When Should I Apply for Medical School?

I'm just trying to plan ahead - when is the usual timeframe to apply for medical school? Also, are there any major deadlines I should be aware of? I'd super appreciate any advice on this!

Applying for medical school typically occurs during your junior year of college or the summer before your senior year, but the specific timeline may vary depending on your personal situation. Here's a general outline of the application process:

1. Begin preparing for the MCAT: Ideally, you should start preparing for the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) at least 6 to 12 months before you plan to take it. Most students take the test between January and September of their junior year or the summer before their senior year. However, some may opt to take it earlier or later depending on their coursework and academic standing.

2. Research medical schools and their requirements: During your junior year, you should research medical schools you're interested in applying to and familiarize yourself with their prerequisites and admission requirements. Pay special attention to each school's required coursework, minimum GPA, and MCAT scores.

3. Submit primary applications: Applications for medical school usually open in early May through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) for MD programs and the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS) for DO programs. The primary application window usually runs from May to November, with earlier submission typically resulting in earlier consideration by medical schools.

4. Complete secondary applications: After submitting your primary application, you'll begin receiving secondary applications from schools where your primary application met the initial screening criteria. You should aim to complete and submit secondary applications within 2-4 weeks of receiving them, as many schools operate on a rolling admissions basis.

5. Interview invitations and interviews: Interview invitations usually start going out in August and continue through January or February. Interviews themselves may occur anytime between September and April.

6. Acceptance notifications and waitlist movement: Schools typically start sending out acceptances in October, and the process continues through the spring. After May 15th, most medical schools will begin pulling students from waitlists as accepted students finalize their plans.

To improve your chances of being accepted into medical school, it's crucial to begin the application process as early as possible and submit materials promptly. Staying organized and aware of each school's unique requirements will also help ensure a smoother application experience. Good luck with your journey towards medical school!