Key terms and acronyms every pre-med student should know.
The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine represents osteopathic medical schools and operates AACOMAS. Similar to AAMC for MD programs, AACOM provides resources for DO school applicants, publishes data about osteopathic medical education, and advocates for the osteopathic profession. Their website offers information about DO schools and the application process.
The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service is the centralized application system for DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) programs. Similar to AMCAS for MD schools, AACOMAS collects transcripts, test scores, experiences, and essays, then distributes them to selected osteopathic medical schools. The application process and timeline are similar to AMCAS.
The Association of American Medical Colleges is a nonprofit organization representing all MD-granting medical schools in the United States and Canada, plus teaching hospitals and academic medical societies. AAMC administers the MCAT, operates AMCAS, publishes data about medical education, and sets policies like traffic rules. The AAMC website provides valuable resources for applicants including school information, statistics, and application guidance.
Standardized application cycle: opens June 1, rolling admissions July-August, interviews August-March, decisions by April 30. Most US applicants complete cycle June-August.
An offer of admission to medical school. Acceptances may come with conditions like completing prerequisite courses or maintaining academic standing. You can hold multiple acceptances but must narrow to three by April 30th and one by April 30th of the subsequent year. Receiving an acceptance is a major achievement, representing years of preparation and dedication.
Percentage of applicants who receive offers of admission. Calculated as (matriculated students / total applicants) × 100. Varies widely by school (2-50%).
Traditional or conventional medicine practiced by MD physicians, focused on treating disease with medications, surgery, and other interventions. Most U.S. medical schools grant MD degrees and are allopathic programs. The term distinguishes conventional medical practice from osteopathic medicine, though in practice both MDs and DOs use similar treatment approaches.
The American Medical College Application Service is the centralized application platform used by most U.S. MD-granting medical schools. AMCAS collects academic records, test scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement, then distributes this information to designated schools. Applicants typically submit their AMCAS application in early June, and the service verifies transcripts and course work before forwarding applications to schools.
The year-long period of applying to and being evaluated by medical schools. Applications open in early May, primaries are submitted beginning in June, secondaries arrive July-September, interviews occur September-April, and decisions are finalized by spring. Most applicants apply the summer after junior year for matriculation the following fall (about 15 months later). Understanding the timeline is crucial for maximizing success.
The process by which AMCAS or AACOMAS reviews and confirms all course work, grades, and credits listed on your application against official transcripts. This typically takes 2-6 weeks during peak season. Applications are not forwarded to medical schools until verification is complete, so early submission is crucial to avoid delays in the competitive admissions timeline.
Certification by specialty board (e.g., American Board of Internal Medicine) demonstrating competency. Requires passing exam after residency training. Enhances credibility and practice opportunities.
Combined bachelor's and medical degree programs offering conditional acceptance to medical school directly from high school. Programs range from 6-8 years and reduce traditional application stress. However, they require early commitment to medicine and may limit exploration of other interests. BS/MD programs are highly competitive, typically requiring exceptional academic credentials and clear motivation for medicine at a young age.
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills is one of four sections of the MCAT, focused entirely on reading comprehension and critical thinking without requiring specific science knowledge. CARS presents passages from humanities and social sciences disciplines, testing your ability to understand, analyze, and evaluate complex textual information. Many applicants find CARS challenging, and it's often considered important by admissions committees.
Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics is an online situational judgment test used by many medical schools to assess non-cognitive skills like professionalism, ethics, and interpersonal abilities. The test presents video-based scenarios followed by open-ended questions you answer via typed responses. Scores are sent directly to schools and cannot be viewed by test-takers.
The evaluation of applicants' professional behavior, integrity, and ethical standing. All medical schools assess character and fitness through questions about institutional actions, criminal history, and professionalism. Background checks verify information. Issues must be disclosed honestly; lying is worse than the underlying issue. Strong explanations emphasizing growth and lessons learned can help overcome past mistakes.
