2020 Medical School Application Changes
Given COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and other events, the medical school application cycle for 2020 is subject to several changes. Most medical schools have adjusted their applications, deadlines, and schedules in response to COVID-19 and world events.
This page will be continuously and regularly updated with updates to the medical school application, whether AMCAS, AACOMAS, TMDSAS, and associated allopathic and osteopathic medical schools.
MCAT Updates
- Students who want to postpone an exam can reschedule for no additional fee by calling Pearson VUE at (866) 281-7532.
- New Dates
- Three new dates have been added with three test appointments per date (0630, 1215, and 1800 for each date)
- June 28th
- September 27th
- September 28th
- Three new dates have been added with three test appointments per date (0630, 1215, and 1800 for each date)
- Cancellation and rescheduling
- Cancellation
- If student received an email stating their exam was cancelled, they may receive a full refund of base registration fee
- Allow two weeks for refund minus any balance due to credit to the student’s account
- Reschedule
- Student must log into MCAT Registration System and reschedule at no cost
- Cancellation
- Format change
- Temporary shortening of MCAT to increase examiners in a day (May 29th – September 28th)
- Exam will be 5 hours and 45 minutes long
- All four sections still tested. Students need to prepare the exact same as before
- Time per question remains the same
- Same scoring as full-length exams
- No current plans for online administration
- Safety
- Social distancing of 6 feet within the testing center at all times
- Test takers must wear masks while testing
- Disposable gloves allowed
- Hand sanitizer at all sites
- Enhanced cleaning protocols at all testing centers
- Support for test takers
- MCAT rescheduling fees have been waived
- Extension on all existing MCAT preparation subscriptions until December 31st, 2020
- Expanded AAMC Fee Assistance Program eligibility guidelines found here.
- Expedited score releases at approximately 2 weeks for exams taken between June 19th and August 1st
For those of you who want to attend medical school in fall 2021, this has been a particularly tough and frustrating year.
Preparing for the Medical College Admission Test® (MCAT®) and applying to medical school is a demanding, intensive, multiyear process. The process carries so much impact on your lives and career aspirations that it understandably weighs heavily on your minds and can take a physical toll as well. So much is already uncertain — “How will I do on the MCAT exam?” “Will I be able to get into my preferred schools?” — and this year has been even more difficult.
As the creator and administrator of the MCAT exam, the AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) has made it our priority to respond and adjust to the unprecedented events of these past few months. The COVID-19 pandemic led the AAMC to cancel eight test dates this spring, which was necessary to protect the health and safety of examinees, causing many to postpone their exams until summer or fall. Even now uncertainty remains, as the pandemic continues its grip on our nation, with concerns that already rescheduled exam dates may need to be postponed yet again.
On top of these already distressing conditions, we are angered and alarmed by continued racial injustice in the United States and by the tragic deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Rayshard Brooks, and others. Many have found it understandably harder to focus and study for exams during this time of great anxiety and emotional pain.
The AAMC and the nation’s medical schools understand that every potential applicant to medical school is experiencing challenges that no one could have anticipated. We are writing to acknowledge those challenges and express our commitment to supporting the needs of medical schools and the students applying to them.
First, it’s important to know that each medical school carefully determines its own admission requirements, including whether it will require MCAT scores. The MCAT exam is an important and validated predictor of success in medical school. As a result, even during this difficult year, most medical schools have indicated they will consider MCAT scores in the admission process.
As the broad scope and impact of the pandemic became clear earlier this year, it also became clear that the MCAT exam could not be offered under state and local stay-at-home orders and not until health and safety precautions were in place to protect examinees once testing centers reopened.
We carefully considered the option of remote testing and concluded that it could not be an option without jeopardizing the integrity and fairness of the test. As some 20% of households do not have regular access to high-speed internet, an online option would create an immense disadvantage for many examinees. Additionally, given the high-stakes nature of the MCAT exam, its secure delivery at brick-and-mortar locations with in-person proctors is an important element of its reliability.
To make up for the lost time, we worked to increase the number of testing opportunities when test centers were permitted to reopen. We restructured the test and reduced its length from nearly eight hours to five hours and 45 minutes by removing some administrative and unscored content — while testing the same knowledge and skills and reporting the same scores with the same precision. The shorter exam means our testing partner can offer 50% more opportunities to test, albeit with some of those times beginning very early in the morning or continuing until late at night. Offering more dates and times allows examinees to be socially distant during the exam and have more flexibility to test when they feel ready.
Anyone who wants to sit for the exam should be able to get a seat, though we acknowledge that the seat may not always be for the preferred time or location.
We know these adjustments are less than ideal. We are nonetheless working hard to make what improvements can be made amid difficult circumstances.
Specifically:
- Test dates are available through late September, and we will expedite score reporting for all remaining 2020 test dates to get scores into applications sooner.
- From our weekly conversations with members of the admissions community, we know many medical schools are being flexible about reviewing applications that do not yet include test scores. According to a recent survey of AAMC-member institutions, nearly 70% of responding schools have adjusted their application deadlines for 2021 admissions or are considering adjusting them. A similar percentage said they will accept or are considering accepting scores from dates later in the testing calendar. Many medical schools will screen or interview applicants without MCAT scores.
