BS/MD Application Timeline

Your month-by-month roadmap from 9th grade through medical school matriculation

Key Milestones at a Glance

📚
Start Foundation
9th Grade Fall
🏥
Begin Clinical
9th Grade Spring
📖
SAT Prep Start
10th Grade Spring
🔬
Research Program
Summer Before 11th
✏️
First SAT
11th Grade Fall
📝
Applications Due
12th Grade Nov-Dec

9th Grade - Foundation Year

Building the Base

September - October

  • Adjust to high school academics
  • Join science clubs (HOSA, Science Olympiad)
  • Meet with guidance counselor
  • Plan challenging course schedule

November - December

  • Excel in all courses (especially sciences)
  • Begin hospital volunteer applications
  • Explore medical career resources
  • Build teacher relationships

January - February

  • Start hospital volunteering
  • Maintain strong grades
  • Plan summer activities
  • Consider joining debate/speech

March - April

  • Register for 10th grade AP courses
  • Continue volunteer work
  • Explore research opportunities
  • Attend medical career fairs

May - June

  • Finish strong academically
  • Plan summer volunteering
  • Consider pre-college programs
  • Start activity log/journal

Summer After 9th Grade

  • Continue hospital volunteering (aim for 50+ hours)
  • Attend medical summer camp if available
  • Read medical literature and biographies
  • Preview AP Biology content
  • Shadow physicians if possible

10th Grade - Acceleration Phase

Building Momentum

September - October

  • Excel in AP Biology
  • Take PSAT for practice
  • Increase volunteer hours
  • Pursue leadership positions

November - December

  • Begin physician shadowing
  • Research summer programs
  • Apply for research internships
  • Maintain 4.0 GPA

January - February

  • Apply to competitive summer programs
  • Start basic SAT familiarization
  • Continue clinical activities
  • Take on club leadership

March - April

  • Register for SAT prep course
  • Plan 11th grade AP courses
  • Solidify summer plans
  • Take AP Biology exam

May - June

  • Begin SAT preparation
  • Finish year strong
  • Update activity resume
  • Plan EMT certification

Summer After 10th Grade - CRITICAL PERIOD

  • Research internship or prestigious summer program (NIH, RSI, SIMR)
  • Begin EMT certification course
  • Intensive SAT preparation (3-4 hours daily)
  • Continue hospital volunteering
  • Shadow multiple physician specialties
  • Start BS/MD program research

11th Grade - Peak Performance Year

Critical Year

September

  • Register for October SAT
  • Excel in AP Chemistry/Physics
  • Continue all medical activities
  • Take PSAT for National Merit

October - November

  • Take SAT (aim for 1500+)
  • Research BS/MD programs thoroughly
  • Create program spreadsheet
  • Attend college fairs

December - January

  • Analyze SAT scores
  • Plan retake if needed
  • Continue research project
  • Build program list (10-15)

February - March

  • Retake SAT if needed
  • Request teacher recommendations
  • Draft initial essays
  • Visit campuses during breaks

April - May

  • Take AP exams
  • Finalize program list
  • Continue essay drafts
  • Update activity list

⚠️ Critical Deadline Alert

You should have 1500+ SAT score by end of junior year!

Summer Before 12th Grade - APPLICATION PREP

  • Write all BS/MD essays (10-20 essays)
  • Complete Common App and individual applications
  • Request all recommendation letters
  • Visit top choice campuses if possible
  • Continue clinical/research activities
  • Prepare for interviews

12th Grade - Application & Decision Year

Final Sprint

September

  • Finalize all essays
  • Submit transcripts
  • Order SAT score sends
  • Complete Casper test if required

October

  • Submit early BS/MD applications
  • Complete supplemental essays
  • Send October SAT if taken
  • Practice interview skills

November

  • MAJOR DEADLINE: Most BS/MD apps due
  • Submit remaining applications
  • Send thank you notes to recommenders
  • Continue strong academics

December

  • Final BS/MD deadlines
  • Submit regular decision apps
  • Prepare for interviews
  • Maintain grades (no senioritis!)

January - February

  • Interview season begins
  • Travel for interviews
  • Send updates if significant achievements
  • Write thank you notes post-interview

March - April

  • Decisions released
  • Compare financial aid offers
  • Attend admitted student days
  • Make final decision by May 1

Master Application Checklist

Academic Requirements

  • GPA 3.9+ unweighted
  • SAT 1500+ or ACT 34+
  • AP Biology (score 5)
  • AP Chemistry (score 5)
  • AP Physics (score 4+)
  • AP Calculus BC (score 4+)
  • Top 5-10% class rank

Medical Experience

  • 200+ clinical volunteer hours
  • 50+ shadowing hours
  • Research experience
  • EMT certification (bonus)
  • Medical summer program
  • Healthcare leadership role

Application Materials

  • Common Application
  • Program-specific apps
  • Personal statement
  • Why Medicine essay
  • Why This Program essays
  • Activity descriptions
  • Secondary essays

Supporting Documents

  • Official transcripts
  • SAT/ACT scores sent
  • 3-5 recommendation letters
  • Physician letter
  • Counselor recommendation
  • Application fees paid
  • Casper test (if required)

Interview Preparation

  • Research each program
  • Practice common questions
  • Mock interviews completed
  • Professional attire ready
  • Travel arrangements made
  • Thank you notes prepared

Financial Planning

  • FAFSA completed
  • CSS Profile (if required)
  • Scholarship applications
  • Program costs researched
  • Travel budget for interviews
  • Deposit funds ready