Frequently Asked Questions
A quick reference by phase across the application year.
Pre-Application Prep (Jan–April)
Common Questions
When should I ask for letters of recommendation?
January–February is ideal. Professors and physicians are busiest later in spring, so ask early and give them at least 4–6 weeks to submit.
Can I submit my AMCAS before MCAT scores are back?
Yes! You can submit without your MCAT. AMCAS will hold your application and automatically attach your score when released.
Do I need all prerequisites completed before applying?
No. You just need to finish them before matriculation (next summer).
How many schools should I apply to?
Most applicants apply to 15–25 schools. Competitive applicants with strong stats may do fewer and borderline applicants should apply more widely.
When should I take the MCAT?
Ideally by April (latest May) so you have your score back before submitting primaries in early June.
Primary Application (May–June)
Common Questions
When does AMCAS open and when can I submit?
Opens for editing in early May, submission begins late May–early June.
Should I submit early if my personal statement isn’t perfect?
Don’t rush quality. However, keep in mind that being early (June) gives you advantage in rolling admissions.
Can I update AMCAS after submission?
Only limited updates (like contact info or adding schools). You can’t change essays or grades.
When do schools actually receive my application?
AMCAS verification takes ~2–4 weeks after submission. Schools get your app mid–late June if you submit early.
Secondary Applications (July–August)
Common Questions
How fast should I return secondaries?
No more than 2 weeks of receiving them is ideal. It signals enthusiasm and keeps you early in the review cycle.
Should I prewrite secondaries?
Absolutely. Most schools reuse similar prompts every year. Start prewriting in June using last year’s questions.
Do all schools send secondaries?
Almost all do (95%+). Some are automatic, others are screened.
Interview Season (Aug–Feb)
Common Questions
How are interviews scheduled?
You’ll get an email invite and schedule through a portal (often VITA, Zoom, or in-person).
How to prepare for MMIs (Multiple Mini Interviews)?
Practice ethical reasoning, communication, and “thinking out loud”.
What are “update letters” and “letters of intent”?
Emails sent after interviews to show continued interest, especially if waitlisted.
Post-Interview → CYMS Stage (Feb–July)
Common Questions
What is the CYMS tool?
“Choose Your Medical School” portal. It lets you indicate “Plan to Enroll” or “Commit to Enroll” decisions.
Can schools see where else I’m accepted?
Not until April 30, and only anonymously. After that, they can see your “Plan to Enroll” school.
What’s the difference between “Plan to Enroll” and “Commit to Enroll”?
“Plan” = holding a seat but still exploring waitlists. “Commit” = final decision; must withdraw elsewhere.
Can I switch from one school to another after “Plan to Enroll”?
Yes, until you “Commit.” After commit to enroll, switching is not allowed.
Matriculation (May–August)
Common Questions
When do I withdraw from other schools/waitlists?
As soon as you “Commit to Enroll.”
Can I defer my acceptance?
Some schools allow a one-year deferral for strong reasons (research, personal, or service), but not all.
When do I apply for financial aid?
As soon as you receive your first acceptance (FAFSA + school-specific aid forms).