Almost all US medical schools use the AMCAS application for initial screening of applicants. This application may be downloaded from the AMCAS website or may be available on a diskette from your premed advisor. The AMCAS application generally becomes available in December. Deadlines to complete the application vary for different schools and programs, but the Early Decision Program deadline is August 15 and many other schools require that the AMCAS application be received no later than October 15 (earliest deadlines) or December 15 (latest deadlines).
You can start work on your application even before you take the April MCAT. Be advised that schools require MCAT scores before processing your AMCAS application, so if you wait until August to take the MCAT for the first time, your application will not be reviewed until the scores become available in November!
To complete the application, you will need access to a computer, money (unless you can demonstrate extreme financial need), unofficial transcripts (for your reference), the ability to send official transcipts (no holds), and MCAT scores. Don't leave any questions blank! Also, try to maximize use of the available space.
You have a section for a Personal Statement. You can use this section to explain any perceived problems with your application (e.g., low grades or scores), but the primary thrust of this section should be positive. Strut your stuff! Compose the Personal Statement in a word processor and run a grammar check and spell check. Have someone else read and critique the statement (your premed advisor, if possible). Edit your AMCAS application until you feel it is ready for submission. Then, sleep on it, and read it again the next day. If you are still pleased with the application, then go ahead and submit it. It will be sent to all of the medical schools you selected. Watch the mail for secondary applications, sent directly from individual schools. Good luck!