An AAMC traffic rules requirement where accepted applicants must reduce their acceptances to one school by the end of April. This system ensures spots open up for waitlisted applicants. Schools monitor the Choose Your Medical School tool to see which accepted students have committed, helping them manage their class composition and extend offers to waitlisted candidates.
Direct exposure to patient care in healthcare settings, considered essential for medical school applicants. Clinical experience demonstrates your understanding of what physicians do and confirms your commitment to medicine. This includes activities like volunteering in hospitals, working as an EMT, medical assistant, scribe, or CNA, and shadowing physicians. Most competitive applicants have hundreds of hours of direct patient contact.
Required clerkships during the third and fourth years of medical school where students work in hospitals and clinics caring for patients under supervision. Core rotations typically include internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics/gynecology, psychiatry, and family medicine. Rotations provide hands-on experience in different specialties, helping students develop clinical skills and determine career interests. Performance on rotations significantly impacts residency applications.
Also called a committee letter of recommendation, this is a comprehensive evaluation written by an undergraduate institution's pre-medical advisory committee. The committee letter synthesizes input from multiple faculty members and addresses your academic performance, personal qualities, and readiness for medical school. Many schools require committee letters when available at your undergraduate institution. Committee letters typically provide more weight than individual letters.
The core skills and attributes that medical schools seek in applicants, as defined by the AAMC. These include pre-professional competencies (service orientation, social skills, cultural competence, teamwork, oral/written communication, resilience) and thinking/reasoning competencies (critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, scientific inquiry, written communication). Successful applicants demonstrate these competencies through their experiences and application materials.
The status when a medical school has received all required application materials including primary application, secondary application, letters of recommendation, and any additional requirements. Only complete applications enter the review process. You can track completion status in individual school portals. Some schools review applications as materials arrive (rolling) while others wait until complete.
Total estimated cost including tuition, fees, room & board, books, equipment. Schools publish COA to determine financial aid packages. Varies by school and student circumstances.
School's educational approach: traditional (preclinical didactic + clinical rotations), problem-based learning, systems-based, integrated, or competency-based. Varies by school.
Dental Admission Test. Standardized test required for dental school admission, similar to the MCAT but designed specifically for dental programs.
Ratio of medical school debt to physician income. Important consideration when choosing schools. Physician salary ~$200-500K depending on specialty, but debt can exceed $300K.
Evidence showing genuine interest in a specific school. Includes school visit, attending events, mentioning school in essays/interviews. Helps with admissions decisions at some schools.
A designation in AMCAS where applicants can indicate they grew up in an environment with significant financial hardship that limited opportunities for preparing for medical school. Factors include family income, neighborhood, educational environment, and adverse social conditions. Checking this box requires a 1,325-character essay explaining circumstances. Disadvantaged status is considered in holistic review and may qualify you for fee assistance programs.
Programs allowing undergraduate students to apply to their home institution's medical school early (typically sophomore or junior year) and receive conditional acceptance. Students who gain early assurance know they have a medical school spot, reducing stress during remaining undergraduate years. Requirements vary but typically include maintaining GPA thresholds and completing prerequisites. These programs are usually only available to students attending institutions with medical schools.
Early Decision. Some schools offer ED agreements where applicant commits to attending if accepted. Usually binding. Schools use ED to fill percentage of class early.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the form used to determine eligibility for federal financial aid including loans, grants, and work-study. Medical students must complete FAFSA annually to access federal student loans. Most medical students rely heavily on federal loans to finance their education. FAFSA becomes available October 1st each year, and early completion is recommended.
AAMC's program providing financial support for economically disadvantaged applicants. Benefits include reduced MCAT registration fees, free MCAT prep materials, AMCAS fee waivers, and free access to AAMC resources. Eligibility is based on family income and size. The program significantly reduces the financial burden of applying to medical school. Students should apply for FAP as soon as they're considering medical school.
Assistance covering education costs through grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study. Awarded based on FAFSA (federal) and school-specific financial aid forms.
