{"id":69,"date":"2020-04-27T13:35:32","date_gmt":"2020-04-27T13:35:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/prehealthadvising\/?page_id=69"},"modified":"2026-01-20T21:22:28","modified_gmt":"2026-01-20T21:22:28","slug":"application-timeline","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/pre-health-advising\/for-students\/application-timeline\/","title":{"rendered":"Application Timeline for Medical, Podiatry, and Dental School"},"content":{"rendered":"<!-- Inserted by Dropdownizer plugin. Forces video embeds contained in dropdowns to have a size --><style>.dropdownizer__dropdown iframe { width: 100% !important; height: 100% !important; }<\/style>\n<p>For planning worksheets that you can complete to keep track of your progress please visit our <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/pre-health-advising\/for-students\/worksheets-for-planning-and-preparation-for-a-healthcare-career\/\">Worksheets for Planning and Preparation for a Healthcare Career<\/a><\/strong> page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Year Leading up to Submitting an Application<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Summer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-normal-font-size\">\n<li>Prepare in earnest for the MCAT and DAT.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Plan to spend 300-400 hours studying and taking practice exams for the MCAT and 200-250 hours for the DAT.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Work on the <a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/14Fo4FgYig15k42laV3UfVqxssTvDNNiv\/view?usp=drive_link\">Activities<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1aoBiIdnMFVDMJvxsh-vl5P3gFVvSqYeF\/view?usp=drive_link\">Competencies<\/a> Worksheets (these are fillable PDF files that you need to download onto your own computer).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Review <a href=\"https:\/\/students-residents.aamc.org\/preparing-medical-school\/getting-organized\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\"Getting Organized<\/a>\" on the AAMC website (MD apps), the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aacom.org\/become-a-doctor\/apply-to-medical-school\">AACOM applicant<\/a> website (DO apps) the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.adea.org\/godental\/Apply\/apply-to-adea-aadsas\">ADEA dental applicant<\/a> website, or the <a href=\"https:\/\/aacpm.org\/becoming-a-podiatric-physician\/admissions\/\">AACPM applicant<\/a> website (podiatry).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Read through our Vassar <a href=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/pre-health-advising\/for-students\/choosing-when-to-apply\/\">When to Apply<\/a> page.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Fall<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-normal-font-size\">\n<li>Login to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/vassar.joinhandshake.com\/appointments\/new\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Handshake<\/a>&nbsp;to schedule an appointment&nbsp;with the Pre-Health and STEM Advisor to discuss your plans.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Complete \"<a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1YJIYzkA0tkphjrC3Z0evLHYcgpZ22y44\/view?usp=drive_link\">Self-Assessment: Am I Ready to Apply<\/a>?\" (this is a fillable PDF file that you need to download onto your own computer)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Before December 15:<\/strong> Complete the \"General Applicant Information\" and \"Self-Assessment for Readiness\" sections of the <a href=\"https:\/\/vassar.smapply.us\/acc\/l\/\">Request for a Committee Letter Application<\/a>. Use <a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1_OP-ujjKDFqxL3VqWKMxUc5B_SkTtNqp\/view?usp=drive_link\">this document<\/a> for detailed instructions.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em><strong>Please Note:<\/strong> if you are planning to apply in the upcoming cycle and it is after December 15 - please contact the Pre-Health Office to make arrangements for what is needed<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Before December 15:<\/strong> Make a list of people you would like letters of recommendation from and ask them if they will write one.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Add these names and email addresses to your Request for a Committee Letter Application <strong>(Due Dec. 15)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Schedule your MCAT\/DAT (if not already scheduled).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Work on the the <a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/14Fo4FgYig15k42laV3UfVqxssTvDNNiv\/view?usp=drive_link\">Activities<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1aoBiIdnMFVDMJvxsh-vl5P3gFVvSqYeF\/view?usp=sharing\">Competencies<\/a> Worksheets (these are fillable PDF files that you need to download onto your own computer).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Before or during winter break, begin working on Personal Statement.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>For advice in writing your personal statement please visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/pre-health-advising\/for-students\/writing-your-personal-statement\/\">Writing Your Personal Statement<\/a> page.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Spring<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-normal-font-size\">\n<li><strong>Before March 1<\/strong>, complete the \"Experiences &amp; Activities\" sections of the Request for a Committee Letter Application - much of the information can be copied and pasted from the Activities and Competencies worksheets!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Before April 15<\/strong>, complete Near Final Draft of Personal Statement and upload your transcripts of the Request for a Committee Letter Application.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Before April 15<\/strong>, Submit Request for a Committee Letter Application as soon as all of the sections are complete.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Take the MCAT\/DAT\/GRE (if you haven't already).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Meet with your Pre-Health Faculty Advisor once assigned.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Research schools you may be interested in attending - use the <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/spreadsheets\/d\/1O-4ElT4FoFe9radDuJ3Z3wM_Dfz0L-NN\/edit?usp=drive_link&amp;ouid=113879475045590109970&amp;rtpof=true&amp;sd=true\">School Organizer<\/a> tool to take notes. Please see the <a href=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/pre-health-advising\/for-students\/choosing-where-to-apply\/\">Choosing Where to Apply<\/a> page for more information.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>May<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-charcoal-color has-text-color has-normal-font-size\">\n<li><span style=\", sans-serif\">Begin filling out the application <\/span>as soon as it opens\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/students-residents.aamc.org\/applying-medical-school-amcas\/applying-medical-school-amcas\">AMCAS (MD)<\/a> opens in late April early May, submission available late May early June.