Medicine

Overview – Types of Medical Practice

There are three different types of medical practice to consider:

Students apply more than a full year in advance of starting medical school, which typically begins in the fall. For example, those applying in Spring/Summer 2023 are aiming to start in Fall 2024.

Applications

Application Timeline

Requirements vary by program. This is not an official planning sheet and should be used as a reference. Please consult with an advisor to plan out a timeline that fits you.

  • Start science prerequisites – General Chem, Organic Chem, General Bio, General Physics, Biochemistry, Statistics, Calculus – UWB Career Services Coursework
  • Network: Join pre-medicine clubs, Shadow physicians
  • Clinical Hours: Volunteer at hospitals/clinics
  • Summer: Enrichment/Research programs – Applications due in January/February – UWB Getting Experience
  • Continue: Prerequisites, Volunteering, Shadowing, Gaining research & clinical experience
  • Plan Ahead: Research medical schools, Start thinking about MCAT timeline
  • Consider financial plan
  • Summer: Begin studying for the MCAT – Explore resources and begin foundational review
  • Medical College Admission Test (MCAT):
  • Gather Materials:
    • Draft activities log
    • Request letters of recommendation
    • Draft and revise personal statement
  • Collect transcripts: Use centralized application service for MD/DO/ND programs
  • Summer: Interview – Prep Mock interviews, practice questions
  • September–February: Attend medical school interviews, send thank-you notes
  • October–March: Rolling admissions – decisions released!
  • April–May: Make final school choice, submit deposit
  • August: Begin Medical School!!

Primary Applications

Submit the primary application depending on the type of medical school you wish to attend.

Visit the Apply page for more on prerequisite coursework and grades, transcripts, activities, personal statements and letters of recommendation in general.

Prerequisite coursework and grades specific to Medical Schools

There is an accessible version of this chart linked in the text below.

Use this grade conversion chart to see how AMCAS will calculate your UW grades. Remember that they will consider both your BCPM (science) GPA and your AO (all other) GPA in addition to your overall GPA, and all attempts of repeated courses are counted. The AMCAS Grade Conversion Guide is for personal reference. Do not enter the estimates on your AMCAS application; you must enter course information as it appears on your official transcript.

Here is an accessible version of the Grade Conversion Chart.

Transcripts specific to Medical Schools

AMCAS requires that you download an AMCAS Transcript Request Form to be submitted with each of your transcripts. This form includes your AMCAS ID number, so it is an essential piece in matching your transcript to your application and avoiding unnecessary delays.

Activities specific to Medical Schools

AMCAS will allow you to designate 3 “most impactful” experiences on your activities log. For these 3 activities, you will be granted more character space for your reflection on how the experience impacted your growth/development as a healthcare professional/prospective physician.

Letters of Recommendation/Evaluation specific to Medical Schools

Most admission committees require letters of recommendation. The UW School of Medicine requires a minimum of 3 letters from individuals who can speak about characteristics such as your academic ability, interpersonal skills, clinical or research experiences, etc. Letters must be submitted through the AMCAS Letters of Evaluation/Recommendation service. Students are also advised to check with each of their chosen schools to determine specific information that should be included.

Secondary Applications

If a school is interested in you after reviewing your primary application, they will invite you to submit a secondary applications that are specific to that school. Secondary applications usually include more essays and an application fee for the school. You should plan to submit the secondary application as soon as possible to secure an interview.

Resources