs, publications or student organizations in your area of interest; early decision program availability, early residency match, etc.
• Student/faculty ratio.
• Student body--How do you fit in with GPA and Standardized Test Score averages of students previously admitted? How balanced and diverse is the student body? How is the student morale? Do students have input in operation of School?
• Faculty diversity—Are they largely all from the same background or relatively diverse with respect to race, creed, gender? Are they well-balanced in educational experiences or only from the same School or schools? What is the extent of their research and professional activities? 
• Faculty-student relationships--Are faculty accessible and committed to teaching? Is there an “open door” policy?
• Opportunities for clinical programs, research, international clinical rotations, student-run free clinics etc.
• What student support programs are available? If applicable, what minority or disabled student services are available?
• What placement services are offered for summer research opportunities?
• What assistance is offered to help you decide your residency options?
• What are the board certification exam passage rates?
• Tuition costs. You cannot ignore the cost, but neither can you use it as your only criterion. Consider the cost and potential indebtedness along with the other factors, and make sure you are choosing the right schools for the right reasons.

Although UofU’s MAT program doesn’t require the GRE, there are many AT programs that do. The GRE is administered throughout the year. Taking the exam by spring will enable you to apply earlier.

The GRE is divided into three sections which are: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning (multiple choice scored on a scale of 130-170), and Analytical Writing (essay format score out of 6 points). The exam may be repeated, but the best strategy is to prepare thoroughly and take the GRE once. More information about the GRE's content and structure.

ATCAS (Athletic Training Central Application System)

• Most AT programs are part of ATCAS .
• Application requirements include transcripts, personal background information, extracurricular experiences, personal statements, and fees.
• Because many programs use a “rolling” admission process (they begin reviewing applications and admitting before deadlines), it will enhance your chances if you submit your application early, regardless of when you take the GRE. ATCAS and UofU MAT recommend students to submit their application a month before the deadline at the latest.
• Completing the application will take at least a week; most students take several weeks. Make sure you will have plenty of time to fill out the application, and to have somebody review your entire application before you submit.
• To help us advise other students, we would appreciate it if you would release your information to the Health Professions Advisor. This information will always be kept confidential.

The personal essay is about you and your motivation for pursuing a career as an athletic trainer. Remember, why you want to be a trainer is different from how you were inspired to become one. Describe your current passion for the field with specific examples from recent experiences. Try to choose a theme rather than random thoughts. The primary application activities section provides a list of accomplishments. Your personal essay is an opportunity to provide additional, more in-depth information.

Remember, your audience is smarter, has more medical knowledge, and knows what is like to be an athletic trainer. Don’t try to impress them with your knowledge of the field.

Get feedback! Have 3 or 4 people you can trust to be honest with you (professor, doctor, medical student, parent, advisor, Writing Center, tutor, etc.) read your essay and offer feedback.  Do not ask too many people to read it. Having too many opinions can become confusing.

Use our Personal Statement Guide for more information.

Students are required to submit Letters of Recommendation through the ATCAS. ATCAS limits applicants to 4 letters, but most programs just require 2-3 letters. Almost all AT programs require a letter from an AT.

In addition, some schools require a letter from a professor or any supervisor of your choice, or both. Research schools early so you know what you need.

Requesting Letters of Recommendation

• Ask if potential writers if they feel capable of writing a supportive letter. If anyone is hesitant, you should probably try someone else.
• Get business cards with your recommenders’ contact information.
• Ask if recommenders would welcome any written background material. You could include a brief biographical sketch or resume, your interests and activities, career goals, and motivation toward your intended profession. You could also include a snapshot, a copy of a paper or assignment from their class, or transcript.
• For recommenders who are unsure of how to write a good letter, the PPA Advising office provides a Guidelines for Letter Writers.
• Always give recommenders ample time. Two to three weeks at a minimum. Follow up to make sure that your letters have been sent.
• Send thank you notes.
• For more detailed information check out our “How To” Guide.

The final stage of the application process is the interview. If you receive an invitation for an interview, that is an indication that a program has decided that you are a qualified applicant and they want to get to know you better.  Interviews are depend on AT programs. Check their websites for more information. UofU MAT’s interview is usually mid February.  Remember:  the entire day is the interview, not just those times when you are in a formal meeting.  Be on your best professional behavior all day!

Interviews can take many forms, so it is important to research your schools and be prepared for each kind. The PreProfessional Advising office can help you with preparation tips and practicing your interviewing skills.

The most common types of interviews are:

• One-on-one interview
  • Usually one or two 30-45 minutes interviews
• Multiple Mini Interview (MMI)
  • 7-10 rooms with a different prompt or scenario posted on the door. You are typically given 2 minutes to think about the prompt before entering a room, and 5-8 minutes to respond to the prompt and any follow up questions, or play out the scenario with a trained actor.
• Group interview
  • May be either one applicant interviewed by several interviewers, or in a group of applicants interviewed by one or more interviewer.

PreAT Mock Interviews Offered Through PPA

The PreProfessional Advising Office offers traditional one-on-one mock interviews for current and former University of Utah preAT students. 

• Our tranditional mock interviews are one hour long.  The first half will consisit of the actual interview and the second half consists of the advisor providing verbal feedback.
• To schedule a traditional mock interview, please call our office at 801.581.5744 to have our reception team schedule this appointment.  Students cannot schedule these mock interviews online; they must call.  If a student schedules a regular 45-minute appointment online, the advisor will not conduct the mock interview.