Application Timelines

Fall – Winter (Before Application Year)

• Meet with your pre-health advisor to review prerequisites, discuss your timeline, and strategize letters of recommendation.
• Complete required pre-med coursework (biology, chemistry, physics, math, English, and any school-specific requirements).
• Gain clinical, research, service, and leadership experiences and document them thoroughly.
• Develop relationships with faculty and mentors who can write strong letters of recommendation.
• Prepare for and schedule the MCAT; aim to test by (or before) April of the application year, allowing time for a retake if necessary. Registration for MCAT opens well in advance—secure your spot early.
• Begin researching medical schools using resources like the MSAR and make a preliminary list based on fit, mission, and requirements.
• Request official transcripts from every college/university attended.
• Consider the cost of applying and plan for AMCAS, secondary, and interview fees; investigate the AAMC Fee Assistance Program if applicable.

January – May (Application Year)

• January – March: Draft your personal statement; request letters of recommendation at least 4–6 weeks in advance; continue accumulating experiences.
• May: AMCAS application opens (usually in early May) for data entry. Most applicants should start entering and reviewing materials right away.
• June – July: Submit your AMCAS application as early as possible once submission starts (usually late May/early June). Early submission is important for rolling admissions.
• Continue to monitor AMCAS status and respond promptly to any requests for additional information or corrections. Ensure MCAT and transcript delivery to AMCAS is completed and verified.
• After AMCAS verification, respond quickly to secondary (supplemental) applications—ideally within two weeks of receipt.
• August – February: Interview invitations arrive and interviews are conducted (timing varies by school).
• If desired, send letters of interest or updates to schools (where accepted) after submission or interviews.
• October – March: Admission and waitlist decisions communicated by schools.
• Participate in the AAMC “Plan to Enroll”/“Commit to Enroll” process as required, and finalize your choice by the stated deadline (usually April 30).
• Follow all final instructions from your chosen program, including sending final transcripts, completing forms, and fulfilling any orientation requirements.

Spring of Junior Year (March – May)

• Brainstorm and draft your personal statement.
• Request letters of recommendation from professors/mentors (allow 4–6 weeks).
• Plan to take the MCAT if you haven’t already.
• Begin researching medical schools and assemble a list of target programs.
• Meet with a health professions advisor to discuss your application strategy.

Early Spring/Summer (May – July)

• Open and submit your primary application (AMCAS® opens in early May). Apply early—ideally right as the application opens.
• Confirm your MCAT score is released and sent to the AAMC.
• Complete and submit secondary applications promptly (ideally within two weeks of receiving them).

Summer/Fall (August – November)

• Receive invitations for interviews, which may start as early as August.
• Attend interviews (season typically runs late summer through February).
• If appropriate, send update letters or letters of interest to schools.

Fall/Winter (November – February)

• Receive decisions from medical schools.
• Monitor waitlist activity, which can continue through the spring and even into August.

Spring (March – May)

• Make final acceptance decisions—by April 30, you must commit to a single school.
• Use the AAMC “Commit to Enroll” tool to officially designate your school of choice.

Fall – Winter (Before Application Year)

• Create a comprehensive MCAT study and exam plan; aim to take the MCAT by June of your application year at the latest, allowing time for a retake if necessary.
• Connect with your pre-med advisor to be sure prerequisites and required experiences are completed.
• Ask for letters of recommendation from faculty and professionals well in advance.
• Explore the Choose DO Explorer or MedSchoolExplorer to research programs and note their deadlines and requirements.
• Request official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
• Strengthen your application with additional clinical, volunteer, or research experiences as needed.

January – May (Application Year)

• Create an account on the AACOMAS portal and begin completing your application sections.
• Fill out personal information, academic history (transcripts), and experiences sections.
• Start drafting and refining your personal statement.
• Enter your letter writer details into the application and follow up as needed.
• Register and sit for any additional exams (such as Casper or PREview) if required by your target programs.
• Contact AAMC to send MCAT scores to AACOMAS (allow 10–12 days for processing).