Students whose parents or guardians did not complete a four-year college degree. First-generation status is considered in holistic admissions review as it often correlates with unique challenges in navigating higher education and the medical school application process. Medical schools value first-generation students for bringing diverse perspectives and demonstrating resilience and initiative.
Taking one or more years between completing undergraduate studies and starting medical school. Gap years are increasingly common, with about 60% of matriculants taking at least one. This time can strengthen applications through full-time clinical work, research positions, post-bacc programs, or meaningful experiences. Schools view productive gap years positively as they often result in more mature, well-prepared students.
Grade Point Average is the cumulative measure of academic performance calculated on a 4.0 scale. Medical school applicants report both their cumulative GPA (all college coursework) and their science GPA (BCPM courses). Competitive applicants typically have GPAs above 3.5, though successful applicants exist across a range. Strong upward grade trends can offset lower early grades.
A policy at some undergraduate institutions allowing students who retake a course to have only the higher grade count toward their institutional GPA. However, AMCAS and AACOMAS count all attempts when calculating GPA for medical school applications, so retaking courses provides limited benefit for application purposes unless the school has specific grade replacement policies.
A status indicating your application is still under consideration but a decision has been deferred. Being placed on hold means you haven't been rejected, but the school wants to see more of the applicant pool before making a final decision. You may be asked to provide updates or additional materials. Some schools use holds extensively while others rarely place applicants in this category.
An admissions approach that considers the whole applicant beyond metrics like GPA and MCAT scores. Holistic review assesses experiences, attributes, and demographics in the context of opportunities and obstacles faced. This includes examining clinical experience, research, service, leadership, mission fit, life experiences, and personal qualities. Most medical schools use holistic review to build diverse, well-rounded classes rather than admitting solely based on numbers.
The residency status of applicants relative to a medical school's location. Public medical schools receive state funding and typically give strong preference to in-state residents, with some schools accepting few or no out-of-state applicants. In-state tuition is significantly lower than out-of-state. Private schools generally don't distinguish between in-state and out-of-state applicants. Understanding your state's public schools and their out-of-state policies is crucial for building a realistic school list.
The final stage of medical school admissions where selected candidates meet with faculty, students, or admissions staff to assess fit and interpersonal skills. Interviews evaluate communication abilities, professionalism, motivation, and personal qualities that don't emerge from written applications. Receiving an interview invitation is a significant achievement, as most schools interview only 10-25% of applicants. Interview performance often determines final acceptance decisions.
Period when schools conduct admissions interviews. US schools typically interview July-March with most activity in fall. Invitations come 2-8 weeks after application verification.
The structured visit to medical schools that includes your interview plus other activities like campus tours, student panels, financial aid presentations, and lunch with current students. Interview days provide opportunities to learn about the school's culture, curriculum, and community beyond the interview itself. Pay attention to how you feel on campus and use the day to assess fit from your perspective too.
Status indicating you've completed your interview at a school and are awaiting a final decision (acceptance, waitlist, or rejection). After interviewing, decisions can come within days or months depending on the school and timing. Some schools make immediate post-interview decisions while others hold committee meetings to review all interviewed candidates together. The waiting period after interviewing is often stressful.
The written or numeric evaluation completed by interviewers after meeting with candidates. Feedback typically assesses communication skills, professionalism, motivation, and overall impression. Some schools use structured rubrics while others provide narrative assessments. This feedback, combined with your academic credentials and application materials, informs the admissions committee's final decision.
The series of interviews an applicant attends across different medical schools during the application cycle. The interview trail involves significant travel, time, and expense. Many applicants attend 5-15 interviews, scheduling them efficiently to minimize costs. Virtual interviews have reduced the burden, but in-person interviews remain at many schools. Tracking interview impressions helps inform final school choice when holding multiple acceptances.
Experiences demonstrating your ability to motivate others, take initiative, and effect positive change. Leadership roles can include formal positions in organizations, starting initiatives, mentoring others, or taking charge of projects. Medical schools value leadership because physicians often coordinate teams and advocate for patients and communities. Quality matters more than quantity; one meaningful leadership role is better than multiple superficial titles.
A communication sent to a medical school (typically while waitlisted or deferred) expressing that it is your top choice and you will absolutely attend if accepted. Letters of intent should only be sent to one school at a time and include genuine reasons for fit with that specific program. They can strengthen your application by demonstrating commitment, but should be sent strategically and sincerely.
Written evaluations from professors, physicians, research mentors, or other supervisors that support your medical school application. Most schools require 2-5 letters, typically including science professors and physicians who can speak to your abilities and character. Strong letters include specific examples and come from people who know you well. Generic letters hurt more than they help. Request letters early and provide recommenders with your CV and personal statement.
AMCAS requires 3+ letters from science professors, physicians, advisors. Schools evaluate evaluator credibility, content, and how well recommender knows applicant.
A simple metric for estimating competitiveness calculated as: (GPA x 10) + MCAT score. For example, a 3.7 GPA and 514 MCAT yields a LizzyM of 51.0. Higher scores generally correlate with higher-tier school competitiveness. Named after an SDN moderator, the LizzyM provides a quick assessment of academic credentials relative to school medians. However, it doesn't account for the many non-academic factors in holistic admissions.
The National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) that pairs fourth-year medical students with residency programs through a computerized algorithm. Students rank programs in order of preference, programs rank applicants, and the algorithm creates optimal matches. Match Day in March is when students learn their residency placement. The Match has a high success rate, with over 90% of U.S. MD seniors matching to their preferred specialty.
Day when fourth-year medical students simultaneously learn residency placement results. Traditionally in March. Applicants rank programs, programs rank candidates; algorithm determines matches.
The formal enrollment in and beginning of medical school. Matriculation typically occurs in late July or August, marking the start of your MD or DO training. Between acceptance and matriculation, you may need to complete additional requirements like background checks, immunizations, drug screening, and orientation activities. Matriculation is the culmination of years of preparation and the beginning of your medical education journey.
The Medical College Admission Test is a standardized computer-based exam required for admission to most U.S. medical schools. The 7.5-hour test assesses critical thinking, problem-solving, and knowledge of natural, behavioral, and social science concepts. Scored from 472-528, with section scores for Chemical and Physical Foundations (Chem/Phys), Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS), Biological and Biochemical Foundations (Bio/Biochem), and Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior (Psych/Soc). The median matriculant score is approximately 511.
Dual degree program integrating medical school with PhD research training. 6-8 years total. Prepares physicians for academic careers in research and medicine.
Combined degree programs training physician-scientists who conduct biomedical research and practice medicine. Most MD/PhD programs take 7-8 years and are funded through NIH Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) grants or institutional funding, covering tuition and providing stipends. These programs are highly competitive and seek applicants with extensive research experience. Graduates typically pursue careers in academic medicine, leading research labs while maintaining clinical practices.
The two types of physicians in the United States. MD (Doctor of Medicine) and DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) are both fully licensed physicians who can practice all specialties. The main difference is that DO training includes osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) and emphasizes a holistic approach. Both degrees require four years of medical school, residency training, and passing similar licensing exams. Both can practice in all 50 states.
The alignment between an applicant's background, values, experiences, and career goals with a medical school's stated mission and priorities. Schools may emphasize research, primary care, rural medicine, serving underserved populations, or other focus areas. Demonstrating genuine mission fit in your application and interview significantly strengthens your candidacy. Research each school's mission and articulate specific connections to your story.
Multiple Mini Interview format consists of 6-10 short, timed stations (typically 5-8 minutes each) where applicants respond to scenarios or questions. Each station has a different interviewer and prompt, testing various competencies like ethical reasoning, communication, and problem-solving. MMI is designed to reduce bias and provide a more comprehensive assessment than traditional interviews. Stations may include role-play, ethical dilemmas, or collaborative tasks.
Practice interviews conducted to prepare for real medical school interviews. Mock interviews help you practice articulating your story, answering common questions, and receiving feedback on communication style and content. Many pre-med offices, advisors, or physicians offer mock interviews. Video recording yourself is also valuable for self-assessment. Adequate practice significantly improves interview performance and confidence.
Three experiences from your Work and Activities section that you designate as most significant to your development. You receive 1,325 additional characters per experience to reflect on why it was meaningful and what you learned. These entries should showcase transformative experiences that shaped your understanding of medicine, yourself, or communities you serve. Choose experiences that tell your unique story.
Medical School Admission Requirements. Official AAMC publication providing detailed admissions data, prerequisites, and information for all accredited US MD programs.
Applicants who don't follow the typical path of attending medical school immediately or shortly after completing undergraduate studies. This includes career changers, applicants with advanced degrees in other fields, those with significant post-college work experience, or those applying after many years. Non-traditional applicants bring valuable life experience and diverse perspectives. Many schools explicitly welcome non-traditional candidates.
A branch of medicine practiced by DO physicians that includes all conventional medical treatments plus osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). Osteopathic philosophy emphasizes treating the whole person and the body's natural ability to heal. DO schools teach the same core medical curriculum as MD schools plus additional training in OMT. About 25% of U.S. medical students attend osteopathic schools.
A grading system where students receive pass or fail marks rather than letter grades. Many medical schools have shifted to pass/fail for preclinical years to reduce competition and promote collaborative learning. Some schools use pass/fail throughout all four years, while others use tiered systems (Honors/Pass/Fail) for clinical years. Pass/fail systems aim to reduce stress and support student well-being.
The primary essay included in medical school applications, limited to 5,300 characters in AMCAS. This narrative should articulate why you want to become a physician, key experiences that shaped your path, and what you'll bring to the profession. Strong personal statements tell a compelling story with specific examples and genuine reflection rather than generic statements about wanting to help people.
Post-baccalaureate programs are structured academic programs for students who need to complete medical school prerequisites, improve their GPA, or enhance their academic credentials after completing a bachelor's degree. Career-changer post-baccs help students with non-science degrees complete prerequisites; record-enhancing post-baccs help students with lower GPAs demonstrate academic excellence. Programs vary from informal to formal linkage programs offering conditional medical school acceptance.
A status some schools use indicating your application is complete and being considered but no interview invitation is being extended at the current time. Pre-interview holds typically mean the school wants to see more of the applicant pool before deciding on interviews. You may be invited to interview later in the cycle if spots open up, or you may be rejected without an interview. This status requires patience and continued communication.
Programs or activities offered by medical schools for accepted students before officially starting. These may include optional science review courses, study skills workshops, early arrival programs, or summer enrichment for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Prematriculation programs help students prepare academically and socially, build community, and ease the transition to medical school. Participation is often beneficial, especially for students with weaker science backgrounds.
A college or university staff member who provides guidance to students pursuing medical careers. Pre-med advisors help with course selection, timeline planning, building competitive applications, and navigating the admissions process. They often coordinate committee letters and connect students with opportunities. Establishing a relationship with your pre-med advisor early in undergraduate years maximizes support.
Required or recommended undergraduate courses that medical schools expect applicants to complete before matriculation. Traditional prerequisites include biology, general and organic chemistry, physics, mathematics, and English. Many schools now also require or recommend biochemistry, statistics, psychology, and sociology. Requirements vary by school, so research specific school requirements early in your undergraduate career.
Professional Readiness Exam is a newer assessment from the AAMC that evaluates pre-professional competencies and personal attributes important for medical school success. Unlike the MCAT's focus on academic knowledge, PREview tests situational judgment, interpersonal skills, and cultural competence through scenario-based questions. A growing number of schools are requiring or recommending PREview.
