If you’re looking to start medical school in the Fall of 2025, now is the time to get started with the application process! Applying to medical school is arduous, but proper planning can reduce your stress and help you to maintain a manageable task load.
The four components of the medical school application include:
Standardized tests: MCAT and Situational Judgment Exams
AMCAS application
Secondary Applications
Interviews
Standardized Tests
MCAT: Your MCAT scores are typically valid for three years prior to matriculation, and you can take the exam up to three times.
Register: Select your preferred date, as well as a few alternative dates that would work. You can register for the test here. The ten-day deadline prior to the test is your last opportunity to schedule, reschedule, or cancel.
Prep: Start preparing for the MCAT at least six months prior to your planned test date. And sit for the exam no later than May 24, 2024 (scores released June 25th): This will avoid application delays. Keep in mind that we recommend that you take your exam by mid-April so that you can re-direct your attention to preparing the AMCAS application.
Review our blog posts on the MCAT:
Situational Judgment Exams: There are two exams (CASPer and AAMC’s PREview) that fall under this umbrella. Depending upon the specific application requirements at the schools where you apply, you may need to take one, or possibly both. Currently, CASPer is the most commonly required of the two.
CASPer: This test gauges your ability to critically evaluate complex scenarios and employ sound judgment and communication skills. Not all medical schools require applicants to take the CASPer, however, a growing number of allopathic programs do, currently over 40. Your CASPer score is generally only valid for one application cycle.
The CASPer score is often requested alongside your secondary application or prior to an invitation to interview. Opting to take the test earlier in the cycle, rather than later, will allow you to have your scores readily available when requested, meaning that you can dedicate that time to preparing your secondary application materials or for mock interviews. It will also ensure that your application is not delayed as you wait for your scores.
Register: You can register for the test here, at least three days in advance of your desired test date. And you are able to reschedule your CASPer test any time prior to starting the test. You’ll want to sit for the exam during the spring/summer of 2024.
Prep: You will want to familiarize yourself with the test format and content by taking a sample test a few days before you take the exam.
Review our blog post on CASPer.
AAMC’s PREview Exam: Similar to the CASPer, the Preview exam gauges professional readiness by assessing your judgment in nine competency areas identified as critical for medical school success. It is unique in that it was created specifically for use in medical school admissions. Currently, only six allopathic schools require the Preview exam, while an additional seven allopathic schools and one DO program recommend it.
Register: Find instructions for registering for the test here. You are able to reschedule your test up to 24 hours prior to your scheduled test time. Be sure to sit for the exam during the spring or summer of 2024.
Prep: Familiarize yourself with the test format and content before you take the exam. Once you have registered for the test, you will gain access to an exam tutorial.
Review our blog post on the AAMC PREview Exam.
AMCAS Application:
Submit no later than mid-June.
The AMCAS application opens and will be available here on May 1, 2024.
The first date to submit the AMCAS application is May 28, 2024.
The first date that processed applications will be released to medical schools is June 28, 2024.
We recommend that you submit your application in early to mid-June because your application will go through a verification process prior to the data being released to medical schools. This can take anywhere from a couple of weeks early in the process, to over a month during peak application submission periods. Note, in order to complete verification, your application must contain your official transcript, so request this document as well as your letters of recommendation a month or two before your planned submission date (by March 28, 2024). You also want to submit your AMCAS application early because this step triggers schools to send out secondary application materials, either automatically, or after a pre-screen of your application.
Review our blog posts on the AMCAS application:
Set Yourself Apart with a Compelling Medical School Personal Statement
Ten Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Your Personal Statement for the Medical School Application
2024 AMCAS Work & Activities Section Will Include New Experience Category: Social Justice/Advocacy
AMCAS 2024: “Disadvantaged Applicant” Question Revised to Broader Adversity Question
Secondary Applications:
Submit within two weeks of receipt.
Secondary applications are typically sent between June and August, although they can come later depending upon the timing of your AMCAS submission. Many schools will not review your application file until you have submitted your secondary application. And, because most schools review applications on a rolling basis, and invite applicants to interview accordingly, it is important to send in your secondary application materials promptly, which we define as within two weeks of receipt.
Additionally, because many of the schools will use at least some of the same prompts, you can start preparing responses to the most commonly asked questions as soon as you’ve submitted your AMCAS application.
Review our blog post on common secondary application questions.
Medical School Interviews:
Fall through Spring 2025 (by invitation only)
Many applicants receive invitations to interview following their submission of secondary applications and/or CASPer or Preview Exam scores. Schedule yours as early as possible. And before solidifying your travel plans, you should contact nearby schools to which you’ve applied and let them know you have an interview in the area in case they have availability. This serves the dual purpose of letting the other school know that you are “in demand,” while also showcasing your strong interest in their program.
Review our blog posts on medical school interviews:
Blog Series: Preparing for the Traditional Medical School Interview
The Medical School Interview: Don’t Forget, You’re Interviewing Them Too.
Other Related Blog Posts:
Applying to Both Allopathic and Osteopathic Medical Programs? Here’s What You Need to Know.
Make the Most of Your Relationship with Your Pre-Health Advisor
Five Qualities Medical School Admissions Committees are Looking for in Applicants
Blog Series: Earning Another Degree or Certification Before Med School