Hey everyone! I'm starting to think about applying to med school and I've realized I need to understand the timeline better. What should I be take into account during the application process and when are key deadlines? Any advice or resources would be super helpful. Thanks in advance!
Hello! Navigating the med school application timeline can be confusing, but here's a general outline of what to expect and some key deadlines to be aware of:
January - March (before application year):
- Begin preparing for the MCAT if you haven't taken it yet. Ideally, aim to take the exam by spring/early summer to receive your scores before application deadlines.
- Research medical schools you're interested in applying to and determine their specific admission requirements, as they may vary between institutions.
- Start asking for letters of recommendation - give your recommenders ample time to write a well-thought-out letter.
April - May:
- Register for the AMCAS (American Medical College Application Service), AACOMAS (American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service), or TMDSAS (Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service) depending on the type of schools you are applying to (allopathic, osteopathic, or Texas state schools).
- Begin working on your application, including your personal statement and experiences sections.
June:
- Submit your primary application. AMCAS typically opens in early June, while AACOMAS and TMDSAS open in May. The earlier you submit, the better, as med schools use a rolling admissions process.
July - August:
- Complete and submit secondary applications as soon as possible after receiving them. Some schools send secondaries to all applicants, while others pre-screen before sending out secondary invitations.
August - December:
- Prepare for and attend interviews. Most medical schools conduct interviews between August and December. Ensure you practice common interview questions and know your application well.
- Keep an eye on emails for interview invites and respond promptly. Also, monitor the status of your application at each school.
October - March:
- Medical schools usually begin to extend offers of admission in October with the process continuing through March. If you're accepted, be sure to respond according to the deadlines provided by the school.
April:
- If you receive multiple offers, decide on where you want to attend by April 30th (also known as "Decision Day" for most medical schools). This will allow waitlisted students to be offered available seats.
Throughout the process, make sure you're staying organized by using a spreadsheet or other organizational tool to track your progress and deadlines. Familiarize yourself with resources like the AAMC website and MSAR (Medical School Admissions Requirements) for valuable information about schools and application requirements. Good luck with your medical school journey!
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