May – June

• The AACOMAS application opens in early May. Begin uploading all application materials and review for accuracy.
• Submit your primary AACOMAS application as soon as possible—rolling admissions mean earlier applicants are often reviewed (and interviewed) sooner.
• Take the MCAT no later than late June to ensure your scores are available.
• Request official transcripts be sent directly to AACOMAS and resolve any issues with your registrar in advance.

June – August

• Monitor your AACOMAS application status; verification can take up to 10 days after all materials are received.
• Download a copy of your completed primary application for your records.
• Complete and return secondary (supplemental) applications promptly, ideally within two weeks of receipt.
• Participate in any Academic Update Periods for required coursework updates (typically in Sept–Oct, Dec–Feb, or Mar–Jun; check for the current year’s exact dates).

September – February

• Prepare for and attend interviews, which may begin as early as September and continue through the winter.
• Monitor admissions portals and email for requests for additional information, interview invitations, or status updates.
• Plan for rolling admissions: early applicants may receive offers throughout the cycle, while others may hear closer to the end of the interview season.
• If eligible, apply for fee waivers early; they are limited and must be used soon after approval.

Late Winter – Summer Before Entry

• Most final application deadlines for DO programs fall in winter to early spring; do not wait, as earlier submission increases your chances.
• Complete any program-specific onboarding requirements after accepting an offer.
• Arrange for final transcripts and fulfill any post-acceptance conditions from your new program.

Fall & Winter of Junior Year (September – March)

• Research PA programs: identify requirements, deadlines, and create a list of preferred schools.
• Gain and document patient care/healthcare experience (if needed to reach required minimums).
• If required, prepare for and take the GRE (best by February or March).
• Request letters of recommendation from professors and supervisors.
• Begin drafting your personal statement.
• Confirm you are on track to complete all program prerequisite courses.

Spring of Junior Year (April – May)

• CASPA (central application) opens in late April — create an account and begin your application.
• Finalize and polish your personal statement and experiences.
• Order official transcripts; arrange for GRE scores (and Casper test, if required) to be sent.
• Complete and submit your application (earlier is better—rolling admissions are common).

Early Summer (June – July)

• Submit your completed CASPA application if you haven’t already; aim for 6–8 weeks before deadlines so your application is verified on time.
• Follow up on any outstanding letters of recommendation.

Late Summer/Early Fall (August – September)

• Typical application deadlines are September 1—make sure your application is verified by this date for most programs.
• Complete any supplemental applications required by individual programs.

Fall & Winter of Senior Year (September – January)

• Interview invitations typically begin in early fall and continue through December.
• Attend interviews as scheduled (some may occur in person, some virtually).
• Monitor your application status and respond to requests for additional information.
• Maintain strong academic performance in your final undergraduate courses.

Spring & Summer Before PA School (January – August)

• Most admissions decisions are released in January.
• Review your offers, accept your spot, and notify other programs of your decision.
• Complete all onboarding or matriculation requirements (e.g., physicals, vaccinations, background check, housing, orientation, etc.).
• Most PA programs begin in August (some may start earlier).

Junior Year (Fall – May)

• Complete core science courses, especially biology and chemistry, in preparation for the DAT.
• Research dental schools—consider location, costs, student body, and curriculum. Make a preliminary school list.
• Participate in pre-dental student organization events and dental school visits.
• Meet with your pre-health advisor to plan your timeline and discuss letters of recommendation and required observation hours.
• Prepare for the DAT (Dental Admission Test)—register with the ADA, create a study plan, and consider review resources or courses if helpful.
• Take the DAT by late spring or early summer, ideally before you submit your application. Plan for a retake only if necessary (must wait 90 days between attempts; maximum three attempts).
• Identify and request letters of evaluation from faculty and/or dentists.
• Document dental observation/shadowing hours.

May (Pre-Application Period)

• ADEA AADSAS application opens—begin gathering materials and filling out your application. You may not submit until June.
• Double-check transcript and recommendation letter requirements with each school.

June (Application Submission)

• Submit AADSAS application as early in June as possible for best results with rolling admissions.
• Ensure DAT scores are sent to all target dental schools.
• Continue gaining dental-related and service experience, or participate in summer pre-dental programs if able.
• If retaking the DAT, plan strategically—allow plenty of time for scores to be sent.

