|
Application System |
Opens | Submissions Begin | First Transmitted |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMCAS (MD schools) | May 1, 2026, 9:30 AM EST | May 27, 2026, 9:30 AM EST | June 27, 2026, 7:00 AM EST |
| TMDSAS (Texas schools) | May 1, 2026 | May 15, 2026 | ~2-4 weeks after submission |
| AACOMAS (DO schools) | May 5, 2026 | May 5, 2026 | ~2-6 weeks after submission |
After working with thousands of medical school applicants for years, I can tell you that timing is one of the most critical factors in medical school admissions success. Many qualified applicants hurt their chances simply because they don't understand when applications open, that interviews are extended on a rolling basis, and planning to be able to submit an early application is essential for success..
Medical schools use rolling admissions, which means they review applications, extend interview invitations, and make acceptance decisions on an ongoing basis as applications come in. Interview slots and acceptance spots fill throughout the cycle. The earlier you submit a complete, high-quality application, the more opportunities you'll have.
Here's what this means in practice: Two applicants with identical credentials apply to the same school. One submits in late May, the other in September. The June applicant has a significantly higher chance of receiving an interview invitation simply because more spots are available earlier in the cycle.
Understanding exactly when applications open allows you to maximize the brief window between when you can start entering information and when you can submit. This preparation period is your competitive advantage.
Let me walk you through each application system in detail so you know exactly what to expect.
What is AMCAS?
The American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) is the centralized application system used by 155 MD-granting medical schools in the United States. If you're applying to allopathic medical schools, you'll use AMCAS.
Key Dates:
What This Means:
From May 1-26, you can enter all your information into the application; this includes biographical data, coursework, experiences, personal statement, and activities descriptions, but you cannot submit. Use this 26-day window wisely. Have everything ready to go so you can submit on May 27.
After you submit, AMCAS must verify your application, which involves checking your coursework against your transcripts. During peak times (late May through July), verification can take 4-6 weeks. Early submissions typically get verified faster—sometimes in just 1-2 weeks.
Once verified, your application is transmitted to the medical schools you've selected. Schools cannot see your application until it's been verified and transmitted, which is why submitting early in the window is so important.
Official Source: AAMC
What is TMDSAS?
The Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS) is used by all public medical schools in Texas, including both MD and DO programs. If you're applying to Texas schools, you must use TMDSAS—these schools don't participate in AMCAS or AACOMAS.
Key Dates:
What Makes TMDSAS Different:
TMDSAS has a much shorter waiting period: only 14 days between opening and when you can submit. This is advantageous if you're only applying to Texas schools. However, TMDSAS also has hard deadlines (October 1st), unlike the other systems which technically stay open much later.
Another unique feature: TMDSAS uses a match system similar to the residency match. After interviews, you rank your school preferences, schools rank applicants, and a computerized match pairs applicants with schools in mid-February. Some applicants to TMDSAS will get "prematch offers" as well that come in early winter.
Processing time for TMDSAS is generally 2-4 weeks after submission, which is faster than AMCAS during peak times.
Official Source: TMDSAS
What is AACOMAS?
The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS) is the centralized application system for 38 osteopathic (DO) medical schools in the United States.
Key Dates:
What Makes AACOMAS Different:
Unlike AMCAS, AACOMAS allows you to submit immediately when the application opens on May 5. There's no waiting period. This means if you're ready, you could theoretically submit on day one.
However, most successful applicants still take a few weeks to carefully review and refine their applications before submitting. Just because you can submit immediately doesn't mean you should rush.
AACOMAS processing times vary widely depending on when you submit. Early submissions (May) often process in 2-3 weeks, while late submissions (July-August) can take 4-6 weeks or longer.
Official Source: AACOM AACOMAS
Many applicants don't realize that "when applications open" doesn't mean you can immediately submit and have schools review your application. There are actually three distinct phases:
This is when you can access the application portal and begin entering information:
Time needed: Most applicants need 20-40 hours to complete all sections thoughtfully. Don't underestimate this.
This is when you can click "submit" and pay your application fees:
After submission, you cannot make changes to most sections. Your application enters the verification queue.
This is when medical schools actually receive and can begin reviewing your application:
Critical point: Schools cannot see your application during verification. A June 1 submission might not reach schools until mid-July if verification is slow. This is why submitting in the first week of the submission window is ideal.
The period between when AMCAS opens (May 1) and when submissions begin (May 27) is 26 days of valuable time! Here's a proposed calendar to use:
This is the most tedious part. You must enter every. single. course. from your transcript.
Submit as early in the day as possible. Early morning submissions often get verified faster than end-of-day submissions simply because of queue position.
Let me share some insights from my years in admissions about why early submission is so critical.
Medical schools don't wait until they have all applications to start reviewing. They begin as soon as verified applications arrive in late June. Interview invitations start going out in July and August, with the heaviest wave from August through December. Applicants who submit early get early interviews, early acceptances, and experience less stress than applicants who submit later.
What this means:
June submissions:
August submissions:
While I can't share specific institutional data, national trends show that applicants who submit within the first month of the submission window have notably higher acceptance rates than those who submit later even when controlling for MCAT and GPA.
