IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: AMCAS Begins Transmitting 2014 Applicant Data to Medical Schools Today, July 1st 2013

Please be advised that AMCAS began transmitting 2014 applicant data to medical schools today, as originally scheduled. Due to a database issue, some schools began receiving AMCAS 2014 application data this morning, so in the interest of ensuring that all applicants and all medical schools are treated in the same manner, AMCAS will continue to deliver applications to medical schools as they become verified. They are also continuing to work with IT counterparts to conduct additional testing and analysis to ensure the accuracy of the data and will update this information as required.

Initial Submission of Verified AMCAS Applications to Medical Schools DELAYED

The delivery of 2014 AMCAS data to medical schools has been DELAYED while AMCAS works with their IT counterparts to conduct additional testing and analysis to ensure the accuracy of the data. Data delivery will be delayed by a minimum of one week, so the earliest date medical schools will begin receiving data is Friday, July 5.

During this period, applicants may continue to complete and submit applications to AMCAS. They will also continue to accept Letters of Evaluation via the Letter Writer Application, VirtualEvals, Interfolio and U.S. mail. Their team is working steadily to process applications, and their work remains uninterrupted.

Should I retake the MCAT?

In most cases, NO! You should think of the exam as a one-shot deal and do your absolute best the first time around! That said, the fact remains that many of you wonder about retaking the test when you find you did not do quite as well as you would have liked. Some questions to consider if you're in this situation:

1. Can I really do better? If you began studying 3-4 months before the exam and did five or six full-length practice tests, then you should have been prepared. While you may have wished for a better score, be careful to jump to the conclusion that a second time around is necessarily better. If you put in sufficient prep time the first time around, retaking the test can backfire.
2. How was my score? To be competitive, a "33 or better" is a good MCAT score. You should check the average scores of the schools you are considering applying to. And remember, these are averages; just because you scored higher than the average does not ensure acceptance, and just because you scored lower than the average does not mean you won't be accepted. You are considered a composite applicant, and your MCAT score is only part of the whole.
3. How are my grades? If your GPA is lower than the averages of the schools to which you want to apply, then ideally you would want to score significantly higher than average on the required entrance exam.
4. In most cases if you are in the midst of applying you'll be retaking the exam sometime during the summer. Be aware of the fact, however, that sometimes as much as 50% of the interview slots at some schools have been filled by the time schools receive those later test scores so, because of rolling admission, you are at a disadvantage.
5. Lastly, there should be no "trial runs" for the entrance exam (other than taking the recommended un-scored practice exams). These entrance exams are to be thought of as one-time events. It is no LESS unpleasant the second time around than it was the first! In addition, many schools average all sets of scores or only accept the most recent set.

Chief Research Associate Opportunities

Taking a bridge year and looking for opportunities in research? The National Alliance of Research Associates Programs (NARAP) has opportunities for Chief Research Associates at two clinical sites in Stratford, NJ and Bridgeport, CT. 

The Chief RAs volunteer as middle managers in active clinical research programs in emergency medicine. They direct the day-to-day activities of the line RAs serving their shifts in the emergency department. They may become involved in all aspects of their site's research activities. With about a 20 hour per week commitment, full time employment outside the program is the norm. 

Complete information and application materials can be found on the NARAP website: www.theNARAP.org under the Chief Research Associates tab.


 

OptomCAS Opens July 1, 2013

The 2013-2014 OptomCAS application will be open and available on Monday, July 1, 2013. Make sure to check out the deadlines and other information page to view fees and deadlines listed by school. Additional information can be found on the OptomCAS main website.

SOPHAS Virtual Fair July 10th - 11th

On July 10^th-11^th, careereco will host the SOPHAS (Schools of Public Health Application Service) Virtual Fair featuring SOPHAS Public Health Schools & Programs. Participants will be able to interact with admissions representatives from public health programs across the U.S.

Students who wish to participate must register at

http://sophas.careereco.net/students-alumni/virtual-fair-registration/

The registration site provides more detailed information describing the Fair, including a list of participating schools/programs and a virtual fair tutorial.

NOTE: there is no charge for attending the Fair.

AMCAS Application Open June 10th

The AMCAS opened for submissions at 9:30 a.m. ET on June 10th. At this time, the Applicant Relations team is reporting a heavy stream of calls and are working to address applicants' queries as soon as possible. Students are reminded to utilize the resources located on the AMCAS website to assist in their application process. If you have any questions regarding the AMCAS application process, please visit the website or contact amcas@aamc.org or 202-828-0600.