Application Timeline and Tips

Freshman Year: Fall | Spring | Summer
Sophomore Year: Fall | Spring | Summer
Junior Year: Fall | Spring | Summer
Senior Year: Fall | Spring | Summer

Freshman Year

Fall Semester

• Even if it's not required, make sure you have a premed advisor and meet with him or her.

• Join premed science and related clubs. Participate in minority and non-minority clubs. This helps you build your network and support system and opens you to opportunities. Get to know some junior/senior premed students. They can provide a wealth of information on completing the AMCAS application and preparing for the MCAT exam.

• Avoid credit card debt!

• Take biology with lab. (If you are a science major, the sequence of your science courses may differ.)

• Find out what the rules are for applying to med school for your college. For example, do you need to be accepted into a premed program? Do you have to get a committee letter or letters from individual faculty?

• Develop good study habits.

• Start gathering applications for summer programs.

• Start thinking about your summer plans. Many summer programs require that you have some science courses already completed. The end of your sophomore year may prove to be a better time.

Spring Semester

• Complete all applications for summer programs, including letters of recommendation, and meet all deadlines.

• Make arrangements now to secure employment if you plan to work in the summer.

Summer

• Volunteer work: Get exposure to the health care field. Be careful not to saturate yourself with just one type of experience (i.e. hospital, clinic, lab).

• Research: This is a good opportunity especially if you are thinking about an MD/PhD degree. Unless the lab is willing to teach you, they may require that you have completed some science courses. You may want to pursue this after your sophomore year.

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester

• Take General Chemistry 1 with lab

• Start thinking about your major. Remember: You don't have to be a science major. Plan your courseload carefully so that it's challenging but not too heavy, especially if you're working part-time.

• Continue developing good study habits!

• Get applications for summer programs. If you choose to do research in the summer, now is a good time because you have more science courses under your belt.

• Meet with your advisor and discuss your program.

• If you didn't do well in your freshman year, talk about options with your advisor. You might choose to attend summer school or meet regularly with a tutor. Remember: Transition from high school to college can be tough; a shaky start does not mean you cannot become a physician!

Spring Semester

• Continue fulfilling requirements for major.

• Submit applications for summer programs. Meet the deadlines!

Summer

• Get a job: It is important to learn what it is like to have the responsibility of a job. It will also provide you with earned income. You also can put this experience on your medical school application. In addition to seeking employment, and just as important, participate in a volunteer experience. For example, nursing homes provide wonderful opportunities to volunteer your time and really make a difference.

• Apply to summer programs: There are many different programs designed to meet specific student needs. You must decide which one is right for you. Do you need an enrichment program (for advanced students) or a remedial program (to help reinforce the basic science courses)? The remedial program is advantageous for those students who had difficulty with the sciences the previous year. Also, there are programs that are strictly research-based or provide MCAT preparation. Some programs have limited clinical exposure.

Junior Year

Fall Semester

• Take Physics and Organic Chemistry before sitting for the MCAT exam.

• Attend college fairs and presentations from recruiters.

• Strengthen the relationship with your premed club members. Participate in premed conferences and other campus activities.

• Contact and get information from schools to which you are interested in applying.

• Start making decisions about the type of medical school you want to attend: What region of the country, size of school, minority makeup, faculty/student ratio, curriculum (traditional or problem-based learning style).

Spring Semester

• Take the MCAT exam. Be sure you are prepared. Avoid taking the MCAT just to see what it is like! Make sure to have scores sent to the institutions to which you are applying.

• Meet with your advisor. Ask him/her when recommendations are due.

• Request letters of recommendation.

• Visit schools, if possible, and talk with minority affairs officers, minority students, and admissions deans.

Summer

• Get medical school applications from AMCAS® or directly from the school. You want to be able to file early!

• Pay attention to fee waivers. If you are eligible for a fee waiver from AMCAS you are probably eligible for a fee waiver from those institutions to which you are applying for the secondary application. You should ask.

• Have transcripts sent to AMCAS (make sure you know the deadlines) or directly to the school if required.

• Study over the summer if you are re-taking the MCAT.

Senior Year

Fall Semester

• Re-take MCAT if necessary.

• Take biochemistry or advanced science courses.

• Finish up major requirements.

• Prepare to go on interviews

• Find someone qualified to help you with interviewing skills. Start by checking with your school's career placement office.

• Get a good interviewing suit. Business attire.

Spring Semester

• Prepare for graduation.

• Prepare to attend pre-freshman summer if your medical school offers it.

Summer

• Seek employment on campus as a tutor as an option to regular employment. Employment the summer before entering medical school may be factored into your financial aid package. Also, this is a good way to reinforce your academic skills and knowledge base.

• Enjoy yourself! Travel, if possible. Relax! Do something you always wanted to try. Have fun!