Medical School Admissions Timeline
Every year in June I receive panicked requests from pre-meds, begging me to edit documents urgently. Don’t be one of those people! Here is a safe timeline for you to follow to avoid the frenzy:
Now: 1. Draft your AMCAS activities (maximum 700 characters) and your three most meaningful paragraphs (maximum 1325 characters). Also, complete a strong draft of your personal statement. Then get expert editing help. Expect to spend several weeks updating your written documents after aggressive edits. 2. Request all letters of recommendation if you have not already. If your school has a pre-medical committee that requires an interview, set yours up immediately.
June 3: Submit your AMCAS.
July through early August: Complete your secondaries. Set aside time now to ensure you will be able to complete the multiple essays in a timely and thorough fashion.
September: Complete mock interviews with an adivsor who has admissions experience. Practice, practice, practice.
October through winter: Interview. (I’ve seen applicants who submitted their AMCASes at the beginning of June receive medical school acceptances as early as October.)
Winter through spring: Celebrate acceptances and send letters of intent to wait list schools. Consider “second looks” to help make matriculation decisions and to show wait list schools you are interested.
Summer: Enjoy your freedom.
