Winter break time is critical for future applicants. The 2026–2027 deadlines may still feel far away, but they really aren’t that far off and they will approach faster the closer they get.
With that in mind, the strongest applications come from those who begin preparation now. This is the season to plan, organize, and lay the groundwork for success.
1. Map out your testing and timeline.
Start with your MCAT strategy. Choose your test date and plan your study period backward from that point. Setting your schedule now prevents unnecessary stress and ensures your score is ready before application submissions open.
2. Begin crafting and refining your written materials.
Use this time to reflect on your experiences and begin translating them into your story. Start with collecting the things you’ve done, then begin identifying the pieces that will score you points on your application. Reflect on the competencies you need to show and the time you’ve developed them through. Strong writing improves through targeted review and feedback, so an early start gives you room to polish your voice.
3. Plan for letters
Reach out to potential letter writers and update them on your goals. If your school requires a committee letter, meet with your in-house premedical advisor to ensure you meet the requirements and timeline for a committee review.
4. Fill in your gaps
If time allows, explore volunteer or shadowing roles that strengthen your exposure. At Asclepius, we advise at least 100 hours of shadowing and an equivalent in non-clinical or clinical service. We consider these minimum metrics for highly successful applicants. Even limited opportunities can contribute to a more grounded application.
5. Review your academic and activity record.
Look at your transcript and experience list with a critical eye. Identify academic patterns or growth that may need context, and highlight genuine impact in your activities.
If you’re still in school, then make plans to have this term be excellent with the best performance possible.
6. Build your professional foundation.
Take time to update your social media and professional profiles. Clean up your digital presence and maintain engagement or reengage your network of mentors, advisors, and peers. This may assist you with LORs or revisiting motivations for medicine.
Importantly, begin exploring advising options and other sources of personalized feedback. The earlier you engage with constructive feedback, the more productive and meaningful your application materials will be in Spring and Summer. Early primary work means early fodder for secondary pre-writing.
Overall, there are many ways to use this time wisely. We hope that these starter steps help you with your momentum.
Use this break wisely. If you’d like to discuss your cycle with us, you can schedule directly with an Asclepius advisor on our homepage or engage us first by email on our Contact Us page.
With that in mind, the strongest applications come from those who begin preparation now. This is the season to plan, organize, and lay the groundwork for success.
1. Map out your testing and timeline.
Start with your MCAT strategy. Choose your test date and plan your study period backward from that point. Setting your schedule now prevents unnecessary stress and ensures your score is ready before application submissions open.
2. Begin crafting and refining your written materials.
Use this time to reflect on your experiences and begin translating them into your story. Start with collecting the things you’ve done, then begin identifying the pieces that will score you points on your application. Reflect on the competencies you need to show and the time you’ve developed them through. Strong writing improves through targeted review and feedback, so an early start gives you room to polish your voice.
3. Plan for letters
Reach out to potential letter writers and update them on your goals. If your school requires a committee letter, meet with your in-house premedical advisor to ensure you meet the requirements and timeline for a committee review.
4. Fill in your gaps
If time allows, explore volunteer or shadowing roles that strengthen your exposure. At Asclepius, we advise at least 100 hours of shadowing and an equivalent in non-clinical or clinical service. We consider these minimum metrics for highly successful applicants. Even limited opportunities can contribute to a more grounded application.
5. Review your academic and activity record.
Look at your transcript and experience list with a critical eye. Identify academic patterns or growth that may need context, and highlight genuine impact in your activities.
If you’re still in school, then make plans to have this term be excellent with the best performance possible.
6. Build your professional foundation.
Take time to update your social media and professional profiles. Clean up your digital presence and maintain engagement or reengage your network of mentors, advisors, and peers. This may assist you with LORs or revisiting motivations for medicine.
Importantly, begin exploring advising options and other sources of personalized feedback. The earlier you engage with constructive feedback, the more productive and meaningful your application materials will be in Spring and Summer. Early primary work means early fodder for secondary pre-writing.
Overall, there are many ways to use this time wisely. We hope that these starter steps help you with your momentum.
Use this break wisely. If you’d like to discuss your cycle with us, you can schedule directly with an Asclepius advisor on our homepage or engage us first by email on our Contact Us page.
