How to Use the MSAR Tool for Medical School Applications (2025 Guide)

Applying to medical school can feel overwhelming. Between GPA requirements, MCAT scores, and different admissions policies, it’s easy to get lost in the details. That’s where the Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR) database from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) comes in.

The MSAR is one of the most useful tools for pre-med students planning their applications. This guide breaks down what the MSAR is, what information it offers, and how to use it to create a strong medical school list.

If you’re still exploring how to strengthen your application with meaningful clinical experience, consider a pre-med internship abroad with Go Elective. Shadowing physicians in Kenya or Tanzania gives you real-world exposure that pairs perfectly with data-driven research through tools like the MSAR.

What Is the MSAR?

The MSAR (Medical School Admission Requirements) is an online database curated by the AAMC. It contains detailed admissions information for every MD-granting medical school in the United States and Canada.

The tool is designed to help students evaluate schools based on factors such as:

• Admissions policies and deadlines
• MCAT and GPA statistics
• Mission statements and teaching styles
• Matriculant demographics
• Tuition and fees
• Special programs and combined degrees

With its regularly updated data, the MSAR is considered one of the most reliable resources for pre-med applicants.

Free vs. Paid Access

While you can view some information on the MSAR for free, most features require a paid subscription ($28 per year).

Free access includes:

• Application deadlines
• Mission statements
• Combined degree offerings
• Enrollment data
• Campus type
• General admissions information

Paid subscription includes:

• Detailed MCAT/GPA averages
• Coursework prerequisites
• Selection factors and admissions policies
• Acceptance and waitlist data
• Secondary application requirements
• Interview format details
• Financial aid, tuition, and student debt statistics
• Campus life and research opportunities

The paid version also lets you compare your own academic profile to schools’ admissions data, giving you a personalized way to see how competitive you may be.

How to Use the MSAR Effectively

Once you have access, the MSAR becomes a powerful tool for narrowing your list of schools.

1. Apply Filters

You can search by state, median GPA, MCAT score, school type, or mission focus. Filters save time by eliminating programs that don’t match your profile.

2. Review School Profiles

Each school has an overview page with:

• Deadlines and degree programs
• Mission statement
• Tuition and fees
• Median GPA and MCAT statistics
• Admissions requirements

More detailed sections break down interviews, selection factors, class demographics, and financial aid.

3. Compare Schools Side by Side

The MSAR allows you to “star” favorite schools or select multiple programs to compare directly in a table format. This helps you see admissions differences at a glance.

4. Upload Your Information

If you input your GPA and MCAT score, the MSAR will show you how you stack up against admitted students. This is particularly helpful when deciding whether to target, reach, or safety schools.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of the MSAR

• Cross-check data. Even if a school states they accept out-of-state applicants, check the matriculant data to see how many they actually admit.
• Keep a personal chart. Create your own spreadsheet or journal with notes on your top schools.
• Don’t rely on MSAR alone. Use it alongside other resources, like school websites and current student feedback, to get the full picture.
• Pair data with experience. Medical schools look beyond numbers. Clinical exposure, like a medical internship abroad, can give your application a competitive edge.

FAQs About the MSAR

#1. Is the MSAR free?

Some information is free, but most detailed features require a $28 annual subscription.

#2. Does it include all schools?

Yes, it includes all accredited MD-granting programs in the U.S. and Canada.

#3. Can international students use it?

Yes. You can filter schools based on whether they accept international or DACA applicants.

#4. Does it show acceptance rates?

The MSAR does not display acceptance rates directly, but it provides application and matriculation data that allow you to calculate them.

Final Thoughts

The MSAR is one of the best tools you can use when planning your medical school applications. With its filters, data comparisons, and up-to-date admissions requirements, it simplifies the research process and helps you build a realistic school list.

However, medical schools also want well-rounded applicants with meaningful patient exposure. Alongside MSAR research, participating in a Go Elective pre-med internship in Kenya or Tanzania allows you to strengthen your clinical skills, build cultural competency, and stand out in your application.

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, MCAT/MSAR/USMLE, Med Schools,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Sep 11, 2025