- We continue to encourage the use of holistic review in admissions, which is used by an estimated 90% of our member medical schools. This means looking beyond MCAT scores to consider the whole applicant and putting MCAT scores and grades in the context of applicants’ attributes, access to educational and enrichment opportunities, and lived experiences.
- We apologize for not delivering an efficient rescheduling process for many examinees. We’re working with our testing partner to provide examinees with better customer service, especially during registration and rescheduling, to reduce the backlog of examinees who have been awaiting assistance — including helping those who have been approved for accommodations. We’ve also removed all fees for examinees who wish to change their test date or location during the pandemic.
- We expanded eligibility for the AAMC’s fee assistance program so applicants with economic need can prepare for and take the MCAT exam and apply to medical schools. The AAMC also collaborated with the Khan Academy to offer free resources to help all applicants prepare for the MCAT exam — and we have worked with the Khan Academy to make sure these materials remain available for free.
- Lastly, we recognize the need to communicate with applicants more clearly, and more often, so applicants feel heard and so the rationale behind our decisions is clear.
Despite these changes, 2020 will remain a challenging year for medical school applicants. The pandemic and its impact on our lives is far from over, and your fortitude and perseverance are qualities that will serve you well on your path to becoming a physician. The AAMC is committed to doing what we can to support applicants on the journey to medical school and to provide equitable opportunities for all future physicians.
As the pandemic has shown, our country needs more physicians and a more diverse physician workforce — now more than ever — to increase access to care, eliminate health care inequities, and improve the health of people everywhere.
We wish you great success and thank you for your patience during these challenging times.
To lessen the impact of MCAT cancellations due to coronavirus (COVID-19) and provide testing to as many examinees as possible who want to test in 2020 during the pandemic, the AAMC is temporarily shortening the MCAT exam and offering multiple administrations per test date. A shortened version of the MCAT exam will only be administered from May 29 through the end of the 2020 testing year.
The exam time will be reduced from a total “seated” time of 7 hours and 30 minutes to 5 hours and 45 minutes. Some of the field test questions in each section have been removed, and some administrative items, such as the tutorial and the end-of-day survey, have been reduced or removed to shorten the length of the exam.
The exam will not be easier or harder than the full-length exam. In each test section, examinees are still responsible for knowing all of the same concepts and skills tested on the full-length exam.
There is no change to scores. Examinees will receive five scores from the shortened version of the exam: one from each of the four sections and one combined total score, just like examinees who took the full-length test. Please see our webpage on how the exam is scored for more information.
We encourage you to use the “Practice with Exam Features” interactive tool in the free resources section of the MCAT Prep Hub to familiarize yourself with the exam’s functionality before test day in lieu of the tutorial.
Below is the new test day schedule. Exams will be administered three times a day at test centers to accommodate the immediate need for increased testing capacity and flexibility as the pandemic unfolds. Standard start times will be 6:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m., and 6:00 p.m. each day. There may be some variations by test center. More information about start times, including start times for examinees who currently have 8:00 a.m. appointments, will be provided prior to registration opening.
Application Updates
AMCAS
- Timeline & Delays
- Opened May 28th
- Verification process can be delayed by up to 8 weeks before reaches “Ready to Review”
- Data transmission delayed to medical schools by two weeks (moved from June 26th to July 10th
- Provides extra time to complete applications
- No mention of medical schools extending their deadlines at this time
- EDP remains unchanged in regards to timeline
- COVID-related Content
- No current COVID-19-related questions in this year’s application at this time
- Media
AACOMAS
- Additional updates on the official page.
- Timeline & Delays
- Opened May 5th as scheduled
- No other delays described at this time, just emphasis on holistic application
- Interview invitations can go out before receiving MCAT scores
- Some will accept without MCAT scores, not specified which
- Application Specifics
- Will accept all pass/fail/satisfactory/unsatisfactory courses
- Accept all online courses, including labs
- Consideration for decreased amount of shadowing, research and volunteer hours
- COVID-related Content
- New questions related to COVID-19 in the application this year
- Did your school move to offering only online curriculum during the COVID-19 crisis?
- Did you have an opportunity to receive a letter grade for any of your courses taken during the COVID-19 crisis?
- Please describe how COVID-19 has impacted your pathway to medical school. (2500 characters) Items to consider incorporating in your response may include but are not limited to:
- Academic: Were you able to interact with your professors? Did you have to leave an academic program stateside or abroad? Did your school require you to move to pass/fail grading systems? Did your MCAT exam get cancelled, delayed? Other academic barriers?
- Professional: Did you hold a job? Did have to go out and seek new job opportunities? Did you lose a job? Other financial or professional barriers that you faced?
- Personal: Did you have to move out of a house or dorm? Did you have to cancel travel plans? Did you modify your planned experiences related to healthcare or volunteer opportunities? Did you seek out volunteer opportunities that arose from the crisis? Did you assist any family or community members that were affected?
