How to get into med school: A quick guide

Thinking about becoming a doctor? Whether it’s been your dream forever or something that has clicked for you recently, the path to medical school can feel a bit overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Every successful physician has at some point been in your shoes.

There’s no sugarcoating it: getting into med school is competitive. But here’s the good news: thousands of students do it every year, and many of them started exactly where you are right now: curious, motivated, and just trying to figure out the next step.

This guide is here to help you do exactly that.

We’ll break the process down from start to finish: choosing your classes, preparing for the MCAT, building your resume, and even tackling interviews. Whether you’re just starting college or in your gap year and wondering what’s next, you’ll find something here to help you move forward with more clarity and confidence.

We hope this quick guide will set you on the right path as you embark on your medical program applications. For a detailed, month-by-month schedule on the medical school admissions process, check out our med school application timeline.

Understanding how to get into medical school: the complete process

Getting into medical school goes far beyond achieving high grades. If you want to know how to get into medical school, keep in mind that admissions committees consider a range of criteria. Academic excellence, MCAT scores, real-world experiences, and evidence of personal growth are considered at every stage of the medical school application process.

Here’s the big picture for the med school application timeline and requirements:

• You’ll submit your primary application through centralized portals such as AMCAS for MD programs, AACOMAS for DO schools, or TMDSAS for Texas schools.
• Medical school prerequisites include core college coursework (especially in the sciences), competitive MCAT scores that fall within or above the preferred MCAT score range, substantial extracurricular activities, and strong personal essays.
  • Check how many letters of recommendation for medical school your target programs require; most expect at least three.
• The medical school application process starts well in advance: applications typically open in late spring of the year before your intended start date. Preparation for the MCAT should begin several months ahead so you have time to achieve what’s typically considered a good MCAT score.
• From MCAT prep to final decisions, the med school application timeline generally spans 12-18 months. Careful planning is essential to navigate prerequisites, gather letters, and strengthen every part of your application.

Prioritize academics early

Before you dive into the MCAT, it’s important to understand the standard medical school prerequisites you’ll need as a foundation for your application. Always check the full Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR) for each school, but most med schools require you to complete the following prerequisite courses:

• Biology
• Chemistry (both general and organic)
• Physics
• Mathematics
• English or writing-focused courses

These medical school prerequisites are essential preparation, not only for admissions but also for the science material found in multiple MCAT sections. Schools will pay close attention to your academic performance in these subjects, particularly through your science GPA.

A strong GPA of 3.5 or higher is often recommended, but remember that medical schools look at your overall profile. Even if your grades are not perfect, relevant experiences and a solid MCAT score across all sections can strengthen your application and show you have what it takes to succeed.

Master how to study for the MCAT and achieve top scores

The MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is a critical component of the medical school application process and can significantly influence acceptance decisions. The exam tests more than memorized science facts: the MCAT assesses your reasoning skills, academic endurance, and readiness to perform under intense pressure, making comprehensive MCAT preparation essential.

The exam is divided into four main MCAT sections:

• Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems (C/P)
• Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (MCAT CARS)
• Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems (B/B)
• Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior (Psych/Soc)

Your performance will be scored individually for each of these MCAT sections, contributing to your overall MCAT score. The MCAT score range is from 472 to 528, with the average MCAT score nationally hovering around 506. Generally, MCAT scores above 511 are viewed very favorably by medical schools, and this threshold is often considered a good MCAT score for increasing competitiveness in the admissions process.

To understand how your MCAT score stacks up against other applicants, review the AAMC’s acceptance data grid for all MD-granting medical schools for the 2021-2022 and 2023-2024 cycles. Having a high MCAT score can help boost your application, even if your undergraduate GPA is somewhat low:

Acceptance_Rates_Formatted.xlsx

Data Source: Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)

On average, most students set aside 3 to 6 months to study for the MCAT. A strong MCAT study schedule typically includes in-depth content review of all MCAT sections, frequent timed practice tests to master the exam format, and continuous self-assessment to track MCAT scores over time. Determining how to study for the MCAT effectively can make a substantial difference in your final results.

It is recommended that you take the MCAT during the winter or spring of your junior or senior year, depending on whether you plan to take a gap year, to ensure that your official MCAT scores are reported on time. Remember that it takes schools about a month after exam day to receive your official scores from testing centers. Plan to take the MCAT as early in the year as possible so that your scores are ready before the critical June/July primary application deadlines for medical school.

