The 2012-2013 cycle of medical school applications is about to start so I want to put up a blog about how this process works, what you can expect, and some tips that may help first time applicants build a successful application.
AMCAS Application
All medical school applicants need to fill out the AMCAS application (aka primary application). You select which specific medical schools you are applying for on the application, and the completed application will be forwarded to all those schools.
The application opens on May 1st for every new application cycle. The earliest date to submit the application is June 1st. I highly recommend you to submit the AMCAS as early as possible. The later you submit, the longer it takes to get your application verified, the later you will be able to complete your medical school application and the greater your chances of letting your interview spot get taken by someone else. (Note: if you are an extremely strong applicant this will not affect you, but only if you are an outstanding applicant).
You should request your transcript and letters of recommendation sent to AMCAS asap. The most time consuming portion of the AMCAS application is the personal statement. The prompt is usually something along the lines of why you want to become a physician. Try to get at least a few people to read your personal statement before submitting it.
Once you have submitted your application, the AAMC will verify your application (usually no changes are necessary). Once it is verified, your application will be forwarded to all the schools you selected. If you procrastinated (like I did) on submitting the AMCAS application, it will take a few weeks for them to process it. You can estimate the time that your application will be verified by following the AMCAS Verification Thread on studentdoctor.net.
Secondary Application
After receiving your verified primary application, most schools will send you a link to fill out their school's supplemental application, also known as the secondary application. Some schools will filter which applicants to send secondary applications, but most schools will send secondaries to all applicants (and yes, there is an additional fee for each secondary).
You can get a head start on the secondary applications since most of the prompts will be posted up on studentdoc by other applicants who have received them.
Application complete. Now what?
Once your application is complete, just sit back and wait for the interview invites. If you have a top choice for a school, you can always send updates and letter of interests. Interview invites can be extended to as late as March so don't be discouraged if you do not receive many invites immediately. Also, every school looks for different qualities in applicants.
Finally I'd like to wrap up this post wishing you all the best of luck. :) Feel free to contact me with any questions.
AMCAS Application
All medical school applicants need to fill out the AMCAS application (aka primary application). You select which specific medical schools you are applying for on the application, and the completed application will be forwarded to all those schools.
The application opens on May 1st for every new application cycle. The earliest date to submit the application is June 1st. I highly recommend you to submit the AMCAS as early as possible. The later you submit, the longer it takes to get your application verified, the later you will be able to complete your medical school application and the greater your chances of letting your interview spot get taken by someone else. (Note: if you are an extremely strong applicant this will not affect you, but only if you are an outstanding applicant).
You should request your transcript and letters of recommendation sent to AMCAS asap. The most time consuming portion of the AMCAS application is the personal statement. The prompt is usually something along the lines of why you want to become a physician. Try to get at least a few people to read your personal statement before submitting it.
Once you have submitted your application, the AAMC will verify your application (usually no changes are necessary). Once it is verified, your application will be forwarded to all the schools you selected. If you procrastinated (like I did) on submitting the AMCAS application, it will take a few weeks for them to process it. You can estimate the time that your application will be verified by following the AMCAS Verification Thread on studentdoctor.net.
Secondary Application
After receiving your verified primary application, most schools will send you a link to fill out their school's supplemental application, also known as the secondary application. Some schools will filter which applicants to send secondary applications, but most schools will send secondaries to all applicants (and yes, there is an additional fee for each secondary).
You can get a head start on the secondary applications since most of the prompts will be posted up on studentdoc by other applicants who have received them.
Application complete. Now what?
Once your application is complete, just sit back and wait for the interview invites. If you have a top choice for a school, you can always send updates and letter of interests. Interview invites can be extended to as late as March so don't be discouraged if you do not receive many invites immediately. Also, every school looks for different qualities in applicants.
Finally I'd like to wrap up this post wishing you all the best of luck. :) Feel free to contact me with any questions.
