Making a pre-med timeline can seem daunting but its very important. We want to provide you with a general outline of how to best navigate the process during your undergraduate experience in order to give yourself the best chance possible for medical school matriculation. Below is a general outline and checklist that can be used to monitor your progress as you complete undergrad. Keep in mind that everyone’s process will be different in one way or another, and your process will likely not completely mirror this checklist. However, having a general plan of knowing what to do and when to do it can make all the difference.
Undergrad Timeline
Freshman Year
Fall Semester
- Create/ Review Curriculum Schedule for ALL FOUR YEARS
- Take a 50/50 mix of science and general courses to get acclimated to transition into college
- Build relationship with academic/ department advisor
- Apply for summer shadowing/ research
Spring Semester
- Confirm summer shadowing/research plans
- Become part of extracurricular programs for pre-med association, research group
- Register for summer classes
Summer
- Summer research/ shadowing/ working
Sophomore Year
Fall Semester
- Review/Edit Curriculum Schedule with advisor
- Take max number of science courses this semester, if possible
- Get involved in department as teacher’s assistant/ grader
- If not already a part of a research lab, join a research project that interests you
- Apply for summer shadowing/ research
Spring Semester
- Confirm summer shadowing/research plans
- Register for summer courses
Summer
- Summer research/ shadowing/ working
Junior Year
Fall Semester
- Review Curriculum Schedule with advisor
- Keep load for spring semester light (12-14 credits max)
- Start discussing post-bac plans (medical school/grad school/ gap year)
- Be heavily involved in department as a leader
- If not already a part of a research lab, join a research project that interests you
- Apply for summer shadowing/ research
- Begin writing personal statement
- Compile list of extracurricular activities
- Compile list of professors, PIs and references to write your letters of rec
- Sign up/ join MCAT prep class
- Winter Break: Start studying for MCAT/ Begin AMCAS
Spring Semester
- Study for MCAT
- Register for MCAT
- Limit superfluous activities and club involvement
- Reach out to pre-med advisor to schedule mock interviews, discuss progress of personal statement and application
Summer
- Study for/ take MCAT (WHEN YOU’RE READY)
- Complete AMCAS (You can submit without receiving your MCAT score, however do what it takes to have your MCAT score when you submit)
- Receive MCAT score
Senior Year
Fall Semester
- Take leadership roles in departmental clubs and pre-med associations
- If not already a part of a research lab, join a research project that interests you
- Respond to and submit secondary applications ASAP
Spring Semester
- Interview Season
- Beginning in March: Choose Your School Tool via AAMC
- Complete other graduation requirements
- Understand loan agreements and begin planning financially for transition
Summer
- Relax, buckle up, and get ready for the next step: Med School!