- Interviews
- Distance Interviews
- Still not standardized at this time, but all medical schools are preparing for Zoom interviews ranging from MMI to traditional
- Travel restrictions
- AAMC created resources for medical schools to conduct interviews, but is still institutionally dependent whether they use these or not.
- Distance Interviews
- Second Looks
- While still too early to state with certainty, the Second Looks this Spring were cancelled and some held Virtual Second Looks ranging from videos to slideshows to Zoom meetings with admissions team
- New questions related to COVID-19 in the application this year
TMDSAS
- Timeline & Delays
- Opened May 1st on schedule
- Extending application deadline to October 30th
- Deadline for test scores and letters of recommendation extended to November 13th
- Did not transmit applications until June 1st
- TMDSAS doesn’t require test scores so no delay to transmit if MCAT delayed
- Pass/Fail Grading
- Agreed to accept all courses graded as pass/fail or credit/no-credit as equivalent courses for Spring 2020 academic term (as well as Winter 2020 quarter)
- Some schools may continue to prefer graded options in their review process
- Online courses transitioned from in-class format will be accepted
- Needs to be recorded as an “RC – Regular Course”
- COVID-related Content
- No COVID-19-related questions on this year’s application
The AAMC has been working closely with the medical school admissions and pre-health advisor communities to consider the impacts on applicants due to coronavirus (COVID-19). Medical schools are aware of the many challenges applicants are facing and understand the need to be flexible in their admissions approach.
At this time, we intend to open the AMCAS application as planned on May 4, and delay transmitting AMCAS applicant data to medical schools by two weeks. This transmission delay – moving from June 26 to July 10 – will give applicants additional time to complete their applications during this rapidly changing situation due to COVID-19. We do not expect this two-week delay to impact AMCAS operations, including application processing and verification.
All AACOMAS application services continue to operate as expected. The 2020-2021 application cycle launched May 5, 2020.
Congruent with the osteopathic medical profession’s philosophy, AACOMAS participating schools intend to adapt their application review process to allow for greater flexibility in accepting online coursework, accepting pass/fail/satisfactory/unsatisfactory coursework, and reviewing applications prior to receiving MCAT scores. Please refer to AACOM’s letter to future applicants for details regarding these changes. AACOM will continue to guide its osteopathic medical schools as the needs of prospective students evolve.
AACOM has added three optional questions to the AACOMAS application in response to COVID-19. Students should use these questions as an opportunity to provide more context to medical schools about their application and pathway to medical school.
- Did your school move to offering only online curriculum during the COVID-19 crisis?
- Did you have an opportunity to receive a letter grade for any of your courses taken during the COVID-19 crisis?
- Please describe how COVID-19 has impacted your pathway to medical school. (2500 characters) Items to consider incorporating in your response may include but are not limited to:
- Academic: Were you able to interact with your professors? Did you have to leave an academic program stateside or abroad? Did your school require you to move to pass/fail grading systems? Did your MCAT exam get cancelled, delayed? Other academic barriers?
- Professional: Did you hold a job? Did have to go out and seek new job opportunities? Did you lose a job? Other financial or professional barriers that you faced?
- Personal: Did you have to move out of a house or dorm? Did you have to cancel travel plans? Did you modify your planned experiences related to healthcare or volunteer opportunities? Did you seek out volunteer opportunities that arose from the crisis? Did you assist any family or community members that were affected?
To further support applicants during this time, TMDSAS has elected to extend the application deadline to October 30th, 2020.
The deadline will remain September 15th for Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine.
The deadline for test scores and letters of evaluation has been extended to November 13th, 2020
TMDSAS member institutions have agreed to accept all courses graded as pass/fail as equivalent to graded courses during the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically the spring 2020 academic term (including winter 2020 quarter term). Member institutions will continue to review candidates utilizing a holistic, individualized review process, considering candidates based on the totality of their academic career.
All prerequisite courses that were transitioned to an online format in the spring 2020 (including winter 2020 quarter term) and summer 2020 academic terms will be applied towards the education requirements for all TMDSAS member institutions.
School-Specific Updates
Updated: May 13, 2020
As we all work to move forward, we are acutely aware that many of you have tackled a great many challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are dedicated to ensuring flexibility in our response to the challenges our applicants are facing during this pandemic.
We know that some undergraduate institutions have changed academic courses to pass/fail and in the process all have made laboratory courses on-line. Although we do not typically accept pre-requisite medical school courses taken as on-line or pass/fail, for the spring 2020 semester, we will allow both pass/fail grades and on-line courses for pre-requisites. We also understand that the delay of MCAT examinations may impact some of you.
As we conduct complete holistic review of applications, we encourage you to submit your AMCAS application if all other elements of your application are complete while you wait for your MCAT score to be available. We want to assure you that if your MCAT test date has been cancelled due to COVID-19, your application review at AMC will not be negatively impacted. You will have the opportunity to alert us of your new test date and you will receive a holistic review once your MCAT score is available to us. Secondary applications must be fully complete including MCAT score and supplemental application by December 15th.
