Allopathic Medicine (M.D)

  1. College of Science & Engineering
  2. Advising Center
  3. Pre-Health Advising
  4. Allopathic Medicine (M.D.) 

Explore the essential steps to pursue a career in allopathic medicine (M.D.), from selecting the right coursework to acing the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and navigating the application process through AMCAS. Gain valuable insights into creating a study plan for the MCAT and understanding application cycles and deadlines.

Three quarters of lecture and laboratory of each of the following sciences are generally required.

  • General Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
  • General Physics
  • General Biology

Some programs will have additional requirements that you will need to meet. And though it is not required, it may be helpful to take biochemistry, psychology and sociology as these concepts will be on the MCAT. Regarding AP, CLEP, and IB coursework, you will need to check the Medical School Admission Requirements for each program’s website.

Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)

The MCAT exam has four multiple-choice test sections:

  • Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
  • Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
  • Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
  • Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills 

When should I take the MCAT?

When you feel ready! There is no need to rush to take the exam. Sometimes, students will take the MCAT exam the same year they plan to apply to medical school. Before taking the MCAT, be sure you have a study plan to help you prepare.

Create a study plan for the MCAT:

Step 1: Gather Information about MCAT

Step 2: Take a practice test

Step 3: Gather study materials

Step 4: Make a study calendar

Step 5: Study!

Step 6: Prepare for test day

How many times should I take the MCAT?

Ideally, you should only take the MCAT one time. However, students can take the MCAT up to three times in one testing year. The MCAT can be taken up to four times in a two-year period. The MCAT can be taken a total of seven times in a lifetime. Voids and no-shows count toward your lifetime limits.

How long are MCAT scores valid?

Generally, the scores are valid for up to 2 to 3 years. Therefore, it is recommended that you check each school's admissions policy.

Is the exam expensive?

The MCAT exam cost is $325. A fee assistance program is available to help with the cost of taking the MCAT, applying to medical schools, access to free MCAT Official Test Prep products, complimentary access to the MSAR online database, and more.

Generally, the AMCAS application is available in early May for applicants to start filling out their information. However, students cannot certify and submit their application until the end of May/beginning of June. Students do not need to apply immediately when the application opens, but they also should not want to wait until the last minute to apply. Ideally, students should certify and submit their AMCAS application early.

Once students have certified and submitted their application and AMCAS has received all required transcripts, the application enters the processing queue to verify the information. This process can take 6 – 8 weeks. Students are responsible for checking the status of their application to ensure it is error-free to avoid delays resulting in missed deadlines.

The application will then be released to the medical schools you have chosen, and you may be required to complete secondary applications for each school. It is important that you complete and submit all secondary applications thoroughly and promptly.

The Early Decision Program (EDP) has a deadline of August 1 for all medical schools. If August 1 falls on a weekend/holiday, then the deadline will apply to the next business day.

Individual medical schools set all application deadlines. Your application must be submitted to AMCAS by 11:59 p.m. ET / 8:59 p.m. PT to meet the deadline. AMCAS does not grant deadline extensions for any reason.

  • You can major in anything! Most students choose a biology or chemistry degree because the required science coursework fits well within their degree plan. However, students can major in art, psychology, criminal justice, etc., and still apply to medical school if they meet the admissions requirements.
  • Students should take academically rigorous coursework (independent study, honors, and research opportunities) to demonstrate their success in higher-level coursework.
  • Take advantage of volunteer opportunities, engage in research, and participate in summer internships to demonstrate your passion for helping others through medicine. When invited to interview, you can speak knowledgeably about how these experiences influenced you.
  • Do not take the MCAT without making a study plan. While your MCAT score is one part of your application, it is still heavily considered

This is a traditional timeline that assumes students will apply to medical school during their senior year in college. However, it is important to know that it is becoming more common for students to take a gap year before applying or re-applying to medical school. This allows students additional time to strengthen their resumes, prepare for the MCAT, or fulfill other academic prerequisites that could not be completed in their undergraduate studies.

FRESHMAN YEAR

  • Sign up on the pre-health listserv.
  • Pick a major that you enjoy–students can major in anything so long as they complete the requirements for medical school admissions programs.
  • Ensure you register for the correct science courses (general biology and general chemistry your first year).
  • Join the Pre-Health Club on campus.
  • Focus on your grades and develop good time management and study skills to help you start successfully.
  • Start researching the admissions requirements for medical schools you wish to attend.

SOPHOMORE YEAR

  • Continue to focus on grades.
  • Think about what aspect of healthcare interests you and gain experience through part-time employment, job shadowing, research, and/or volunteering. Make the experience meaningful to you, not simply because you think it looks good. Students need to reply to the question: Why do you want to pursue a career in medicine?
  • Continue taking academically rigorous courses.
  • Get to know faculty to ask for letters of recommendation when you are ready to apply.
  • Attend admissions fairs, open houses, or events at the schools you are interested in to learn about the different programs and become familiar with each school’s admissions process.

JUNIOR YEAR

  • Continue to focus on grades.
  • Make a study plan and begin reviewing for the MCAT.
  • Ensure that you have met or are meeting the requirements for admissions to the different programs to which you plan to apply.
  • Attend the Health Professions Evaluation (HPE) information session.
  • Attend American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) application workshop.
  • Register and take the MCAT. Students should take the MCAT in the Spring quarter in enough time for scores to be released (no later than May).
  • Create a profile on the AAMC website and begin work on your AMCAS application. Take your time on the application so you do not make mistakes and delay the acceptance of your application.
  • Certify and submit your AMCAS application.
  • Plan an academic schedule that will allow you to make time to interview at different medical schools in the fall and winter quarters of your senior year.

SENIOR YEAR

  • Continue to focus on grades.
  • Complete and return secondary applications to medical schools.
  • Verify that all materials have been submitted to each medical school.
  • Respond to interview requests promptly and professionally.
  • Notify all medical schools of your decision as early as possible.
  • Email prehealth@seattleu.edu of your final decision.
  • Send thank you cards as a courtesy to everyone who assisted you.
  • Complete the FAFSA for the medical school you plan to attend.