Timeline

Pre-Med Checklist

Extracurriculars (do these + whatever other opportunities interest you!)

Aim for...

• 100+ hours of shadowing experience

• 200+ hours of clinical experience

• 100+ hours of research 

• 100+ hours of volunteering

Don't forget to track your hours on a spreadsheet or in a notebook so you can refer back to them when you fill out your application! 

GPA

Most medical schools seek applicants with GPAs at or above 3.7 (that's a high bar!). If your score is below that, don't worry! You can make up for it in your application with a strong MCAT score and/or strong extracurriculars. If you want to try to raise it, many schools offer free tutoring services. You can also take some "easy A" classes, or enroll in a post-baccalaureate program. 

MCAT

• The maximum MCAT score is a 528, with anything above a 520 being considered 99th percentile.

• Students' target scores vary based on their academic performance, test-taking skills, and target schools. You don't have to aim for a perfect score!

  • Instead, look around at what MCAT requirements different medical schools have and set expectations from there. It's always good to aim for the moon, but landing among the stars is just as great (we love a good cliché) :)

• You should take the MCAT after you’ve finished all the coursework that is tested on the exam (Biology I and II, Chemistry I and II, Physics I and II, Organic Chemistry I and II, Biochemistry, and corresponding labs based on the schools you apply to). 

  • Some exam questions come from other courses. Here are some classes that can be helpful to take:

    • Sociology

    • Psychology

    • Writing-intensive courses

    • Anatomy & physiology

• You should study a total of ~500 hours before your exam. You can schedule this study time however you wish, but it should be no shorter than 3 months (or it will be too intensive) and no longer than 6 (or you might forget content over the long length of time).

  • Studying for a longer period of time might be better if you like to parse your studying into small chunks, don't have time to devote 6+ hours per day to studying, and don't mind multitasking!

Pre-Med Undergaduate Timeline

This timeline plans for a four-year schedule, without a gap year. However, especially nowadays, many students take one or more gap years to gain life experience; complete extra hours in clinical experience, research, or another field; study abroad; or otherwise pursue their passions! Many schools even encourage this. Don't be afraid to take extra time!