The initial comprehensive application submitted through AMCAS, AACOMAS, or TMDSAS containing biographical information, academic history, MCAT scores, work and activities list, and a personal statement. All applicants to a given school receive the same primary application questions. Schools screen primary applications to determine which applicants will receive secondary applications.
Specialty focused on general patient care: family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics. Schools emphasize primary care through mission, curriculum, rural training, and community partnerships.
Medical schools with missions emphasizing training physicians for primary care specialties (family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics) and addressing healthcare shortages. These schools often value applicants with experience in underserved communities, rural health, or public health. Programs may include required rotations in rural areas or community health centers and may offer debt forgiveness for graduates entering primary care.
Also PBL, an educational approach where students learn through working in small groups to solve patient cases and clinical problems. Rather than traditional lectures, PBL uses cases to drive learning of medical knowledge. Students identify learning issues, research topics independently, and teach peers. PBL emphasizes active learning, clinical reasoning, and teamwork. Some schools use PBL exclusively while others blend it with traditional lectures.
Someone applying to medical school for a second (or more) time after previous unsuccessful cycles. About 40% of applicants are reapplicants. Successful reapplication requires significant improvements: stronger MCAT scores, additional experiences, better application strategy, or improved interview skills. Schools can see previous applications, so addressing weaknesses explicitly in the reapplication is important. Many successful physicians were reapplicants.
Warning signs in applications that concern admissions committees and may lead to rejection. Common red flags include institutional actions (academic dishonesty, professionalism issues), criminal records, unexplained gaps in education, inconsistent information, lack of clinical experience, poor communication skills, or unprofessional behavior. Some red flags can be overcome with strong explanations and demonstrated growth, while others are more serious.
A final decision that a school will not offer you admission for that application cycle. Rejections can occur at various stages: after primary application, after secondary application, after interview, or from the waitlist. While disappointing, rejections are part of the process for most applicants. Receiving rejections doesn't mean you can't become a physician; many successful physicians were rejected multiple times.
Participation in medical, scientific, or clinical research. Can range from bench research to clinical trials. Publications strengthen applications, especially for research-focused schools.
Participation in scientific investigation, which can include laboratory research, clinical trials, public health studies, or social science research. Research experience demonstrates critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and understanding of how medical knowledge advances. While not strictly required by all schools, research is highly valued, especially at research-intensive institutions. Quality and depth matter more than quantity; meaningful engagement with a project is more valuable than superficial involvement.
Medical schools with major emphasis on biomedical research, typically receiving substantial NIH funding and offering extensive research opportunities. These schools often seek applicants with strong research experience and interest in academic medicine. Examples include many top-ranked schools. Research-intensive schools may be ideal for students interested in MD/PhD programs or academic careers but still train excellent clinicians.
Post-medical school training in specialty field. 3-7 years depending on specialty. Physicians must match into residency through NRMP (National Resident Matching Program) for position.
An admissions process where applications are reviewed and decisions are made continuously as applications are received rather than waiting until a deadline to review all applications together. Most medical schools use rolling admissions, making early submission advantageous. Interview invitations and acceptances are extended throughout the cycle, with more spots available early on. Applying early significantly improves admission chances.
The strategic selection of medical schools to which you apply. A balanced school list includes reach schools (where your stats are below average), target schools (where your stats match), and safety schools (where your stats exceed averages). Consider mission fit, in-state vs out-of-state policies, geographic preferences, and program characteristics. Most applicants apply to 15-25 MD schools and/or 10-20 DO schools. A well-researched school list is crucial for success.
Supplemental essay questions unique to each medical school's secondary application. These prompts vary widely, asking about experiences, diversity contributions, challenges overcome, research interests, or why their specific program. Strong school-specific essays demonstrate genuine knowledge of the school and articulate clear fit. Generic responses are obvious and detrimental. Research each school thoroughly before writing secondaries.
Also called BCPM GPA, this is the grade point average calculated exclusively from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics courses. AMCAS automatically calculates this from your transcripts. Science GPA is scrutinized heavily by admissions committees as an indicator of readiness for medical school's rigorous science curriculum. A strong science GPA demonstrates your ability to handle advanced biomedical coursework.
