Medical School Application Advice & Tips

Try to complete your basic extracurriculars before applying.
Many “recommended” activities are actually required.
- Examples: research, employment, and volunteering.
Applying is expensive. If you don’t have financial support, consider these options:
- Save aggressively ahead of time.
- Use a credit card with 0% APR introductory offers for application fees — but be sure to pay it off within the promotional period to avoid interest.
Be aware of in-state bias. Some schools prioritize in-state applicants, so research schools’ policies carefully to avoid wasted applications.
Have a professional headshot ready before secondary applications start. Many schools require this early on.
Attend information sessions and visit campuses if possible.
- It helps you learn about the school and whether it’s truly the right fit for you.
- It shows engagement, which admissions committees notice.

MD schools usually take longer to send secondaries and schedule interviews. Be patient but stay engaged.
Apply early and stay active in the process. Submit your primary application as soon as possible, send update letters whenever you gain new experiences, and follow up professionally. Rolling admissions means earlier applicants often have a better chance.

If you’re applying to DO schools, try your absolute hardest to shadow a DO physician or gain exposure to osteopathic medicine. This experience is highly valued and sometimes expected.
Many DO schools require a physician's recommendation letter, either M.D. or D.O.
DO secondaries and interviews often start as soon as your application is verified, so plan accordingly. Be prepared to respond quickly.

Applications are meant to weed people out.

Anonymous