Application Process & Timeline

Application Process

Allopathic (MD) applicants apply through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS), which is the centralized application service used by most medical schools. Many (but not all) Texas medical schools use the Texas Medical & Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS) and osteopathic (DO) applicants apply through the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS).

Since the application cycle for medical school takes a full year, students should apply in the year prior to when they plan to matriculate. For example, students who wish to go straight from their undergraduate degree to medical school would apply in the spring/summer of their junior year (as long as all prerequisites are complete at that time). Students who apply in their senior year would have a gap year and matriculate in the year following their graduation.

Application Timeline

For medical school, applicants apply a full year before planning to matriculate. There are a number of steps that precede and follow the submission of your application, so please review this timeline carefully.

Fall/ Winter	Meet with the pre-health advisor to assess whether you are ready to apply to medical school. Follow the current instructions for preparing your Health Professions Advisory Committee (HPAC) application, assuming you meet the eligibility requirements. Begin asking faculty, supervisors and/or physicians for letters of recommendation. Draft your personal statement and resume. Meet with Career Services (and The Writing Center for the personal statement) to review the written portions of your application.
Spring	If you meet the minimum requirements, complete and submit your HPAC application for a letter of evaluation. Prepare, register and sit for the MCAT. Schedule and complete an interview with the HPAC. Research and select the schools to which you plan to apply using the AAMC Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR) for MD programs and Choose DO Explorer for DO programs. Be aware of how your residence should factor into your school selection.
Summer	Complete a common application (AMCAS, AACOMAS, TMDSAS, etc.) and submit it as early as possible. Most common applications may be submitted around June 1. Apply early — it really makes a difference due to rolling admissions! Complete secondary/supplemental applications as they are received. You should maintain careful records and keep copies of all materials relating to your applications. Request your HPAC letter and other letters of recommendation (if applicable) be sent to the appropriate application service and/or program.
Fall/ Winter following year	Prepare for interviews with prospective schools Ace your interviews!