What to Expect When You Apply for Med School

Most private schools have two applications: the Common App, and the school’s own secondary application, which usually consists of 2-3 essay questions. The secondary application is the final determining factor in whether or not you will get the interview. State schools on the other hand rarely require a secondary application.

Applying to school is not inexpensive and the prices increase yearly so be prepared for these costs. I paid about $250 for my first application and then $30 more for each school I applied to. The secondary applications will cost around $80 a-piece.

The primary application opens on June 1^st annually. It stays open until around October 15^th. You can submit your application at any time but it is important to note that schools review primary apps as soon as they get them. If you send yours in early, you have a better chance of getting noticed and earning a secondary application.

Once you receive your secondary application, it is important to fill it out as soon as possible. You will get an interview after this and interview season goes on September through February. Schools often admit people on a rolling basis which means that after your interview, you will know within a month whether you were admitted or wait-listed.

Big private institutions, like Penn or Harvard, have a universal announce date around mid-March. After you have been accepted, you have until May 15^th to confirm your choice and withdraw from schools that you have decided against.