Prep Materials & Application Process
Fall semester before you apply
Research Medical Schools
The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)’s MSAR is an online database of every medical school in the country. You can purchase a
subscription for use during the application cycle. For a list of schools, visit the
AAMC.
The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) publishes the Osteopathic Medical College Information book every year. You can download
a free copy from their website.
Make a list of your activities (employment, internships, volunteer, etc.) outside
of class:
- hours, dates, locations, contacts
- what your role was, what you learned
Identify possible faculty for letters of recommendation.
Spring semester before you apply
Study for the MCAT
Both allopathic and osteopathic medical schools require the MCAT. For more information about the MCAT, click on the EXAMS button.
Write personal statement
For tips or assistance on writing your application essay, please make an appointment with a Career Counselor.
Request letters of recommendation
Schools vary in their letter of recommendation requirements. Please check with individual schools. Most will generally require 2 letters from science faculty, 1 letter from non-science faculty, and 1 non-academic letter.
Summer that you apply
1. Complete the centralized application: (Online application services open in May, but you cannot submit the application until June)
AMCAS, the American Medical College Application Service's centralized medical school application
processing service; or
AACOMAS, American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine's centralized online application
service.
The centralized application includes:
- Biographical Information
- Coursework & Transcripts
- Personal Statement
- Work & Volunteer Experiences
- Letters of Recommendation
2. Complete school-specific secondaries:
Medical schools require a secondary application unique to each school. We recommend returning the secondaries two weeks after you receive them.
3. Interview Preparation:
Applicant finalists will be asked to participate in interviews. For help preparing for interviews, please make an appointment with a career counselor in the Career Center.