Your Ultimate Premed Checklist: Everything You Need Before Applying to Medical School

Feeling a bit lost in the maze of premed requirements? I’ve been there, too! This is how this premed checklist came to life.

The first time I applied to medical school, I made a few critical mistakes and had some serious holes in my application. Topping the list, I lacked enough clinical experience, and my GPA wasn’t where it needed to be. Surprise, surprise, I didn’t get accepted. 

But I didn’t give up. After allowing myself time to get over the initial disappointment, I put my gap years to work. I strengthened all of the areas my application lacked the first time around. And you know what? The second time I applied – Bam! I earned ten acceptances!

Today, I’m sharing with you the ultimate, tried-and-tested premed checklist I created while I prepped to apply again. (I wish I had it to help me the first time around!) This checklist is organized to help you easily navigate the often confusing path to medical school. So, let’s start ticking off those boxes together! 

This post is all about premed checklist.

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Premed Checklist: Your Key To Success

Your Must-Have Premed Checklist

This checklist is your roadmap to success, outlining the ten items you need to prioritize checking off before sending in those medical school applications. Think of it as your personal guide, helping you stay organized with all the most important steps you’ll need to take. 

Complete All Required Premed Courses

Have you finished all required classes, or are you on track to do so before matriculation?

These courses are like the building blocks of your journey to medical school. Think of them as the foundation that’ll set you up for success in your future medical career.

There’s a pretty standard set that most medical schools require. You’ll need to tackle a year’s worth of challenging courses in biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and their respective lab work. Many medical schools also look for candidates who have completed an English or writing-intensive course; some might even throw calculus into the mix. 

So, what courses should you check off your list before diving into those medical school applications?

• Two semesters of biology with a lab 
• Two semesters of general chemistry with a lab 
• Two semesters of organic chemistry with a lab 
• One semester of statistics and calculus 
• Two semesters of English
• Two semesters of physics 
• One semester of behavioral sciences 
• One semester of biochemistry with a lab 
• One semester of genetics
• Two semesters of humanities/social sciences

Consider this list as your baseline. You can always go the extra mile by taking more than two semesters of biology, which will showcase your passion for the field and arm you with the knowledge needed for the MCAT and medical school ahead.  

If you are feeling a bit anxious about those complex subjects and want to come in prepared, go through my blog post The Hardest Premed Classes with study tips for those tougher classes! 

Achieve Your Target GPA (with an Upward Trend if Needed)

The average GPA for accepted medical school students hovers around 3.77 for overall and 3.71 for science GPA. Most med schools want to see a GPA of 3.0 or higher just to let you through the door, and many prefer a 3.5 or above. 

If your GPA is below these benchmarks, don’t panic. Pay attention to your upward trends. Maybe you struggled in the beginning but excelled in your later years. The primary application breaks down your GPA by year, so if you have shown improvement, that’s a great sign.

The good news is that your GPA isn’t the be-all and end-all. Sure, GPA matters, but each school has unique criteria for evaluating candidates.  So, don’t count yourself out based on averages alone, especially if you feel you’re a great fit for a certain program. It’s about showing the admissions committee the whole package – your GPA is just one piece of the puzzle.

These tips helped me overcome my low GPA (3.3), stand out, and still earn ten medical school acceptances!

• Take upper-level science classes. Medical schools like to see that you can handle rigorous coursework, especially in science-related subjects. 
• Consider enrolling in a post-baccalaureate or master’s program to boost your academic record if your undergraduate GPA is on the lower side and there’s no upward trend. 
• Get more clinical experience
• Fit more shadowing opportunities into your schedule
• Do well on the MCAT 
• Research potential medical schools, cast a wide net when applying, and use resources like the MSAR to identify schools that match your profile. I applied to a total of 28 schools to increase my chances.
• Remember to apply early! 
• Focus on strong essays in your primary and secondary applications and have a quick turnaround for secondary applications.
• Prepare for mock interviews 

Sign Up or Take Additional MCAT Prep Classes

You don’t want to make the MCAT harder on yourself than it needs to be. Taking the right classes before the MCAT can make a huge difference in your preparation.

The good news is that there are no specific classes that you absolutely have to take to be eligible for the MCAT. However, certain prerequisite classes can help you better prepare for the subjects covered in the MCAT and set a strong foundation for your medical school journey. 

The organization behind the MCAT, AAMC, suggests taking the following classes:

• Two semesters of General Biology 
• Two semesters of General Chemistry  
• Two semesters of Organic Chemistry 
• Two semesters of Physics
• One semester of Biochemistry 
• One to two semesters of Psychology (Intro & Developmental, or skip to Developmental) 
• One semester of Sociology 

Ideally, you should have all of these classes under your belt before tackling the MCAT. However, if you find yourself missing one, it’s not the end of the world. But if you haven’t taken two or more classes, I recommend considering additional time to cover those areas before diving into full-on MCAT mode.

Hit Your Target MCAT Score

Make sure you do your research and set a realistic target score based on the medical schools you’re interested in. Each school has different average MCAT scores for accepted students, so it’s important to know where you need to aim.

Keep in mind that there’s a bit of a variance between DO and MD schools because DO programs typically accept students with slightly lower MCAT scores.

Here is the average MCAT score (based on the 2023 AAMC report and AACOM data) for matriculated medical school applicants: 

• MD Schools: 511.7
• DO Schools: 503.9

If you want to learn more about average scores and what to aim for in your MCAT study plan, check out my blog post MCAT Score Calculator & FAQs. Here, I also share my personal MCAT target and what I actually ended up reaching!

Once you have your target score, create a study plan that works for you. Use resources like practice exams, review books, and online study tools to help you prepare. Also, be consistent with your study sessions, breaking them into manageable chunks that fit your schedule. And take care of yourself during this time—make sure to get enough rest, eat well, and take breaks when needed.

Lastly, don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t hit your target score on your first try. It’s okay to retake the MCAT if needed, and many students do so to improve their scores. Keep a positive attitude and keep pushing forward.

Get Your Hours of Clinical Experience

When you’re figuring out how to juggle all the work and activities you have on your plate as a premed student, be sure to carve out time for clinical experience. 

Unlike your other extracurricular activities, clinical experience involves interacting with patients in a healthcare environment. For example, you can take a paid position like a Medical Assistant or volunteer in a clinical setting, such as assisting in a clinic. I personally worked as an EMT for some hands-on patient care experience. But to be honest, I found the tasks and responsibilities of Medical Assistants even more intriguing! 

While many medical schools don’t set a specific requirement for the number of clinical hours, they do expect applicants to have meaningful and substantial experience. Generally, aiming for around 100-150 hours is suggested, though more is often better.

However, it’s not just about racking up the hours – the quality of your clinical experience matters just as much. Admissions committees look for applicants who have learned and grown from their time working with patients. It’s more impactful to have fewer hours but with deep patient interaction and learning opportunities rather than a high number of hours with minimal engagement.

Researching the individual requirements of each school you’re interested in can give you an edge in the application process. You can tailor your experiences to meet their criteria, showcasing your commitment and preparedness for medical school. 

If you don’t have any clinical experience yet, my guide on How to Get Clinical Experience will help you get started!

Meet Shadowing Hour Requirements

If you haven’t already, contact doctors, clinics, or hospitals in your area to set up your shadowing experience! 

So, how many hours of shadowing should you aim for? Ideally, aiming for around 40 hours is a good range to shoot for. However, the exact number can vary depending on the program you’re applying to.

When you shadow a doctor, you’re there to observe and learn. Shadowing gives you a sneak peek into the day-to-day life of a doctor. You get to witness firsthand the challenges, the rewards, and everything in between.

Remember, quality matters just as much as quantity when it comes to shadowing. Reflect on your experiences, ask meaningful questions, and make the most of your time in the healthcare setting.

You won’t be performing any exams or making diagnoses (at least not yet!). It’s about soaking in the environment, absorbing knowledge, and gaining valuable insights. This step can be pivotal on your premed journey and can truly shape your future path in medicine. 

Here are my 10 tips for shadowing a doctor + how you can actually land such opportunities!

Fulfill Research Hour Expectations

Is research an absolute must for medical school acceptance? Well, not necessarily! While it’s not a strict requirement, research experience can definitely give you an edge among the sea of applicants. It shows your commitment and can make your application sparkle.

