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How does the process of medical school start after college?
How do we apply to medical school from college.
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6 answers
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Mary Jane’s Answer
Hi, Kevin! I'm not sure if you are asking about the preparation during college or the actual application process of applying so I'll cover both briefly.
During college, you'll need to complete prerequisite courses which typically include a year each of intro biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and intro physics, along with some math (calc and/or stats) and English. You should check the prereqs of your in-state medical school and any "dream" schools to make sure there aren't additional requirements. At some point, you'll need to take the MCAT, which also tests psychology, sociology, biochemistry, and your ability to read and think critically (so make sure you take courses outside the sciences too!).
During college, you should explore the profession by doing informational interviews and shadowing doctors and volunteering and/or working in clinical settings. Your goal should be to learn about healthcare, the experiences of patients, and yourself. You can explore the AAMC Core Competencies on their website (see link below) and even complete a self-assessment to see where you might need to do additional work.
When you feel that you are ready to apply -- meaning coursework is completed and you have enough experience to be able to explain why you want to pursue a career in medicine and what impact you hope to have on patients and your community -- you will need to take the MCAT exam. You will apply to medical schools through the AMCAS application (or AACOMAS if you are interested in becoming a DO).
The entire application and interview process takes a year, which a lot of students don't realize. These applications open in May of each year but you'll want to start prepping your application in the fall or winter prior because it's a very lengthy and time-consuming process. After you submit your application, you'll receive secondary applications from med schools throughout the summer and will need to write several essays for each. Hopefully, in the fall you'll receive interviews, which may be in-person or virtual, and by the following winter/spring you will receive an offer. You may have some internal campus deadlines in order to receive a health professions committee letter to be submitted with your application in May, so you will definitely want to be checking in with your campus prehealth advisor regularly to ensure you understand your campus process and requirements.
I hope that helps but I'm happy to answer additional questions if you need specifics about something!
Visit AAMC website to learn about Core Competencies: https://students-residents.aamc.org/real-stories-demonstrating-core-competencies/aamcorg/corecompetencies
Sign up for the Premed Navigator newsletter at https://students-residents.aamc.org/premed-navigator/premed-navigator
During college, you'll need to complete prerequisite courses which typically include a year each of intro biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and intro physics, along with some math (calc and/or stats) and English. You should check the prereqs of your in-state medical school and any "dream" schools to make sure there aren't additional requirements. At some point, you'll need to take the MCAT, which also tests psychology, sociology, biochemistry, and your ability to read and think critically (so make sure you take courses outside the sciences too!).
During college, you should explore the profession by doing informational interviews and shadowing doctors and volunteering and/or working in clinical settings. Your goal should be to learn about healthcare, the experiences of patients, and yourself. You can explore the AAMC Core Competencies on their website (see link below) and even complete a self-assessment to see where you might need to do additional work.
When you feel that you are ready to apply -- meaning coursework is completed and you have enough experience to be able to explain why you want to pursue a career in medicine and what impact you hope to have on patients and your community -- you will need to take the MCAT exam. You will apply to medical schools through the AMCAS application (or AACOMAS if you are interested in becoming a DO).
The entire application and interview process takes a year, which a lot of students don't realize. These applications open in May of each year but you'll want to start prepping your application in the fall or winter prior because it's a very lengthy and time-consuming process. After you submit your application, you'll receive secondary applications from med schools throughout the summer and will need to write several essays for each. Hopefully, in the fall you'll receive interviews, which may be in-person or virtual, and by the following winter/spring you will receive an offer. You may have some internal campus deadlines in order to receive a health professions committee letter to be submitted with your application in May, so you will definitely want to be checking in with your campus prehealth advisor regularly to ensure you understand your campus process and requirements.
I hope that helps but I'm happy to answer additional questions if you need specifics about something!
Mary Jane recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Rita’s Answer
You apply during your 4th year in college. After college you will be in medical school for 4 years. After that you will be in residency. The length of residency depends on your field but it’s a minimum of 3 years.
Updated
George’s Answer
Once you have completed all your required courses (as outlined by a Pre-Med program/Academic Advisor), taken the MCAT exam (Medical College Aptitude Test, gathered letters of recommendation, write a Personal Statement of why you want to be a doctor, possibly also completed a number of hours (maybe 1000 to 2000 hours) working in an area related to Medicine (e.g. an emergency medical technician (EMT) on an ambulance or other setting) you can then apply in your fourth year of College. My son, who is an Emergency Room Physician now, applied through a centralized system that put his information together and then sent it to the Medical schools he chose. In my days, we had to apply to each Medical College individually and send them all the information they requested . In any case, this is approximately the type of process you will have to go through.
Updated
Rafeh’s Answer
Hey there! After completing college, you'll need to take the MCAT exam, which will help determine your MCAT score and the medical school you'll attend. Medical school typically takes 4 years, but some schools offer a 2-year program. Once you've finished medical school, you'll need to obtain a medical license by passing the USMLE exam. After that, it's time to complete your residency and embark on an awesome and fulfilling career in medicine. Wishing you all the best on your journey! 😊
Updated
Lesly’s Answer
Hello! After completing college and before entering medical school, I suggest gaining medical experience for your résumé. Participate in research projects and dedicate time to helping others. Select a major in which you can excel and apply to several schools. Start preparing for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) early and study regularly. Don't forget to engage in extracurricular activities. Best of luck!
Updated
Midwest’s Answer
The process of applying to medical school is one that can be prepared for throughout college. Key components of your application to medical school will include your academic achievements, MCAT score, service, work and volunteer experience, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and more. The most important requirements to be able to apply to medical school are required coursework and taking the MCAT. You are able to take the MCAT more than once, but prospective medical schools can see each of the scores you earn, so it is best to put your best foot forward the first time you take it. This is commonly taken during junior year, but does not necessarily have to be done at that time.
To attend medical school you can essentially be any major, and medical schools do value diversity in thought and background, but you will still have to take minimum premedical coursework in order to apply, whether through your standard college curriculum or thereafter. An important step during college is to make sure you get connected to a guidance counselor who should take you through each of these steps and monitor your progress along with you as you go. The most important milestones in this process are: 1) contacting your guidance counselor, 2) planning the appropriate coursework, 3) deciding when you will take the MCAT, 4) determining where you want to apply for medical school. Your applications to medical school should encompass a broad range of potential schools. Because there are hundreds to thousands of applications received by each school, you may be rejected or granted an interview at places in a very unpredictable fashion.
Hope this helps!
Contact your guidance counselor
Determine a plan to prepare and take the MCAT
Make a list of traits that will help you decide where to apply for medical school
Focus on your studies!
To attend medical school you can essentially be any major, and medical schools do value diversity in thought and background, but you will still have to take minimum premedical coursework in order to apply, whether through your standard college curriculum or thereafter. An important step during college is to make sure you get connected to a guidance counselor who should take you through each of these steps and monitor your progress along with you as you go. The most important milestones in this process are: 1) contacting your guidance counselor, 2) planning the appropriate coursework, 3) deciding when you will take the MCAT, 4) determining where you want to apply for medical school. Your applications to medical school should encompass a broad range of potential schools. Because there are hundreds to thousands of applications received by each school, you may be rejected or granted an interview at places in a very unpredictable fashion.
Hope this helps!
Midwest recommends the following next steps: