What Is The AMCAS?
The American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) is a centralized, online application that is used by first-year applicants to medical schools in the United States. The AMCAS makes the process of applying to medical school easier because you can apply for multiple medical schools and submit just one set of application materials. Instead of sending multiple application materials to colleges, you submit only one set.1
When To Submit AMCAS
Each medical school determines its own AMCAS deadline. So, to figure out what the AMCAS deadline is for the school that you are applying to, you will need to check out the school’s specific website for information. We recommend that you submit your primary application as early as possible.
Your AMCAS application can be submitted either before or after AMCAS receives your official transcripts and letters of evaluation.
Tip: Check to see if you are eligible for the AAMC Fee Assistance Program (FAP) before beginning your application. To receive fee assistance, you must wait to receive a decision before submitting your AMCAS application.
What Things Does The AMCAS Application Include?
It is a good idea to get organized and gather all of the information that you will need well in advance. Here is a list of things that you will need to include on your AMCAS application.
Identifying information – This includes basic identifying information, such as your name, date of birth and sex.
Schools attended – You’ll need a list of all schools attended even if you did not earn credit or withdrew before completing a degree.
Transcripts – Your transcripts from each school are required. You’ll need to obtain a transcript from every single post-secondary school or institution where you took at least one course. Make sure you use the AMCAS Transcript Request Form.
Biographic information – This includes your address, citizenship information and legal residence. You’ll also be asked questions about your childhood and how you paid for college.
Military service – If you have ever served in the military, then you will need to include information about it here. You will be asked if you are currently active-duty. If you were discharged, you would answer questions about your discharge here.
Criminal history – You’ll also have to list any misdemeanors and felonies in this section. In some states, speeding tickets are considered to be misdemeanors.
Coursework – You will need to list all academic work — even if you did not earn credits for them. If you took courses at colleges overseas, then you should include them in this section. Also, the classes that you took in high school and received college credits should be included. It is recommended that you have your official transcripts handy to complete this section. Omissions and incorrect information can significantly delay your application so make sure you pay extra attention and include all of your coursework.
Work and Activities – List any significant work or activities in this section. Highlight your awards, honors, extracurricular activities, and relevant work experience. Choose things that you are personally passionate about and are meaningful to you.
Letters of Evaluation – In this section, you will indicate who will be writing letters on your behalf. The letters should highlight your strengths and qualities that make you a great applicant for medical school.
Medical Schools – Here you will list the medical schools that you are applying to. Make sure you do your research and become very familiar with each school on your list. What are the admission requirements? Why do you think school is a good fit for you? Are you not sure if the school is a good fit? If this is the case, then check out the mission statement. It will help you understand what that particular medical school is looking for in students.
Personal Statement – You will be required to submit a personal essay. The purpose of the task is to distinguish yourself from other applicants. Your essay is critical. It separates you from all the other applicants. So, it should be personal and authentic. Began drafting your essay early to allow time for multiple revisions.
Standardized Tests – In this section, you will list all MCAT exams that you have taken. You will also include information about other standardized tests that you have taken here.
Certification and Submission– After you complete your application, you will have to certify a set of statements verifying that everything is true and accurate.
What Happens After I Submit My Application?
After you submit your application — and your official transcripts are submitted, your application will enter the verification queue. At this point, your ability to edit your application is limited. Once you submit your application, your experience, essays, and coursework cannot be added to, modified or removed. Therefore, you should proofread and review your AMCAS app carefully before submission.
Verification can take up to six weeks to be completed so it always best to apply as early as possible. In the meantime, you should carefully monitor your application status after submission. Make sure that AMCAS receives your official transcripts and other information.
As you can see, gaining acceptance to top medical schools in the United States is a long and difficult process. You may be interested in what we do. Alumni of our programs receive personalized medical school admissions consulting services which can help you gain an advantage over the competition. Our experienced consultants and physician advisors can help you create a medical school application that will get attention. Visit our website to learn more about International Medical Aid’s pre-med internships and study abroad programs and how we can help you get accepted into medical school.
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