SOPHAS Express Quick Start Guide

What is SOPHAS Express?

The Application Service for Schools and Programs of Public Health – Non-Degree, Certificate, and Dual-Degree Programs (SOPHAS Express) simplifies the process of applying to public health programs. You start by selecting the programs you wish to apply to, then you submit one application that includes all necessary materials. Once received by SOPHAS Express, your application and materials are transmitted to all of your selected programs.

Start your 2023-2024 application.

How long does the application process take?

It's important you apply as early as possible since completing your application can be a lengthy process, and since application processing times vary throughout the cycle. Below is a suggested timeline that includes key actions to keep the application process on track. This timeline may need to be adjusted based on your programs' deadlines and requirements.

Timeline	Key Actions
Prior to the Start of the Application Process	Research programs you wish to apply to. Pay special attention to: Cycle dates and deadline requirements. Application fees. Recommendation requirements. Minimum requirements, including standardized test scores, supplemental applications, foreign evaluations, etc. Begin contacting potential recommenders to confirm their participation. Begin drafting your statement of purpose and objectives. Review the instructions in this Help Center and the SOPHAS Express Professional Code of Conduct.
At Least 3 Months Prior to Deadline	Create your account. Complete the Colleges Attended section. Complete the recommendations section.
At Least 10-12 Weeks Prior to Deadline	Check in with your recommenders to confirm that they received the recommendation request via email.
At Least 6-8 Weeks Prior to Deadline	Complete and submit your application. Monitor your application to follow up on any missing items.
At Least 4-6 Weeks Prior to Deadline	Continue monitoring your application until your status is Complete.
After Deadline	Download a copy of your application for your records.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Transcripts	Programs and Statuses	Fees and Payments
Do I need to send transcripts? You are not required to send official transcripts to SOPHAS Express. However, your programs may require you to submit transcripts to them directly. See Program Materials for guidelines. Should I send my high school transcripts? No. How do I know what my primary institution is? Your primary institution is the college or university where you earned or will earn your first undergraduate college degree.	How do I remove a program? Your application must always have at least one program selected. To remove a program, click the checkmark next to the program name on the Add Program tab or click the trash icon on the Submit Application tab. Can I apply to more programs after I submit my application? Yes, if the program's deadline date has not yet passed and the application cycle is open. Should I submit my application if I'm still waiting on recommendations? Yes. You can submit your application before your recommendations are received by SOPHAS Express. I submitted my application to the wrong program. What do I do? If you would like your application to be considered for a different program, contact the school to determine if they can change your program. Will SOPHAS Express update me on the status of my application? Your application status for each program is listed in the Check Status section of the application. SOPHAS Express will notify you when recommendations are received. When will I learn about admissions decisions? Did I get in!? You must reach out to your program(s) to learn about a school's admissions decisions.	Is there any other way to pay other than by credit card? We currently only accept payments by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover). I want a refund. What do I need to do? Refunds are not given for any reason. Review Refunding/Withdrawing Your SOPHAS Express Application for more information.

Transcripts

Programs and Statuses

Fees and Payments

Do I need to send transcripts?: You are not required to send official transcripts to SOPHAS Express. However, your programs may require you to submit transcripts to them directly. See Program Materials for guidelines.

Should I send my high school transcripts?: No.

How do I know what my primary institution is?: Your primary institution is the college or university where you earned or will earn your first undergraduate college degree.

How do I remove a program?: Your application must always have at least one program selected. To remove a program, click the checkmark next to the program name on the Add Program tab or click the trash icon on the Submit Application tab.

Can I apply to more programs after I submit my application?: Yes, if the program's deadline date has not yet passed and the application cycle is open.

Should I submit my application if I'm still waiting on recommendations?: Yes. You can submit your application before your recommendations are received by SOPHAS Express.

I submitted my application to the wrong program. What do I do?: If you would like your application to be considered for a different program, contact the school to determine if they can change your program.

Will SOPHAS Express update me on the status of my application?: Your application status for each program is listed in the Check Status section of the application. SOPHAS Express will notify you when recommendations are received.

When will I learn about admissions decisions? Did I get in!?: You must reach out to your program(s) to learn about a school's admissions decisions.

Is there any other way to pay other than by credit card?: We currently only accept payments by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover).

I want a refund. What do I need to do?: Refunds are not given for any reason. Review Refunding/Withdrawing Your SOPHAS Express Application for more information.