Preparing for the Medical School Application Process

Premed Journey: Getting Started

Check out the AAMC's Medical School Admission Requirements™ (MSAR^®) online database, Anatomy of an Applicant profiles, and more to ensure you are ready for the applying to medical school application process.

Medical School Admission Requirements™

The Medical School Admission Requirements^TM (MSAR®) is an online database that enables you to browse, search, sort, and compare information from medial school profiles.

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Anatomy of an Applicant

Medical schools consider more than your grades and scores. There are 17 Premed Competencies that demonstrate your preparedness for medical school. The premed competencies, formerly core competencies for entering medical students (view previous competencies), were updated in 2023 to reflect expectations for medical students. Medical schools will begin using these competencies in the 2024-2025 application cycle to evaluate applicants’ readiness for medical school. (View the printer-friendly Premed Competencies.)

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Additional Resources

Getting Into Medical School Brochure

We hope you find this booklet helpful in answering many of your questions about embarking on a career in medicine. We encourage you to visit our website for more information.

Timeline for Application and Admission to Medical School

Each person’s journey and experience are different. Take advantage of this guide and talk with your prehealth advisor to create a plan that works best for you. 

Anatomy of an Applicant: Self-Assessment Guide

Anatomy of an Applicant resources and self-assessment guide for medical school applicants.

Preparing for Medical School

Find resources and information to help you prepare for medical school.

Getting Organized

Find tools and information to help you get organized as you prepare to apply to medical school.

Getting Experience

Find ways to get experience in the medical field before you attend medical school.