You are encouraged to meet with a pre-health advisor at least once a semester to discuss options for careers in medicine, opportunities to gain relevant experience, discussing the best time to apply, preparation for the MCAT, the AMCAS application, and much more. For more information, schedule an appointment with your advisor.
Quick links
Explore Arizona and national health professional school prerequisites, admission requirements, and class profiles
AMCAS Repeat Policy: Grade Repeat Policy for AMCAS: AMCAS counts all attempts of a repeated course, even if your school does not. (Taken directly from AMCAS Instruction Manual)
Science GPA (BCPM-Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics)
MCAT Testing Calendar and Score Release Dates Begin to familiarize yourself with the MCAT (look at MCAT essentials) and take multiple practice tests in real time setting. It is a marathon (~8 hours), so you will need to train for it like a marathon. Take one practice test to get your base score and see which sections need improvement. Once you know, then hyper focus on those and continue taking practice tests to make sure you are improving overall (MCAT practice tests from AAMC are helpful)
American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS)
Review of your personal statement offered by Pre-Health Office.
AMCAS Guidelines 5,300 characters long: If you are applying to an MD/PhD program, you must complete two additional essays. Draft by April of junior year (the year prior to matriculation into medical school).
Letters of recommendation (LOR)
Identify people who know you well and can firmly comment on your ability as a medical student and future physician. Ask in advance and give your letter writers sufficient time to complete and submit. Also, remember to stay in touch with letter writers who you may also ask in the future!
Types of letters (five recommended)
Some schools have specific requirements so consult the MSAR
1 STEM faculty
1 MD
3 Other (STEM faculty, non-STEM faculty, employer, advisor, supervisor, community mentor)
After you submit your AMCAS
After medical schools have received your primary AMCAS application, they may invite you to complete a secondary or supplemental application. Supplemental applications are sent between July and October and usually have fees associated with them. It is important that you complete and submit supplemental applications as soon as possible.
Mock interviews
When you receive an interview invitation, schedule a mock interview with Pre-Health Office.
Pre-health advising