Medical School Application Timeline for 2024-2025

Medical school application season typically kicks off in May, marking the beginning of your path to becoming a doctor. While exciting, it requires careful planning beforehand. A well-defined strategy will increase your chances of admission and prevent burnout.

This guide provides a roadmap for a successful medical school application journey. We’ll explore key dates and a strategic preparation schedule to ensure you’re on track.

Key Dates and Deadlines to Remember

These dates represent the earliest you can complete each application step. Remember, you should not wait until the deadline.

Strategic applicants submit applications as early as possible. Create a personal timeline that allows ample time for a polished application. Early submissions are a strong admissions strategy.

Here’s a breakdown of key dates:

May: AMCAS application opens.
End of May/Early June: First day to submit AMCAS application.
End of June: Application data sent to medical schools.
July: Secondary applications arrive from schools.
Mid-August: Interview season begins.
September-December: Individual school application deadlines.
Mid-October: Medical schools start sending acceptance letters.

The AMCAS application typically opens in early May for the following year’s entering class, giving you about a month to finalize your application before submissions begin in late May or early June.

Expect secondary applications from schools two to four weeks after submitting your primary application. While they may not have immediate deadlines, aim to complete them within 7-14 days. Prioritize quality over speed, but ensure you meet the deadlines.

Interviews typically occur from August to September, potentially extending into the following spring. Don’t wait for an invitation to start preparing. Begin interview practice well in advance to ensure you’re confident and ready to impress.

Medical School Application: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

Applying to medical school involves several key stages. Let’s explore them in detail, along with a recommended timeline for each step.

Step 1: Take the MCAT

Getting started on the road to medical school means tackling the MCAT, a challenging 7.5-hour test that demands careful planning and solid preparation. You should aim to finish this exam well before primary applications open. If you want to jump into medical school right after college, consider taking the MCAT in the summer after your sophomore year. If you plan on taking a gap year, aim for the MCAT in the summer between your junior and senior years.

Check out our comprehensive MCAT Guide for all the essential info on MCAT.

Step 2: Primary Application

Most allopathic US medical schools, which award an MD degree, use AMCAS (American Medical College Application Service) for their main application. For osteopathic (DO) schools, you’ll be using AACOMAS. Both MD and DO medical schools in Texas use TMDSAS.

AMCAS opens up in early May for inputting your info, but you can’t submit it to schools until the end of May or early June. Applying early is key because of rolling admissions – schools review applications as they come in. During this time, it’s crucial to strategically pick how many and which schools to apply to. Take a look at the AAMC website for program deadlines and use the MSAR service for admissions info.

Step 3: Secondary Application

Medical schools start going through applications at the end of June, and if you submit your primary in June, you can expect secondary applications a few weeks later. Dive into our guide for a detailed look at the secondary application process. Secondaries usually involve essays or short answer questions about why you’re a great fit for that specific program. Aim to get these done within 7-14 days, keeping quality in mind. Starting early pays off – it’s a ticket to quicker interview invites!

Step 4: Scheduling Interviews

Once you’ve tackled secondaries, it’s time for the exciting part – interview season. Some interviews might kick off as early as September, with most happening in October. The interview season goes on from winter to spring, and some might stretch into April. Schools will reach out with possible dates, and you can schedule interviews based on your availability.

For real medical school interview stories, watch this episode on our YouTube: Med School Interview Stories

Step 5: Acceptance and Admissions Decisions

Making it to the admissions decision stage is the payoff for all your hard work. Schools start sending out acceptance letters in mid-October, and early birds might get them by late October. You can hold onto multiple acceptances until the end of April, but each program has its own rules about acceptance deadlines. After April, you’ll need to choose one program and respond to all your acceptance offers.

Don’t forget about the waitlist – some schools might tell you that you’re on it after an interview. While not ideal, being on the waitlist can still lead to a positive outcome. Waitlist acceptances can happen at any time during the application season. After April, students have to let go of multiple acceptances, meaning there’s a chance you could get a waitlist acceptance around this time.

Month-by-Month Application Preparation Schedule

February 2024

Work on your personal statement.

Read: How to Write a Perfect Medical School Personal Statement

Read: What Is A Medical School Personal Statement?

Solicit letters of recommendation

Read: Why Are Letters of Recommendation So Important?

Read: 6 Things You Need to Know About Medical School Recommendation Letters

MCAT test dates available for junior/senior students

March 2024

Fine-tune personal statement and seek feedback

Watch: Personalize Your Personal Statement

Confirm letters of recommendation
Compile extracurriculars for the Work and Activities section

Read: The Importance of Extracurricular Activities for MCAT

MCAT test dates available for junior/senior students

April 2024

Fine-tune personal statement and seek feedback
Confirm letters of recommendation and follow-up
Compile and fine-tune extracurriculars for the Work and Activities section
Decide which medical schools you’ll apply to

Read: Top Ranking Medical Schools: A Complete Guide

MCAT test dates available for junior/senior students
Possible Casper preparation

Read: Everything You Need to Know About the Casper Test

May 2024

At the beginning of May, AMCAS, AACOMAS, and TMDSAS open—begin filling in your applications (you are not able to submit yet)
Complete any optional or mini-essays
Fine-tune your application
Follow up on any late or missing letters of recommendation
Make final decisions about which schools you’ll apply to
MCAT test dates available for junior/senior students
Possible Casper preparation

June 2024

You can begin submitting your application at the very end of May or early June. Most students will submit before the end of June. The later you apply, the lower your chances are of admission.
Begin preparing answers for common secondary questions

Read: What Is A Secondary Application For Medical School?