Updated: April 10, 2020
If a student has an online course (including labs, but only if during the COVID-19 virus in the spring of 2020) on his or her transcript, he or she should seek guidance from his or her advisor to ensure that the option meets the above guidelines as well as the rigorous academic standard required by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. nIn our experience, the above Knowledge Competencies are most successfully attained by applicants who have had a minimum of three years of study toward a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university in the U.S. or Canada as well as 40 credit hours of science and mathematics, including advanced biology courses for which letter grades are available (not Pass/Fail, unless college policy), or, unless the college, university or post-bac program suspended grades for the COVID-19 virus, and a statement confirming is submitted via the AMCAS Letter Writer by the Pre-Medical Advisor or the applicant’s individual advisor), 40 credit hours of humanities and social sciences, and substantial experience in clinical, community, and/or research activities (as described above). Students who complete their science course work in a post-baccalaureate program must have completed at least 30 credit hours in a U.S.-chartered college or university whose grades can be reported and verified by AMCAS.
We will be flexible in our consideration of coursework taken online in the Spring 2020 semester. BCM will accept pass/fail grading for prerequisites courses taken in Spring 2020. nnThere are no plans to change our required coursework for admission. We are aware that MCAT date cancellations may affect the overall application review timeline. BCM reviews applications throughout the admissions cycle, and we will be cognizant of the fact that some students’ MCAT scores will be delayed.
Admissions Office Staff is available for questions via email [email protected].
Applying in the time of Coronavirus:
As we prepare for the coming application cycle, everything and everyone has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We understand that it is confusing and stressful to have tests cancelled, classes moved online, grading policies changed, and plans of all kinds disrupted. We know that for many of you, it feels like years of careful planning are being totally upended. We get it, because we are experiencing these same changes ourselves.
Some reassurance: Everyone throughout the world is going through the same kind of upheaval. While your plans have changed, so have everyone else’s. We are living it, too. We anticipate applications will come in more slowly, people will take the MCAT later than they intended, and transcripts and activity lists will look different than they have in the past. The good news is that we have the ability to adjust. We can push back the timing of our interviews and still get them all done. Our admissions committee is a highly experienced and thoughtful group. They’ll be able to review this year’s applications and remember that the pass/fail orgo class you ended up with in your senior spring semester probably wasn’t your original plan.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic during the Spring 2020 semester, many colleges and universities are providing students with the option to receive a letter grade or a pass/fail grade. While passing grades will be accepted for Spring 2020 classes, the pass/fail system does not fully reflect the applicant’s educational accomplishment. Therefore, we highly recommend that applicants choose to receive a letter grade rather than take the pass/fail option for pre-requisite courses during Spring 2020. If you choose to take the pass/fail option, we will accept your grade(s) but it(they) cannot be including in the calculation of your GPA.
Our prerequisite requirements include face to face lab experiences. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and intuitions requiring virtual experiences, we will make an exception for lab experiences acquired during Summer 2020 ONLY. We continue to value and stress the importance of face to face lab experiences for your preparation for our PA curriculum. We encourage applicants to do their best to participate in face to face lab experiences if at all possible.
Updated July 7, 202o
Amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, Brown’s plans for 2020-21 focus on protecting the health of our community while delivering world-class education and research, and remaining a valued neighbor in our city, state and region.
“Healthy Brown” is a goal and a core value guiding efforts to ensure the health, safety and well-being of the Brown University community.
President Christina H. Paxson shared Brown’s “Plan for a Healthy and Safe 2020-21,” providing the roadmap for the steps Brown is taking to mitigate the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic during the phased resumption of on-campus instruction and operations. Based on expert public health guidance and the downward trend of COVID-19 in Rhode Island as of early summer, Brown is pursuing a three-term academic calendar that provides for a “de-densified” approach for the transition of students to campus starting Fall 2020.
The University will reduce the number of students studying in Providence, offer remote learning and instruction options, and implement extensive health and safety protocols and policies to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on campus.
Every office and department across Brown is part of a campus-wide effort to protect community health while sustaining Brown’s world-class education, teaching, research and service. This website serves as a gateway to the policies, protocols and resources that will continue to inform academic instruction; research, scholarship and discovery; and campus operations.
CNUCOM is aware that many of you are facing numerous challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to the challenges our applicants are facing with online coursework, we are exercising flexibility with distance learning coursework taken during this time. Distancelearning Science coursework and lab work with pass/fail grades will be taken into consideration for fulfillment of prerequisites, case by case. CNUCOM will continue to conduct a complet holistic review of your applications, and will consider MCAT scores as soon as they are received. Primary and secondary application deadlines will remain the same with room for flexibility of extensions for the secondary application, upon submission of a request. For further information regarding any of the above please email [email protected]
Case Western Reserve School of Medicine (CWRUSOM) is well aware of the disruption in coursework for many current students as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. While letter grades for coursework are still preferred, we understand the difficulty that this may pose for many, and as such, CWRUSOM will accept Pass/No Pass grading for prerequisites courses (below) for the winter/spring 2020 semester. To assist with future planning, at the time of application, the Admissions Committee would prefer no more than 10 credit hours of Pass/No Pass in the sciences (BCPM) section on the AMCAS application as defined by the AMCAS Course Classification; if Pass/No Pass grading exceeds this 10 credit hour preference, applications will be further assessed on a case-by-case basis.