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aacom.org\/become-a-doctor\/apply-to-medical-school\">AACOMAS (DO)<\/a> opens in May, submit as quickly as you can finish it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.adea.org\/GoDental\/The_application_to_dental_school__ADEA_AADSAS.aspx\">AADSAS (Dental)<\/a> opens in May, submission available early June.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tmdsas.com\/\">TMDSAS (Texas dental, medical, and podiatry schools)<\/a> opens in May, submission available about 2 weeks later.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/aacpm.org\/becoming-a-podiatric-physician\/admissions\/\">AACPMAS (Podiatry)<\/a> opens in August, submit as quickly as you can finish it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Request ALL transcripts to be sent to the application service (check \u201cafter spring grades are released\u201d if still in school).\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Be sure to have transcripts sent from any college level work you have done (not just Vassar) - even if courses were taken during high school. You do not ned to request anything for AP courses.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Submit application within one week after submission is available (<em>please note: the deadline is June 30 for receiving a committee letter<\/em>).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Once you submit and pay for your application, inform your Pre-Health Faculty Advisor and Lisa.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Send the Letter of Recommendation Request Form from AMCAS to Lisa if applying to MD schools. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>AADSAS, AACOMAS, and AACPMAS will send an email. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>On all applications you should request a \"Committee Letter\" to be uploaded by Dr. Lisa Pace at prehealth@vassar.edu.<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Important note: The committee letter does not get written until you complete your Intent to Request a Committee Letter, all letters have been received, and you submit and pay for your application. In most cases the letter will be completed and submitted before your application is verified, in some cases it may be a short time after<\/em>, <em>this will not negatively affect your application.<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>You are expected to submit your application before June 30 to receive a letter of support from the committee.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Year After You Apply<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Summer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-normal-font-size\">\n<li>Be sure you have submitted your application(s) as early as possible<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Complete secondary applications thoughtfully but as quickly as possible \u2013 shoot for a 2 week turn around.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Prioritize your top schools.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wait for interview invitations and prepare for scheduled interviews - schedule a mock interview with the Pre-Health Advisor which can be over Zoom.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Fall<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-normal-font-size\">\n<li>Continue with any secondary applications that arrive.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Continue to wait for interview invitations and schedule a mock interview if still needed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Spring<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-normal-font-size\">\n<li>Continue to wait for any final interview invitations and news.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>MD applicants should complete the AMCAS \u201cChoose Your School\u201d tool. For more information go to:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/students-residents.aamc.org\/applying-medical-school-amcas\/amcas-choose-your-medical-school-tool\">https:\/\/students-residents.aamc.org\/applying-medical-school-amcas\/amcas-choose-your-medical-school-tool<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>One Last (but important) Note<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>In order to receive the full support of the committee (applicable to pre-med and pre-dental students), which includes a composite letter of recommendation, the following items must be satisfied:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-normal-font-size\">\n<li>The primary application must be submitted to the respective application service by June 30 (August 30 for podiatry applicants).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You must have completed the MCAT by the end of May, before submitting your application (end of July for Podiatry students).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>If these conditions aren't met, the committee reserves the right to not provide a formal composite letter of evaluation. The individual letters of recommendation in your file will be forwarded to the schools with an accompanying general cover letter.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For planning worksheets that you can complete to keep track of your progress please visit our Worksheets for Planning and Preparation for a Healthcare Career page. The Year Leading up to Submitting an Application Summer Prepare in earnest for the MCAT and DAT. Plan to spend 300-400 hours studying and taking practice exams for the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":416,"menu_order":10,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-69","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/pre-health-advising\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/69","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/pre-health-advising\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/pre-health-advising\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/pre-health-advising\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/pre-health-advising\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=69"}],"version-history":[{"count":44,"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/pre-health-advising\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/69\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":737,"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/pre-health-advising\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/69\/revisions\/737"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/pre-health-advising\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/416"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/pre-health-advising\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=69"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}