This isn't because late applicants are less qualified. It's purely a function of opportunity. More interview slots are available early in the cycle.
Over the years, I've seen the same mistakes repeatedly. Here are the ones that hurt applicants most:
The scenario: An applicant takes the MCAT in June or July, hoping to improve their score before applying. By the time they get their score back and submit, it's August or September.
The reality: Unless you're applying exclusively to top-tier schools where a 520+ is expected, waiting for a slightly better MCAT score isn't worth the massive timing disadvantage. A 512 submitted in June often outperforms a 516 submitted in September.
The scenario: Applicants think, "The deadline is technically in fall, so I have plenty of time. I'll submit in late June or July."
The reality: Medical school admissions has no real "deadline" in the traditional sense. Every day you wait after the submission window opens, you're competing for fewer interview slots.
The scenario: Applicants wait until May 27 to even look at the application, then realize they need 40+ hours to complete it.
The reality: The 26 day pre-submission window exists for a reason. Use it to have everything perfect and ready to submit on day one of the submission window.
The scenario: An applicant submits their primary application but their letters of recommendation don't arrive until August.
The reality: Your application isn't complete, and schools won't review it until all letters are received. If your application is verified in early July but letters don't arrive until August, you've lost your early advantage.
The scenario: An applicant tries to write a compelling personal statement in the 2-3 weeks before submission.
The reality: Great personal statements require time, reflection, and multiple revisions. Starting in May means you're rushing one of the most important parts of your application.
Looking at historical data helps you predict future years. Here's when applications have opened for the past several cycles:
| Cycle | Start Year | AMCAS Opens | TMDSAS Opens | AACOMAS Opens |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-2027 | Fall 2026 | May 1, 2026 | May 1, 2026 | May 5, 2026 |
| 2025-2026 | Fall 2025 | May 2, 2025 | May 1, 2025 | May 6, 2025 |
| 2024-2025 | Fall 2024 | May 2, 2024 | May 1, 2024 | May 7, 2024 |
| 2023-2024 | Fall 2023 | May 2, 2023 | May 1, 2023 | May 1, 2023 |
| 2022-2023 | Fall 2022 | May 3, 2022 | May 1, 2022 | May 3, 2022 |
The Pattern:
Submission Windows:
Planning tip: If you're applying in future cycles (2027-2028 or beyond), you can safely assume applications will open the first week of May. Plan your MCAT and preparation timeline accordingly.
Life happens. What if you're not ready by May 1st? Here's my honest advice:
Go ahead and apply this cycle. A mid-June submission still puts you in good shape. Many successful applicants submit in mid to late June.
Focus on:
Carefully evaluate your competitiveness. If your stats (GPA and MCAT) are strong and you're applying broadly, you can still succeed with a July submission. However:
Strongly consider waiting until next cycle. I know this is hard to hear, but I've seen too many qualified applicants waste time and money on late applications.
Exceptions:
Better approach: Use this year to strengthen your application and apply early next cycle.
For AACOMAS and TMDSAS, technically yes. AACOMAS allows immediate submission on May 5, and TMDSAS allows submission starting May 15. However, for AMCAS, you must wait until May 27 to submit, even though the application opens May 1.
That said, just because you can submit immediately doesn't mean you should. Take the time to craft a thoughtful, polished application. The difference between submitting May 5 vs. June 1 is minimal; the difference between a rushed application and a polished one is enormous.
This depends on how "not ready" you are. If you're waiting for:
However, if you won't be ready until August or September, seriously consider waiting until next cycle.
For schools using the same application service, yes—once your application is verified:
However, schools can start reviewing at different times. Some begin reviewing in late June, others wait until July or August.
Ideal scenario: Score available by late May (tested in March or April)
This allows you to:
Acceptable scenario: Score available by late June or July (tested in May or June)
You can still apply successfully, but you'll need to:
Risky scenario: Taking the MCAT in July or later
This significantly delays your application timeline and is only recommended if you're taking a gap year and applying the following cycle, or if you're retaking after an initial attempt.
This is the question I get most often, and the answer depends on your competitiveness:
Strong candidates (520+ MCAT, 3.8+ GPA):
Average candidates (510-515 MCAT, 3.5-3.7 GPA):
Below-average candidates:
The hard truth: While application systems stay open through fall, competitive applicants should aim for June submission. September is generally too late unless you have exceptional circumstances.
No, you can submit your primary application before all letters of recommendation arrive. However:
Your application is not complete until all letters are received.
Schools won't review your application until it's complete, which means:
Best practice: Have letter writers submit by early June, shortly after you submit your primary application. Your application should be complete by late June or early July at the latest.
As a former medical school admissions officer, I've helped thousands of applicants navigate the medical school application process successfully. If you're feeling overwhelmed or want to make sure you're maximizing your chances, we're here to help.
Schedule a free consultation to discuss your specific situation and timeline.
Understanding when medical school applications open is just the first step. The real key to success is being prepared to take full advantage of the application window.
Remember these critical points:
You can do this too. Start preparing now, understand the timeline, and you'll be ready to submit a compelling application as soon as the submission window opens.
Good luck with your medical school application journey!
Have questions about when to apply or how to prepare? Contact us for personalized guidance from our team of former medical school admissions officers.