CMU College of Medicine’s recommendation for coursework taken during the Winter/Spring 2020 time frame:
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many colleges and universities have offered students a pass/fail or credit/no credit option. We want all future Central Michigan University College of Medicine applicants to know that we will allow pass/fail or credit/no credit grades for any coursework taken during the impacted time frame, including prerequisite coursework. While we believe that academic coursework is an important component of your preparation for medical school, we don’t believe that an applicant’s total body of academic preparation should be negatively impacted by the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.
MCAT Policy for the 2021 Admissions Cycle – Regular MD Applicants:
The Central Michigan College of Medicine encourages all applicants to apply as early as possible, even if your MCAT test date was cancelled on or before March 27, 2020 as a result of COVID-19. We plan to continue utilizing our rolling admissions policy and will accept and evaluate applications for secondary application invites without MCAT scores. In addition, we will base our interview decisions on a holistic review of your entire application, however a final admissions decision will not be made without an MCAT score on file. If MCAT testing sites do not open in time for us to receive scores and admit our first round of applicants on October 15, we will reevaluate the situation and update our policy at that time.
Updated July 1, 2020
Fall 2020 Academic Affairs Announcement Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science is announcing a hybrid delivery format for fall 2020. In response to the ongoing COVID-19 emergency, most courses will be delivered remotely. On-campus classes will be limited to those that have specific need of hands-on instructional activities. Specifically, the following types of classes will be held, at least partially, or at their respective clinical sites:
• Clinical Education Classes (clinical rotations)
• Some Laboratory Education Classes
• Some Simulation Education Classes
New and continuing students will receive specific course by course delivery format information at registration, and class meeting details will be included in the course syllabus. Fall registration opens on July 6th, 2020 for continuing students.
Orientation for new Undergraduate students is August 18-19, 2020.
Orientation for new Graduate students is August 25-26, 2020.
Updated July 7, 2020
At this time, Rosalind Franklin University has reported 12 confirmed cases of coronavirus.
The university is closely monitoring the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, with careful attention to recommendations from our local and state health departments and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Our top priority is the health and safety and well-being of our community.
We will continue updating RFU students, faculty and staff through our existing communication channels as well as posting updates to this site.
Contact Information
If you have any questions not addressed on this page, please direct your inquiries as follows:
- Students: [email protected]
- Faculty and staff: [email protected]
- Media inquiries: [email protected]
- Campus Safety: 847-578-3288 – available 24/7
Updated May 20, 2020
Cleveland lerner Colleg of Medicine of Case Western Reserve School of Medicine (CWRUSOM) is well aware of the disruption in coursework for many current students as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. While letter grades for coursework are still preferred, we understand the difficulty that this may pose for many, and as such, CWRUSOM (CCLCM Program and University Program) will accept Pass/No Pass grading for prerequisite courses (below) for the winter/spring and summer 2020 semesters. Online laboratory credit will also be accepted during this time period.
We also recognize the current difficulty with MCAT scheduling, and as such, will be moving our application review/interview timelines later, in order to accommodate applicants who take late summer/fall MCATs. We will also be accepting MCAT scores that were administered in 2016. Please visit the MCAT site for details about the exam and guidance for test preparation.
With various stay-at-home orders and other forms of social distancing we are also aware that many activities such as research, clinical shadowing, service and participation in student groups have been interrupted. Our application screening team will be taking this into consideration as they review applications; there will also be additional opportunity in our secondary application to further describe these interruptions, their impact on you, and to further detail experiences and competencies that may not otherwise be readily evident.
We know that this is a fluid situation, and will continually be reevaluating our requirements as future events unfold. Please know that in these unprecedented times, we are committed to being flexible with the 2020-2021 application cycle.
2020-21 Application Cycle FAQs Regarding COVID-Related Disruptions
Will you be taking this year’s COVID-related disruptions into consideration as you make admissions decisions?
Yes! Our application screening teams and Admissions Committee will be taking these disruptions into consideration as they review applications. We are aware of the multiple issues that have resulted, including pass/fail grading, online or cancelled labs, interrupted experiences, the potential for late letters of recommendation and delayed transcripts, etc.
How will your screening teams and Admissions Committee know how I’ve been impacted by COVID-related disruptions in my life?
We will be adding an optional essay response to our secondary application that will allow you to explain how you have been impacted by this pandemic situation.
Will I be at a disadvantage as an applicant if I am forced to take a pre-requisite course Pass/No Pass?
Not necessarily. We understand that the current pandemic has created circumstances that are very much out of your control and we will review your application in the context of your unique situation.
Will you review applications and invite applicants for an interview who have a pending MCAT score?
No. We will continue to require an MCAT as a part of the completed application. We will not invite an applicant for an interview without an MCAT score. Please note, however, that we understand the anxiety that many of you may feel with having your MCAT delayed, and as such, we will be moving our admissions season later in order to accommodate those who had to take the fall exams.
