Hello

​As a first-time applicant in the 2025–2026 cycle, I brought a strong academic record with a 3.9 GPA across three majors: Biology, Health Policy and Management, and Psychology. During undergrad, I served on three leadership boards, played intramural sports, worked part-time, conducted developmental psychology research, and completed an internship. I also spent my summers working as a camp counselor and shadowed an M.D. during college.

​

Post-graduation, I began working part-time at a hospital and shadowed another M.D. By the time I applied, I had accumulated approximately 960 clinical hours, with more added after submitting.​ During this time, I also self-studied for the MCAT using Kaplan books, AAMC materials, UWorld, and all 10 Blueprint practice exams, scoring a 495 and 500. If I had to narrow down the most useful prep tools, I’d recommend UWorld, AAMC resources, and Blueprint exams — skip the rest if you're on a budget.

​

I applied to 56 schools total — 10 MD and 46 DO. I didn’t prewrite my secondaries; instead, I stayed organized with a custom spreadsheet that helped me manage deadlines and school-specific requirements.

​

My Advice:

• Don’t study for the MCAT while working if you can avoid it.

  • Save in advance and give yourself the time you need.

• Apply broadly.

• Finish your core experiences before applying — research, volunteering, and shadowing are asked about constantly in secondaries.

  • If you couldn’t get them all done beforehand, that’s okay — just stay active during your cycle and send update letters as you complete them.

• If you're applying to DO schools, shadowing a DO is highly recommended — try to fit that in if you can.