Pre-Health
Willamette University
900 State Street
Salem, Oregon 97301
503-370-6926 voice
Timeline
The Process - What To Do and When
Freshman year
- Research medical schools that you might wish to attend and note their requirements for admission.
- Read some general books on strategies for successful admission.
- Surf the web and see what’s available on-line for pre-healths.
- Consider costs and how you will finance your schooling.
- Attend meetings for pre-healths - study hard and maintain a good GPA in all courses but especially science courses.
Sophomore year
- Start studying for the MCAT.
- Learn about the MCAT review courses available.
- Take some practice tests.
- Familiarize yourself with the application procedure, but don’t apply!
- Attend meetings for pre-healths - study hard and maintain a good GPA in all courses, but especially science courses.
- Volunteer in a clinic, hospital, doctor’s office, etc.
Fall of Junior Year
- Study for the MCAT.
- Maintain a good GPA in all courses, but especially science courses.
- Volunteer in a clinic, hospital, doctor’s office, etc.
- You must register early in the new year to take the April MCAT.
Spring (April) of Junior Year
- Take the MCAT. It is not recommended to delay until the September MCAT date if you want to start medical school the fall after you graduate in December or May.
- The September MCAT is recommended for students who 1) are not satisfied with their performance on the April exam; OR 2) do not plan to attend medical school immediately upon graduation from undergraduate school.
- Notify professors from whom you would like letters of recommendation that you would like them to do so. Give them an up-to-date resumeé of your academic coursework and lists of extracurricular and work activities before you leave for the summer.
Summer After Your Junior Year
- File your AMCAS application (and apply to schools that do not use AMCAS) no later than August 1, but not before June 1. Take time to thoughtfully produce a good AMCAS personal essay - consult David Rigsby in Career Services for help.
Fall of the Senior Year
- Complete secondary applications sent to you by the medical schools.
- Ask professors to send their recommendations as soon as possible, but no later than dates requested on the secondary applications. Be sure you give them plenty of time to write and mail recommendations.
Fall and Spring of Senior Year
- Prepare for any interviews that you are offered.
- Research the schools in advance and look at interview web sites.
- Perhaps ask a professor to give you a mock interview.