If I submit my AMCAS primary application early, will I be sent a secondary application in the temporary absence of an MCAT score?
Yes, this has always been our practice but the application will not be considered complete until the MCAT score arrives.
What makes for a completed application?
- An application will be marked complete and ready for review when the following are received:
- Complete and verified AMCAS primary application
- Complete and submitted CWRU Secondary application for CCLCM
- Paid CWRU Secondary application fee
- MCAT score received
- All letters of recommendation received
What if other, unanticipated disruptions occur as a result of the ongoing pandemic?
Our Admissions Committee and our admissions office are aware of the fluidity of the current situation, and are prepared to stay as flexible as possible.
The latest MCAT administration that will be accepted for the 2020-2021 application year will be September or October, 2020 depending on rescheduled MCAT test dates related to COVID-19 disruptions. The Office of Admissions does not accept MCAT scores more than 4 years old and the oldest MCAT score that will be accepted for the 2020-2021 application year is January, 2016.
We will not be accepting MCAT scores administered in January 2021 for the 2020-2021 application cycle.
Please visit AAMC’s MCAT site for additional information regarding the changes, new course requirements, preview guides, and how to best prepare for the test.
Grades and MCAT score are not the only criteria for admission. Experience in hypothesis-driven research, personal accomplishments, leadership potential, volunteer efforts for the benefit of others, medical shadowing and group experience are extremely important. Curiosity, passion for learning, humility, integrity and professionalism are key traits that we look for in selecting our students.
The Admissions Committee at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons has voted to accept Pass/Fail grades for prerequisite courses taken at schools who have decided to go Pass/Fail for this semester. We understand some concerns about impact on GPAs and will take this fully into consideration for future applicants. For students in schools for which Pass/Fail is optional this semester, we will consider each student’s situation individually.
Dates are subject to change based on the evolving status of the Covid-19 Pandemic. The Medical School Admissions Requirements website for CMSRU through AMCAS will be updated as needed
As faculty begin to move courses online, and staff and administration prepare for the possibility of working off-campus due to the COVID-19 situation, we have prepared a list of tools and resources to assist you with the transition.
Please check these resource pages regularly as they will be updated as needed.
If you have any questions please contact CMSRU IT at [email protected].
Pass/Fail Grades- As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many colleges and universities have offered students a pass/fail or satisfactory/unsatisfactory option. We are encouraging everyone to still take our prerequisites courses (Biochemistry, Physiology and Statistics) for a grade but we will be flexible and look at everyone on a case-by-case basis. We will accept all non-prerequisite courses as pass or satisfactory during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic.
MCAT Tests – We will accept applications from individuals who were unable to take the MCAT due to COVID-related test cancellations. For these candidates, we will base secondary application decisions on the information that is available to us at the time of the application. In certain circumstances, we may delay a decision to invite a secondary application pending receipt of an MCAT score. Assuming that MCAT testing resumes prior to October, we will require applicants to have taken the MCAT before we make admissions decisions for the Class of 2025. Accordingly, applicants should not delay applying simply because an MCAT score is not yet available
Updated May 15, 2020
Fall Term: Dartmouth College has multiple task forces working on the decision of what fall term will look like. Geisel and the other graduate schools are represented and part of the discussion. Given that our Year 1 and 2 students start earlier than the undergraduates, we remain hopeful that a decision will be made sooner for us regarding specific details. We are different from the undergraduate cohort in that our students live off campus. We similar however in that our Year 1 and 2 students take classes, often in large groups. We may be moving to a hybrid format with in person small groups with appropriate physical distancing and PPE as needed, with virtual large groups. Stay tuned.
M1s:
About 1 month left before your summer break starts. Dr. Holmes has been trying to meet with each of you and plans to do so in the coming weeks/month. GI and Metabolism continues under the steady hands of our experienced directors and Reproduction Medicine has just started. We do appreciate your feedback, realizing that this is the first iteration of these phase 1 courses in their newly conceived forms – of course complicated by the need to run them during this pandemic. For now, please do plan to be returning to the Upper Valley and ready to start at least some in person activities in mid-August as previously planned.
M2s:
Step 1: I am hearing that more of you are finding Step 1 openings and I anticipate more spaces will become available in the coming weeks so please continue to search if you were planning to take this prior to the start of Year 3. We will be as flexible as possible allowing a day off from clerkships to take the exam if you find a date in July. The two days that would NOT work for those of you planning to start the year with a clerkship would be June 25 and 26th as those are clerkship specific orientation days and impossible to make up later. ICE / General Orientation will run on June 22-24 but can certainly work with you to make up missed sessions if needed. We are still working with our individual sites and rotations to determine possible re-entry dates for our clerks. While not set in stone, things are looking favorable for many of our sites to be open by the time you start year 3.
The Academic Skills Office recommends you take an NBME Self-Assessment early in your Step 1 preparations. Geisel will cover the full cost ($60) of one NBME Self-Assessment (either form 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, or 24). You will need to take a Self-Assessment and submit for your reimbursement no later than June 15, 2020. If you have already purchased and paid for a Self-Assessment, you are welcome submit for a reimbursement. Go here to enter your reimbursement info: NBME Self-Assessment Reimburse Link. NOTE: You are required to upload your receipt/proof of purchase, so be sure to keep track of it.
