Timeline for Applicants for 2013-14: Application Dates & Deadlines

This timeline is tailored for medical & dental school applications since these applications involve a committee letter provided by HPAC (Health Professions Advising Committee).

 

Inform Kathy Samms that you are applying for 2014.

January–April

 

  • Contact the Registrar and the Dean of Students offices to check your integrity and conduct records. (by March)
  • Request letters to support your application: Individual recommendation letters & HPA Committee Letter Request letters (provide letter writer with request form, waiver, resume & interest statement). Inform letter writers that deadline for letters is June 1.
  •  Submit request for Committee Letter (do this even if you aren’t fully decided about applying this year—we would rather have you withdraw the request than submit a late request).
  • Submit list of letter writers to the HP office as soon as you can (no later than May 1).
  • Fill out the Pre-Interview form (contains questions about your background, activities, interest and experience in chosen profession.
  • Obtain unofficial transcripts from Puget Sound & other colleges Submit the Interview Request one week in advance of your mock interview date

January–June

  • Take entrance exam (MCAT, DAT, etc.)
  • Sign up well in advance to reserve a spot 
  • Sign up for prep course or obtain books for self-study (official practice tests from AAMC strongly encouraged) 

February–April

  • Personal statement
  • Mock interviews

Spring Break Checklist

  • Begin/continue school/program selection
  • Decide on type(s) of programs (if medical—allopathic, osteopathic or both types of programs?)
  • Consider your overall GPA and calculate a science GPA with all classes in Biology, Chemistry, Physics & Math
  • Keep your GPA, science GPA, and entrance exam scores when selecting potential schools—include a range of programs
  • Check websites for programs of interest for required/recommended courses in addition to GPA & test stats—how competitive are you?

May–June

  • Go to AMCAS/AACOMAS/AADSAS website to begin filling in application (this can take a few weeks to complete)—the new application is posted the first week of May.
  • Request a copy of official transcripts from all U.S. schools attended to be sent to the application service.

June–July

  • June 1: Submit your application
  • All recommendation letters should be at the HP office
  • Decide upon list of schools to which you will be applying. Do your homework (see Spring Break checklist).
  • Complete your application and submit online.
  • Submit ID numbers to HP (both letter and AMCAS numbers) 

July-August

  • HP office composes and sends committee letter to application service (AMCAS/AACOMAS/AADSAS) along with individual recommendation letter.

Applications Aren't Cheap!

Costs are not cheap to apply to med schools. Here is a breakdown of costs:

  • MCAT fee: $210
  • AMCAS fee (including one school): $160
  • Each school fee: 10 @ $30 = $300
  • Secondaries to 10 schools @ $60 = $600