I've read a lot of the HPA website and handouts and I go to some of the events, but everyone tells me I should meet with an individual adviser, too. Is this necessary?

The HPA advisers try to share a lot of information through group sessions and on the website (and in this Vitals newsletter!) to cover the basics and general information about being prehealth, but information on the website and in group sessions is more general, and everyone's prehealth journey is unique. Coming in for an individual meeting can be an opportunity to gain advice on your specific academic and personal interests and their intersection with your career interests.

Advisers can also dispel myths (there are a lot of prehealth myths thanks to reddit and other sources), suggest activities and opportunities, or sometimes just reassure you that you're doing the things that make sense for you as a prehealth student.

If you're premed or predental, we will also provide a letter of recommendation as part of your application to medical/dental school, so starting to build a relationship with us early can help us write a more personalized letter based on getting to know you over the years.

That said, there's certainly no requirement that you schedule individual meetings in your early years! We meet with students anywhere from zero to dozens of times prior to their application. See our FAQ about working with HPA and the guidance from medical schools about working with your prehealth adviser for more information.

QOTW 2020: MCAT Prep
QOTW 2019: What Counts as Clinical Experience