Student Doctor Network is a popular online forum and community for pre-medical and medical students. SDN features school-specific threads, interview feedback, admissions advice, and discussion forums. While SDN provides valuable peer insights and real-time application tracking, information quality varies and the community can sometimes be neurotic or negative. Use SDN as one resource among many, not your sole source of information.
School-specific supplemental applications sent to candidates after primary application screening. Secondaries typically include additional essay questions unique to each institution, asking about experiences, motivations, or fit with the school's mission. Most schools charge fees ranging from $50-150 per secondary. Timely completion (ideally within 2 weeks) is important for demonstrating interest.
School-specific essays (usually 100-500 words) answering prompts like "Why our school?" Many schools require secondaries. Strategic opportunity to demonstrate genuine interest.
Following and observing physicians during their clinical duties to gain exposure to medical practice. Shadowing allows you to witness patient interactions, medical decision-making, and the realities of different specialties. While valuable for exploring medicine, shadowing is passive observation and should be supplemented with more active clinical experiences. Most applicants shadow multiple specialties totaling 50-200 hours.
When schools don't send formal rejection notifications, leaving applicants in limbo. Some schools only communicate with invited or accepted applicants, never formally rejecting others. This practice is frustrating as applicants never receive closure. If you haven't heard from a school by late spring and others have received interviews or decisions, it likely means a silent rejection.
Also called SMP, these are intensive one or two-year graduate programs designed specifically for students seeking to strengthen their medical school applications. SMPs typically involve taking medical school courses alongside first-year medical students, providing an opportunity to prove you can handle the rigor. Strong SMP performance (3.5+ GPA) can significantly strengthen applications, especially for students with lower undergraduate GPAs.
Medical field of expertise: surgery, pediatrics, psychiatry, dermatology, etc. Choice impacts lifestyle, salary, and job outlook. Specialty interest influences school choice.
The first of three United States Medical Licensing Examinations (USMLE), typically taken after second year of medical school. Step 1 historically assessed basic science knowledge and was numerically scored, heavily influencing residency applications. As of 2022, Step 1 became pass/fail, shifting the residency selection emphasis to Step 2 CK scores and clinical performance. Passing Step 1 is required for MD licensure.
The Step 2 Clinical Knowledge exam assesses clinical knowledge and patient care skills, typically taken during fourth year of medical school. With Step 1 becoming pass/fail, Step 2 CK scores (still numerical) have become increasingly important for residency applications. The exam covers internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, psychiatry, obstetrics/gynecology, and other clinical disciplines through case-based questions.
The physical, cognitive, and behavioral abilities medical schools require students to possess, with or without reasonable accommodations. Technical standards include observation skills, motor skills, communication abilities, intellectual capabilities, and behavioral/social attributes necessary for medical training. Schools assess whether applicants can meet these standards. Applicants requiring accommodations should discuss needs with schools' disability services.
A brief email sent to interviewers after your interview day expressing gratitude and reaffirming interest. Thank you notes should be sent within 24-48 hours, be genuine and specific (reference something from your conversation), and be concise. While unlikely to dramatically change outcomes, thank you notes demonstrate professionalism and courtesy. Not all schools have policies allowing or encouraging them, so research each school's preferences.
The Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service is the centralized application system exclusively for public medical and dental schools in Texas. TMDSAS serves Texas residents and has unique features including earlier application deadlines (typically May 1st) and a state-wide ranking system where applicants rank schools and schools rank applicants for matching purposes.
One-on-one or panel interviews lasting 30-60 minutes where interviewers ask open-ended questions about your experiences, motivations, and background. Questions often focus on your application materials, why medicine, why their school, and ethical scenarios. Interviews may be "open file" (interviewer has read your full application) or "closed file" (interviewer knows minimal information). The conversational nature allows for deeper exploration of topics.
