The study of medicine in the U.S. generally begins after completion of four years of undergraduate study which includes meeting the pre-medical school course requirements
along with obtaining a bachelor's (B.A.) degree in any subject.

Some universities have a "premed" course, which is meant to prepare for medical school. Medical school itself usually lasts four years and is followed by 3-7 years of graduate medical education (internship/residency).

All applicants to medical schools are also required to take the Medical College Admission Test. The MCAT examines understanding of the basic concepts in Biology, Chemistry and Physics as well as verbal reasoning skills and it includes two writing samples.

The test should be taken 18 months prior to the intended date of enrollment. The deadlines for registration at overseas centers are two months in advance.