Obtain a bachelor's degree. Ideally, the undergraduate degree should relate to the field in which you wish to earn the professional doctorate. For instance, if earning a law degree, recommended bachelor's degrees include political science, history, or English. Because competition tends to be quite high for professional doctoral programs, a high GPA is usually a prerequisite.
Take the necessary entrance exams. For medical school, the Medical College Admission Test is required. For a professional doctorate in education or the humanities, the Graduate Record Exam is required. Law school requires prospective students to take the Law School Admission Test, dentistry school requires the Dental Admissions Test, and optometry school requires students complete the Optometry Admission Test. Depending on the school, different scores are required for students to be considered for admission.
Research as many programs as possible, making sure that the program meets your needs. Students are more likely to complete the program if the course offerings are both at times students can easily attend and cover subject matter interesting to potential students. Also, look into the professional backgrounds of professors, as professors provide many connections for students.
Apply to your chosen programs. Applications typically require a minimum of three letters of recommendation and a writing sample. Make sure to apply by the set deadlines. Recommendation letter writers should also be given at least a month to complete letters. Mail in applications to your chosen programs or submit online applications if that is what the school requires.
Accept a position at your top choice school to which you are admitted. Programs typically take between two to five years to complete, with a residency or internship required. Because professional doctorates are based more upon the application of knowledge than research, internships and residencies are an important component of the process. Often, a professional examination must be passed after completing the professional doctorate. Pharmacy and medical degrees require that boards be passed; law degrees require that the bar exam be passed.