Complete Premed Checklist: Courses, MCAT, Clinical Hours, & More (MD/DO 2025 Guide)

Premed Checklist for U.S. MD & DO Schools.pdf

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The Only Premed Checklist You’ll Ever Need

Let’s be honest—being premed can feel like trying to solve a massive puzzle without the picture on the box. You’ve probably Googled “premed checklist” more times than you can count, only to find vague advice or lists that barely scratch the surface.

This post is different.

We created the most detailed premed checklist on the internet—a step-by-step roadmap that starts the moment you set foot on campus and walks you all the way to that coveted med school acceptance letter. Whether you’re just beginning your journey, deep into MCAT prep, or figuring out how to use a gap year wisely, this guide covers every box you need to check.

You’ll find:

• What classes to take (and when)

• When to start shadowing, volunteering, and doing research

• How to plan for the MCAT using official AAMC tools

• When and how to ask for letters of recommendation

• How to budget for med school applications

• Special tips for non-traditional, URM, and first-gen students

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a breath—we’ve broken it all down into manageable stages, with timelines, milestones, and tips that actually make sense.

So grab your favorite note-taking app, planner, or Google Sheet—because this premed checklist isn’t just a to-do list. It’s your game plan for standing out and getting in.

Year 1 (Freshman) Premed Checklist – Building Foundations

Level 1 – Essentials:

• Meet an advisor: As soon as college starts, meet your pre-health advisor (or faculty mentor) to finalize your course plan. Register for basic prerequisites – typically Biology I and General Chemistry I (each with lab). Aim for a strong GPA (≥3.5) by using tutoring centers and forming study groups early.

• Develop study habits: Establish time-management routines and use campus academic resources. Practice note-taking and test-taking strategies. Begin a habit of self-care: prioritize 7–8 hours of sleep, regular meals and hydration, and at least 30 minutes of daily exercise (a fun activity like cycling, yoga, sports). These healthy habits reduce stress long-term.

• Explore medicine: Join a pre-health club (e.g. Pre-Med Society, HOSA) to learn about medical careers. Attend any health sciences orientation or fairs. Shadow at least 1 physician or observe in a clinic/hospital; keep a journal of these experiences for future essays. Begin volunteering in a healthcare setting (hospital, nursing home, Red Cross) even a few hours per month. Record all hours and reflections.

• Personal development: Start honing communication skills – take a public speaking or writing elective if available. Practice “compare-less” thinking: focus on your unique interests and motivations rather than grading competition. Build stress-relief habits: meditation (even 5 minutes daily) to clear your mind, and journaling to organize thoughts and goals. Cultivate a support network: talk regularly with friends, family or mentors about challenges.

Level 2 – Profile Building:

• Academics: Continue prerequisites (e.g. Chemistry II, Biology II or Physics I). Consider a math course (calculus or statistics) and a writing-intensive humanities elective – many schools expect calculus/statistics and English. Seek research opportunities: email biology/chemistry professors about assisting in a lab. Even entry-level lab work (e.g. charting, data entry) counts.

• Leadership & service: Take on roles in clubs (treasurer or event organizer). Start a small service project (e.g. campus health fair booth). Volunteer consistently (e.g. weekly clinic work).

• Shadowing & exploration: Shadow 1–2 more doctors in different specialties. Attend medical school recruitment events or virtual fairs to see campus cultures. Use the summer to try new experiences (see below).

Level 3 – Stand Out:

• Off-campus programs: Apply to summer enrichment or research programs (e.g. NSF REUs, hospital internships, AAMC’s SHPEP). Even unpaid research or clinical internships look impressive.

• Public speaking & writing: Join a speech/debate club or take creative writing. These sharpen skills valued in interviews and patient communication.

• Faculty relationships: Actively build rapport with professors by attending office hours and assisting in class or research, even informally. This lays the groundwork for future letters.

• Financial planning (early): Estimate future costs: MCAT ($345), AMCAS/AACOMAS fees ($200 + $100/school), interview travel. Check eligibility and apply for the AAMC Fee Assistance Program before registering for MCAT or AMCAS.

Summer (After Freshman):

• Engage in a full-time activity. Options include a hospital volunteer immersion, CNA/EMT certification and job, clinical scribing, or a lab research internship.

• Apply for competitive summer programs (NSF REUs, NIH RISE, etc.). Begin shadowing more intensively in outpatient clinics or specialty practices.

• Use downtime to recharge: travel, hobbies, and reflection are important. Plan ahead for sophomore year, e.g. purchase textbooks or reconfigure finances.

Year 2 (Sophomore) – Building Depth

Level 1 – Core Academics & Strategy:

• Meet advisor again: Review progress, refine med school list, and start thinking MCAT timeline.