July – August (Supplementals & Interviews)

• Return supplemental applications quickly (within two weeks of receiving them).
• Interview invitations may begin to arrive for early applicants. Schedule and prepare for interviews—professional attire is expected.
• Keep up with all communications from schools.

Fall – Winter of Senior Year

• Maintain academic performance and finish all course/graduation requirements.
• Continue to participate in interviews as invited.
• Respond promptly to offers of admission (most offers sent after December 1; check school-specific response deadlines and deposit requirements).
• Start financial aid applications to your chosen school.
• Participate in mock interviews or workshops organized by your pre-dental organization or career center.

Spring & Summer Before Dental School

• Confirm your place; complete all pre-enrollment and onboarding steps required by your dental school.
• Brush up on reading and hand skills (e.g., music, sports, crafting); these can help with readiness for dental school.
• Take time to relax, travel, or work before the program starts.
• Cultivate habits for maintaining balance: healthy eating, exercise, and stress management.

Summer – Early Fall

• Program registration for the Genetic Counseling Admissions Match (GC Admissions Match) opens for program directors.
• An updated list of participating programs for the new application cycle is published on the GC Admissions Match website.

Early Fall

• Applicant registration opens for the GC Admissions Match. Review all instructions on the Match website before signing up.
• Begin researching and preparing applications to genetic counseling programs; each program has independent application requirements and deadlines.
• Check each program’s website carefully for specific prerequisites, required coursework, and observation/volunteer expectations.

Fall – Early Winter

• Submit your program applications directly to each program (deadlines vary by program; most deadlines are typically in December or January).
• Ensure you are registered for the Match before your application is considered.

Early Spring

• Interview invitations are extended and conducted by programs.
• Check your Match registration status and ensure all materials are up to date.
• Participants (both applicants and programs) can begin preparing their Rank Order Lists in the GC Admissions Match system.

Mid-Spring

• Submit your final Rank Order List by the Match deadline. No changes or new registrations are permitted after this point.
• Review the Match calendar for exact deadlines, as they change slightly each cycle.

Match Results and Post-Match Process

• Match results are released simultaneously to all applicants and programs.
• Programs send acceptance letters to matched applicants; applicants must confirm their acceptances within the stated period in the Match cycle rules.
• Unmatched applicants may seek open positions, and programs may fill any vacant spots, in the post-match period (dates vary each year).
• After the Match system closes for the cycle, lists of unfilled positions and unmatched applicants are no longer available online.

Fall – Winter (Before Application Year)

• Shadow one or more optometrists, and log meaningful clinical and volunteer experiences.
• Maintain a strong GPA and complete prerequisite coursework for target schools.
• Begin preparing for the Optometry Admission Test (OAT); plan for a summer test and allow time for a potential retake.
• Consult OptomCAS and each school’s requirements regularly; create a list of target programs and note deadlines and supplemental needs.
• Request official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
• Open an Interfolio or similar account to store and manage letters of recommendation.

January – May (Application Preparation)

• Register for and take the OAT (preferably by late spring or early summer; aim to have scores before applying).
• Begin reaching out to potential letter writers, giving plenty of notice and providing clear deadlines.
• Continue gaining and documenting experience in clinical, research, and service activities.
• Draft and revise your personal statement for your application.

June – August (Application Submission)

• The OptomCAS application cycle typically opens in late June. Begin entering your information as soon as it is available.
• Request and send official transcripts and letters of recommendation to OptomCAS.
• Complete and submit your primary application as early as possible—rolling admissions give early applicants a significant advantage.
• If needed, retake the OAT as soon as possible and ensure scores are sent to OptomCAS and your schools.
• Monitor application verification status and resolve any issues promptly.

Fall – Winter (September – March)

• Complete supplemental (secondary) applications for each program as soon as you receive them (most deadlines are between December and April).
• Prepare for and attend admissions interviews at schools that invite you.
• Continue updating schools with new experiences or achievements, if permitted.
• Practice interview skills through mock interviews (e.g., with career services).