M3s:
Clerkship / SubI clinical starts: I have no definite start dates yet. I think there is high likelihood that some clinical services will open at DH in the next two weeks. We are taking into consideration the needs of each of you based on what you have missed and what you need to prepare for a residency application and will be trying to align this best with the spots that become open. Each clerkship will be trying to get you into 2-4 weeks of clinic activity on top of the virtual weeks that you have had. So, if a spot opens and you are here and need it, we’ll work to put in you in. If you are away and we don’t get enough advance notice, we’ll notify you and ask that you return and put you in next. If you are comfortable returning now knowing that there is no guarantee presently on getting you started in the next 2-3 weeks, I’d recommend you return. If you are not comfortable traveling or for other reasons cannot return now, don’t worry, we’ll fit you in when you return.
Virtual Radiology Elective: Radiology will host another round of their virtual elective. It will start on 5/18 with an end date of 6/5/2020 (3 weeks/credits) for RADO 502-Elec: Basic Clinical Radiology. The Year 3 and the split Year 4 students will be able to register for this elective up until May 13, this is five days prior to the start date. This will allow Matt the time needed to provide the information to ACR Teaches.
PPE Training: We are working with DH and the PSTC to arrange these trainings to start in the next 10 days or so. They will need to be done in small, in person cohort over many days to fit people in. We will do those of you who are local first.
June ICE: ICE will run June 17-19 virtually. The schedule is not confirmed yet. We are working closely with the simulation center to develop virtual or tele OSCEs as many other schools are doing. There will be an Ethics follow up session. You will receive information regarding the brief clinical ethics write up that is due prior to this session.
Step 2 CK/CS: The NBME is working closely with Prometric to attempt to open up more sites. Please continue to look for availability. CS still on hold for now.
CV Workshop: If you are able, please try to attend the CV workshop on Monday, May 11th, 1-2pm. We are working on a personal statement workshop for the following week. Please continue to work on your CVs, personal statements and noteworthy characteristics over the next week or two. Your specialty advisors and Dr. Holmes are happy to review any of these– please email Word copies if you would like these reviewed so your reviewers can use track changes. Once we know the ERAS opening date, we will start scheduling individual meetings with Dr. Holmes regarding the application process.
Residency Planning: Please be sure to log in to Texas STAR by next week so that your login link does not expire.
M4s:
Just a few more weeks! We’re excited to celebrate class day with you virtually and are seeking everyone’s input on how to make it as meaningful as possible. Tina is pulling this together and will be sending details soon.
As of March 16, 2020 and into the foreseeable future, all medical school interviews will be conducted virtually. Applicants will not come to campus to interview. We will update invited applicants with instructions.
SPECIAL COVID-19 NOTE REGARDING APPLICATIONS FOR 2021 ENTRANCE (updated 4/23/2020)
We recognize that students will be impacted in complex, diverse, and unique ways during the COVID-19 crisis. Please remember that Duke uses holistic review of applicants for fairness and thoughtful review. We will continue to update this section as we make decisions regarding applications for 2020-2021.
Grading: Duke will be flexible with grading for the Spring and Summer 2020 semesters during COVID-19. We will accept letter grades, P/F grades, S/U grades, withdraws, etc. Whatever decision you make regarding grading during this pandemic will not negatively impact your application in any way.
Duke will accept online courses for the Spring and Summer 2020 semesters during COVID-19.
MCAT: Duke is still requiring the MCAT test. If the test gets delayed, we will accept the MCAT scores until September 2020. If you have taken the MCAT and have a score and wish to retake the test for potentially a better score, you can submit your application before the new test. Just know that if you application becomes complete before you new MCAT test is received into our office it will be reviewed with the old score. Once you get the new score, please reach out to the Admissions Office so we can make sure the application is re-evaluated.
In addition, we will now accept MCAT scores from as early as 2016.
Deadlines: At this time, application deadlines have not changed with regards to our AAMC deadline of October 15th and Duke Secondary application of November 15th. If this changes we will update our website and MSAR with these details. Applications completed between July and September will still be considered “early”.
At this time, we will begin reviewing completed applications by mid-August and our goal is to start inviting applicants for interviews by September.
In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the US, and with regard to the safety and well-being of students, staff, and visitors, ETSU Quillen College of Medicine, Office of Admissions is closed physically, but open through the great world of technology with staff working from remote locations. Staff will be able to monitor the phones and emails. No face-to-face appointments will be scheduled at this time. Our main number is 423-439-2033 and email is [email protected]. We will get back to you as soon as possible during normal working hours 8:00-4:30 EDT. We hope the very best for everyone. Please visit www.etsu.edu/coronavirus for the latest updates and response to COVID-19.
