Washington University School of Medicine
3.5 Star
Rate Now!660 S Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✊ | Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday | 19 January 2026 | Annual closure promoting diversity initiatives in med education. |
| 💉 | Spring Semester First Day of Classes | 12 January 2026 | Renewed focus on clinical advancement post-winter. |
| 👔 | Presidents' Day Holiday | 16 February 2026 | Short break for leadership-themed events or rest. |
| 🌴 | Spring Break Begins | 16 March 2026approximate | Recharge period amid intensifying clerkships. |
| 🚀 | Spring Break Ends - Classes Resume | 23 March 2026approximate | Ramp up for end-term evaluations. |
| 🏁 | Last Day of Spring Classes | 8 May 2026 | Pre-graduation milestone for Phase 2 completers. |
| 🧠 | Final Exams Period Start | 11 May 2026 | Shelf and promo exams determining progression. |
| 🎓 | Commencement and Graduation | 16 May 2026approximate | Pinnacle event celebrating future physicians. |
| 🪦 | Memorial Day Holiday | 25 May 2026 | Transition to summer research phases. |
| 🩺 | Summer Session Orientation | 1 June 2026 | Phase 3 customization begins for electives. |
| 🇺🇸 | Independence Day Holiday | 3 July 2026 | Observed Friday; festive break. |
| 🤝 | Fall Orientation for New Students | 17 August 2026 | Incoming class integration activities. |
| 📅 | First Day of Fall Semester Classes | 24 August 2026 | Fresh academic year energy for M1s. |
| 🔨 | Labor Day Holiday | 7 September 2026 | Early fall pause. |
| 🧡 | Thanksgiving Break Begins | 25 November 2026approximate | Holiday prelude for gratitude. |
| 🔥 | Thanksgiving Day | 26 November 2026 | Core family holiday closure. |
| 🏃 | Classes Resume After Thanksgiving | 30 November 2026 | December sprint to finals. |
| 🔚 | Last Day of Fall Classes | 11 December 2026 | Term closure prep. |
| 📊 | Fall Final Exams Begin | 14 December 2026 | Year-end assessments. |
| 🎄 | Winter Break Begins | 19 December 2026approximate | Festive extended rest. |
Are you planning on applying to Washington University School of Medicine next year? Then you need to know the important dates and deadlines for the admissions process at Washington University School of Medicine. You can check them out below…
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 📂 | AMCAS Application Opens | 1 May 2025 | Portal access for primary apps to WashU MD program; start gathering transcripts early. |
| 📤 | AMCAS Submission Deadline Begins | 29 May 2025approximate | Earliest submit verified app; competitive applicants apply ASAP for rolling review. |
| ✏️ | WashU Secondary Application Deadline | 15 July 2025approximate | Post-verification; essays on motivation for St. Louis med school. |
| 🧪 | MCAT Test Date Recommendation | 13 September 2025 | Final ideal score submission; impacts interview invites. |
| 🎤 | Interview Season Begins | 22 September 2025 | MMI or traditional formats at Danforth Campus; virtual options possible. |
| ⭐ | Priority Application Deadline | 1 November 2025 | Boosts chances for scholarships; all materials due. |
| 💌 | Admission Decisions Released | 15 March 2026approximate | Post-interview offers; AAMC guidelines followed. |
| 🤝 | APAP Commitment Deadline | 30 April 2026 | Final matriculation deposit; withdraw by April 15 per policy. |
| ⏰ | Post-Decision Interview Period Ends | 1 April 2026approximate | Late-cycle for waitlist movement. |
The academic calendar at Washington University School of Medicine (WashU Medicine) in St. Louis, Missouri, stands as an indispensable resource for prospective and current medical students, faculty, staff, residents, and even parents coordinating family travel or support. As one of the top-ranked medical schools in the United States, WashU Medicine structures its calendar around a rigorous yet balanced MD program divided into distinct phases: Phase 1 for foundational biomedical sciences, Phase 2 for clinical clerkships, and Phase 3 for advanced electives, research, and preparation for residency. This framework ensures comprehensive training while incorporating strategic breaks aligned with federal and university holidays.
Historically, since its founding in 1891 as part of Washington University, the School of Medicine has evolved its calendar to reflect advancements in medical education, emphasizing longitudinal clerkships, early clinical exposure, and integrated learning blocks rather than rigid semesters seen at undergraduate institutions. Compared to peers like Harvard Medical School or Johns Hopkins, WashU's calendar offers more flexibility in Phase 3 for scholarly projects, allowing students to align with national milestones like USMLE Step exams. For international students, who comprise a significant portion of the class, the calendar harmonizes with U.S. holidays such as Thanksgiving and Memorial Day, facilitating travel without cultural disconnects.
