 |
Timeline for Applications and Preparations
Freshman
-
Meet with a pre-health professions advisor to review premedical requirements
-
Begin introductory science courses if you are math-ready (have taken or are ready to take Math 110), such as General Biology (Bio 112) and General Chemistry with Lab (Chem 150)
-
Be knowledgeable of drop/add course deadlines in the event you need to change your schedule
-
Begin to examine/explore academic majors (while you must take science courses to qualify for medical school, keep in mind that you do not need to major in science)
-
Identify sources of academic support (i.e. tutors, supplemental instruction, study skills training, study groups, counselors, professors)
-
Attend study skills seminars and test-taking workshops to maximize performance in courses - right now there is nothing more important that having a high grade point average (GPA)
-
Develop a balance between your academic and personal goals
-
Develop the characteristics of a good physician (i.e. intellectual curiosity, respect for diversity, high moral character, compassion, integrity, honesty, humility and hard work)
-
Develop professional attributes (i.e. teamwork, responsibility, reliability and time management)
-
Develop and pursue interests outside of your formal education
-
Begin to research the field of medicine
-
Begin to investigate /explore opportunities for patient care experience, and/or general exposure to the healthcare field and medical profession (i.e. hospital, clinic, hospice, nursing home)
-
Consider community service activities
-
Utilize your summer wisely; volunteer or work in a medical related setting for patient care or observational experience
Sophomore
-
Visit medical schools, tour campuses, meet with Deans, Directors, and students
-
Begin informally preparing for the MCAT by utilizing various study guides along with premedical course materials
-
Begin to identify instructors and professionals who: 1) know you well, 2) can write positive and meaningful letters of recommendation and 3) can give you their highest recommendation
-
Learn about people different from yourself to enhance appreciation for diversity
-
Continue to utilize your summers wisely. Consider additional medical experience, summer enrichment or research programs
Junior / Senior
-
Begin taking upper level and/or advanced level science courses: Upper Level Biology; Physics with Lab; Genetics; Physiology; Anatomy or Comparative Anatomy; Biochemistry; Cell and Molecular Biology
-
Complete courses required for your degree and continue to complete basic premedical courses
-
To reinforce scientific knowledge, consider serving as a tutor or supplemental instruction leader
-
Continue to learn about health care issues
-
Continue volunteer work or employment in a medical related facility or organization
-
Get involved in extracurricular activities that you enjoy and add to your personal development
-
Continue involvement in community service activities
-
Get involved in activities which enable you to experience cultural differences
-
Check for MCAT preparation courses and/or workshops
-
Obtain MCAT practice exams from paper or online study guides
-
Develop an MCAT preparation planRegister to take the the MCAT at the earliest possible date
-
To assist you in completing your application, request all of your college transcripts
-
Carefully prepare, organize and write your personal statement. Ask someone to proof read it for you
-
Complete online AMCAS application
-
Apply to medical schools consistent with your medical career goals and other needs
|