Third-Year Student Information
Congratulations on reaching this milestone in your medical education! The third year marks the beginning of your clinical journey, where you’ll apply the knowledge gained in the classroom to real-world patient care. During this year, you’ll complete core clerkships across various specialties, participate in hands-on clinical experiences, and take the next steps toward becoming a practicing physician.
This page provides key information on the structure of your third year, class-specific scheduling details, resources for navigating the clerkship lottery process, and key information about the USMLE Step 1 exam. Be sure to review these guidelines and timelines carefully to ensure a smooth transition into this critical phase of your training.
Structure of the 3rd Year
Third-year medical education follows a standardized structure across U.S. medical schools. Core clerkships consist of clinical experiences and didactics. Each clerkship concludes with a Shelf exam.
At our school, we use a Block calendar where start and end dates are the same for all students. The year is divided into rotations of 4, 6, and 8 weeks over 48 weeks.
Core Clerkships and Selectives:
These are assigned by a lottery system and include:
- 7 Core Clerkships:
- Medicine (8 weeks)
- Surgery (8 weeks)
- Family Medicine (6 weeks)
- OB/GYN (6 weeks)
- Pediatrics (6 weeks)
- Psychiatry (6 weeks)
- Neurology (4 weeks)
- 1 Selective: Students can choose from Radiology, Emergency Medicine, or Research.
Block Numbers and Durations:
- 6-week Blocks (1-8): Family Medicine, OB/GYN, Pediatrics, Psychiatry
- 8-week Blocks (A-F): Medicine, Surgery
- 4-week Blocks (I-T): Neurology, Selectives (Radiology, Emergency Medicine, Research)
Click the appropriate link below to find specific instructions on the Third Year lottery process, as well as links and resources specific to your class:
Class of 2026 Third Year Clerkship Scheduling Information
Class of 2027 Third Year Clerkship Scheduling Information
USMLE Step 1 Exam
All students must sit for the USMLE Step 1 exam before the start of their third year. While a score is not required to begin clerkships, students who do not pass on their first attempt will either need to step out of their first rotation, or drop their second rotation to retake the exam.
How to Apply and Schedule the Step 1 Exam
Information About Delaying Clerkships
Resources
Third Year Selective Descriptions
Third Year Personal Days & Time Off Policy
How to Request a Third Year Schedule Change