Complete AMCAS Application Guide for Medical School Admissions

Applying to medical school in the U.S. begins with a crucial step: completing your AMCAS application. Short for the American Medical College Application Service, AMCAS is the centralized platform that processes primary applications for most allopathic (MD) medical schools in the United States.

This guide breaks down what AMCAS is, when to apply, and how to complete each section effectively—so you can put your best foot forward in the 2025 admissions cycle.

What Is the AMCAS?

The AMCAS is operated by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). It allows prospective medical students to apply to multiple MD programs with one set of application materials. Instead of submitting transcripts, essays, and letters of recommendation to each school individually, applicants upload everything to AMCAS—and the system distributes the verified application to selected schools.

Most MD programs in the U.S. use AMCAS, though Texas medical schools require a separate application via TMDSAS, and osteopathic (DO) schools use AACOMAS.

When to Submit Your AMCAS Application

Each medical school sets its own application deadline. However, because most schools use rolling admissions, it’s in your best interest to apply early. The application typically opens in early May, with submissions allowed starting early June.

Submit your primary application early—ideally in June
AMCAS will verify your coursework before sending your application to schools
You may submit your application before your transcripts and letters of evaluation arrive

Tip: If eligible, apply for the AAMC Fee Assistance Program (FAP) before submitting your AMCAS application. You must wait to receive a decision before applying to qualify for reduced fees.

What’s Included in the AMCAS Application?

Organizing your materials early can save you stress and reduce errors. Here’s what you’ll need to complete:

Identifying Information

Your legal name, birth date, sex, and other basic personal data.

Schools Attended

List every post-secondary institution attended—even if you withdrew or didn’t receive credit.

Official Transcripts

Request official transcripts from every college or university where you completed coursework. Use the AMCAS Transcript Request Form for accurate delivery.

Biographic Information

This includes your permanent address, citizenship, and parental information. You’ll also answer questions about your childhood and financial background.

Military Service (if applicable)

Disclose any military service, active duty status, and discharge information.

Criminal Background

List any misdemeanors or felonies. Even minor offenses like speeding (in some states) may need to be reported.

Coursework

Enter all college-level courses, even if they didn’t result in credit. Include:

AP courses with college credit
Dual enrollment during high school
Study abroad or international coursework

Cross-check this section carefully with your transcripts. Inaccuracies can delay verification.

Work and Activities

List up to 15 significant experiences including:

Volunteering and shadowing
Research
Awards and honors
Employment and leadership roles

Use the “Most Meaningful” section to expand on up to three experiences that shaped your journey toward medicine.

For global health and clinical exposure, consider Go Elective’s medical internship programs in Kenya and Tanzania.

Letters of Evaluation

Specify who will be submitting your letters of recommendation. AMCAS accepts:

Individual letters
Committee letters
Letter packets

Coordinate with your letter writers early, and assign each letter to the schools you apply to.

Medical Schools

Add all medical schools you’re applying to. Research each school’s mission statement and admissions requirements so you can tailor your secondary essays.

Personal Statement

This is your opportunity to tell your story—why medicine, why now, and what makes you uniquely qualified. The personal statement should be genuine, reflective, and revised multiple times.

Check out our guide on how to write a standout personal statement

Standardized Tests

Enter all MCAT exam dates and scores. If you're waiting on a score, include the test date and update the section when available.

Certification and Submission

Before submitting, you’ll review and certify that everything is accurate and truthful. After submission, you cannot change your coursework, essays, or experiences, so proofread thoroughly.

What Happens After Submission?

Once submitted and your transcripts are received, your application enters the verification queue. AMCAS will compare the courses you entered with your transcripts. This process can take up to six weeks, though it may be quicker earlier in the cycle.

During this time:

Monitor the AMCAS application status page regularly
Ensure transcripts and letters are received
Begin preparing secondary applications—many are sent automatically once primary apps are verified

Key Reminders for a Successful AMCAS Application

Start early: Don't wait until deadlines are near—apply in June
Check school-specific deadlines: AAMC’s Medical School Admissions Requirements tool (MSAR) is a great resource
Stay organized: Track when you requested letters, sent transcripts, and submitted secondaries
Seek support: Talk to your pre-med advisor, mentors, or consult with organizations like Go Elective for additional guidance

Need Clinical Experience to Strengthen Your Application?

Go Elective offers pre-med internships and shadowing programs in East Africa that give you direct experience with patient care, global health challenges, and mentorship from seasoned medical professionals. These experiences can elevate your AMCAS application and set you apart in essays and interviews.

Follow this link to apply to Go Elective