Some medical schools place a heavy emphasis on research. So, when you’re crafting your school list, keep this in mind.

So, how many hours of research should you aim for? While there isn’t a magic number that all schools demand, shooting for around 100 clinical hours is a solid start. But if you really want to shine, aim for 150-200 hours of research experience. And hey, going above and beyond with 300-plus hours could truly set you apart, especially if you spread them out over time or a dedicated gap year.

Now, before you start counting down the hours, remember that it’s not just about hitting a quota. It’s about the quality and impact of your research experiences. Sure, racking up hours is great, but what really matters is how you engage in those experiences and what you take away from them. Admissions committees are looking for candidates who truly dive into the field, showcasing their passion and insights.

Learn more in my blog post 10 Proven Ways You Can Find premed Research Opportunities

Complete Volunteer Hour Commitments

Medical schools really value applicants who show a commitment to helping others. By putting in the time for volunteer work, you’re showcasing your genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need, while also displaying your dedication to serving others and making a difference.

You might be wondering about the magic number of hours you need – well, it varies. Typically, medical schools recommend around 50-100 hours of volunteer experience. It may seem like a hefty time commitment, but you can break it down by dedicating 10-15 hours over ten months.

Again, it’s not just about the hours you clock – it’s about the impact you make. Some successful applicants have volunteered fewer hours, while others have gone above and beyond. The key is to focus on your personal growth, self-discovery, and unwavering passion for helping others. So, don’t stress about the numbers; instead, choose a position that is most meaningful for you and let that shine through in your commitment during those volunteer hours.

Wondering where to find such positions? Here are 40+ Clinical Volunteer Opportunities for premed Students that will set you apart. 

Identify and Contact Letters of Recommendation Writers

Start thinking about the professors or mentors you could ask for a letter of recommendation. It’s not absolutely necessary to have them lined up right now, but having good relationships with potential letter writers will definitely make the process smoother later on.

I recommend starting to work on securing your letters of recommendation early on, like in January, in the year you plan to apply. Why so early, you ask? Well, let’s face it, sometimes people can be a bit unreliable, and you don’t want to be left in a tough spot if someone ghosts you when you need that letter. It’s better to know early on whether you’re getting the letters back or not rather than scrambling in July when it’s too late to do anything about it.

Here’s a quick general timeline for staying on top of your LORs.

• In January, identify at least 6 potential letter writers, including 4 science professors, 2 non-science professors, and 2-3 non-professors like a work advisor or a coach. You may not end up using all of them, but it’s always good to have backups just in case. 
• On February 1st, shoot them an email to express your interest in having them write a letter for you.
• As April rolls around, start checking in with your letter writers to remind them of the due date and see if they need any additional information from you. 
• By May 1st, make your goal to have at least half of your letter writers confirmed. If not, that’s okay because you have your backup options ready to go.

Remember, good letters of recommendation can make a big difference in your medical school application, so don’t overlook this step. Plus, building strong relationships with your professors and mentors can open up other doors for you in the future.

Establish a Budget Plan for the Application Process

Preparing for medical school applications can be expensive—and that’s no exaggeration! So, it’s a smart idea to start budgeting early for how much it costs to apply to medical school. 

As you sit down to make a list of expenses, there are a lot of factors to consider. Here’s an overview of where to start. 

• MCAT Prep: Getting ready for the MCAT involves registration fees, study materials, and potentially prep courses. These costs can vary, so make sure to budget accordingly.
• Primary Applications: Services like AMCAS, TMDSAS, or AACOMAS require fees that increase with the number of schools you apply to. Look into fee assistance programs to help manage these costs.
• Secondary Applications: Most medical schools require secondary applications with additional fees. Factor these expenses into your budget when deciding how many schools to apply to.
• Interviews: Attending interviews can be pricey with travel, accommodation, and formal attire costs. Explore budget-friendly travel options and virtual interview opportunities to save money.
• Visiting Schools: If you attend Accepted Students Day, be prepared for travel and accommodation expenses. Consider staying with current students to cut costs.
• Acceptance Deposits: After getting accepted, you’ll likely need to pay a deposit to secure your spot. Be aware of refund policies and factor these deposits into your budget.

