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First Year

  • Explore your options for careers in medicine
  • Visit Aspiring Docs website
  • Meet with an Advisor
  • Apply to summer programs
  • Explore financial aid options

First Year, Summer

Get some experience:

  • Participate in enrichment programs
  • Volunteer or intern in the field

Sophomore Year

Stay on track for medical school:

  • Work with your pre-health advisor
  • Volunteer/work in a medical-related field

Sophomore Year, Summer

Get more experience and look at resources:

  • Get research or internship experience
  • Review AMCAS application process
  • Look into fee assistance program
  • Review the MCAT and preview registration process

Junior Year

  • Taking a gap or growth year
  • Post-bacc programs
  • When to take the MCAT exam
  • Check which schools participate in the preview exam
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Pre-med and other required course work
  • Consider whether you will take a gap/growth year after undergrad
  • Evaluate when to take the MCAT exam (take well in advance of applying in case you need to take it multiple times; many recommend taking it by summer before senior year if you’d like to go directly to medical school
  • Brainstorm and contact potential recommenders

Register for the MCAT exam

  • Register early
  • Use medical school admission requirements to compare schools
  • Begin filling out AMCAS application

Junior Year, Summer

  • Finalize and submit your AMCAS application
  • Continue to volunteer/ work

Senior Year

  • Prepare for medical school interviews
  • Consult with your pre-health advisor

Receive letters of acceptance or rejection

If accepted:

  • Decide which medical school you want to attend
  • Complete FASFA and financial aid forms

If waitlisted or rejected:

  • Talk with your advisor
  • Consider a gap year or a post-baccalaureate program

Remember to consistently consult with your pre-health advisor to ensure that you are taking all pre-requisite courses for your target schools.

First Year, Fall

  • General Chem I
  • Bio I
  • Pre-Calc or Calc
  • Join a pre-med or health professions club
  • Explore volunteer options

First Year, Spring

  • Gen Chem II
  • Bio II
  • Continue volunteering and explore potential research opportunities
  • Begin researching summer opportunities

Sophomore Year, Fall

  • Organic Chem I
  • Physics I
  • Psychology or Sociology class (required for the MCAT)
  • Start shadowing physicians or exploring clinical experience

Sophomore Year, Spring

  • Organic Chem II
  • Physics II
  • Look for summer research, shadowing, or clinical experience
  • Build relationships with professors for future letters or recommendation

Junior Year, Fall

  • Biochemistry (many med schools require this)
  • Upper-level Biology
  • Take leadership roles in clubs
  • Finalize plans for MCAT prep
  • Begin drafting persona statement

Junior Year, Spring

  • Continue upper-level science coursework
  • Any remaining pre-rec classes
  • Electives or courses that support your minor/interest
  • Study for the MCAT
  • Secure strong letters or recommendation

Senior Year, Fall

  • Finish upper-level science courses or electives
  • Take courses to round out your degree requirements
  • Submit your medical school application
  • Prepare medical school interviews

Senior Year, Spring

  • Finish remaining graduation requirements
  • Evaluate and finalize medical school choice

What Is The MCAT Exam?

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT): A standardized, multiple-choice exam required by most U.S. and some Canadian medical schools for admission.

It is designed to assess problem-solving, critical thinking, and knowledge of behavioral, natural, and social science concepts.

Structure: Consists of 4 sections (Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems, Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems, Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior, and Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills)

Duration: 7.5 hours (including breaks), or 6 hours and 15 minutes (without breaks)

Scoring: Range from 472 to 528 (Many medical schools accept scores within a 2-3 year window from test date)

How to get started in 4 easy steps

  1. Create an account with the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)
  2. Log in to your account and select “start exam registration”
  3. Follow the prompts to complete your registration, including providing personal information and selecting your test date and location
  4. Lastly, pay the registration fee

MCAT Tips

  • Focus on both content knowledge and critical reasoning skills
  • Use a practice test
    • The AAMC has a practice test and courses
  • Practice in test conditions
  • Familiarize yourself with the format, timing, and pacing of each section
  • Develop a study routine
  • Set realistic goals
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