Timetable for Medical School

Premed is not a major but a curriculum that fulfills the requirements of medical school candidates while making sure that premed students are prepared for the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test).   For those students who would like to see a 4-year plan, see below. However, not everyone fits into a standard plan of study.

Below is a general guideline for premedical students in a traditional 4-year undergraduate program of study. We strongly urge you to receive specific advice throughout your student career from your academic and premedical advisors.

Freshman Year

We encourage freshman students to focus mostly on academics their first semester.

  • University Chemistry I and II
  • Principles of Biology or Biology for Majors
  • Mathematics
  • English Composition I and II
  • Get started on other University and College core requirements
  • Join a Registered Student Organization through the University of Arkansas Office of Student Activities
  • Start volunteer work by second semester

Sophomore Year

  • Organic Chemistry I and II
  • Biology courses ( at least 2)
  • University and College core requirements
  • Elective courses
  • Volunteer work/ community service
  • Health-Profession experience

Junior Year

  • College or University Physics I and II
  • Biology courses 
  • Biochemistry 
  • MCAT preparation
  • MCAT exam 
  • Begin writing Personal Statement for medical school application
  • Request individual letters of recommendation
  • Attend a workshop given by premed advisor on "How to apply to Med School"
  • Obtain official transcripts, medical school catalogs, and instruction manuals from the appropriate application services. 
  • Proceed with the application process using AMCAS (American Medical College Application Service) or other application service.
  • Complete your Premedical Advisory Committee (PMAC) application. This includes the uploading of a copy of your completed AMCAS, TMDSAS, or AACOMAS form.
  • Submit medical school application to the appropriate national application service. An applicant may submit their completed application to AMCAS as early as June 1, and to TMDSAS in early May . This is important if you are applying to any schools with rolling admissions. The UAMS deadline for receipt of applications is November 1. 
  • Prepare for medical school interviews. Arkansas residents must call to schedule their interview with UAMS. Other schools will request interviews, and UAMS will interview UofA out-of-state residents by invitation.
  • Volunteer work/community service

Senior Year

  • Participate in med school interviews
  • Complete and submit secondary applications
  • Complete all degree requirements
  • Continue volunteer work/community service