Applying to medical school begins 20 months before matriculation, and anyone who hopes to attend medical school in the fall of 2026 should plan to take the MCAT in the spring of 2025 and apply in June of 2025.
Timeline for Matriculation in 2026
Continue strong academic/work performance
Make certain you will have completed all the requirements by the end of next semester
Start thinking about AMCAS/AACOMAS/AADSAS/VMCAS
Volunteer in your community
Investigate options for the summer/next year
Start making a list of schools - attend virtual fairs, info sessions, etc.
"Let's Talk Letters of Recommendation" Workshop (access recording here)
Watch recording BEFORE requesting letters.
Request letters of recommendations
If on college break, consider volunteering in a health care setting or shadowing a health care provider
Submit resume and completed Applicant Information Form (don't worry yet about school list) by January 15 for priority consideration or February 10 for the regular deadline
Draft descriptive entries for Experience section of application - due January 31
Book your HPA Applicant Consultation appointment (December - February)
Work on personal statement
Meet with your Health Professions Advisor
Study for MCAT/DAT/GRE if have yet to take it
Register well in advance for the test
Relax and do well on test day!!!
Submit first draft of personal statement by March 1
Follow up on recommendations
Webinar
Choosing Schools
Polish personal statement
Decide on tentative school list
Be sure your HPA Checklist is complete by April1 (a minimum of 3 letters of recommendation must be received) for priority consideration or May 1 for the regular deadline
Webinar
Situational Judgment Tests (SJTs)
A minimum of 3 letters of recommendation are due April 15
All letters must be received by the time you are verified
Follow up to be certain your HPA Checklist is complete
Request Bowdoin transcript with spring semester grades
Refine school list (unless awaiting test results)
AMCAS/AACOMAS open for new application cycle
Submit AMCAS/AACOMAS (or other appropriate) application
Ensure all individual letters have been recieved
Webinar
Writing Secondaries
Complete secondary applications
Webinar
Interview Prep
Prepare for and enjoy interviews
ENROLL in medical/dental/veterinary or other health profession school!!!