Understand the Application Process

You may be unaware, but there are a set of principles in place to help students, advisors, and medical school admissions staff ensure fairness and professionalism throughout the medical school process. Understanding the Application and Acceptance Protocols is important as you apply to medical school.

What exactly do medical schools look for in applications? We asked three admissions officers what they want applicants to know before applying to medical school.

Holistic review is an admissions process that considers each applicant individually by balancing their academic metrics with experiences and attributes.

The AAMC Fee Assistance Program assists those who, without financial assistance, would be unable to take the Medical College Admission Test® (MCAT®), apply to medical schools that use the American Medical College Application Service® (AMCAS®), and more.

Professionalism matters to medical and health professions schools. They seek applicants who have developed an understanding of professionalism and who are ready to advance their competencies.

The PREview exam was developed and is administered by the AAMC. It is a standardized exam designed to assess examinees’ understanding of effective professional behavior across nine premed competencies for entering medical school.

An overview of the medical school application process.

"If you want to stand out, think about what is in your application that isn't likely to be in anyone else's application," says one expert.

The Early Decision Program gives medical school applicants the opportunity to secure an acceptance from one Early Decision Program-participating medical school by October 1, while still allowing sufficient time to apply to other schools if you are not accepted.

Dual degree programs enable students to pursue studies in two fields and fulfill the requirements of two degrees. For those interested in a medical career, the best-known dual degree programs are the MD-PhD program and the MD-MPH.

Information for international applicants who want to apply to U.S. medical schools.

Applying to medical school can feel overwhelming at times, but it doesn’t always have to be that way. While it’s normal to feel anxious about the process, there are resources to help you manage stress and keep yourself on track.

If you are an active-duty member of the military, a reservist, or a veteran who is thinking of applying to medical school, there are resources and financial benefits to help you get a medical education.