Spring – Summer (Final Steps)

• Receive offers of admission and make your decision about which optometry program to attend; notify all other schools of your decision.
• Complete all onboarding steps required by your new program (e.g., financial aid applications, immunizations, housing, orientation).
• Maintain strong academic performance and finish your undergraduate degree.
• Review and update your reading, hand skills, and general readiness for optometry training.

Fall – Winter (Before Application Year)

• Meet with your pre-pharmacy advisor to review school prerequisites and degree requirements.
• Complete required coursework in biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and mathematics.
• Participate in extracurricular and volunteer activities to gain patient care, pharmacy, or healthcare experience.
• If required by your schools, prepare for and schedule the PCAT; allow time for retakes if needed.
• Request official transcripts and begin researching PharmCAS schools and application deadlines (pay attention to priority vs. final deadlines).
• Identify and develop relationships with faculty and professionals who can provide strong letters of recommendation.
• Create or update your resume and begin drafting your personal statement.

July – October (Application Preparation & Submission)

• PharmCAS opens in early to mid-July for fall entry the following year—create an account, begin filling out your primary application, and enter coursework, experiences, and essays.
• Request official transcripts from all post-secondary schools be sent to PharmCAS.
• Request letters of recommendation—you may use an Interfolio account to help collect them in advance and forward to PharmCAS as needed.
• Take or retake the PCAT (if required) and ensure scores are sent to the schools and PharmCAS.
• Finalize and review your personal statement, resume, and all application components for accuracy and completeness.
• Submit your completed PharmCAS application as early as possible—applying by priority deadlines (often October/November) improves your chances for scholarships and interviews.

November – March (Verification & Supplemental Applications)

• PharmCAS processes and verifies your application and transcripts, then sends your application(s) to designated schools (verification may take up to 10 days).
• Complete school-specific supplemental applications as soon as you receive them (deadlines vary by program, but the final window typically runs through March).
• Submit Academic Updates during the November–February window if you are enrolled in additional prerequisite coursework.
• Continue with patient care, academic, and volunteer activities throughout the process.

Fall – Spring (Interviews & Decisions)

• Interview invitations are sent throughout the fall and winter as schools review applications (rolling admissions mean earlier applicants may receive quicker decisions).
• Attend interviews as scheduled and update programs with any additional academic or experiential achievements, if permitted.
• Receive admission and waitlist decisions from each program applied to.

Spring – Summer (Final Steps)

• Make your final decision about which pharmacy program to attend. Notify your chosen school and decline any other offers.
• Apply for financial aid as soon as possible, as some resources are awarded first-come, first-served.
• Complete program onboarding requirements—such as submitting final transcripts, immunizations, and pre-matriculation forms—by stated deadlines.
• Prepare to transition to pharmacy school in the fall!

Fall – Winter (Before Application Year)

• Complete prerequisite undergraduate courses (e.g., anatomy, physiology, psychology, physics); check each program for specific requirements.
• Research programs (DPT for Physical Therapy or MSOT/OTD for Occupational Therapy) and review minimum GPA and experience requirements.
• Start accumulating observation or volunteer hours under the supervision of licensed PTs and/or OTs in diverse settings; document all hours as required by your application service.
• Continue developing leadership and patient care experience through work/volunteer/service roles.
• Begin preparing for the GRE (required for many PT programs; OT programs may or may not require it). Schedule the exam for late spring/summer, allowing time for a retake if necessary.
• Identify potential letter writers (typically a faculty member, a licensed PT/OT, and another mentor or supervisor). Build relationships early and communicate your timeline.

June – August (Application Preparation & Launch)

• Take the GRE (if required for your programs; submit scores to application service/programs).
• Begin drafting personal statements and gathering materials for your centralized application (PTCAS for PT, OTCAS for OT).
• Request official transcripts from every post-secondary institution attended.
• Entry to PTCAS/OTCAS typically opens July 1; begin entering coursework, experiences, and uploading required documentation.
• Officially request letters of recommendation be submitted electronically to the centralized application service.

September – January (Application Submission & Supplemental Materials)

• Finalize and submit your primary PTCAS or OTCAS application (priority status or early deadlines may be as early as September or October; do not wait until final deadlines in January/February).
• Monitor your application verification status and resolve any delays or missing materials promptly.
• Submit any required supplemental applications or essays directly to individual programs, if requested.
• If applicable, submit “academic updates” for any courses finished after initial submission.

