AMCAS is a centralized medical school application system that allows students to apply to multiple medical schools. Here are some tips to understanding AMCAS.
Student who aspire to become a Physician and attend a US medical school, know all too well the competition they face. In Fall 2019, the average acceptance rate to a ranked institution was 6.7% (US News and World Report). With competition so tight, applicants need to be thoughtful about how to accurately navigate the AMCAS application process.
Important to note, some medical schools do not accept AMCAS applications. Osteopathic medical schools (DO) ask applicants to apply using AACOMAS, American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service. Medical schools in the state of Texas ask applicants to apply using TMDSAS, Texas Medical and Dental School Application Service.
Knowledge is power. Understanding AMCAS is crucial. AMCAS is a centralized medical school application system designed by the Association of American Medical Colleges. AMCAS allows students the ability to apply to several medical schools with one common application. AMCAS is a nonprofit coalition of US medical schools and teaching hospitals.
Overview of the AMCAS Application
An AMCAS application has 9 parts.
Section 1- The applicant provides basic background information like their name, DOB and other identifying information.
Section 2- The applicant provides background information about the schools he/she/they attended including every postsecondary institution.
Section 3- The applicant provides biographical information, including citizenship status, criminal history, languages spoken and military service.
Section 4- The applicant is required to provide detailed account of postsecondary classes, grades received in those classes, any withdrawals or incompletes. This information is used to calculate the applicant’s official GPA.
Section 5- The applicant describes their jobs and extracurricular activities and highlights their most meaningful experiences. This is the portion of the application where the applicant can mention any honors, awards or publications.
Section 6- The applicant identifies who will be writing their letters of recommendation.
Section 7- The applicant names the medical schools where they plan to send their application, specifically whether they are applying for a standard M.D. program or a dual-degree program, indicate whether they are applying for early decision, and declare if they deferred an admission offer in a prior application year.
Section 8- The essay portion of the application. All applicants must write a personal statement essay. M.D.- Ph.D. applicants are required to write two additional essays. One about why they choose a dual-degree program and the other describes their academic research.
Section 9- The applicant provides their MCAT scores. Students are permitted to take the MCAT up to seven times. Any score earned since 2003 must be included.
When to Submit Your AMCAS Application and How to Meet AMCAS Deadlines
AMCAS deadlines vary depending on the medical school. Deadlines usually range from October 15 to December 1. Some medical schools are earlier and some later. It is important to note that applicants who submit their AMCAS application in the summer have a significant edge over students who apply later because there are more interview slots available for summer applicants.
Creating a Unique and Interesting AMCAS Application
There are three sections on the AMCAS application where an applicant can convey their personality and what makes him/her unique. First, the work and activities section. Second, the letters of recommendation. Third, the essays. However, the applicant has no control or knowledge over what their letters of recommendation convey. Therefore, the essays and activities are critical and need to be impactful. How an applicant spends their time outside of academia, will dictate how interesting he or she comes across to the admissions audience.
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