There are 5 stages of applying to medical school. The initial stage being the AMCAS application or primary application. Followed, oddly logically enough by the secondary application. Then the interview, which is arguably the most crucial & subjective part of the process. Followed by being wait listed, on hold until the eventual & hopeful acceptance!
The whole process starts as one embarks on either an allopathic vs. osteopathic route or both. The AMCAS is the universal application for the majority of LCME medical schools, vs. the AACOMAS for osteopaths. If you've passed their initial screen and the schools are interested further, they will mail you a secondary application. Be forewarned though, most private institutions will mail you secondary applications regardless of their genuine interest in you as for them, the application process is a lucrative process, normally asking for $100 in application fees in conjunction with the application. State schools, which are federally subsidized do not do this as they are not for profit entities, but simply in the business to produce competent, honest & ideally ethical physicians.
If you've impressed them enough with your secondary application, then you may be fortunate enough to be granted an interview. Congratulations!! Statistically, one has a 50/50 chance of acceptance once interviewed and more importantly, they want to get to know you as a person, applicant and prospective physician. Your academics are no longer as important as they're confident in your academic ability, but they want to get to know you personally, see what it is that makes you tick and more importantly, your interpersonal skills.
