Be sure to check out the Timeline for Application and Admission to Medical School to see a full list of important things to do wherever your might be on your path to medical school.
1. Get ready for the MCAT® exam.
Medical College Admission Test® (MCAT®) registration opens in October for the entire testing year. If you plan on taking the exam in 2026, review the calendar of test dates and think about when you’ll want to test, keeping in mind your coursework, extracurricular commitments, and application timeline. The When to Take the MCAT Exam article is a great resource for thinking about when you will want to take the exam.
If you haven’t already, decide when you’ll start preparing for the MCAT exam or fine tune your current plan. A helpful place to begin is on our website, where the steps to creating a study plan are described. It will help you know where to start, assess your strengths and areas for improvement, then map out a schedule that works for you. Explore AAMC’s official prep materials, including free resources and the soon-to-be-released seventh full-length practice exam—an excellent way to gauge your readiness.
2. Learn about the AAMC PREview® exam.
The AAMC PREview® professional readiness exam assesses the professional skills that medical schools value, such as collaboration, adaptability, empathy, and teamwork. You may need to take it if the school you are applying to requires or recommends scores from the exam. Check out the AAMC PREview Exam Preparation Guide to understand the competencies tested, the format of the exam, and free preparation resources. The list of participating schools is growing each year – look for the updated list in February to see which programs are using PREview for the 2027 cycle. The 2026 testing calendar and more information about the testing year will be available this fall.
3. Check out the AAMC Fee Assistance Program.
The AAMC believes that the cost of applying to medical school shouldn’t be a barrier to those students with financial need and offers a Fee Assistance Program. If you meet the eligibility requirements, the program provides discounted registration and fee waivers for the MCAT and PREview exams, free MCAT prep products, reduced AMCAS application fees, and more. Review the program’s criteria now so you can apply early if you qualify.
4. Learn about accommodations.
If you have a disability or medical condition that may require accommodations for the MCAT or PREview exams, look into the AAMC’s accommodations process. Watch the overview video to get an understanding of the MCAT program and how to get started on your application, so you’re ready to submit a complete application for accommodations. Keep in mind you can apply for accommodations on the MCAT and PREview exams at the same time through one centralized system. To learn more about PREview accommodations, visit the website.
5. Get familiar with the AMCAS® application.
It’s never too early to explore the American Medical College Application Service® (AMCAS®). Review the current AMCAS Applicant Guide to see what information you’ll need – from transcripts to letters of evaluation to your personal statement. The AMCAS application opens in early May, and verification of submitted applications begins in late May, so having materials ready will help you move quickly. Information and webinars for 2027 applicants will be available in April.
7. Stay motivated.
Applying to medical school takes a lot of time and the process can feel long. Stay inspired by visiting the Aspiring Docs pages for stories, videos, and advice from current medical students and physicians about their journeys.
By starting now—setting your test plan, researching resources, and organizing application materials—you’ll position yourself for a smooth and confident application process. Remember: good planning and preparation is building the foundation for your future in medicine.