2025-2026 Medical School Application Deadlines

Applying to medical school is a complex process with tons of moving pieces. Understanding the key deadlines is crucial to your success. We did the legwork for you and assembled a list of the 2025-2026 medical school deadlines for M.D. and D.O. schools. All you need to do is write your personal statement, request your letters of recommendation, and, of course, take the MCAT! 

Do Medical Schools Have Rolling Admissions?

Most medical schools use rolling admissions, meaning they review applications as they are received and make decisions throughout the cycle, rather than waiting until all applications are in. This means students can receive an admissions decision as soon as mid-October or early the following year. 

However, that’s not to say there aren’t any application deadlines. Medical schools do have primary (and secondary) application deadlines every cycle.  These deadlines vary depending on the school. So, it’s important to always double-check each school’s website for specific dates or changes.

The Early Applicant Gets the Admission Offer

Rolling admissions also means that applying early can increase your chances of acceptance, as there are typically fewer spots available later in the cycle. Generally, applying “early” means submitting your application as soon as they open—think May through early July.

It’s also important to note that applying early does not mean rushing through the application process. Medical school applications require careful and thorough preparation and a competitive MCAT score. You should take your time to create a strong application rather than submit it hastily. Admissions committees will still evaluate each applicant holistically and look for qualities such as academic excellence, passion for medicine, and strong interpersonal skills.

Medical School Application Deadlines

We assembled a list of M.D. and D.O. application deadlines for the AMCAS and AACOMAS primary applications. 

Note: The dates listed here were sourced from individual school websites and the AAMC. Be sure to bookmark this page for easy access later! Remember to always verify deadlines directly with your chosen schools to ensure accuracy.

M.D. Medical Schools Application Deadlines

D.O. Medical Schools Application Deadlines

Note: The dates listed here were sourced from individual school websites and the AACOM. Be sure to bookmark this page for easy access later! Remember to always verify deadlines directly with your chosen schools to ensure accuracy.

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Tips for Meeting Medical School Application Deadlines

1. Start Your Application Early

Beginning your application early can help you avoid last-minute stress and ensure all components are completed thoroughly. Starting early gives you ample time to gather materials, ask for letters of recommendation, and refine your personal statement.

2. Plan Your MCAT Timing

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a critical component of your application. Plan to take the MCAT early in the year so you’ll have your score back when applications open. Consider taking it by April to allow sufficient time for MCAT prep and or an MCAT retake, if necessary.

3. Stay Organized

With numerous deadlines and documents to track, staying organized is essential. Double-check all deadlines for the schools you’re interested in and create a master list or spreadsheet. Include important dates for primary and secondary applications, MCAT test dates, interviews, and any school-specific requirements.

4. Secure Recommendation Letters Early

Reach out to professors, mentors, and/or employers for letters of recommendation well in advance. Provide them with clear deadlines and any necessary information to make their task easier. This not only ensures you meet your deadlines but also allows your recommenders to craft thoughtful, personalized letters.

Conclusion

Navigating medical school application deadlines can be daunting, but with careful planning, you can manage the process efficiently. Start early, plan your MCAT timing strategically, stay organized, and secure your recommendation letters ahead of time. 

Remember, admissions committees review your application holistically, but a competitive MCAT score will help you stand out from the rest. Blueprint MCAT students see an average score increase of 15 points! Whether you need the flexibility of a Self-Paced Course, the instruction of a live 515+ Course, or the 1:1 attention of a private MCAT tutor, Blueprint MCAT has the MCAT prep option that works for your learning style!

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