Med School Application To-Do List

March, April, May, and June

MARCH

Reach out to ask for letters of recommendation
Update resume if needed for recommenders
Brainstorm ideas for personal statement/start thinking about what specifically motivates you to become a doctor
- Refer to this article from the career center!
Using MSAR/DO EXPLORER make a spreadsheet of potential target schools to apply to, writing down all pertinent information so it’s all in one place
Compile a list of all potential activities including activity type, contact information, and action items associated with the activity
If you haven’t taken the MCAT, you should be studying to take it by April/May at the latest.

APRIL

Continue asking for recommendation letters, if not done yet
Draft personal statement
- This may take several versions, so brainstorming ahead of time will help you in the writing process!
List out three significant activities and most meaningful remarks (you get an extra 1325 characters for these)
Start drafting activity list (applicants are allowed 15 entries)
Write up the 700-character description, contact information, hours, and position
Use MSAR to continue editing and finalizing your school list
Attend the AAMC medical school webinar on 4/19
Attend 2023 AMCAS application cycle webinar 4/28

MAY

Remind recommendation letter writers to send in their letters if they haven’t already
- They can either submit directly to AMCAS or Interfolio
Finalize your personal statement and Work/Activities section
Order official transcripts from every college and university you have attended (once your grades have been posted)
- Do this ASAP – often most of the delay in application verification comes from this
Register for the CASPer Test
Register for AAMC PRE-view if your schools require it (previously called SJT)
- List of participating schools here
AMCAS application opens end of May: submit if you feel confident in your application

JUNE

Continue with primary applications if not yet complete
- Want to submit as early as possible but also want to make sure you are putting your best foot forward
Begin pre-writing secondary essays which can be found online from previous cycles
Take the CASPer test if needed
- Some schools require it but some don’t → take it based on your school list
Start preparing for interviews
- Read prep books
- Have a general idea of what you will say for “why medicine”
- Become familiar with MMIsUtilize the Career Center for prep
Relax – it is a long waiting process, so find things to enjoy in the meantime