Understanding the medical school application timeline As you prepare to embark on your path from college to “white coat,” you probably feel motivated, excited, and maybe even a bit nervous. But even as you lean into that energy, keep in mind that the medical school application timeline is a marathon, not a sprint! It is an 18-month process that begins when you start studying for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and culminates with the moment you don your white coat. You’ll apply a full.