Medical School Common Plan with One Gap Year

 

Year

Fall

Spring

Summer

Freshmen

All year: Clinical Work, service to community and to UMass, and research

  • Biology 151
  • Chemistry 111
  • Math 127 or 131
  • Major courses
  • Biology 152, 153
  • Chemistry 112
  • Major courses

 

*GAIN EXPERIENCE*

Recommendation: Get certified as CNA or EMT while doing some volunteer work directly with patients. 

Sophomore

All year: Clinical Work, service to community and to UMass, and research

  • Chemistry 261
  • Physics 131
  • Major courses
  • Chemistry 262, 269
  • Physics 132
  • Major courses

*GAIN EXPERIENCE*

Learn about MCAT; study CARS section

Junior

All year: Clinical Work, service to community and to UMass, and research

  • Statistics
  • Biochemistry 420
  • Major courses
  • Register for MCAT early February
  • MCAT prep
  • Major courses (take a light load)
  •  

*GAIN EXPERIENCE*

  • 500 hours MCAT prep
  • Take exam at end of summer

Senior

All year: Clinical Work, service to community and to UMass, and research

  • Major courses
  • Draft personal statement
  • Ask for recommendations
  • Major courses
  • Prepare application materials
  • Application opens in May

*GAIN EXPERIENCE*

  • Submit application: Early June (deadline 8/1)
  • Complete secondaries ASAP

Gap Year(s):

  • Assume you will NOT get into medical school. Consult with an advisor and address weak areas in your application.
  • Work: do research, be an EMT or CNA, pursue a master's degree, join the Peace Corps of AmeriCorps, etc.
  • GAIN EXPERIENCE: Continue clinical experiences and volunteer work