Applying to US Medical Schools as a Couple: Our Experience

Authors

  • Mckenzie Brandt
  • Quintin Norris
  • Luke van Blaricom
  • Laurel Poole
  • Stephen Lambert
  • Jonathan Kibble Professor

Keywords:

Medical School, Admissions, Dual applications, Premedical advising, Relationships

Abstract

Applying to medical school is a lengthy and competitive process and doing so as a couple adds a unique set of challenges. This article offers the personal experience of two medical students who applied and successfully matriculated to US medical schools during the same admissions cycle. By sharing our perspectives and advice from admissions professionals, we hope to aid prospective medical students who are navigating this unique circumstance.

References

1. Dyrbye LN, West CP, Satele D, Boone S, Tan L, Sloan J, et al. Burnout Among U.S. Medical Students, Residents, and Early Career Physicians Relative to the General U.S. Population. Acad Med. 2014;89(3):443.

2. Hill MR, Goicochea S, Merlo LJ. In their own words: stressors facing medical students in the millennial generation. Med Educ Online. 2018;23(1):1530558.

3. Association of American Medical Colleges. Timeline for Application and Admission to Medical School. Students & Residents. Available from: https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/timeline-application-and-admission-medical-school. Last updated January 06, 2026. Cited April 14, 2025.

4. American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine. The Application Process. Available from: https://www.aacom.org/become-a-doctor/apply-to-medical-school/the-application-process. Last updated January 06, 2026. Cited February 28, 2025.

5. Association of American Medical Colleges. The Interview Timeline. Students & Residents. Available from: https://students-residents.aamc.org/medical-school-interviews/publication-chapters/interview-timeline. Last updated January 06, 2026. Cited April 14, 2025.

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Published

2026-03-11

How to Cite

Brandt, M., Norris, Q., van Blaricom, L., Poole, L., Lambert, S., & Kibble, J. (2026). Applying to US Medical Schools as a Couple: Our Experience. International Journal of Medical Students. Retrieved from https://ijms.info/IJMS/article/view/3534

Issue

Forthcoming

Section

Experience

Categories

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Mckenzie Brandt, Quintin Norris, Luke van Blaricom, Laurel Poole, Stephen Lambert, Jonathan Kibble

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