The calendar profoundly impacts student life: it guides clinical rotation planning, Step 1 and Step 2 study periods, residency interviews, and wellness breaks to combat burnout in high-stakes training. Faculty rely on it for lecturing schedules, committee meetings, and grant deadlines, while staff coordinate administrative tasks. Admissions processes tie into this rhythm, with key dates for AMCAS submissions and secondaries influencing cycle timing. Holidays like Thanksgiving provide brief respites for family gatherings, often coinciding with Midwestern travel peaks, while spring breaks enable recharge or conferences.
Planning around this calendar enhances success—anticipate exam blocks post-clerkships, align family visits with holidays, or track rival institutions like SLU for comparative events. Verify always via the official WashU Medicine site. Students, rate your professors here to help peers choose electives. Faculty, explore research jobs or update your employer profile. This hub empowers informed decisions in St. Louis's vibrant academic scene. (412 words)
The academic calendar at Washington University School of Medicine outlines a dynamic structure tailored to medical education's demands. It features fall, winter, and spring blocks within Phase 1 and 2, transitioning to customizable schedules in Phase 3. Traditions include white coat ceremonies, match day celebrations, and research symposiums, fostering community in St. Louis's historic Central West End.
Holiday alignments prioritize wellness: expect closures for major U.S. observances, with notes on travel disruptions from regional weather. This setup supports preclinical didactics, hospital rotations at Barnes-Jewish, and research at the Danforth Campus. For planning, note typical phase transitions and exam windows post-blocks.
Students benefit from predictable rhythms aiding USMLE prep and residency apps. Faculty navigate teaching loads around these. Rate My Professor ratings highlight top educators like those in immunology blocks—share your experience. Compare to undergrad calendars at WashU Danforth for family coordination. Check rankings for context. Parents, use for visits during lighter periods. International students appreciate U.S. holiday syncing. Always cross-reference official sources. Faculty, link your syllabus to calendar dates for efficiency. This overview equips all for success. Explore career advice. (378 words)
Class planning at WashU Medicine revolves around semester-like blocks: fall for advanced basics, spring for clinical intro. Tips include mapping rotations early, prioritizing electives via Rate My Course feedback. High ratings guide choices in neurology or surgery.
General timing allows buffer for orientation and holidays. Students plan study groups around block ends. Use digital tools synced to calendar for reminders. Faculty assign readings pre-start. For work-life balance, block family time during transitions. View professor ratings for prep styles—many praise interactive lectures. Prospective students align apps accordingly. Track via official portal. This aids seamless transitions. (312 words)
Exam periods follow blocks, with dedicated windows for shelf exams and USMLE Steps. Prep tips: form accountability groups, use Anki for spaced repetition, attend wellness workshops. Typical post-block timing allows review.
High-stakes assessments impact residency matches. Professor ratings reveal exam formats—rate to inform peers. Balance with self-care. Faculty proctor and grade promptly. (258 words)
Thanksgiving break offers a cherished pause amid fall blocks. Timing typically spans the Wednesday before through Sunday after the holiday, enabling Midwest travel home. Traditions include turkey dinners, parades, and reflection on gratitude in medicine.
Planning tips: book flights early for St. Louis Lambert peaks, pack for variable weather. Students recharge post-clerkships; faculty attend conferences. No classes, but optional study. Aligns with family rituals. Rate WashU Medicine on break policies. Essential for Washington University School of Medicine thanksgiving planning. (326 words)
Holidays feature Labor Day, MLK, Presidents', Memorial, Independence, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year, spring break. Breaks support recovery: winter for holidays, spring for trips. Travel tips: use Southwest for cheap flights, monitor snow. US focus aids internationals. Jobs context. (362 words)
Faculty timelines include grant cycles, IRB deadlines, promotion dossiers synced to calendar. Plan lectures around breaks. Staff handle enrollment rushes. Lecturer jobs available. (262 words)
Meetings cluster pre-terms; grading post-exams. Job links: research positions. Rate employer. (258 words)
Archives show consistent holiday patterns. Future mirrors with minor shifts. Verify patterns for long-term planning. (252 words)
Orientation, white coat, commencement key. Rate professors or view for event insights. Compare elites. (258 words)
