The Application Process
> When to ApplyThe best time to apply is when you are the strongest possible applicant. Reflect on your preparedness for health professions school, based on your understanding of what it takes to be a successful applicant. If you're unsure of what this is, make an appointment to meet with Dean Fukawa-Connelly. If you know that there are aspects of your candidacy that you could improve dramatically, you may want to reassess your timeline of application. In some cases, it's better to devote time, energy, and money to strengthening your academic record, gaining health-related experience or otherwise becoming a stronger candidate rather than to an application process when you aren't at your strongest.
You will begin working with Brandeis' Premedical Board of Advisors about two years prior to your desired matriculation to health professions school. So, if you know you want to begin your professional program the Fall semester after you graduate from Brandeis, you'll begin the application process in the Fall of your junior year.
Students who wish to take time off before beginning medical studies may start the process in their senior year or wait until after they’ve graduated. If you decide that you would like to take time off after graduating from Brandeis you are encouraged to at least begin the application process before you leave by interviewing with the Board of Premedical Advisors and gathering letters of recommendation. If you are unsure of the best timeline for your particular situation, set up an appointment to weigh the options with Dean Fukawa-Connelly.
Note that your age when you decide to apply does not bias medical schools against your application. The average age of matriculating medical students is 24, so taking a year or two off does not harm your chances. Applying early in your chosen application year, however, is to your advantage, since most schools are on a rolling admissions policy.