Entering Medical School Checklist

Preparing for Your First Year of Medical School

Use this checklist as you prepare for your first year of medical school.

If you need to apply for financial aid, be aware of your school’s deadline(s).
Thoroughly review your school’s financial aid offer.
Learn about the types of financial aid offered to you to determine which aid you want to accept.
Familiarize yourself with any financial aid terms that are new to you (see the Federal Student Aid Glossary below).
Find out what your school’s cost of attendance (COA) is as a first-year medical student (and each year thereafter).
Determine the amount of aid you will need and accept your financial aid package by the school’s deadline.
Complete required federal “Entrance Counseling” on the Federal Student Aid (FSA) website and any other school requirements for incoming students.
Complete the Master Promissory Note (MPN) to obtain the federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and/or Direct PLUS Loan and familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of your loan(s).
Create a budget and spending plan based on the aid you will receive and your school’s COA.
Set up a meeting with financial aid staff if you have questions or would like to review your budget.
Review additional resources about paying for medical school and preparing for future expenses.
Create an AAMC Financial Wellness account to access free money management resources and tools.