Required Coursework
Admission to medical school is contingent on several factors, one of which is the successful completion of what's known as pre-med coursework. Pre-med classes traditionally comprise two semesters of study in six core subjects, namely organic chemistry, general chemistry, general biology, physics, English and advanced math such as calculus or statistics, plus laboratory requirements. However, some medical schools require applicants to have passed additional courses in other disciplines, such as psychology and philosophy. Check with admissions counselors early on to determine the exact coursework the university mandates incoming med school applicants possess.
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Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
The Medical College Admission Test, or MCAT, is a 5.5-hour standardized test that med school students must pass before sending out their med school applications. MCATs are administered only 22 times each year, beginning in January through September. No tests are administered in October, November or December.

Spaces are limited and, therefore, early registration is paramount. Locations vary nationwide and can be found online at the MCAT site. Alternatively, students may register online with the Association of American Medical Colleges.

The actual test measures problem-solving skills, critical thinking, writing abilities and an applicant's grasp of scientific principles. Answers are given in a multiple choice format and scores reported in four key areas: verbal reasoning, physical sciences, writing and biological sciences.

MCAT scores form an integral part of the med school application process, and students should be adequately prepared. Many enroll in MCAT preparation classes, which are offered by myriad organizations nationwide. Book and DVD-based practice tests, such as the Princeton Review, are also available at most major book stores.

Letters of Recommendation 
An important yet often overlooked part of the medical school application procedure is the recommendation letter. Applying to med school means securing a solid grade point average in required coursework and achieving high MCAT scores, but a well-written, compelling recommendation letter from an instructor or M.D. also carries a lot of weight and can aid an applicant's chances of success.

Most medical schools mandate letters of recommendation be sent directly to the university admission office and not be included in the application packet. That said, check with the appropriate authority beforehand to determine that institution's preferred methods. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure letters and additional supporting materials arrive on or before deadline. Because of the weight recommendations can carry, approaching faculty and professional contacts in a timely manner will minimize any risk of submitting an incomplete application and risking instant rejection.