How early should you apply for medical school?
What do mean by “early”? Early in the application cycle? Earliest possible time during your college career?
If you mean how early during the application cycle, then as early as possible after AMCAS opens for application sin June.
If you mean when during your college career is the earliest you can apply, then the summer between junior & senior year because med schools require you to have graduated from college before you matriculate. (You’re required to send a final college transcript showing you’ve earned your BA or BS usually no later than June 15 of the year you plan to start med school.)
But in pragmatic terms, don’t apply until you have all the pieces of your med school application in place–competitive GPA/sGPA, competitive MCAT score, strong LORs, appropriate ECs and enough cash on hand to pay for an application cycle. (Getting interviews does you no good if you can’t afford to attend them.) You want to apply only once–so do it right.
It sounds like you’re a freshman at a community college. Is that true?
Finishing up sophomore year
Since you’re at a community college, the very earliest you should apply would be after you graduate from the 4 year college you’ll be transferring to. Med schools will want to see 2 full years of grades from your 4 year college. It will also take time to develop relationships with your professors so you can get strong letters of recommendation. If your 4 year college offers a health committee letter (strongly preferred by med school admissions), usually the committee will not write one unless you have 3 or more semesters of coursework completed at that college.
This means you should start planning now for a gap year. Consider finding a health-related job for after graduation–scribing, EMT, CNA, patient assistant and full time biomedical research are common choices. Also look at Americorp which offers some health-related jobs. Be sure tocontinue with your community service during your gap year. Adcomms want to see a continuing commitment to service in applicants.
WOWM gave really good advices. I just want to add that there is no particular time limit to attend a med school. You do not have to rush into a med school early in your life as it takes about 10 years from start to finish your fellowship and become a full fledged specialist in some discipline. One or two years of delay after your UG degree is common. You need to do it right with proper preparation before you apply, do not rush into it and you will not succeed.
WayOutWestMom thank you beyond words! You honestly have been so helpful with all my questions and I’ve learned a lot from the answers given. I really appreciate it!
artloversplus I’ve heard about that with gap years post undergrad. That’s definitely something I am highly considering! Thank you for the advice!