Helpful Tips as You Go Through Your Premed Checklist

As you work on your premed checklist, remember that you’re not just a set of numbers. It’s totally okay to have some weaknesses as long as you shine in other areas. For example, if your GPA is on the lower side, aim for a higher MCAT score like I did.

Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

• Maintain a balance. Don’t let yourself get too focused on just the numbers. Your application is a combination of different factors, so make sure to showcase all your strengths.
• Gain shadowing and clinical experience. This is a must-have! Spending time shadowing doctors and working in a clinical setting will not only give you valuable insight into the field but also strengthen your application.
• Focus on your strengths. Identify what sets you apart and highlight these qualities in your application. Whether it’s research experience, leadership skills, or a unique perspective, make sure to showcase what makes you a standout candidate.
• Build strong relationships with professors, mentors, and healthcare professionals who can provide you with guidance and support throughout your premed journey.
• Stay organized. Track deadlines, requirements, and important dates to ensure that you don’t miss out on any key opportunities or submissions.

Remember, this checklist is a guide to help you navigate the premed process, but ultimately, your journey is unique to you. 

Go-To Premed Checklist to Nail Your Medical School Application

When you apply to medical school, you really want to make sure you’ve got all your ducks in a row. It’s not something you want to rush through. Do everything you can to put your best foot forward to give yourself the best shot possible. 

So, before you hit submit on that application, let’s make sure you’ve checked all the boxes to boost your chances of getting in.

1. Apply Early – Time is of the essence when it comes to medical school applications. The early bird definitely catches the worm in this case. Be on top of deadlines and submit your application as soon as you can.
2. Craft a Compelling Personal Statement – Your personal statement is your chance to shine, convey your passion for medicine, and stand out from the crowd. Make sure it’s authentic and powerful and that it communicates your unwavering commitment to pursuing a career in medicine.
3. Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation –  Reach out to potential recommenders early on. Choose individuals who know you well and can speak to your skills, character, and potential as a future healthcare professional.
4. Research Your School List—Don’t just apply to every medical school out there. Take the time to research and create a well-rounded list that aligns with your career goals, academic strengths, and geographic preferences. Consider residency biases and match potential when finalizing your choices.
5. Craft Unique Essays – Your secondary essays are another opportunity to showcase your personality and what makes you unique. Avoid cliches and instead focus on narratives that highlight your individuality and experiences.
6. Keep a Quick Turnaround Time – Once those secondary essay prompts start rolling in, don’t procrastinate. Aim for a quick turnaround time to demonstrate your eagerness and dedication to each medical school.
7. Prepare for Interviews – Practice, practice, practice. Be ready to discuss your experiences, motivations, and aspirations. Research common medical school interview questions and conduct mock interviews to hone your responses.
8. Stay Organized—Medical school applications can be overwhelming, so stay organized. Track deadlines, requirements, and communication with schools to ensure you don’t miss any crucial details.
9. Do More – Showcase the million other things that make you unique. Whether it’s overcoming personal challenges, pursuing unique passions, or engaging in impactful experiences, make sure to leave no stone unturned in highlighting what sets you apart from the crowd.

I know this can all be so overwhelming (I’ve been there) and quickly put you into anxiety paralysis. Don’t worry though, you don’t have to go through this alone! In my Road to Acceptance (RTA) course I guide you through the entire application process. From personal statements to recommendation letters, I’ve got you covered every step of the way!

No more reddit clutter and hours over hours on trying to figure out all the nitty gritty details yourself. Here you get all the information, strategies and tools you need to maximize your chances of success! Plus, this includes a private Facebook group where our premeds can ask questions, cheer each other on and swap essays to review. Can’t wait to see your name pop up when you join us! 

Final Thoughts on Your Premed Checklist

Hopefully, you’re ready to tackle your premed checklist like a pro now. Remember, this checklist is just a starting point. Each step requires thorough attention and dedication to maximize your chances of getting into the medical school of your dreams. 

So start early, set up a clear strategy for yourself and let go of all the unnecessary doubt, you got this!

Related Posts

Shadowing a Doctor: 10 Best Tips for Premeds

Medical School Applications: Top 5 Things You MUST Know Before Applying