Fall – Spring (Interviews & Decisions)

• If invited, attend program interviews (often held October through January). Prepare for both in-person and virtual formats.
• Continue patient/client care, leadership, and academic activities while waiting for decisions.
• Respond to offers of admission and complete any required criminal background checks, health forms, and onboarding processes.
• Inform all programs of your final acceptance decision as soon as you know your plans.

Fall – Spring (Before Application Year)

• Meet with your pre-health advisor to be sure you’re on track with prerequisites, clinical experience, and extracurriculars.
• Complete core courses—biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and English (requirements may vary by school).
• Shadow one or more Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPMs) and gain healthcare, research, and volunteer experience.
• Maintain a competitive GPA and curate a record of all activities, shadowing hours, and honors for your application personal statement and activities section.
• Develop relationships with faculty, DPMs, and other mentors for letters of recommendation.
• Prepare for and schedule your MCAT, aiming to take it by late spring or early summer before you apply (no later than spring of the matriculation year).
• Research each AACPMAS-participating school’s requirements and deadlines; add target schools to your favorites.
• Start drafting your personal statement—focus on experiences that inspired your interest in podiatric medicine.

Summer (Application Launch & Submission)

• The AACPMAS application opens the first Wednesday in August for the following fall’s entry.
• Request official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended. Send transcripts directly to AACPMAS (via mail or approved electronic services).
• Formally request letters of recommendation (E-LOR or physical, depending on the program) and provide clear submission instructions.
• Complete your AACPMAS application, including coursework, experiences, and your personal statement.
• Submit your application as early as possible for best consideration—rolling admissions mean early applicants are at an advantage.
• Continue to engage in clinical, volunteer, and extracurricular activities and keep records updated.

Fall – Spring (Verification, Interviews, & Final Steps)

• AACPMAS verifies your application, calculates GPAs, and transmits materials to your chosen schools (this step can take up to 5 weeks; do not wait until the final deadline to apply).
• Complete or monitor additional school-specific requirements; follow each school’s communications for updates.
• Interview invitations begin as soon as applications are reviewed; prepare for in-person or virtual interviews throughout the fall and winter.
• Most schools will extend offers soon after interviews (offers may begin as early as fall and extend through spring; priority consideration given to those who apply by March 1).
• Respond promptly to admission offers and send any required deposits or documentation by published deadlines.
• Once you’ve committed to a program, withdraw all other applications as a professional courtesy.
• Complete background checks, health requirements, or financial aid paperwork as instructed by your program.

Reminders & Special Guidance

• Deadlines: Final deadline is typically June 30, but some schools may fill seats or close applications earlier due to rolling admissions. Apply as soon as you’re ready.
• Letters: Letters of recommendation are sent directly to schools and should follow the requirements of each program (check E-LOR acceptance and requirements).
• International Students: Additional steps may apply; send foreign transcripts for course-by-course equivalency evaluations early.
• Keep detailed records of all activities, deadlines, and correspondence throughout the process.
• For full details and official instructions, visit aacpm.org and the AACPMAS portal.

Spring – Summer (Before Application Year)

• Research MPH programs and concentrations (epidemiology, policy, biostatistics, etc.) to understand prerequisites and deadlines.
• Meet with your pre-health advisor about academic planning, application strategy, and program fit.
• If required, register and prepare for the GRE (not all programs require it).
• Gain or document public health, healthcare, or research experience to strengthen your application and essays.
• Identify and connect with potential recommenders, including at least one who can speak to your public health potential.
• Start compiling a list of experiences, resume updates, and notes for your personal statement.

August – November (Application Preparation)

• The SOPHAS application cycle typically opens in mid-August for the following fall’s entry.
• Begin filling out your SOPHAS or school-specific application as soon as the cycle opens.
• Request transcripts sent to SOPHAS; some schools require WES/foreign evaluation for international coursework.
• Request three letters of recommendation well in advance; provide recommenders with deadlines and résumé or draft statement to help them.
• Draft your personal statement; revise and have it reviewed before uploading.
• Check for “priority” deadlines, which often fall in December or January; some programs (especially those with scholarships, early review, or international applicants) require earlier submissions.

