As a pre-med student, you’re well aware of the various components included in a medical school application. From completing the necessary prerequisites to preparing for the MCAT and assembling letters of recommendation, there is plenty to focus on in preparation for applying to medical school.

But when do medical school applications open? While there is a traditional answer to this question, you may have a bit more breathing room than you thought. Continue reading to learn the basics about medical school application season, rolling admissions opportunities, and more.

When do you apply to medical school?

Those planning to attend medical school are likely familiar with the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). This centralized medical school application processing service allows pre-med students to apply to a range of different Doctor of Medicine (MD) programs in one place.

Administered through the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the AMCAS application platform typically opens during the first week of May each year for the following year’s medical school class. That said, AMCAS submission doesn’t officially open until the first week of June, providing students with about a month to begin working on their applications before submitting.

This application model is designed to coincide with the traditional August start date offered for most MD programs. But it’s worth noting that this isn’t your only option. Some institutions, like The School of Medicine at St. George’s University (SGU), actually offer multiple start dates, enabling students to begin their medical education at different times throughout the year.

Medical schools with rolling admissions

Not every medical student’s journey will align perfectly with the traditional application timeline, and institutions like SGU see the value in meeting students where they’re at by offering numerous start dates. If you’re ready to apply to medical school, you shouldn’t have to wait.

In addition to the traditional August start date, SGU has new classes of medical students beginning their training in both January and April. Choosing a program with multiple start dates also means you’ll be applying to medical schools with rolling admissions policies. While you’ll still want to pay close attention to each institution’s specific application guidelines, you’ll have a bit more leeway to submit your application on your own timeline.

There are also some unexpected advantages to starting medical school in January or April. Within this alternate timeline, medical students often reap the benefits of smaller class sizes and additional time to prepare for important exams like the USMLE Step 1.

You may also be able to take advantage of some unique financing opportunities. At SGU, for example, students who start their MD program in January or April may be able to have their tuition and fees refunded should they later gain acceptance to and enroll in a Canadian or US medical school the following fall.

Plan your medical school application timeline

Now that you have an idea of when medical school applications open, you can begin mapping out your own application timeline. As you do, there are a handful of ways you can work to make yourself stand out to admissions teams.

Learn how to enhance your candidacy in our article “4 Ways to Strengthen Your Medical School Application.”

Are you considering St. George’s University Medical School? If you’d like to know more, you can reach out to some graduates or current students. They’re happy to tell you what their experiences were like.

If you feel like SGU could be the right medical school for you, take the next step. Continue your research by visiting our request information page.