How to Apply to Medical School: A Pre-Med Student Resource Guide

Whether you’re just starting to explore the idea of becoming a physician or you’re narrowing down your list of schools, having the right information at each stage is essential.

This guide from St. George’s University School of Medicine brings together key resources to help you every step of the way, from exploring if medicine is right for you to preparing for interviews and selecting a school that fits your goals.

Decide if medicine is right for you

If you’re questioning whether to become a doctor, you’re already taking the first step. These blogs can help you reflect on your goals and better understand what a career in medicine involves.

As you consider a future in medicine, SGU offers a variety of in-person and virtual information sessions to help you learn more. These events are a great way to explore the MD program, connect with students and grads, and get your questions answered. Also be sure to check out Medical School Info Sessions: Maximizing Your Impact at Recruitment Events to learn how to get the most benefit from your experience.

Preparing in high school and college

Laying the groundwork for medical school starts long before you apply. From choosing the right courses to gaining relevant experience, there’s a lot you can do in high school and college to strengthen your path to medicine. The following blogs offer practical tips and guidance for aspiring doctors at both stages.

Paying for med school

Financing your medical education is a major part of the journey to becoming a doctor. Understanding your options can help you plan with confidence and avoid unnecessary stress. The blogs below break down everything you need to know about paying for med school, estimating costs, finding scholarships, and exploring financial aid.

What to know about paying for med school

Tuition and other expenses

Scholarships

Financial aid

Medical school requirements

Understanding medical school requirements early on can make your path to acceptance much smoother. Knowing which courses to take, experiences to pursue, and qualifications to meet is essential for building a competitive application.

Clinical experience and volunteer experience

Hands-on clinical experience provides a real-world perspective on the medical profession. They help you develop essential skills while demonstrating your commitment to healthcare. Check out the blogs below for advice on how to find and make the most of these opportunities.

6 Tips for How to Shadow a Doctor

As for volunteer experience, there are many ways to get involved in your community. Here are just a few activities you might consider:

Volunteering at a hospital or clinic
Participating in a medical service trip
Working as a volunteer EMT

Med school considerations

What should I know about the application process?

The medical school application process can feel complex, but understanding each step helps you stay focused and confident. From preparing your materials to meeting deadlines, having the right guidance is key. Below is a collection of resources packed with tips to help you create a strong, standout application.

How many medical schools should you apply to?

Applying to a well-rounded list of medical schools can significantly boost your chances of acceptance. In fact, AMCAS reports that applicants apply to an average of 16 programs. The resources below offer guidance on how many schools to apply to and how to build a smart, balanced list.

When should you submit your medical school application?

Timing your medical school application is crucial for making a strong impression. Submitting early can improve your chances, as many schools operate on a rolling admissions process. Below, you’ll find resources with tips on the best time to apply and how to stay on track throughout the process.

Elements of a med school application

A strong medical school application is made up of several key components, each offering a different view of who you are as a future physician. These include your MCAT scores, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and resume or activities list. Below, you’ll find dedicated resources to help you approach each element with confidence and make your application as compelling as possible.

GPA

MCAT

MCAT format and policies

Preparation and resources

Letters of recommendation

Personal statement

What the Best Medical School Personal Statements Have in Common

Resume/curriculum vitae (CV)

Expert Advice on Composing Your Medical School Curriculum Vitae

Prepare for medical school interviews

Once you’ve submitted your application and completed any secondary materials, it’s time to start preparing for interviews. These conversations are your chance to showcase your strengths, explain why you’re pursuing medicine, and demonstrate genuine interest in each program. The resources below offer guidance on how to prepare, including tips for answering common questions and making a strong impression.

Be sure to bring a few thoughtful questions of your own. Avoid anything you could easily find online, and instead focus on specifics—such as asking about recent curriculum updates, community outreach opportunities, or faculty research interests.

Choosing a medical school

Once you’ve received acceptances, the next big decision is choosing where to go. With so much to consider—location, curriculum, support services, outcomes—it’s important to take your time and make an informed choice. The resources below can help you compare your options and identify the school that best aligns with your goals.

As you weigh your options, focus on key indicators of student success such as graduate outcomes, residency placements, and USMLE Step 1 and 2 pass rates. The following sections break down each of these factors to help you make a well-informed decision.

How are graduates succeeding?

Are grads in competitive specialties? Are they able to practice in their desired destinations and fields? Consider what success as a doctor would look like for you and if there are alumni living out similar goals.

What percentage of students secure a residency?

After earning your medical degree, securing a residency is a critical next step in your training. It’s important to consider how well a medical school supports its students in this process by looking at residency placement rates. For example, SGU students and grads have secured a 94 percent US residency placement rate over the last five years.¹

It’s also helpful to explore the variety of specialties students pursue. In 2025, SGU graduates matched into 20 different specialties across 42 states and the District of Columbia, demonstrating broad opportunities and geographic reach.

What portion of students pass the USMLE Step 1 and 2?

Passing the USMLE exams is essential for medical licensure and landing a residency, so be sure to factor them into your decision of where to attend. For example, SGU students taking the USMLE Step 1 for the first time 2019-2023 had an 84 percent pass rate.² SGU students from the US taking the USMLE Step 2 for the first time 2020-2024 had a 90 percent pass rate.³ Learn more about USMLE pass rate.

Want the full journey to becoming an MD?

You’ve read through a comprehensive breakdown of steps getting into med school, but what comes after? Map the rest of your path from your first day of med school to board certifications by reading Journey to Becoming an MD.

Considering med school? Learn more about SGU’s Doctor of Medicine Program and how it is bringing future doctors closer to their dreams.

1 Average of 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 residency placement rates. Residency placement rate is defined as the total number of students/graduates who obtained a US residency divided by the total number of students/graduates who applied to a US residency program in a given year as of April 2025.

2 Total results from the five calendar years 2019-2023. First-time pass rate is defined as the number of SGU students passing USMLE Step 1 on their first attempt divided by the total number of SGU students taking USMLE Step 1 for the first time within the given time range. In order to be certified to take USMLE Step 1, students are required to pass all basic sciences courses.

3 Total results from the five academic years 2020-2024. First-time pass rate is defined as the number of US students passing USMLE Step 2 CK on their first attempt divided by the total number of US students taking USMLE Step 2 CK for the first time. USMLE Step 2 CK is typically taken upon completion of third-year core clinical rotations.

This article was updated from October 2020 with the most recent facts and figures available.

Pre-Med Student Resources for Applying to Medical School