So you want to be a doctor!
Becoming a physician is an exciting journey, one that is challenging, rewarding, and full of opportunities for growth. Along the way, you'll invest significant time, energy, and dedication as you prepare for a career devoted to caring for others, advancing science, and making a meaningful impact on patients and communities.
Whether you're just beginning to explore medicine or are already committed to the path, we've gathered resources below to assist you on your journey to medicine. We also encourage you to connect with your undergraduate pre-health or premedical advisor to discuss your career aspirations. They are a wealth of information and can help you explore your goals, identify opportunities, and provide guidance as you prepare to become a competitive medical school applicant!
If you do not have a premedical/health advisor, then visit the National Association of Advisors for Health Professions website to help locate someone who can assist you.
Below is a list of websites that will be helpful as you prepare for a career in medicine:
- AAMC Premed Competencies
- Association of American Medical Colleges
- Medical School Admissions Requirements Guide
- National Applicant & Matriculant Data
- National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions
- Postbaccalaureate Premedical Programs
- Taking the MCAT Exam
General Tips for Preparing
- Still in college? Work hard and ask for help when you need it! Most accepted candidates rank in the top one-third of their classes, and the majority have outstanding scholastic records. In addition to academic metrics, your extracurricular activities should demonstrate curiosity, commitment to helping others, and dedication to learning more about what it means to be a physician. We value a well-rounded student body.
- Choose a major that genuinely interests you and allows you to thrive academically. Medical schools welcome applicants from every academic discipline! While many pre-medical students major in the biological or chemical sciences, successful applicants come from a wide range of fields, including the humanities, social sciences, engineering, business, and the arts. Rather than choosing a major because you think it will impress an admissions committee, pursue a field that inspires you, challenges you, and helps you develop the knowledge and skills that will serve you well as a future physician.
- Have you been out of college for a while? Don't let the fact that you've been out of college for a year or more deter you from applying! Approximately three-quarters of our students have a year or more between graduating from college and entering medical school. Between 2023 and 2025, 16% of medical school matriculants were 26 or older. If you are three or more years removed from full-time college coursework, it might be wise to take some challenging, advanced-level courses in the biological/chemical sciences to prepare for entry.
- Start gathering information on how to apply early in the process. AAMC's information about the American Medical College Application Service is a great place to start!
- Applying to medical school is expensive! Consider application fees, the cost of the MCAT, travel to interviews, and other associated costs. We recommend that you review and plan for these costs.
- Review the requirements for AAMC's Fee Assistance Program and apply if you believe that you might qualify. This can result in significant savings on MCAT preparation materials, MCAT registration, and medical school applications.