A month-by-month guide to everything you need to do across your application year.
Important: Exact dates vary each cycle. Always verify UCAS deadlines and school-specific timelines directly. This guide reflects the typical UK UCAS cycle for undergraduate entry.
Begin researching medical schools, entry requirements, and whether graduate or undergraduate entry suits you.
Start approaching GP surgeries, hospitals, and care homes. Arrange your first placement for Year 12.
Confirm you are studying the required subjects (Chemistry is almost universally required; Biology and Maths common).
Research 4–5 medical schools carefully. Check UCAT thresholds, interview format, teaching style, and location.
Register as soon as booking opens (typically late April/May). Earlier test dates are often cheaper.
Test window: July–September. Aim for Band 1–2 SJT and a high cognitive total. Book your test early.
Aim for a breadth of clinical and non-clinical experience. Reflect after each placement.
Start writing well before September. Allow time for multiple drafts, feedback, and editing.
Submit your four medical school choices on UCAS. The deadline for medicine is 15 October.
The absolute deadline to submit your UCAS application. Personal statement and referee details must all be complete.
Schools review applications and send interview invitations. This can take weeks to months.
MMI and panel interviews take place across this window. Prepare intensively for each one.
Schools make conditional or unconditional offers following interviews. UCAS tracks all outcomes.
You must choose your Firm and Insurance offer by the UCAS reply deadline (typically late May).
Sit your A-levels. Meet the conditions of your firm offer.
A-level results: confirm your place, or enter Clearing / UCAS Extra if needed.
Download our free application checklist to track every task across the cycle.
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