University of Michigan-Flint

Each university sets its own application deadline. (Interesting etymology, deadline. You know what etymology is, right?) Accordingly, it is imperative that you consult medical program websites in the spring of your junior year for the most up-to-date information.

The AMCAS deadline is August 1 for your application and transcripts. As a result, you will need to request that transcripts be sent to them prior to making your application. Secondary applications are typically required during October through December of your senior year. It is, again, your responsibility to check the websites of the particular programs for accurate deadlines.

Generally, it is best that you take the MCAT between your junior and senior year, typically in the springtime. Please make an appointment to see a faculty or academic advisor the semester prior to registering for the MCAT; we would like to evaluate your academic preparation so that we might make recommendations for the next semester—before you take the test.

In the winter of your junior year, request letters of recommendation from your professors, advisors, and mentors. You won’t need them right away, but having them already written and available for later next year will help tremendously. Additionally, it alleviates the pressure from your recommenders to write under a quick turnaround time, which allows for them to write better letters.

Another option to consider is early applications. Early decision programs afford you the opportunity to get into your top choice by October of your senior year. (Generally, early applications are requested by August 1st.) With these programs, which are offered by schools, if you do not get accepted into the one you wish, you still have plenty of time to apply to other medical schools. You might consider an early decision application beneficial because: (a) you know you want to go there, and (b) it saves you application fees and hassles up front. The only “hassle” is that once accepted, you are required to go to your top choice. It should be noted that being denied admission through the early decision program does not necessarily mean you won't get in during their regular cycle; please consult individual school websites for additional information.