Getting Started

Being prepared to apply to medical school starts during the undergraduate experience. From completing the right pre-requisites and doing well academically, to taking the MCAT and putting together your admissions application, there is a lot that goes into the process. The Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV recommends exploring the following to create an application plan.

Check out AAMC Resources

The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) offers a very robust website with free resources on all components of applying to medical school, how to prepare, and what the AMCAS application portal will look like and expect during your application year. In addition to their preparation resources, you can also subscribe to the Medical School Admissions Requirements (MSAR) database which will outline what schools around the country require to apply to their programs.

Timeline to Application

Both the AAMC and your Pre-Professional Advising Center can provide timelines to applications that start several years prior to your submission.

View preparation by year from the AAMC View preparation by year from the UNLV PPAC

Connect with Campus Pre-Professional Advising

In addition to an academic advisor who will guide you through your undergraduate degree requirements, a pre-professional advisor (also referred to as a pre-health or pre-med advisor) can help you with preparing to apply to medical school and other programs, such as dental, pharmacy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, veterinary, etc.

Advising capabilities from the school of medicine are limited in order to not have a conflict of interest for applicants, but pre-professional advising centers can provide a far deeper dive into everything from application preparation to course sequencing for success. Most centers will also accommodate alumni as well if you have already graduated from your undergraduate studies. From one-on-one appointments to workshops and materials, connecting with this resource is a great asset.

  • For students who are actively attending UNLV, you may see a pre-professional advisor at the UNLV Pre-Professional Advising Center on the Maryland campus (PPAC).
  • For students who are actively attending Nevada State University, you may connect with the Academic Advising Office and the Pre-Health Advisor.
  • For students who are actively attending the University of Nevada, Reno, you may connect with the UNR Pre-Professional Advising office.
  • For students who are attending the College of Southern Nevada or another NSHE community college and intend to transfer to one of the baccalaureate granting institutions, please connect with the center on the campus where you intend to transfer.

Other UNLV campus resources to complement preparation may include Career Services & Workforce Development, the Writing Center, the Academic Success Center, the Office of Undergraduate Research, and the Student Well-Being Center.

Connect with the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV

The Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine interacts with thousands of prospective applicants every year. To best serve you with ease and efficiency, we have set up the required processes that all prospective applicants need to follow. Please follow the guidelines below to connect with us.

  1. Submit A Pre-Applicant Inquiry Form

    Individuals interested in attending the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV are encouraged to fill out our Pre-Applicant Inquiry Form and become a part of our outreach database. By registering you will gain access to announcements, prospective applicant events, and other school updates.

  2. Attend a Virtual Information Session (and Other Workshops/Events)

    The Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV Office of Admissions requires that all prospective applicants who are seeking detailed information or advanced advising attend a virtual information session.

    These Zoom meetings occur one to two times per month. The 45-minute presentation will go over many details about the degree, the school, and how to apply. There is a live Q&A at the end with admissions and recruitment leadership.

    Similarly, the school offers workshops and programming throughout the year and by registering in the Pre-Applicant Inquiry database, you will receive information about those various sessions.

    Also available from September to May are Kirk Kerkorian Medical Education Building tours led by student ambassadors. These interactive walking tours are a great opportunity to get a student’s perspective.

    Finally, to view our full events and workshop schedule at any time or to RSVP to an event, please go to our events calendar.

  3. Pre-Med Advising

    If after attending an information session you still have specific questions or concerns, please email admissions@medicine.unlv.edu for inquiries.

    We provide limited advising and feedback via email. When contacting us, please attach a copy of your resume and transcripts.

    Advising capabilities from the school of medicine are limited in order to not have a conflict of interest for applicants, but pre-professional advising centers can provide a far deeper dive into everything from application preparation to course sequencing for success.