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