Allopathic Medicine

Physicians diagnose and care for people of all ages who are ill or have been injured. They are lifelong learners, good listeners, and problem solvers, and are intrigued by the ways medicine can be used to improve life. Doctors are interested in science, and the intricacies of the human body’s systems, and care deeply about helping people to relieve pain, restore health, and promote well-being.

• Typical Responsibilities
  • Diagnose and care for people of all ages who are ill or have been injured
  • Take medical histories
  • Perform physical examinations
  • Conduct diagnostic tests
  • Recommend and provide treatment
  • Advise patients on their overall health and well-being
• Preparing for Admission
  • Resources for researching schools: AAMC Medical School Admissions Requirements (MSAR) Website
  • Prerequisite coursework: varies by school. Use MSAR (above) or individual school websites to explore prerequisites.
  • Standardized Tests: Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
  • Experience/Exposure: Helpful resources for gaining the necessary hands-on experience can be found on the AAMC website (Experience Resource Guide)
  • Letters of Recommendation: Schools generally prefer a committee or composite letter.
• The Admission Cycle
  • There is a Centralized Application Process (AMCAS) that most (145) MD/PhD schools participate in.
  • The application opens in May and can be submitted in June. Check the AAMC website for fees.
  • Applications can be submitted in June and the earlier the application is submitted, the better
  • Application deadlines: AMCAS application deadline dates vary by school and are listed on the AMCAS Schools and Deadlines page. Early decision deadline is August 1, regular deadlines range from August through December.
  • Application closes: Varies by school (Information can be found in the MSAR)
  • Fees: $170 for the first school, $40 for each additional
  • Fee waivers: There is a Fee Assistance Program to help cover the cost for those eligible students.
  • AAMC has created a Tools and Tutorials page with resources to assist in the application process.