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Feedback from applicants, programs and the CASPA staff fielding questions generated the following suggestions for elements to include in programs' Web pages. A simple, easy-to-read screen up front is the most helpful to applicants, with a succinct list of what's expected of them and when. Links to other screens can provide in-depth elaboration, but one screen that works like an "executive summary" helps focus them on the essentials. Some elements to consider are: 1. A note indicating that the program participates in CASPA,
that all applications go through it, and a hot link to CASPA (www.CASPAonline.org),
along with a message urging them to read the rest of the program's
information first before initiating an application. 2. Applicants should read the prerequisites carefully and
confirm that they meet them. Add when prereqs should be completed
and any qualifiers on them. 3. Identify the program deadline and what this means. At
a minimum it means that the CASPA application must be completed
and submitted by that date. If this deadline includes supporting
materials (transcripts and references), mention that. If supporting
materials may arrive at CASPA by a later date, specify when. 4. Alert applicants to any required national tests and how
to submit them. Applicants may direct the testing company to submit
the results of the ACT (designate code 4759), SAT (code 3709), AHPAT
(code 2112), TOEFL (code 3709), MCAT (code 400) and TSE (code 3709)
directly to CASPA. The GRE must be submitted directly to the program
or school. Give applicants the appropriate college or program code
for GREs, any other submission instructions, and the date due. 5. Is a supplemental application required, of whom, how
to access it and when is it due? Do all applicants complete one
or a screened group? If it is a screened group, when will applicants
learn they need to complete this? How is it accessed -- download
from web page, mailed to them, etc. Is there a fee? What is the
supplemental application deadline? 6. Interview and selection time frame. 7. Program start date. 8. Where to go for questions. Contact the program for questions
about prerequisites, deadlines, screening, interview, and selection
process (list contact person or office, phone, phone hours, e-mail
and fax). Contact CASPA for questions about the CASPA application
itself. The secure online status check is available 24 hours a day
to check whether each transcript and reference has been received,
whether the application is complete and in processing and when it
was sent to the designated programs. List CASPA e-mail (apply@CASPAonline.org
-- preferred method of contact) and phone (240-497-1895). 9. Stress that applicants send CASPA all transcripts and references
as soon as possible. Transcripts and references may be sent to CASPA
while the applicant is still in the process of completing his or
her application. CASPA will wait for all transcripts to arrive before
beginning verification of course work. Once the application has
been e-submitted, payment has been received, all transcripts have
been received and verified, and at least two of the three references
have been received, the application will be considered complete
and will be processed for mailing. 10. Urge applicants to apply early and detail any program-specific incentives for this, such as an early admissions path or any form of rolling admissions. Helping applicants find the program Web page: Programs are asked to provide CASPA with the Web address link that allows applicants to go directly from CASPA's list of participating programs to the individual program's Web page. When deciding what address to supply, consider that it's helpful to applicants to use a link that takes them directly to program's Web page, not to one for the college or university. A direct link saves them the frustration of what may be several layers of navigation. 11. Include a link to the CASPA Code of Cooperation. This can be found at the CASPA website (www.caspaonline.org) by clicking on the Admissions Code. The link can go specifically to this page from your website: https://portal.caspaonline.org/caspa2007/admissions_code.htm.
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