December – March (Application Submission & Verification)

• Submit your application through SOPHAS or the school’s application portal as early as possible—do not wait until the final posted deadline.
• Be aware: many schools require your application be submitted, received, and/or verified by the application deadline (requirements vary; always check your programs’ instructions for “received” vs. “verified”).
• SOPHAS verification can take 2–4 weeks after all transcripts and materials are received—build this time into your planning.
• Monitor your application status and follow up on missing items or pending verification through SOPHAS/student portals.
• Complete secondary or supplemental questions sent by individual programs promptly.

January – April (Interview & Decisions)

• Some MPH programs invite for interviews; invitations may come weeks after the application deadline, between late winter and early spring.
• Prepare for and attend interviews (formats and timing vary by school; some programs may not interview at all).
• Monitor your email/portal for admissions decisions and scholarship notifications, which may arrive on a rolling basis or on set release dates.

April – June (Commit & Final Steps)

• Admitted applicants typically must submit a tuition deposit and finalize their seat, often by mid-April or May for fall cohorts. International students may face earlier deadlines due to visa processing.
• Accept your offer and decline other offers as soon as your decision is made.
• Submit any final documents (official transcripts, proof of degree conferral, immunization, etc.) and complete onboarding tasks required by your program.
• Apply for financial aid and housing if needed.
• Plan your transition to the MPH program (orientation, information sessions, etc. often take place starting in late summer).

Junior Year & Earlier

• Focus on maintaining a strong GPA and completing all prerequisite courses for your target veterinary schools.
• Gain diverse animal, veterinary, and research experience (tracking hours as required by VMCAS/schools).
• Research schools’ requirements, deadlines, and whether they require assessments such as the Casper or GRE.
• Seek advice from your pre-vet advisor and consider which faculty and veterinarians can provide letters of recommendation.

January – May (Application Preparation)

• VMCAS (Veterinary Medical College Application Service) typically opens in mid-January for the following fall’s admission.
• Begin working on your application entries, coursework, and experiences as soon as the cycle opens.
• Create/update your resume and start drafting your personal statement.
• Request official transcripts from all colleges/universities to be sent directly to VMCAS (build in extra time for transcript processing; order at least 2 months before the deadline).
• Request three or more letters of recommendation, ensuring one is from a veterinarian and one from a faculty/science professor.
• Register for and take required assessments (Casper, GRE) if your programs require them.
• Begin working on possible secondary essays for specific schools.

May – August (Final Preparation & Submission)

• Complete summer veterinary, animal, or research experiences—log hours to include in your application and personal statement.
• Continue finalizing your VMCAS application entries—coursework, activities, and essays.
• Order transcripts and confirm their arrival in VMCAS.
• Have your recommenders submit letters well before the deadline (letters must be received by VMCAS to verify your application).
• Submit your VMCAS application well ahead of the deadline to allow for verification and any corrections.
• If applying in Texas, complete and submit TMDSAS by their deadline (typically late August).

September (Application Deadline & Verification)

• The VMCAS deadline is typically in mid-September (check the current cycle for the exact date).
• Monitor the VMCAS portal for verification updates or missing documents—verification can take up to 2 weeks during peak season.
• Respond to requests for corrections, resubmissions, or missing materials promptly.
• Complete secondary applications for individual schools as soon as possible, if applicable.

October – February (Interviews)

• Prepare for and attend interviews (begin as early as October and continue through February).
• Stay in communication with schools about your candidacy or waitlist status; send updates as permitted.

February – April (Decisions & Acceptance)

• Offers are typically made 3–4 weeks post-interview; final decisions are generally released between February and April.
• Respond to admissions offers and deposit deadlines as required, usually by mid-April for fall start.
• Withdraw applications from other schools once you’ve finalized your acceptance.

Spring – Summer Before Vet School

• Finish any remaining prerequisite coursework and submit final transcripts to your program as required.
• Prepare for your transition to veterinary school (housing, immunizations, orientation, etc.).
• Begin vet school in August!