Sooo, what does the AMCAS medical school application look like?

AMCAS medical school application

Check out what’s in the AMCAS med school application packet!

It’s more than an application

The AMCAS medical school application is not simply an application, like, say something you’d fill out to work at the local Subway or Kinkos or even a college application you’ve likely filled out in the past. It’s an entire packet designed by you, for you, to introduce yourself to the admissions committees at the schools you’re interested in. It’s your best chance to highlight your strengths, put the best spin on your college career, brag about some accomplishments, and in doing so, convince the adcoms that you’re right for their school(s). If you get an interview request (or two), I’d be willing to bet your AMCAS medical school application was a big reason why.

Four-piece, e-packet

So what exactly is included in the AMCAS medical school application packet? These four main components:

—Your MCAT score, undergraduate GPA and transcript (ask your college to forward this to all schools you apply to)

—A list of your extracurricular activities and experiences (limit of 15) and a description of each (700 characters). You are able to choose three of your most “meaningful” experiences and include a longer description (1,325 characters)

—Your personal statement/essay explaining why you want to be a physician and how you would contribute to the school you attend (in your own voice, 5,300 characters)

—Letters of recommendation (you can submit a maximum of ten). Most schools require 3, but some require more. Also, most require that at least one letter come from a science faculty member at the university you attend. Make sure to do your research.

Make it your best work

Don’t plan to compile your application packet in a day or two. The personal statement should be something you write an outline and a draft for, and come back to several times. It should be some of your best writing, and thinking. You should have someone else read and revise your descriptions and essay.

The letters of recommendation will be much more powerful if you prepare a list to help the writer out, including some of your best qualities, features, accomplishments, strengths, as well as the experiences that define you most.

You’ll find more detail and info from AAMC at: https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/applying-medical-school-process/applying-medical-school-amcas/how-apply-med-school-amcas/

Or check out this handy (very comprehensive!) application timeline

 

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