By Linda Abraham, founder & president of Accepted

Are you thinking about applying to med school? As with most things, the earlier you begin preparing, the better off you’ll be. Here are 5 things you can begin doing now, even if you won’t start filling out applications for months, or even years.

Step #1: Volunteer.

Med schools look for students who give back to their communities. Seek out organizations that will allow you to spend long periods of time with people and have a quantifiable impact. Volunteerism is an important part of the AMCAS application.

Step #2: Don’t abandon your grades.

Even if your grades were less than stellar in your early college career, schools are looking for people who show improvement. Grades matter. You can always demonstrate to the adcoms that you were able to recognize and improve on your scholastic difficulties.

Step #3: Think about your strengths and weaknesses.

A lot of the med school application process will require you to think about your strong points and where you need improvement. Look at the AMCAS application and start assembling a list of your accomplishments and your challenges.

Step #4: Contact people who will be good recommenders.

The best letters of recommendation come from the people who know you the best. Take time to meet with professors who teach classes you excel in. Find out about their current research. Get to know them, and encourage them to get to know you.

Step #5: Do your research.

Start looking at schools, their requirements, and profiles. Talk to current and former students at schools you’re interested in. Get a good idea of which schools seem to be the best fit for you.

By Linda Abraham, founder & president of Accepted, the premier admissions consultancy. Accepted helps applicants like you apply successfully and confidently — bringing out strengths and mitigating weaknesses.  We’ve been in your shoes as applicants, but more importantly, over the last 20 years our staff of experienced consultants and former admissions directors has advised thousands of applicants just like you to acceptance to MD & DO schools around the country. Get Accepted.

For more information on improving your med school profile, be sure to register for our upcoming webinar, 5 Ways to Make Med Schools Love You, on November 15th at 5 pm PT. Accepted’s Linda Abraham will be sharing the concrete steps you can take to create an application that will get you accepted to your top choice med school. Reserve your spot now!