Preparing for the Medical School Application Process

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Knowing where to start with the applying to medical school process can be challenging. Use these resources to stay ahead and ready for when it is time to begin completing your application.

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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.

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Medical School Admission Requirements™

The Medical School Admission RequirementsTM (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.

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Contact the AAMC Premed Team
Popular Premed Resources

Consider this page your primary destination for comprehensive, on-the-go resources that you can download and share with others, to support successful pathways to medical school.

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Premed Resources "Cheat Sheet"

This "cheat sheet" is a one-stop-shop of links to resources, guidance, tips, and more about AAMC services and programs (SHPEP, FAP, FIRST, MSAR guide, MCAT exam, PREview exam, AMCAS system) to help you conquer the medical school application process.

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Premed Calendar

See upcoming events, webinars, and important deadlines.

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