Compiling and submitting your application materials for medical school can be a complicated and stressful process. Everyone who wants to attend medical school must take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), fill out lengthy applications and prepare essays and recommendation letters to accompany their submission. You can keep track of important due dates and deadlines by mapping out a timeline of to-do items months before you submit the application. Here’s a basic timeline to follow when applying for medical school:
Junior Year of College – Fall
– Meet with the prehealth advisor at your school to make sure you are enrolled in all prehealth activities
– Complete all paid and volunteer medically-related activities
– Learn about medical schools in the United States and Canada that you are interested in applying to
– Register for the Medical College Admission Test for the Spring
– Enroll in an MCAT prep course if you think you need tutoring help
Junior Year of College – Spring
– Continue completing all paid and volunteer medically-related activities
– Take the MCAT
– Review the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Curriculum Directory for information about different medical school programs
– Prepare your Personal Statement and educational resume for recommendations
– Compile recommendations and references from professors, employers, volunteer coordinators and other contacts
Junior Year of College – Summer
– Finalize your list of medical schools that you want to attend
– Mark a calendar with application deadlines
– Complete the American Medical college Application Service form online that indicates you are applying for medical school. This application gives you the chance to apply to several medical schools by submitting just one application, and will be contingent on receipt of your MCAT scores
-Submit a request for transcripts from your college or university, and your high school as needed
-Send in your application materials for Early Decision, or at least three weeks before the final deadline
Senior Year of College – Fall
– Register for the MCATs again if necessary
– Check in with the people you have requested references from to make sure they are able to send in your reference or recommendation letters on time
– Review your Personal Statement or have it checked by a professional editor or professor for any rewrites needed
– Send thank-you notes to all of the people who you requested recommendations from
– Schedule your interviews with the schools you have submitted an application to
– Submit your FAFAS form for financial aid
Senior Year of College – Spring
– Wait for your acceptance letters from the medical schools you have applied for
– Decide which school you wish to attend and notify all the medical schools that you will nto be attending
– Make plans for relocation if needed
– Prepare for graduation from your current college or university
– Review the AAMC’s Recommendations for Medical School and MD-PhD Applicants guidelines
The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) encourages all applicants to consult with their prehealth advisor at college to create an individualized schedule based on the types of internships and volunteer work they are planning to complete throughout each semester, and whether they are attending summer school.
Your timeline for applying for medical school may vary slightly depending on the pace you are completing all prehealth courses and requirements, and whether you decide to retake the MCAT at any time for a better score.
Sources:
AAMC.org: Considering Medical School
PrincetonReview.com: About Medical School
