As a pre-med student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, staying organized is crucial to achieve academic success and meet the rigorous requirements for medical school admission. To help you stay on track, we have compiled 20 complete checklists that cover various aspects of pre-med life, from academic planning to extracurricular activities and personal development.
Academic Planning Checklists
The following checklists are designed to help you plan and manage your academic coursework, ensuring that you meet the necessary requirements for medical school admission.
Checklist 1: Course Requirements
Verify that you have completed or are enrolled in the following pre-med coursework:
- Biology: BIOL 151, 152, 153, and 281
- Chemistry: CHEM 121, 122, 261, and 262
- Organic Chemistry: CHEM 361 and 362
- Physics: PHYS 131 and 132
- Math: MATH 131 and 132
- English: ENGL 112 and 219
Checklist 2: GPA and Academic Performance
Monitor your GPA and academic performance regularly:
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5 or higher
- Meet with your academic advisor to discuss your progress
- Take advantage of tutoring services or academic support programs
Checklist 3: Pre-Med Committee and Letters of Recommendation
Prepare for the pre-med committee review and letters of recommendation:
- Meet with the pre-med committee to discuss your application
- Identify potential letter writers and ask for their support
- Provide letter writers with your personal statement and CV
Extracurricular Activities Checklists
The following checklists are designed to help you explore and engage in extracurricular activities that demonstrate your commitment to the medical field and enhance your application.
Checklist 4: Clinical Experience
Gain clinical experience through volunteering, shadowing, or internships:
- Volunteer at local hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes
- Shadow physicians or other healthcare professionals
- Apply for internships or research positions
Checklist 5: Research Experience
Engage in research projects or studies:
- Identify research opportunities on campus or in the community
- Meet with faculty members to discuss potential projects
- Publish research findings or present at conferences
Checklist 6: Leadership and Community Service
Demonstrate leadership and community service:
- Join pre-med organizations or clubs
- Participate in community service projects or events
- Take on leadership roles or mentorship positions
Personal Development Checklists
The following checklists are designed to help you develop essential skills and qualities that are valuable for a career in medicine.
Checklist 7: Time Management and Productivity
Develop effective time management and productivity habits:
- Create a schedule and prioritize tasks
- Use productivity tools or apps
- Set realistic goals and deadlines
Checklist 8: Stress Management and Self-Care
Prioritize stress management and self-care:
- Engage in regular exercise or physical activity
- Practice mindfulness or meditation
- Seek support from friends, family, or counseling services
Checklist 9: Financial Planning and Management
Manage your finances effectively:
- Create a budget and track expenses
- Apply for scholarships or financial aid
- Consider saving for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) or application fees
MCAT and Application Checklists
The following checklists are designed to help you prepare for the MCAT and navigate the medical school application process.
Checklist 10: MCAT Preparation
Prepare for the MCAT:
- Register for the MCAT and create a study plan
- Use study materials or prep courses
- Take practice exams or assessments
Checklist 11: Primary Application
Complete the primary application:
- Submit the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) application
- Write a personal statement and CV
- Ensure all transcripts and letters of recommendation are submitted
Checklist 12: Secondary Applications
Complete secondary applications:
- Submit secondary applications to individual medical schools
- Respond to specific prompts or questions
- Ensure all materials are submitted by the deadline
Interview and Post-Application Checklists
The following checklists are designed to help you prepare for medical school interviews and manage the post-application process.
Checklist 13: Interview Preparation
Prepare for medical school interviews:
- Research the medical school and its programs
- Practice answering common interview questions
- Prepare any materials or documents required for the interview
Checklist 14: Post-Interview
Follow up after the interview:
- Send a thank-you note or email to the interviewer
- Update your application with any new information
- Wait for the admission decision and plan accordingly
Checklist 15: Acceptance and Enrollment
Manage the acceptance and enrollment process:
- Review and respond to the acceptance offer
- Complete any required paperwork or forms
- Plan for orientation and the start of medical school
Additional Checklists
The following checklists are designed to help you stay organized and focused throughout your pre-med journey.
Checklist 16: Summer Programs and Opportunities
Explore summer programs and opportunities:
- Research summer internships or research positions
- Apply for summer programs or fellowships
- Plan for summer activities or enrichment programs
Checklist 17: Mentorship and Networking
Develop mentorship and networking relationships:
- Identify potential mentors or role models
- Attend networking events or conferences
- Engage with professionals in the medical field
Checklist 18: Personal Statement and CV
Develop a strong personal statement and CV:
- Write a personal statement that showcases your experiences and goals
- Create a CV that highlights your achievements and skills
- Revise and edit your personal statement and CV regularly
Checklist 19: Application Fees and Financing
Manage application fees and financing:
- Research and apply for scholarships or grants
- Consider saving for application fees or MCAT expenses
- Explore financing options or loans for medical school
Checklist 20: Staying Organized and Focused
Stay organized and focused throughout your pre-med journey:
- Use a planner or calendar to track deadlines and appointments
- Prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively
- Seek support from friends, family, or a mentor when needed
