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BS/MD Programs / BS/MD Application Timeline, 2026-2027

BS/MD Application Timeline, 2026-2027

Most combined programs close their applications weeks before regular college deadlines. Work backward from November 1 of senior year.

Updated September 28, 2026 for the 2026-2027 cycle

Two smiling students walking on campus with notebooks

Class of 2027 seniors: you are in the application window now. Program deadlines for fall 2027 entry fall between October 15 and January 15, and most are on or near November 1.

Key dates for fall 2027 entry

WhenWhat happens
August 2026Common App opens. Program supplements are released.
October 2026Last SAT that reliably reports before November deadlines. Earliest program deadlines.
November 1 to December 1, 2026Most BS/MD application deadlines.
December 2026 to March 2027Interview invitations and interviews.
March to April 2027Decisions released.
May 1, 2027National reply date for most colleges.

Each program sets its own dates and they change from year to year. Confirm every deadline on the program's own page.

Grade 9: foundation

Fall

Start strong

  • Choose the most demanding courses you can earn top grades in.
  • Join a science or health activity such as HOSA or Science Olympiad.
  • Meet your counselor and say that medicine is the goal.
Spring

First exposure

  • Apply for hospital or clinic volunteering; many sites have a minimum age.
  • Start a log of hours, supervisors and what you learned.
Summer

Keep going

  • Volunteer weekly.
  • Read about the profession: memoirs, medical ethics, health policy.

Grade 10: depth

Fall

Practice PSAT and first shadowing

  • Take the PSAT for practice.
  • Ask physicians you know, or your volunteer site, about shadowing.
Winter

Apply for summer programs

  • Research programs and university labs set deadlines between December and February.
Spring and summer

Begin SAT preparation

  • Take a full diagnostic test.
  • Start structured preparation in the summer before junior year. See the SAT guide.
  • Spend the summer in research or clinical work.

Grade 11: peak year

October

PSAT/NMSQT and first SAT

  • The junior-year PSAT is the National Merit qualifying test.
  • Take the SAT in October or November.
Winter

Build the list

  • Pick 8 to 12 programs from the directory.
  • Check residency rules before anything else.
March to June

Retake and ask for letters

  • Retake the SAT in March or May if you are under 1500.
  • Ask two teachers for letters before the school year ends.
Summer

Write

  • Draft the core essays before school starts.
  • Continue clinical and research work so the record has no gap.

Have your score by the end of junior year. A fall retake in senior year competes with essays and interviews for your time.

Grade 12: application year

August to September

Finish essays

  • Complete the Common App and each program supplement.
  • Take Casper if a program requires it.
  • Send official scores.
October to December

Submit

  • Submit a week before each deadline.
  • Submit regular college applications as well.
December to March

Interview

  • Practice both formats. See the interview guide.
  • Send a short update if you earn a significant award.
March to May

Decide

  • Compare the conditions of each offer, not only the name.
  • Reply by May 1.

Checklist

Record

  • GPA at or near 3.9 unweighted
  • SAT 1500 or ACT 34
  • AP or IB biology, chemistry, physics, calculus
  • 150 or more clinical hours
  • 50 shadowing hours
  • One sustained research or service project

Application

  • Common App and program supplements
  • Why medicine, why this program, why now essays
  • Two teacher letters and a counselor letter
  • Official transcript and scores
  • Casper, where required
  • Regular college applications as a second route