Start preparing for interview season, especially if you struggle with interview skills

Read: How to Prepare for a Medical School Interview

MCAT test dates available for junior/senior students
Possible Casper preparation (you may have time available to take the Casper test after you submit your application and are waiting for secondaries)

July 2024

Requests for secondary applications begin (complete secondaries within 14 days)
Complete interview practice and mock interviews

MCAT test dates available for junior/senior students

August 2024

Medical school interview invitations begin in August (the first interview days could occur in late August, but most start in September)
Complete interview practice and mock interviews

Watch: Medical School Interviews with Admissions Expert Nicole Sam I Jack Westin MCAT

Continue completing secondary applications as they come through (complete secondaries within 14 days)
MCAT test dates available for junior/senior students

September 2024

Continue completing medical school interviews
Send interview thank you letters

MCAT test dates available for junior/senior students (the last test dates of the year usually occur by early to mid-September, and then no more MCAT test dates until next January)

October 2024

Continue completing medical school interviews and sending thank you emails
Send letters of interest and updates, if appropriate

Read: Letter of Interest & Letter of Intent Medical School Questions Answered

Optional: Send a letter of intent to your top school (you can only send this letter to one school)

You may receive an acceptance as early as mid-October
No MCAT test dates, but students may be studying for next year’s test dates

November 2024

Continue completing medical school interviews and sending thank you emails
Send letters of interest and updates, if appropriate
Optional: Send a letter of intent to your top school (you can only send this letter to one school)
You may receive acceptance offers
No MCAT test dates, but students may be studying for next year’s test dates

December 2024

Continue completing medical school interviews and sending thank you emails
Send letters of interest and updates, if appropriate
Optional: Send a letter of intent to your top school (you can only send this letter to one school)
You may receive acceptance offers
No MCAT test dates, but students may be studying for next year’s test dates

January 2025

Continue completing medical school interviews and sending thank you emails
Send letters of interest and updates, if appropriate
Optional: Send a letter of intent to your top school (you can only send this letter to one school)
You may receive acceptance offers

February 2025

Continue completing medical school interviews and sending thank you emails
Send letters of interest and updates, if appropriate
Optional: Send a letter of intent to your top school (you can only send this letter to one school)
You may receive acceptance offers
Optional: Send a letter of intent to your top school (you can only send this letter to one school)

March 2025

Continue completing medical school interviews and sending thank you emails
Send letters of interest and updates, if appropriate
Optional: Send a letter of intent to your top school (you can only send this letter to one school)
Offers are sent out by the middle of March (If you do not receive acceptances by this time, you may be waitlisted)

April 2025

Send letters of interest and updates, if appropriate
Optional: Send a letter of intent to your top school (you can only send this letter to one school)
Applicants must formally choose a medical school by the end of April

Frequently Asked Questions

When Do Applications Open?

Medical school applications usually open the first week of May for the subsequent year’s medical school class. You have approximately a month to prepare your application before submissions open at the end of May or early June. The application process begins in the spring of 2024 for entry into medical school in the fall of 2025.

What’s the Latest I Can Submit My Application Without Consequence?

Applications close between October and December. While technically possible to submit until December, submitting in September is considered the latest to avoid significant consequences. Submitting later decreases acceptance chances due to rolling admissions, affecting secondary applications, interviews, and admissions decisions.

When Should I Take the MCAT?

The ideal MCAT timing depends on post-college plans. For direct entry into medical school, taking the MCAT in the summer after sophomore year is recommended. Planning a gap year suggests taking the MCAT in the summer between junior and senior years.

When Should I Take the Casper Test?

Casper test necessity varies by school, and test completion timing depends on individual school requirements. Taking the Casper test early, preferably in June, is advised because it allows completion before the intense secondary application phase.

If My Primary Application is Late, Should I Wait Until the Next Application Cycle?

Yes, waiting for the next application cycle is advisable if the primary application is not submitted by the end of summer. Late submissions decrease acceptance chances, and rushing through subsequent stages leads to potential rejections. Focusing on thorough preparation for the next cycle is a strategic approach.

Which Application Service Do I Need to Apply Through?

The application service depends on location and the desired medical degree (MD or DO). AMCAS is for MD programs in the United States. AACOMAS is for DO programs, streamlining applications for osteopathic medical schools. TMDSAS is for Texas-based medical schools, catering to in-state and limited out-of-state applicants. Understanding the specific requirements of each service is crucial, especially when applying to both MD and DO programs or to schools in and outside of Texas.

Conclusion

In summary, the timeline for applying to medical school in 2024-2025 involves careful planning and strategic preparation. From taking the MCAT to submitting applications, attending interviews, and making final decisions, it’s essential to follow specific dates and deadlines. Starting with early preparation in February and ending with acceptance decisions by March-April 2025, a well-organized approach is crucial for a successful medical school application process.

Remember to tune in to Jack Westin’s MCAT Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Gain expert insights, elevate your preparation, grasp key topics, and conquer the MCAT with confidence!

To learn more about what’s tested on the MCAT, you can go to Jack Westn’s MCAT Content or check out our admissions services and choose a package that best suits your needs.