1. Take Advantage of Free Resources
Applying to medical school can be challenging, but using trusted, free resources can make the process a lot easier. Start by familiarizing yourself with the parts of a medical school application and the steps needed to apply. These resources are a great place to get started:
- The 2025 Official Guide to Medical School Admissions
- Getting Into Medical School PDF Brochure
- Aspiring Docs Fact Sheets
- Premed Webinars
- AAMC MCAT® Official Prep resources
2. Participate with Purpose
Pick extracurriculars and opportunities with intention, because saying yes to everything can be a recipe for burnout. Remember, you’ll only have room for a select number of activities on your application and a few stories for interviews. It’s best to choose experiences that you think will be the most meaningful to you, rather than those that you feel that you “should do.” Learn more about ways to get experience as a premed.
3. Tap into Premed Communities
Being a premed student can sometimes feel a little overwhelming, but connecting with others makes it easier. Joining a premed club is a great way to meet students with similar goals, stay motivated, and have people to lean on with things get tough. Start by checking out groups at your school, and don’t forget about state or national level organizations such as Future Health Professionals - HOSA, the Student National Medical Association, the Latino Medical Student Association, and many more.
4. Learn from Students Who've Been in Your Shoes
Reading stories and lessons learned from recently accepted students can serve as sources of wisdom and inspiration. Consider following the Aspiring Docs blog, which shares first-hand stories from medical students about their experiences. The Anatomy of an Applicant series goes a step further, showing what accepted students included in their applications and what admissions officers had to say about them.
Beyond online resources, students can also connect with medical students in other ways, such as through premed or prehealth clubs, alumni networks, medical school outreach or pipeline programs, mentorship opportunities, and informal networking conversations.
5. Write it Out: Why Journaling Can Help
Keeping a journal is an easy way to capture your most meaningful experiences. You’ll need these stories throughout the application process- in your personal statement, secondaries, and interviews. Memories from volunteering or shadowing can become stories that stand out in your application. Without a record, it’s easy to have a strong resume but struggle to remember the details that make those experiences come alive. A journal keeps everything fresh and ready to share.
6. Connect (Or Reconnect) with an Advisor
Prehealth advisors are a great resource at any stage of the application process. They understand, at a high level, what’s required for a successful application—from coursework and deadlines to what admissions committees are generally looking for.
Advisors also offer personalized, honest feedback. They can review your personal statement and activities, help you reflect on your experiences, and give realistic guidance about your readiness to apply. And even if you’ve been out of school for several years, many institutions offer advising to alumni, so assume you have access to these services unless you are explicitly told otherwise. In the absence of other sources of advising (like advisors from a postbaccalaureate or graduate program), the National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions (NAAHP) offers a free Find an Advisor service.
7. Give Yourself Grace and Flexibility
Applying to medical school can stir up all kinds of emotions – both exciting and stressful. Give yourself space to feel what you’re feeling and celebrate every step forward. Try creating a timelines with manageable deadlines, tackle things one at a time, keep track of your accomplishments, and don’t forget to celebrate the small wins. Most importantly, take breaks, recharge and practice self-care. Check out strategies and resources that current med students use to maintain their balance and well-being.