Planning is the key to success in selective admissions programs
Thursday, August 13, 2026 12:00 AM
Blog Highlights
- High-demand healthcare programs use selective admissions to identify the most qualified candidates.
- Early planning, strong prerequisites and the use of Macomb’s support resources can help students.
Students majoring in health and human services programs are not only faced with rigorous courses such as anatomy and physiology, but some may have the added pressure of dealing with the selective admissions process.
What is selective admissions?
Selective admissions is a method designed to identify the most qualified candidates for a limited number of seats in some high-demand healthcare education programs.
“Whether it’s to start a new career or advance their current one, the (selective admissions) process is there to help them through, not be an obstacle,” said Andrea Shaw, associate dean of Health and Human Services. “It will take effort and time, so planning is important, but the investment is worth it.”
How does the selective admissions process work?
Unlike programs that admit all students who meet minimum requirements, selective admissions programs evaluate applicants using multiple criteria. These may include:
- Grade point average
- Performance in certain prerequisite courses
- Entrance exam scores
- Healthcare experience
- Completion of required coursework
Applicants are typically ranked on a point system, with the highest-scoring candidates receiving available spots.
Admissions committees review academic records and other qualifications to determine which applicants have demonstrated the strongest potential for success.
How do you prepare for selective admissions?
For students, the process involves planning. Strong grades in science and math courses, timely completion of prerequisites, and preparation for entrance exams can improve an applicant’s ranking.
“Plan, plan, plan...and use your resources here at Macomb, they are plentiful,” Shaw said.
Shaw recommends:
- Meeting with an advisor and counselor to review selective admissions criteria;
- Researching programs and career pathways to ensure you’re on the right track;
- Scheduling prerequisites, especially sciences, early, as classes fill quickly; and
- Attending events, including helpful test preparation seminars.
“Know that the selective admissions programs are competitive so take the prerequisites seriously, do well, study and learn to apply knowledge to program,” Shaw said.
What Macomb programs use selective admissions?
At Macomb, the selective admissions process applies to the following programs:
- Dental Hygiene
- Emergency Medical Technician – Paramedic
- Health Information Technology
- Licensed Practical Nurse
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Physical Therapy Assistant
- Radiologic Technology
- Respiratory Therapy
- Surgical Technology
- Veterinary Technician
For information on how to apply to a selective admissions program, please email us at selectiveadmissions@macomb.edu.