Application Requirements
Below you'll find guidance and best practices for completing the key components of the medical school application, along with an overview of the most common application requirements!
Make an appointment on UChicago Handshake by navigating to Career Center → Appointments → Advanced Degrees Advising → Pre-Med Advising for personalized guidance.
Primary Application
The first step in applying to medical school is completing the primary application. Click here to learn about the three centralized online primary application services for US medical schools.
School List
UChicago applicants apply to an average of 35 schools. Consider these factors as you compile your list.
Work/Activities
This section requires you to list and describe up to 15 activities outside of your coursework – similar to a resume you’d provide for a standard job application, but with more room for detail and reflection. Click here for guidance on writing and classifying your activities.
Letters of Evaluation
Letters of Evaluation give admissions committees an opportunity to understand you through the eyes of individuals who have seen your personal, professional, and academic growth. Click here for a guide to collecting strong letters of support.
Essays
Your personal statement allows you to explain why you pursued the experiences you have and what they have taught you about your interest, values, and goals in medicine.
Test Scores
All medical schools require the MCAT and many require situational judgement tests such as Casper or PREview. Learn when to take them and how to prepare.
Secondary Application
While the primary application is centralized, secondary applications are unique to each school. Learn more about this stage of the application.
Interviews
After reviewing written applications, medical schools invite select candidates to interview. Learn what to expect and how to stand out.