• Complete prerequisites: Enroll in Organic Chemistry I & II and Physics I & II (with labs). Take biochemistry if available. Continue English/writing and math/statistics. Retake any early course with a grade below B.

• Maintain GPA: Use tutoring/study groups. Reassess workload to avoid burnout.

Level 2 – Leadership & Experience:

• Extracurriculars: Take on a leadership role. Start or expand a service initiative (e.g. free clinic, fundraiser).

• Research: Deepen lab involvement. Aim to take part in design, data collection, or presentation. Reach out to faculty or grad students to get started if you haven’t.

• Letters prep: Identify 3–4 letter writers (science faculty, research PI, clinical mentors). Understand your school’s LOR process.

• Communication skills: Take a speaking course, write for a campus outlet, or blog.

• MCAT prep (overview): Start reviewing MCAT structure and content. Light prep is okay—Khan Academy or YouTube is a great start.

• Finances: Continue refining your application year budget.

Level 3 – Enhanced Profile:

• Clinical experience: Gain patient-facing roles (e.g. hospice, ER volunteer, scribe, phlebotomist).

• Research milestones: Present at a conference or contribute to a poster/paper.

• Shadow diversity: Add 2–3 specialties and a DO if possible.

• Leadership beyond campus: Lead a community health project or create your own initiative.

• Wellness: Strengthen mental and physical wellness habits to manage rising demands.

Summer (After Sophomore):

• Work full-time in research, clinical, or service setting.

• Obtain EMT/phlebotomy certification if applicable.

• Consider global health or service trips.

• Take a diagnostic full-length MCAT.

• Commit to a study schedule. Reflect on your motivations and write them down.

Year 3 (Junior) – Application Preparation

Level 1 – Academics & Planning:

• Complete upper-level sciences (biochemistry, molecular bio, genetics).

• Take MCAT by early spring (March/April preferred).

• Finalize med school list (MD/DO) based on mission, location, stats.

• Draft personal statement and activity entries.

• Gather official transcripts and LORs.

Level 2 – Experience & Letters:

• Log ≥100–200 hours of patient exposure.

• Continue clinical and research involvement.

• Confirm 3–5 LORs (science faculty, PI, physician, mentor).

• Begin writing secondary prompts ahead of time.

• Create/update your resume or CV.

Level 3 – Test & Application:

• Analyze MCAT results and retake only if truly necessary.

• Submit AMCAS/AACOMAS in May or early June.

• Return secondaries within 2 weeks of receiving them.

• Schedule mock interviews.

• Budget for travel and lodging for interviews.

• Prioritize self-care and reflection.

Summer (After Junior Year):

• Track LOR and transcript submission confirmations.

• Prepare for interviews: attire, travel, typical Q&A.

• Maintain involvement in ongoing research or volunteering.

• Send letters of interest to top-choice programs if waitlisted.

Year 4 – Final Year & Acceptance

• Finish remaining degree requirements.

• Continue volunteering or research to show consistency.

• Attend all interviews and send thank-you emails.

• Monitor decision deadlines and respond accordingly.

• Finalize FAFSA and financial aid forms.

• Plan relocation, housing, and med school logistics.

Gap Year(s) (if taken)

• Strengthen GPA or MCAT as needed.

• Gain full-time healthcare or research experience.

• Pursue meaningful volunteer or service projects.

• Consider post-bacc programs if needed.

• Reapply strategically, using new experiences in your essays.

• Maintain advisor support and regular application updates.

Personal & Professional Development (Ongoing)

• Prioritize sleep, movement, and social support.

• Journal about experiences and motivations.

• Practice simplifying complex ideas when speaking or writing.

• Attend pre-health panels or med school fairs.

• Find mentors who reflect your background and values.

• Stay connected to your “why” in medicine.

Financial Planning

• Budget: MCAT prep ($300), MCAT exam ($345), AMCAS ($200 base + $100/school), secondary fees, and interview travel.

• Apply early for AAMC Fee Assistance if eligible.

• Use MedLoans Organizer and FIRST tools to map out debt strategy.

• Apply for scholarships and consider state-funded schools for savings.

• Live frugally during gap years and avoid unnecessary debt.

Special Populations Tips

First-gen & URM students:

• Use pipeline programs (SHPEP, REACH).

• Seek URM physician mentorship groups.

• Highlight adversity and perspective in your essays.

Community college students:

• Show strong upward trend after transfer.

• Prioritize getting LORs from 4-year university faculty.

Non-traditional applicants:

• Emphasize maturity, leadership, and career skills.

• Complete missing prereqs through post-bacc if needed.

International students:

• Check each school’s policy for international applicants.

• Complete all equivalency requirements and English testing.

Financial hardship:

• Apply for aid early.

• Explain financial obstacles authentically in essays.

• Seek local, national, and identity-based scholarships.