By achieving strong results across all MCAT sections and understanding the full MCAT score range through reliable resources like the AAMC, you can strategically enhance your candidacy and maximize your chances of medical school acceptance.

Build a strong resume beyond the classroom

Medical schools want well-rounded applicants. That means showing you’ve explored medicine beyond textbooks.

Here’s what to include:

• Clinical experience: Shadow doctors, volunteer at hospitals, or work as a medical scribe
• Community service: Show that you care about helping others
• Research: Especially if you’re aiming for top research schools
• Leadership: Clubs, student orgs, and teaching assistant roles all count

Your activities don’t have to be flashy, they just need to show growth, consistency, and compassion.

Secure letters of recommendation and craft a personal statement

Most schools typically require 3 to 5 letters of recommendation for medical school applications. You can request letters from:

• Science professors who can speak to your academic abilities
• A research mentor, if you have research experience
• A physician you have shadowed, providing insight into your clinical exposure
• A supervisor from work or volunteering, highlighting your interpersonal and leadership skills

Request your letters of recommendation early. Provide your recommenders with context through your resume or a summary of your goals. This will help them write a compelling letter that strengthens your application.

Your medical school personal statement is your opportunity to share your unique journey, your motivation for pursuing medicine, and the experiences that inspired you to become a doctor.

Keep your personal statement:

• Honest and reflective
• Personal, showcasing your authentic self
• Focused on growth and meaningful development

Steer clear of generic statements like “I want to help people.” Instead, describe specific moments or experiences that shaped your path to medicine. Let your genuine voice be heard throughout your medical school personal statement.

Apply to medical schools strategically

Use the MSAR tool as a key resource during your med school application timeline. This platform helps you compare medical schools and identify programs that align with your academic profile and career aspirations.

To increase your chances of admission, be strategic with your med school applications. Choose a balanced mix of:

• Reach schools
• Target schools
• Safety schools (yes, these exist in the med school world)

Expand your options on your med school application timeline by considering DO schools if osteopathic medicine interests you. These programs follow a holistic approach and may recognize different strengths beyond academics.

Tip: Submit your primary application as early as possible to maximize your med school application chances. June to July is ideal for most applicants.

Tackle secondary applications

After you submit your primary application, you’ll receive medical school secondary essays from most schools. Medical school secondary essays often focus on topics like:

• Diversity and your unique perspective
• Experiences overcoming adversity
• Reasons for your interest in that specific medical school

To excel in your medical school secondary essays, plan ahead by pre-writing responses to frequently asked prompts. Give yourself enough time to reflect thoughtfully, but try to submit your secondary essays within 2 weeks of receiving them for the best chance of success.

Prepare for medical school interviews

There are two main interview types:

• Traditional: One-on-one or panel format
• MMI (Multiple Mini Interviews): Short stations testing ethical reasoning, communication, and teamwork

Some common medical school interview questions include:

• Why are you interested in pursuing an MD?
• What excites you about medicine?
• What qualities make you unique as a medical school candidate? What sets you apart from other applicants?
• Tell me about your related skills and experiences.
• How do you believe your background/identity will influence your role as a physician?

Practice out loud, get feedback, and, most importantly, be yourself. Interviewers want to see your heart, not just your resume.

What if you don’t get in the first time?

It happens, and it doesn’t mean you’re not cut out for medicine.

If you don’t get into medical school the first time:

• Ask for feedback
• Strengthen your application (GPA, MCAT, experience)
• Consider a post-bacc linkage program or a master’s
• Stay involved in clinical or volunteer work

A gap year can be a powerful time to reflect, grow, and come back stronger.

Key takeaways on how to get into medical school

Getting accepted into medical school is challenging, but possible. With dedication, careful planning, and ongoing support, you can absolutely reach your goal.

As you work through each step of your application, keep these essential steps in mind:

• Complete all required undergraduate coursework for medical school prerequisites
• Prepare thoroughly and achieve a strong score on the MCAT
• Gain hands-on clinical and healthcare experience to strengthen your application
• Secure compelling recommendation letters early in the process
• Submit your primary medical school applications by early summer for the best chances
• Craft an outstanding medical school personal statement and supportive application essays
• Approach each interview professionally, and always follow up with a thoughtful thank-you note

Remember, every physician began right where you are: working through each milestone, studying hard in their classes, perfecting their materials, and figuring out each step, one day at a time.