Timetable for Premedical Students
From the University of Minnesota Medical School's Admissions webpage

Freshman Year

  • Take a variety of college or university courses.
  • Begin to participate in campus activities.
  • See your academic or faculty advisor early and often.
  • Become aware of campus course requirements for graduation.
  • Begin to investigate and explore information on various careers, including medicine.
  • Attend premedical workshops or conferences.
  • Begin to develop academic, personal, and career goals.
  • Develop disciplined study skills.

Sophomore Year

  • Continue to take an extensive breadth of coursework.
  • Begin to think about a possible major. Consider your interests and what you do best. (Medical schools do not require a specific major.)
  • You should have already begun volunteer service and involvement in campus extracurricular activities.
  • Continue your exploration of medicine and other careers.
  • Revise your academic, personal and career goals.
  • Strictly adhere to faculty/advisor guidance on graduation and premedical course requirements.
  • Attend premedical workshops or conferences.
  • Consider special summer science programs or research opportunities.
  • Read as much as possible about health-care reform.
  • Begin to familiarize yourself with the medical school application process. (Purchase the Association of American Medical Colleges publication "Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR)" - available online from AAMC). These are the only guides fully authorized by all 125 medical schools in the U.S. and Canada .

Junior Year

  • November through April
    • Begin review for MCATs
  • February or March
    • Apply for April MCAT
  • April
    • Think about medical schools to which you want to apply.
    • Select those from whom you want letters of recommendation.
    • Recommended MCAT date.
  • May
    • Interpret MCAT scores and GPA with premedical advisor.
    • Make first draft of AMCAS essay.
    • Send for medical school information packets / bulletins / catalogues.
    • Request the AMCAS application packet from: American Medical College Application Service, Association of American Medical Colleges, Section for Student Services, 2501 M Street NW, Lobby 26, Washington , D.C. 20037-1300
  • June
    • Revise and polish AMCAS essay.
    • Submit AMCAS application at earliest allowed date.
    • Send transcripts to AMCAS and non-AMCAS schools.
    • Begin to complete non-AMCAS applications as soon as possible.
  • July
    • Register for August MCAT if your scores were low and you feel you are now better prepared.
  • August
    • Inform premedical committee (if your school has such a committee) or others who are writing recommendations where to send your composite recommendation letter.
    • Take the August MCAT if necessary to improve scores.

Senior Year

  • September
    • Make sure all applications are complete and letters of recommendation received.
    • Strictly adhere to all medical school deadlines.
  • November & December
    • Be patient! Offers to interview will come.
  • January
    • Fill out GAPSFAS form for financial aid.
    • Send updated transcripts if requested by schools.
  • March
    • If on Hold or Wait-Listed remain calm. You will be notified of any change in status.
  • April through August
    • If an Alternate, acceptance letters are sent out throughout this period.
    • Make sure medical schools can reach you or a family member by telephone at all times.

 

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