AAMC policies governing the timing of medical school admissions offers and applicant responses. Schools cannot require decisions before a specific date in the spring (typically mid-April for MD programs). These rules prevent schools from pressuring applicants to commit before they've heard from all programs. Understanding traffic rules helps you navigate multiple offers and waitlist situations.
Official record of all coursework and grades. Medical schools calculate science GPA, overall GPA, and evaluate course selection. Grade trends matter.
Cost of education per year. Medical school tuition varies: in-state public ~$20-35K, out-of-state public ~$45-60K, private ~$50-70K. Total debt upon graduation often $150K-300K.
Also URM, this term refers to racial and ethnic populations underrepresented in the medical profession relative to their representation in the general population. The AAMC defines URM as African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, and Pacific Islander. Many schools have programs and pipeline initiatives aimed at increasing URM representation. URM status may be considered in holistic admissions review.
A communication sent to medical schools after submitting your application to inform them of new achievements, experiences, or information strengthening your candidacy. Updates might include new publications, awards, significant volunteer experiences, or improved grades. Send updates strategically when you have meaningful news, especially if waitlisted or deferred. Quality over quantity; one strong update beats multiple trivial ones.
United States Medical Licensing Examination. Three-step exam (Steps 1, 2 CK, 2 CS, 3) required to practice medicine in the US. Taken during and after medical school.
The status indicating AMCAS or AACOMAS has confirmed your transcript information matches what you entered in your application. Verification can take 2-6 weeks during peak season. Only after verification will your application be sent to medical schools. Submitting early in June and ensuring transcript accuracy minimizes verification delays. You can track verification status in your application portal.
Remote interviews conducted via video conferencing platforms, which became standard during COVID-19 and remain common at many schools. Virtual interviews offer convenience and cost savings but present unique challenges like technical issues, screen fatigue, and difficulty gauging chemistry. Test your technology beforehand, ensure good lighting and background, dress professionally from head to toe, and maintain strong eye contact with the camera.
Unpaid community service activities demonstrating commitment to service, empathy, and social awareness. Medical schools value both clinical volunteering (patient contact in healthcare settings) and non-clinical volunteering (community service without patient care). Long-term, meaningful volunteer commitments are more impressive than scattered one-time events. Service to underserved populations is particularly valued.
A group of qualified applicants who are not initially accepted but may receive offers if accepted students decline their spots. Waitlist position can be ranked or unranked. Being waitlisted means you're competitive, and many students gain acceptance from waitlists, especially after April 30th when schools can see which accepted students have committed. Letters of intent and updates can sometimes improve waitlist chances.
The process of waitlisted applicants receiving acceptance offers as initially accepted students decline their spots. Significant waitlist movement typically occurs after April 30th (the traffic rules deadline for narrowing acceptances to one school) and continues through summer. Some schools have substantial waitlist movement while others have minimal. Staying in contact with schools and expressing continued interest can help during this period.
The Weighted Academic Rating System is an unofficial tool used by applicants to assess their competitiveness and build school lists. WARS considers GPA, MCAT, and other factors to categorize applicants and suggest appropriate school tiers. While not perfect or officially endorsed, WARS provides a data-driven starting point for school list development. It should be used alongside other factors like mission fit and geographic preferences.
The section of the AMCAS application where applicants describe up to 15 experiences including clinical work, research, volunteering, employment, leadership, and hobbies. Each entry includes hours, dates, descriptions, and the option to designate three as "Most Meaningful Experiences" with additional reflection space. This section allows you to showcase the breadth and depth of your experiences beyond academics.
Percentage of accepted applicants who enroll (choose to attend). Schools with high yield (e.g., Harvard) make fewer acceptances to fill their class.
The controversial practice where some schools allegedly reject or waitlist overqualified applicants who are unlikely to matriculate, protecting the school's yield rate (percentage of accepted students who enroll). While debated, some applicants with stats far above a school's averages report rejections from schools they considered safeties. This is one reason to apply broadly and include schools at various competitiveness levels.