UVA Career Center

Clinical involvement is a crucial part of the pre-health journey, as it will help you to explore and confirm your interest in the profession and demonstrate a commitment to serving others. While there is not a required number of clinical hours for the medical school application, you should plan to spend a significant amount of time outside of class gaining experience in clinical settings to strengthen your application. 

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Below is a list of action steps to plan for when you are applying to medical school. This is a simplified version of a multifaceted process, so we recommend meeting with a Pre-Health Advisor at least once per year to make sure you are on the right track. 

For a full guide and details on each step in applying to medical school, read the Pre-Health Application Guide.  

Application System

Create an account for the system that you plan to use for your applications

• AMCAS: Allopathic Medical Schools
• AACOMAS: Osteopathic Medical Schools
• TMDSAS: Texas Medical Colleges

Entrance Exam

• Take the MCAT no later than the April prior to the application cycle beginning in May
• You should plan to spend at least 350 hours dedicated to studying for the exam

Selecting Schools

​​​​​It is important to select schools that are not only a good fit for your academically, but also a good fit for your values, skills, and interests that will help you become the professional you want to be. Take time to research programs prior to the application process. Here are some factors you should consider:

• Admission Requirements
• Institutional mission, goals, and values 
• Size of cohort
• Location
• Clinical rotations and patient population
• Your professional interests as it aligns with the school’s mission and training

It is recommended to apply to 15-20 medical schools.

Letters of Recommendation

Confirm your letter writers at least 3 months before you plan to apply. You should determine specific letter requirements and quantities from your programs of choice. Letters are most commonly required from at least one of the following categories:

• 2 Science Faculty 
• 1 Non-Science Faculty
• Faculty Advisor
• Employer
• Research Mentor
• Healthcare Provider
• Volunteer Supervisor

Timeline

The application process lasts approximately 18 months, which spans two academic years. You should submit your primary application as soon as possible according to the following key dates:

• AMCAS: Late May/Early June
• AACOMAS: Early May
• TMDSAS: Mid-May

Personal Statement

This is a distinctive part of your application that takes time and reflection. Consider the following questions to begin:

• Why do you want to become a physician? Why is this the profession you have chosen instead of another?
• Think back to your experiences volunteering, shadowing, researching, studying abroad. Can you provide a specific story that deeply impacted you and your decision to become a physician?

 

Character Limits:

• AMCAS: 5,300 characters (including spaces and punctuation)
• AACOMAS: 4,500 characters (including spaces and punctuation)