Your Application Timeline

This timeline gives a broad overview of the typical UCAT-route medical school application process, starting about two years before you would begin studying medicine. It outlines when key activities usually occur — from early volunteering and work experience to the UCAT, personal statement, interviews, and final exams.

In the -2 years stage, many applicants begin volunteering in a regular, longer-term role (e.g., care home, charity, hospital) to demonstrate commitment to medicine and caring for others. This often continues until application submission. Work experience — ideally at least one week — is usually arranged in this period too, sometimes earlier, to help inform your personal statement and interview answers.

Around spring of -1 year, mock exams at college or school play an important role in securing predicted grades for your UCAS application. Over summer, most candidates focus on UCAT preparation (typically 2–3 months in advance) and sit the test between July and early October. Shortly after, the personal statement is finalised and submitted by the UCAS deadline in mid-October.

Medical school interviews typically run from late autumn through spring, and final school/college exams take place in the summer before you (hopefully) start medical school in August/September.

However, there are important caveats:

• Exact timing varies between individuals, schools, and universities.

• Some applicants apply during a gap year, altering the sequence and time pressure.

• Different medical schools may place different emphasis on work experience, admissions tests, or personal statement content.

This timeline is best seen as a guideline, not a rigid formula — flexibility is key, and planning ahead allows you to adapt if deadlines or requirements change.