Conversations about race and medical school admissions have grown louder in recent years—especially after changes to affirmative action policies. Here’s what race does and does not mean in today’s admissions process, and how applicants of all backgrounds can focus on what truly matters.

Many premeds skip over DO programs, but they offer strong training, holistic admissions, and a philosophy centered on patient care. Here’s what sets them apart—and why they deserve a serious look.

Applying to medical school can feel overwhelming. Between exams, essays, and deadlines, it’s easy to lose track of what happens when. This guide breaks down the MD application cycle into two main parts — what to do before and during the cycle — so you can plan ahead and stay organized.