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Path to Medical School

A clear map of the application process, built for students who are not on the standard timeline.

The Overview

The road to medical school has a lot of moving parts, and it can feel especially opaque when you did not follow the traditional pre-med track. This guide lays out the full process from start to finish so you always know what comes next.

Use the checklist to track your progress. Each step will soon link to a deeper guide with detailed, nontraditional-specific advice. Remember: taking a different route to medicine is an asset. Your experiences make you the kind of physician patients need.

Go Deeper

Detailed guides on each topic are on the way:

Choosing a Post-Bacc or DIY Prerequisites Coming soon
Building Clinical Hours as a Career Changer Coming soon
An MCAT Study Plan That Fits a Full Life Coming soon
Writing the Nontraditional Personal Statement Coming soon

Application Checklist

Step 1 Complete Prerequisite Coursework Finish the required science courses, through a post-bacc or formal program if you are changing careers.
Step 2 Gain Clinical & Shadowing Experience Build hours through clinical work, volunteering, and shadowing physicians.
Step 3 Prepare for and Take the MCAT Plan a study timeline that fits your life and test when you are ready.
Step 4 Build Your School List Research programs that value nontraditional applicants and fit your goals.
Step 5 Write Your Personal Statement Tell your story. A nontraditional path is a strength, not something to explain away.
Step 6 Submit Primary Applications Complete AMCAS or AACOMAS and submit early in the cycle.
Step 7 Complete Secondary Applications Turn secondaries around quickly and tailor them to each school.
Step 8 Prepare for Interviews Practice telling your story and answering common prompts with confidence.
Step 9 Decisions & Choosing a School Weigh acceptances, financial aid, and fit, then commit to your program.