Applications and Exams

Applications

It's important to know which central applications you should be submitting and when those applications open each year. You are strongly encouraged to submit your application early in the cycle. 

Profession Application Opening Date
Veterinary VMCAS

Opens mid-January

Can be submitted mid-May

Physician Assistant CASPA Opens late April
Medical

AMCAS (MD medical schools)

AACOMAS (DO medical schools)

Both open first week of May

AMCAS can be submitted late May/early June

Dental AADSAS

Opens mid-May

Can be submitted on or around June 1

Optometry OptomCAS Opens on or around July 1
Podiatry AACPMAS Opens early August
Chiropractic Apply directly to each school Timelines vary by school
International Apply directly to each school Timelines vary by school

Secondary or supplemental applications from individual schools are very common. These can range from just a few short answers to multiple longer essays. You can also expect to be asked to pay a secondary application fee directly to each school. 

Exams

You will also need to know which exam to take, if any, for your chosen profession. Regardless of what materials you choose to use to study, you should plan to take several months to prepare for your exam, including multiple timed and fully-scored practice tests. You can submit your application without having test scores, but refer to the application timeline above when planning your exam timing. 

Profession Exam
Veterinary GRE (if any)
Physician Assistant GRE or PA-CAT (if any)
Medical MCAT
Dental DAT
Optometry OAT
Podiatry MCAT
Chiropractic GRE (if any)