How to apply and pay for medical school ⎹ Earnest | Earnest

How to apply and pay for medical school

By Sasha Bulatskaya | Published on October 21, 2025

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Are you gearing up to chase your dream of becoming a doctor? It's an exciting journey, but it can also feel overwhelming because there’s a lot to figure out. The admissions requirements, tests, choice of M.D. programs, and application deadlines can feel like a lot, and that’s before you even consider the cost of medical school.

If you’ve already decided to become a doctor but don’t know where to start, keep reading. We’ll discuss school research, the application process, funding your education, and how to manage medical school debt after graduation.

Step 1: Research and select a school of medicine

Before you dive into your application, take some time to research different medical schools. Consider factors like location, curriculum, available specializations, and reputation.

Consider these factors:

  1. How difficult is the admissions process?

    Many medical schools are difficult to get into. However, you want to apply to a variety of schools, some that are more ambitious and some that you may have an easier time getting into. Look into the GPA and test score requirements.

Each medical school has an admissions committee that reviews applications. The committee considers your test scores, academics, alignment with the school's mission, and fit for the campus culture.

  1. Is your school accredited?

    Some for-profit colleges offer degrees in the medical field, such as nursing or physician’s assistant programs. Be very careful if you’re looking at these types of institutions. Check to make sure they have one of the following accreditations:

    And/or these organizations, which fall under the LCME umbrella:

  2. What are their rankings?

    School rankings aren’t the only way to measure the quality of a medical school, but they’re a useful tool. If you’re one of the many medical students considering a Caribbean medical school, take a look at their rankings. Some of these colleges offer excellent programs, but there are many to choose from, and the quality of education can vary widely.

Step 2: Prepare for the MCAT

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a test used to determine how well you’ll be expected to do in medical school. Unlike its business school equivalent the LSAT, the MCAT tests your scientific skills in addition to your reasoning and writing abilities.

Your MCAT scores play a significant role in your medical school application, so you want to be prepared. Dedicate time to study for the MCAT. Consider enrolling in a prep course, and take practice exams to get comfortable with the format. Aim to complete the MCAT at least a year before you plan on starting your medical school coursework.

You need to pay a small fee to take the MCAT, but there’s a free assistance program available.

Step 3: Make a list of required application materials

To make sure you have all the right paperwork, visit each school’s office of admissions website and find out the admission requirements, including documents, application deadlines, and the application fee.

Most medical school admissions will require the following documents:

What is the process for applying to medical school?

Applying to medical school is a two-step process. First, you’ll need to complete a primary application which is used to apply to multiple colleges at the same time. Then, you may need to fill out a secondary application for each individual school. The secondary application is usually used to give the school information that’s not included in the primary application. However, not every school will require both.

Primary vs. secondary applications

Some schools will ask you to fill out a primary application and a secondary application. Primary applications allow you to apply to multiple schools at once and secondary applications are school-specific. Make sure to check if your school asks for both or just one of these.

Step 4: Complete the primary AMCAS application

The American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) simplifies the application process for medical schools. This is the primary application we just went over. Here’s how to AMCAS application process works:

  1. Create an account on the AMCAS website
  2. Fill out the application form
  3. Submit it along with your transcripts and letters of recommendation

Important deadlines

Applications open in May for the following year. Plan to have yours submitted by June.

What about your MCAT scores?

You don’t need to have your MCAT scores to verify your application. You can submit your application before or after you have your MCAT scores.

Don’t forget your secondary application

After you submit your primary AMCAS application, complete your secondary application. Since these are school-specific, check with the school's office of admissions for the requirements.

Step 5: Craft a compelling personal statement

Your personal statement is where you can showcase your passion for medicine and what makes you unique. Be authentic, describe what drives you to pursue a medical career, and seek feedback from trusted individuals after proofreading your statement carefully. Try to focus on your individual story and what makes you unique, as opposed to impressing the reader.

Step 6: Prepare for your medical school interview

If your application is successful, you will likely be called in for interviews. Research each school, practice common interview questions, and show your communication skills and passion for medicine during the interview.

How to finance your medical education

Working in medicine can be financially rewarding, but it’s also a significant investment. Here’s what you need to do to pay for medical school:

Although federal loans should be every student’s first choice, there are important things to consider. While federal loans have federal protections, such as access to income-driven repayment plans and student loan forgiveness, some private loans don’t. However, some private student loans have significantly lower interest rates than federal Grad Plus loans.

Consider how you’ll pay off your loans

Many medical grads rely on Public Service Student Loan forgiveness to take care of their debt, but PSLF has a strict set of requirements. You must work for an eligible employer and make 120 qualifying payments. According to the government’s website, it takes at least 10 years to qualify.

Income-driven repayment plans are a great way to save on monthly payments if you’re a resident, but once your salary goes up, an IDR may not make sense for you anymore since they’re based on income.

If you plan to work for a non-profit organization or feel strongly about the possibility of loan forgiveness, then staying with federal loans is for you.

Healthcare is your future

Remember, the path to medical school may pose challenges, but with determination and perseverance, you can reach your goal. Stay flexible on the school you choose and calculate the costs of your education before you commit. If you stay organized and seek guidance from mentors and peers, you’ll set yourself up for a rewarding med school experience.

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About the Author

Sasha Bulatskaya

Sasha is the Senior Manager of Brand and Content at Earnest. She has been writing for ten years and has been focused on educational finance and financial aid for over three. Her passion for mission-driven companies brought her to Earnest in 2020, and she's been helping make student finance more accessible ever since. She strives to demystify personal finance and student loans to help borrowers make the best decisions for their financial situation.

Disclaimer

This blog post provides personal finance educational information, and it is not intended to provide legal, financial, or tax advice.