The HPA Preapplication Process

Starting in the fall prior to application, prospective applicants work with HPA through a preapplication process.

This process serves two purposes:

It helps you reflect on your experiences and craft your narrative prior to the application.
It helps HPA advisers to write a unique, detailed committee letter of recommendation that will present you in a positive, personalized light to admissions committees.

Step 1: Attend an Application Information Session in the fall semester and complete the registration form for access to our Canvas course.: The info session will be presented live two or three times in the fall term, or you can watch the recorded version.

Step 2: Submit Intake Materials.: Submit your self-assessment form, resume, and transcripts on Canvas.
Due before you schedule your preapplication interview
Deadline to remain on Canvas: January 15, 2025
Prospective applicants who complete the materials after the deadline may be added back to Canvas to participate in the preapplication process.

Step 3: Meet with an HPA adviser for an Intake appointment.: This is an opportunity to go over your self-assessment and have a preliminary discussion of your candidacy. It is required of applicants who have not met with an HPA adviser in the past year and must be scheduled before scheduling the preapplication interview.

Step 4: Submit the HPA Preapplication Portfolio materials.

One week prior to your preapplication interview, the following will be due (all forms and instructions are on Canvas):

Step 5: Attend a Preapplication Interview with an HPA adviser.: This 45-minute meeting will involve discussing your narrative, the strengths of your candidacy, and any areas of concern that you would like us to address in our committee letter of recommendation.
Preapplication interviews take place in January through April and appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning in January.

Step 6: Submit the File Completion Form: This form indicates to HPA that all of your letters of recommendation have been received and your committee letter should be written. It includes final reflection questions.
Priority deadline: June 15, 2025
Final deadline: July 31, 2025

A copy of the forms that applicants will complete before their preapplication interview.

HPA preapplication deadlines

Topic	Task(s)	Timing
Application Overview	Watch the Applicant Information Session Enroll in Canvas (access given after watching info session)	by December 2024
Evaluating Your Candidacy	Watch the Evaluating Your Candidacy info sessions Submit HPA self-assessment form, resume, and transcripts on Canvas HPA Applicant Intake appointment	November/December 2024 by January 2025 by January 2025
Preapplication Interview	Schedule the HPA preapplication interview Submit HPA preapplication materials on Canvas Preapplication interview	January 2025 one week before interview January - April 2025
Letters of Recommendation	Watch the Letters of Recommendation info session Meet with potential writers to discuss your letters Have letters submitted to HPA	by April 2025 by April 2025 by June 15 2025
HPA File Completion	Submit File Completion Form on Canvas after all letters have been received	Priority deadline: June 15 Final deadline: July 31