Summarize this article:

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is required for entry into medical school. The latest you can take this exam is in September of the year you plan to submit your applications. Plan accordingly and start studying at least 6 months before the test. You may submit MCAT scores that are up to 3 years old, so you may consider taking the test a couple of years early. This way you can retake it if you don’t do as well as you hoped. Medical schools are not all alike in terms of their program and their admission requirements. Most medical school applicants apply to around 16 schools to maximize their chances of being accepted by at least 1 school. Make a list of the schools that interest you and compare their programs and requirements to help you decide where to apply. Use the American Association of Medical Colleges’ website to help you compile your list: https://apps.aamc.org/msar-ui/#/landing. It provides a complete list of medical schools along with details about their program offerings, admission requirements, and tuition costs. Medical schools require applicants to write an essay that describes why they want to pursue a career in medicine. Give yourself plenty of time to craft this essay. The personal statement essay is your chance to show the admissions committee how you will add to their program in ways that are not evident elsewhere on your application, such as any obstacles you have overcome that may enhance your ability to be a good physician.  Make sure that your essay responds to the essay prompt or question and that it is well-organized and polished. Try asking your college advisor or a trusted professor to read over your essay for you before you submit it. Use their feedback to revise and improve your essay. Complete all required fields for the applications you submit. Make sure to double check your responses to ensure that everything is correct before you submit them. Applications for medical school are usually accepted in the fall about 1 year before you plan to start your program. Be aware that each school may have a different deadline for their application, so you may want to keep a log of the dates.
Take the MCAT by the September before you submit your application. Research medical schools to choose the best one for you. Write your medical school application essay 1 to 2 months before applying. Submit your application to the medical schools of your choice.