Premedical Student Checklist
Year One
- Meet with pre-health advisor to discuss overall premedical curriculum
- Begin prerequisite coursework - this typically begins with the Biology and/or the Inorganic Chemistry sequence
- Become involved in pre-health organizations and extracurricular activities on campus
- Gain clinical experience in health fields through shadowing, volunteer, employment (i.e. CNA, EMT), and internship opportunities - keep records of your experiences
- Seek out opportunities to do service to the underserved (e.g. Vista Health Corp, Peace Corp, Community Health Center volunteer, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, etc)
Year Two
- Meet with pre-health advisor to discuss current coursework, activities, and to begin thinking about preparations for the MCAT exam
- Continue prerequisite coursework
- Continue to gain clinical experience
- Focus on building relationships with professors, advisors, and medical professionals - they are future sources for evaluations
- Attend Health Professions fairs in your area to learn more about schools of interest
- Stay involved in pre-health organizations and continue community service work - look for leadership opportunities
- Continue to keep records of experiences
Year Three - Fall
- Consult with pre-health advisor regarding letters of evaluation (inquire about the availability of a pre-health committee)
- Continue prerequisite coursework
- Continue to gain clinical and community service experience
- Explore available research opportunities
- Stay involved in pre-health organizations, volunteer experiences, and extracurricular activities
- Begin serious preparation for the MCAT exam - US MCAT calendar
- Set aside time to work on personal statement - revisit and rework statement over a period of time
Year Three - Spring
- Meet with pre-health advisor to review the details of your application
- Contact those who will be writing evaluations for you - give them plenty of time to write a quality letter
- 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
- Continue prerequisite coursework
- Continue to gain clinical and community service experience and stay involved in pre-health activities
- Take MCAT exam
- 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
- Submit secondary application materials upon receipt
- Periodically contact each school to verify your application status
- Continue community service
