AMCAS vs. AACOMAS: Key Differences for MD and DO Applicants

Two Pathways to Becoming a Doctor: MD and DO

If you’re pursuing a career in medicine, you’ll eventually choose between two types of medical degrees: Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO). Both are fully licensed physicians in the United States and many countries abroad, but they follow slightly different philosophies.

MDs follow an allopathic approach focused primarily on diagnosing and treating disease. DOs use a holistic perspective, integrating the mind, body, and spirit while emphasizing preventive care and osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT).

Still exploring your options? That’s completely normal. In the meantime, it’s important to understand the differences between the application services used to apply to MD vs. DO programs — AMCAS and AACOMAS.

Primary vs. Secondary Applications: What You Should Know

Regardless of the pathway you choose, applying to medical school involves two major steps:

Primary Application:

For MD programs: Submit through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS).
For DO programs: Submit through the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS).

Secondary Application:

Sent directly to each medical school after your primary application is processed.
Varies by institution and often includes additional essays.

Applying Through AMCAS vs. AACOMAS

Here’s how the two services compare across key areas:

Eligibility and Usage

AMCAS: For first-year applicants only. Transfer students must apply directly to individual schools.
AACOMAS: More flexible. Both first-time and transfer applicants can use this platform.

Deadlines

AMCAS: Universal submission deadlines — 11:59 p.m. EST.
AACOMAS: Varies — some deadlines are at 5 p.m., others at 11:59 p.m. EST. Pay close attention to deadlines for transcripts and letters of evaluation.

Entering Academic Coursework

AMCAS Requirements

List a minimum of 10 courses per institution (unless fewer were taken).
Coursework must be entered chronologically.
Failing to follow this format may delay or reject your application.

AACOMAS Requirements

List every institution attended, including community colleges, summer programs, and dual-enrollment courses.
Be thorough: even a single semester counts.

Note on International Schools:

Both AMCAS and AACOMAS do not accept foreign transcripts directly. Contact your target schools for transcript evaluation guidance.

Transcript Submission Rules

Your transcripts must be sent directly from your school to the application service. Self-submitted transcripts will not be accepted.

AMCAS Transcript Codes (Common)

AU: Audited
CC: Current/Expected Course
DG: Deferred Grade
NR: No Recorded Grade
W: Withdrawal

AACOMAS Pro Tip

Consider using their Professional Transcript Entry (PTE) Service if your coursework is extensive:

1–3 transcripts: $69
4–6 transcripts: $95
7+: $145

GPA Conversion

Don’t be alarmed if your GPA looks different once entered. Both AMCAS and AACOMAS use standardized GPA conversions to ensure fairness across different grading systems.

Personal Statements: What’s Required?

Both application platforms require a personal statement of up to 5,300 characters (including spaces).

AMCAS: Called the Personal Comments Essay.
AACOMAS: Simply referred to as the Personal Statement.

Tips for a Strong Essay:

Focus on why you want to become a physician (or osteopathic physician).
Avoid discussing specialties — your interests may evolve.
Highlight personal experiences, service, and values aligned with the program’s mission.

Need clinical experience to reflect on? Consider joining a Go Elective medical internship abroad. You'll shadow doctors, engage in global health issues, and develop powerful stories for your application essays.

Reviewing and Submitting Your Application

AMCAS Status Codes

Not Submitted
Submitted – Awaiting Transcripts
Submitted – Under Review
Returned to Applicant
Processing Complete
Withdrawn

AACOMAS Status Codes

In Progress
Complete
Verified
Undelivered

Always monitor your status and respond to any alerts. Corrections may be allowed before deadlines, so double-check your application before hitting “submit.”

Final Thoughts: Choose Your Path and Stay Organized

Whether you’re applying to MD or DO programs — or both — understanding the application systems is essential. Both AMCAS and AACOMAS require meticulous attention to detail. Start early, stay organized, and take advantage of every opportunity to strengthen your application.

Looking to gain meaningful experience before or during your application cycle? Go Elective offers clinical internships abroad where you’ll shadow physicians, experience healthcare in underserved areas, and immerse yourself in culturally rich environments. These experiences not only enhance your personal growth but set you apart as a future physician.

Explore opportunities in Kenya and Tanzania at goelective.com/apply