Health Careers Opportunity Program
HPPP Test Prep Program
This program helps students strengthen their test-taking skills and confidence through
a structured support system, Kaplan test preparation resources, live study sessions,
advising, and professional development. The program is free to select participants
and includes a stipend upon successfully completing all program requirements.
HPPP Test Prep Program
This program helps students strengthen their test-taking skills and confidence through a structured support system, Kaplan test preparation resources, live study sessions, advising, and professional development. The program is free to select participants and includes a stipend upon successfully completing all program requirements.
Program Perks:
- Live & On-Demand Classes
- 12-month Kaplan Online Access
- 4+ Full-Length Practice Exams
- Digital & Paperback Textbooks
- Personal Statement Support
- Stipend Support
Exams Currently Supported
- Dental Admissions Test (DAT)
- Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)
- Optometry Admissions Test (OAT)
- Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, students must meet all of the following:
- Must be an active HPPP participant
- Be preparing to take the DAT, MACT, OAT, or GRE
- Plan to take the entrance exam within the next 6–12 months
- Have completed all prerequisite coursework for their intended professional program (see link below)
- Be enrolled at Fresno State during the semester in which the program is offered.
Prerequisite coursework:
To learn more about the required and recommended coursework, visit the Advising and Resources Center, Pre-Professional Advising page.
Advising and Resources Center - Pre-Professional Advising
Application Process
- Complete the online application
- Submit all required supporting documents, including transcripts, most recent resume, and financial aid summary.
- Participate in an in-person interview if selected (applicants will be contacted within 3–7 business days after the application deadline)
Program Requirements
Selected participants are expected to:
- Complete full-length baseline and post-test assessments and submit scores to the program coordinator
- Attend weekly on-campus study sessions (minimum 7 hours/week)
- Complete all Kaplan-assigned coursework and assignments
- Participate in pre-approved live virtual Kaplan sessions.
- Register and schedule their exam within 4–6 months of beginning the program
- Attend all workshops, conferences, and professional development events hosted by the program
- Participate in personal statement coaching with a CASA-assigned facilitator
- Attend academic and pre-professional advising.
Note: A stipend will only be awarded to participants who complete all program requirements successfully.
Program Timeline
- Application Opens: Monday, August 31st, 2026
- Application Deadline: Sunday, September, 13th 2026, at 11:59 PM PST
- Supplemental Questionnaire: Selected applicants will be contacted within 7 business days after submitting their application to complete a supplemental questionnaire
- Program Start Date: Monday, September 21st, 2026
- Program End Date: Sunday, November 15th, 2026
Program Availability by Term
| Term | Typical Application Window (Subject to change based on funding and staff) | Program Timeline (Subject to change based on funding and staff) |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | August 31st - September 13th | 8 Weeks (September 21st - November 15th) |
| Winter Intersession | November 16th - December 6th | 8 Weeks (January 4th - February 28th) |
| Spring Semester | January 25th - February 7th | 8 Weeks (February 15th - April 18th) |
| Summer Semester | TBA | TBA |
For questions or more details, contact the upper-division academic coordinator, Juli Bautista, at jabautista@csufresno.edu
Fresno State Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP) is funded by California State University, Fresno. Health Professions Pathways (HPP) is funded by the Department of Health Care Access and Information. Lilia De La Cerda, MPH, Project PI. Larry G. Riley, Ph.D., Project Co-PI.
* 2025-2026 Update: All activities, funding, and support are contingent upon our funding and are subject to change at any time during the academic year at the discretion of the governor's office.