Navigating the AWSOM Admissions Cycle: What You Need to Know

Applying to medical school is one of the most exciting — and sometimes overwhelming — steps in your journey to becoming a physician. At Alice L. Walton School of Medicine, we’ve designed an admissions process that’s clear, intentional, and aligned with our mission and values at every stage. Here’s what to expect as you prepare your application.

Preparing for the Admissions Cycle

Before you even submit your application, the medical school application journey begins in your undergraduate years. Most students take the MCAT in the spring or summer a year before they plan to start medical school — typically at the end of their junior year or the beginning of their senior year. This timing ensures that scores are ready when AMCAS opens in early May.

The PREview exam is also highly recommended. This situational judgment test is designed to assess some of the preprofessional competencies essential for medical school students.

It’s important to complete your prerequisite coursework during college, including foundational courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and the humanities. Completing a variety of advanced science courses provides evidence of academic preparation for a rigorous medical school curriculum.

As you near the end of your undergraduate career, consider not only your grades and test scores, but also how your experiences, service, and leadership align with the values AWSOM looks for: curiosity, compassion, collaboration, community focus, and a commitment to whole-person care.

Finally, it’s never too early to start thinking about letters of recommendation.

Strong letters of recommendation don’t happen overnight — they take time, thought, and genuine relationships. AWSOM requires at least three letters (and accepts up to five) to complete your supplemental application. These letters should come from mentors, professors, or supervisors who know you well and can speak to your academic preparation, character, and commitment to the medical profession.

If your undergraduate school offers a committee letter from a premedical advising office, that single letter can also fulfill the requirement, provided it compiles feedback from multiple sources.

Regardless of format, all letters must be signed or printed on official letterhead and submitted through the AMCAS Letter Service. The earlier you begin building these connections and requesting letters, the more time your recommenders will have to craft a thoughtful endorsement that truly captures your strengths.

Key Dates to Remember

The admissions cycle follows the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) timeline. Keeping track of deadlines is essential:

• Early May: AMCAS applications become available.

• Early July: AWSOM begins processing supplemental applications.

• Early August: Select applicants are invited to interview on a rolling basis.

• Early September: First interview day.

• October 15: Offers of admission begin and continue on a rolling basis until the class is full.

• November 1: Primary application deadline.

• December 1: Supplemental application materials deadline.

• Late February: Final interview day.

• April 30: Admitted students may hold only one acceptance per AAMC guidelines; “Commit to Enroll” (CTE) becomes available.

• June 1: Final “Commit to Enroll” deadline.

• Mid-July: Classes begin.

Tip: Apply early in the cycle for the smoothest process.

Medical School Application Process Step 1: Complete the AMCAS Application

Your journey begins with the AMCAS primary application, which includes academic records, experiences, and your personal statement. Once submitted, AMCAS verifies your materials before sending them to AWSOM.

Step 2: Submit the Secondary Application

Applicants who meet our minimum academic and residency requirements will receive a secondary application from AWSOM. This is your opportunity to showcase your alignment with our mission, values, and learning environment.

Step 3: Interviews

Selected applicants are invited to participate in interviews between September and February. Interview day at AWSOM is an opportunity for us to learn more about you and your story, as well as for you to learn more about the intentional design of our campus and curriculum.

Step 4: Admission Offers

Beginning as early as October 15. Rolling decisions continue throughout the cycle until the class is full.

Step 5: Join the AWSOM Community

By April 30, admitted students confirm their decision to join AWSOM. In July, orientation marks the beginning of an extraordinary journey in medical education. Not only will you have the opportunity to meet your professors and fellow students, but you’ll also be connected with a learning community and career mentor, and celebrate your transition to medical school at the White Coat Ceremony.

You’ll have a chance to explore the Crystal Bridges Campus and see how art, science, nature, and whole health come together to shape the physicians of tomorrow.

Medical School Admissions Requirements

Understanding the admissions requirements is the first step toward beginning your journey at AWSOM. By ensuring you’ve completed the necessary coursework, submitted your MCAT scores, and gathered thoughtful recommendations, you’ll be ready to move confidently through each stage of the admissions cycle.

More importantly, reflecting on how your experiences and professional goals align with AWSOM’s mission and values will help you present a compelling application — one that highlights not only your academic preparation, but also your commitment to becoming a compassionate, whole-person physician.

Interested in learning more? Follow AWSOM on social media (LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook) to keep up-to-date on future admissions webinars, where you can learn more about the School and have your questions answered by our admissions team.