Year One

     
  • Meet with prehealth advisor to discuss overall premedical curriculum
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  • Begin prerequisite coursework - this typically begins with the Biology and/or the Inorganic Chemistry sequence
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  • Become involved in prehealth organizations and extracurricular activities on campus
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  • Gain clinical experience in health fields through shadowing, volunteer, employment (i.e. CNA, EMT), and internship opportunities - keep records of your experiences

Year Two

     
  • Meet with prehealth advisor to discuss current coursework, activities, and to begin thinking about preparations for the MCAT exam
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  • Continue prerequisite coursework
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  • Continue to gain clinical experience
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  • Focus on building relationships with professors, advisors, and medical professionals - they are future sources for evaluations
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  • Attend Health Professions fairs in your area to learn more about schools of interest
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  • Stay involved in prehealth organizations and get involved in community service - look for leadership opportunities
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  • Continue to keep records of experiences

Year Three - Fall

     
  • Consult with prehealth advisor regarding letters of evaluation (inquire about the availability of a prehealth committee)
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  • Continue prerequisite coursework
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  • Continue to gain clinical experience
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  • Explore available research opportunities
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  • Stay involved in prehealth organizations, volunteer experiences, and extracurricular activities
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  • Begin serious preparation for the MCAT exam (offered in April and August each year)
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  • Set aside time to work on personal statement - revisit and rework statement over a period of time

Year Three - Spring

     
  • Meet with prehealth advisor to review the details of your application
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  • Contact those who will be writing evaluations for you - give them plenty of time to write a quality letter
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  • Research medical schools that are of interest to you - contact each school to inquire about their specific admissions criteria and, if possible, schedule a time to visit campus
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  • Continue prerequisite coursework
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  • Continue to gain clinical experience and stay involved in prehealth activities
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  • Take MCAT exam
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  • Start the AACOMAS application process and arrange to have your transcripts sent

Year Three - Summer

     
  • Apply to AACOMAS as early as possible - applications can be submitted in June for the fall of the following year
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  • Submit secondary application materials upon receipt
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  • Periodically contact each school to verify your application status

Year Four

     
  • Meet with prehealth advisor to prepare for upcoming interviews - if possible, complete a mock interview
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  • Review www.studentdoctor.net for current and past feedback on your schools of interest
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  • Complete prerequisite coursework - if possible, enroll in upper-level science courses such as Biochemistry and Gross Anatomy
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  • Continue to gain additional clinical and/or research experience
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  • Stay involved in prehealth organizations and volunteer activities
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  • Periodically contact each school to verify your application status
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  • Share news of upcoming interviews and acceptances with those who helped along the way - prehealth advisors, professors, physicians, family, and friends