Medical School
The medical school application process requires early preparation and guidance. 
We simplified the process to create an overview. We also included links and resources for each step. 

If you are interested in the details of each of these steps, we encourage you to download and read this free detailed guide by Dr. Ryan Aycock: The Not so Short Introduction To Getting Into Medical School (v 1.4.2 Feb 2009)

10 Steps Toward Medical School:
1 - Maintain a strong GPA
  • Preferred is above 3.5
  • Make sure to take all of your required pre-med classes. Check with your counselor for your school specific guidelines.  

2 - Take the MCAT (register here).
  • You can take it after finishing your pre-med classes or after graduation. 
  • Make sure you prepare adequately before taking the test.
  • It is better to delay the exam and take it when you are prepared than taking the exam unprepared.

3 - Explore Extracurricular Activities
  • Volunteering and shadowing doctors is helpful.  
  • Doing research during college can strengthen your application.
  • Make sure that you maintain a strong GPA and prepare for the MCAT while planning extracurriculars.
  • Get engaged and immerse yourself in activities that you find enjoyable and are passionate about, as this will be reflected in your personal statement and interviews. 

4 - Letters of Recommendation (LoRs)
  • It is important to get to know your professors and have mentors. They will be able to write you good letters.
  • Identify potential letter writers early and get to know them.
  • When it comes time to ask for letters, you will then have options to choose from. Make sure to also give your letter writers enough time to write a strong letter. Always ask for a strong letter, that way letter writers are able to communicate with you if they feel comfortable in writing you a strong recommendation or not. 
  • Most colleges have pre-med committees that create a composite letter of all of your recommendation letters. The committee letter is a requirement if such a committee exists at your institution.
  • You usually need at least 3 letters of recommendation.

5 - Personal Statement
  • This is the item where you can express yourself and your interests and a chance for the committee to learn more about you. Let your personal statement shine on a moment that taught you a lot or inspired you. It does not have to be about medicine. It can be about a personal experience, a trip you took, etc. 
  • Make sure it has no error. Spell-check it please (we’re not kidding)!
  • Have others read it and give their input, but remember that it’s yours at the end of the day. S

6 - Sign up for AMCAS (register here)
  • Do this step EARLY.
  • This is the standard service for the medical school application process for all medical schools. 
  • You will need to upload pictures, personal information, and your personal statement. 
  • You will need to request your transcript, LORs and MCAT score to upload into AMCAS. This can take weeks, so get started early.

7 - Apply
  • Once your AMCAS application is completed and all items are uploaded, then you can apply to medical schools. 

8 - Secondary Applications ("Secondaries")
  • These are school specific applications or forms that each school will send you.
  • Make sure you complete all the questions and send them back within 1-2 weeks.
  • You will only be considered for an interview once you have completed all the items that each school asks of you.

9 - Interview 
  • Once you have completed your secondary application and the school receives all items, you will be considered for interviews.
  • Learn about the school, its mission and work so that you can ask the questions that matter to you.
  • Here is a great resource on interview preparation. 

10 - Follow up
  • Make sure to follow up with thank you e-mails or handwritten cards (preferred) after your interview. 

Acceptance
We believe in your success. We look forward to hearing about your acceptance and future plans. Remember, it is a journey and you WILL get through it!