I can relate to what you're going through. I have to admit though... it's not as complicated when you're actually going through it as it feels when you're waiting to apply.
Basically you need to do the following:
1. Get letters of recommendation from science faculty, non-science faculty, extracurricular activities, physicians you've dealt with, etc. My school recommends two science and one non-science as the minimum. If going the D.O. route, then a letter from an osteopathic physician can help or is even required by some schools.
2. Apply early to medical school.
www.aacom.org (osteopathic)
www.amcas.org (allopathic). These applications for the next cycle will be available by May or June. You will also need to forward any relevant transcripts to them as well. The earlier you apply the better. Most schools accept most of their applicants early... interviewing later does put you at a disadvantage.
3. Wait. If you pass the initial screening at the schools you've applied to they will send you a secondary asking you to provide some more information about yourself as well as some questions about why you think you want to become a physician. Honestly, if you're a decent applicant, most schools will send you a secondary because there is a nice application fee attached to this so they can pad their wallets.
4. Get status updates. Check to see if your application is complete at all the schools you applied to.
5. Wait some more. If they like what they see on the secondary you will be invited for an interview. At the interview you will be asked more about yourself and the interviewers will try to determine how you react in an interview setting.
6. Wait for your decision. If you are accepted at a school you placed high on your list withdraw your application from any schools lower than it. This way you allow others the opportunity to interview at those schools. Also if you get accepted at a school and determine that you don't like it... withdraw as soon as possible for the same reason. If you get rejected, don't look at it like the end of the world... you may receive other interviews and there is always next year. When you are accepted you will be asked to make a non-refundable deposit to hold your seat.
7. Once accepted you get to WAIT some more
🙂 But this time you're just waiting to hear details about the start of school. Getting accepted is an awesome feeling... but even if you are rejected you have to remember that applying is a competitive process and if you truly want to be a doctor, fix weak spots in your application and try again.
Good Luck
