Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I use Lewis Associates' Advising Services?

Lewis Associates will help you reach your potential and prepare you to be the most competitive health professions school applicant possible. You're provided a network of resources, new opportunities, and the personal support and guidance of a knowledgeable advisor who has a proven track record of making a difference for applicants.

How do I get started using Lewis Associates?

Go to Advising Services and view our packages or email imaclewis@lewisassoc.com for more information

We do an initial Assessment where Dr. Lewis guides you through your complete academic and personal history while we have a copy of all your college transcripts. This takes about one and a half hours and is followed by providing you a written Assessment Report during a personal appointment where you may ask questions and we make certain that we understand your background. This process costs $449 for those who have never applied, and $599 for reapplicants.

Can I use just one of Lewis Associates' advising services, i.e. personal statement preparation?

YES. See our Advising Services list targeting specific applicant and pre-applicant needs.

What qualities does a successful Lewis Associates client possess?

A high level of motivation, the ability to focus on short- and long-term goals, strong commitment to those goals, the skill to listen carefully to advice, and the self-confidence to take that advice in a partnership working toward your goals.

Is there a guaranteed acceptance for admission when working with Lewis Associates?

No, but your chances of acceptance are as high as they can be. In 2004, 2005, 2011, and again in 2012, 100% of all applicants advised by Dr. Lewis were accepted!

Does health professions advising require licensing?

No. Dr. Lewis is past President of the Western Association of Advisors for the health Professions, sat on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions, bodies governing health professions advising in the United States. She is a co-author of several important advising manuals, including Medical Professions Admissions Guide, now in its 6th Edition, and A Road "MAAP" to the Medical Promised Land: An Advising Manual for those Planning a Career in the Health Professions.

Is Lewis Associates affiliated with a university?

Lewis Associates is independent of any university so that students across North America have access to this important resource. Dr. Lewis presents seminars on many topics about premedical preparation across the country, and is the founding Advisor for the Alpha Epsilon Delta National Premedical Honor Society and the Collegiate Union for Health Related Education (CUHRE) at San Diego State University, and advises the CUHRE students.

I live far from California, how effective is advising if I do not meet with Dr. Lewis in person?

In this age of phone, voicemail, fax, email, tele- and video-conferencing, clients do not need to meet with Dr. Lewis or her staff in person. Effective communication can be provided in many forms.

I am a re-applicant. Why should I consider using Lewis Associates advising services rather than a post-baccalaureate program?

There are two types of post-baccalaureate programs: those which provide a means to build the credentials of unsuccessful applicants and those which provide the premedical requirements to change of career students. Generally, these structured programs are located at expensive private institutions. Lewis Associates develops strategies for building improved credentials and premedical requirements in a rigorous academic environment without the expense of these programs. While some programs provide a strong advising component, others do not. Re-applicants need to have a well-thought out strategy coupled with strong personal support, so as to maximize their chances for success.

My undergraduate institution provides advising support for "free." Why should I use Lewis Associates?

The quality of advising support varies across the country. Many large institutions are unable, due to the shear numbers of applicants, to provide personalized advising. And, some institutions have advisors with little experience. You'll have to decide which program will serve you best.