Freshman Year
| First Semester | Second Semester |
| General Chemistry I General Chemistry I Lab Calculus I Biology I Biology I Lab English I Spanish | General Chemistry II General Chemistry II Lab Calculus II Biology II Biology II Lab English II Spanish |
| Extracurricular Activities | Extracurricular Activities |
| Explore all the various specialties of medical practice. Begin a healthcare-related volunteer program, job, or internship. Join academic societies, pre-med clubs, and other student organizations. | Continue to Explore all the various specialties of medical practice. Continue a healthcare-related volunteer program, job, or internship. Continue academic societies, pre-med clubs, and other student organizations. |
| Applications | Applications |
| Visit your school’s pre-med advisor – to review course requirements, and create a pre-medical plan Build relationships with professors – later serve as mentors, an opportunity for research, or LORs | Visit your school’s pre-med advisor – to review course requirements, and create a pre-medical plan Build relationships with professors – later serve as mentors, an opportunity for research, or LORs |
Summer of Before Sophomore Year
| 1st half | 2nd half |
| Volunteer | Volunteer |
| Shadow Doctor | Shadow Doctor |
Sophomore Year
| First Semester | Second Semester |
| Physics Physics I Lab Organic chemistry I Organic chemistry I Lab Psychology or Sociology | Physics II Physics II Lab Organic chemistry II Organic chemistry II Lab |
| Extracurricular Activities | Extracurricular Activities |
| Researching medical school programs. Continue seeking relationships with professors and begin a list of those who might write your recommendations. | |
| Applications | Applications |
Summer Before Junior Year
| 1st half | 2nd half |
| Volunteer | Volunteer |
| Shadow Doctor | Shadow Doctor |
Junior Year
| First Semester | Second Semester |
| One year of Biochemistry Begin upper-division major course work. | One year of Biochemistry Continue upper-division major course work. |
| Applications | Applications |
| Continue doing research to find schools that are a good fit for you. Identify and contact potential recommenders. It’s a great idea to write a brief profile or bio about yourself to help your recommenders write the best letter possible. | Begin drafting your personal statement in early spring. Request applications from non-AMCAS medical schools in April. Collect letters of recommendation to send in September of your senior year. You may start the primary application process as early as April |
| MCAT | MCAT |
| Start thinking MCAT. This high-stakes exam requires knowledge of biology, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics. You must really prepare to do well. To gauge your performance, take a free MCAT practice test. Register for the MCAT at aamc.org. (The basic fee is $300, with additional charges for rescheduling and other services.) Make arrangements for your MCAT prep. | Take the MCAT no later than mid-May to receive your scores in June. If you are dissatisfied with your score, register for the next exam (while there is still time) and create a plan to get the score you need. |
Summer Junior to Senior Year
| 1st half | 2nd half |
| Applications | Applications |
| Finalize the list of schools you will apply to and complete the AMCAS application. Complete Primary Application by June or July. Regular deadlines stretch between now and December (If you apply through the Early Decision Program (EDP) , the deadline is August 1). If you want to be considered seriously for a position, you’ll want to submit all application materials no later than September. | Research financial aid options. |
| MCAT | |
| Pre-meds who did not take the MCAT earlier or want to retake the exam should take the MCAT as early in the summer as possible. |
Senior Year
| First Semester | Second Semester |
| Biostats Anatomy Physiology Microbiology | Genetics Histology Pharmacology |
| Finish remaining premed requirements. Finish remaining major/university requirements. | Finish remaining premed requirements. Finish remaining major/university requirements. |
| Applications | Applications |
| Consult MSAR to confirm each medical school’s specific requirements Do more comprehensive research about the medical schools to which you applied. If a med school likes your candidacy, they will send you their own secondary application. You’ll have some essays to write. Give yourself enough time to revise and to allow someone else (a good writer) to read them. Send thank-you notes to your recommenders—it’s the perfect way to gently remind them to get on this task if they haven’t already. Submit the FAFSA. Prepare for interviews, which typically take place in the fall, winter, and, at some schools, early spring. Interview and wait for decision letters! |