Pass/Fail Courses
We are aware that some undergraduate institutions are offering pass/fail grades for courses completed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our program currently accepts up to two (2) prerequisite course with a non-traditional letter grade and a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be eligible for admission. Applicants should be aware that pass/fail courses do not contribute to the CASPA GPA calculations, and passing a course will not improve their GPA. An optional essay will be available when completing the CASPA application, and we encourage applicants to explain their circumstances around COVID-19, if applicable. The EVMS PA program will update our policies as necessary in order to respond appropriately to emerging circumstances.
What’s new in Admissions given the CoVID – 19 pandemic and quarantine?
In this time of uncertainty, we realize that many of you may need to reschedule your MCAT exams, adjust your course plan, and/or cancel clinical experiences. Some of you–or your loved ones–will be personally affected by this global pandemic. Our Admissions Committee assures you that these unforeseen circumstances will be understood in the context of the current situation. We will accept pass/fail courses, as well as online courses, toward our course requirements.
For the time being, our application deadlines and MCAT minimum scores remain the same for the 2020-2021 application cycle. We will accept MCAT results through October 31, 2020. Should any of this change, we will post notices here on our website. Please stay safe and healthy.
Our team is working remotely and continues to be accessible via phone and email. We have seen an increase in email volume, so please be patient as we respond as quickly as possible. Our admissions counselors are scheduling 1:1 Skype, FaceTime or Zoom meetings with students, and soon we will offer virtual information sessions. Be sure to follow @FAUadmissions on social media where we will share content to help you get to know FAU and answer questions.
We are so excited about your acceptance to the Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. When we last met, our worlds were very different than they are now. COVID-19 has turned all our worlds upside down and we have all had to make significant life adjustments trying to figure out our new “normal”. One of the adjustments we have had to make is moving our Second Visit, or as I like to call it “Our Second Date”, to an online format. Please know that we are very excited about you becoming a member of our FIU family and want to assure you that we will take care of you and help you achieve your dream to become a great physician.
We are looking forward to seeing and meeting again in our virtual welcome back. Stay connected with us and if you have any questions please email us at [email protected].
Due to the COVID19 pandemic, the FSU SPAP will permit applicants to have up to 2 (two) prerequisite courses outstanding at the time of application for the 2020 cycle which begins May 1, 2020. We are aware of several instances where courses have been cancelled or modified during either the current or summer semester, and we recognize that this may leave some applicants with outstanding coursework. If accepted, outstanding prerequisites must be completed by the end of the Spring 2021 semester in order to matriculate.
We have also extended the deadline for Direct Patient Care Hours. Applicants may apply to the FSU PA Program with outstanding Direct Patient Care Hours with the expectation that the hours will be completed by the end of the Spring 2021 semester.
Required courses for the pre-dental and pre-medical designations may not be taken pass/fail in order to meet medical or other professional school program requirements.
P/F
The Committee on Admissions will honor institutional policies that have changed grades to Pass/Fail for Spring 2020.
Summer 2020 courses
The Committee on Admissions will accept online courses for the summer 2020 term.
MCAT
We are accepting MCAT scores from exams taken April 2018 through 2020. All applicants are required to have a valid MCAT score within this timeframe. The AAMC has opened up additional testing dates throughout the summer and the fall, shortened the score reporting time, and has made other modifications to lessen the impact on applicants for the 2021 cycle.
Visit the AAMC website for more information on the changes the AAMC has made regarding the MCAT in response to Covid 19.
2021 Application Cycle Deadlines
December 14, 2020: AMCAS / primary application deadline
February 1, 2021: Secondary application & Letters of Recommendation
Please visit the Application Process page for detailed information about our application process.
MCAT Delays: for the 2021 application cycle, we will accept MCAT scores for exams taken between January 2018 and September 2020. If this causes you to submit your application later than intended, that is acceptable. This does not disadvantage your application in any way. All applications submitted before the December 15 deadline receive equal consideration.
You may submit your application prior to taking the MCAT. If you have indicated on your application that you are registered for an upcoming MCAT date, we will not begin reviewing your application until that score is received.
You may also wait until you receive your score to submit your application, as long as you submit before December 15.
Grading system changes: Due to the decision of many institutions to move to an online and/or Pass/Fail format for the COVID-19 crisis, GUSOM will consider Pass/Fail and Credit/No Credit courses, as well as prerequisites completed online, holistically in the context of the full application. At institutions where moving to Pass/Fail was optional, course grades on a scale of A-F are highly preferable, especially for pre-requisite and BCPM courses.
Hours (research, service, clinical): We are aware that many previously planned opportunities to gain experiences in research, service, or clinical settings during this time are being affected by closings and cancellations due to the crisis. The Committee on Admissions will take this into account when reviewing applications. Our team holistically reviews all applications without assigning weight to a particular category.
Special Note: If you experienced a particular hardship due to the COVID-19 crisis and would like to share that with the committee, please do so under the “Further Information” question on your secondary application.
Updated June 4, 2020
NEW: Important HMS Lab Reopening information (June 4)
All Harvard faculty, staff and students must follow the University’s policies and guidelines found on the Harvard University coronavirus 2019 webpage. This page includes important guidance for remote courses, travel policies, campus restrictions, and visiting or returning to campus.
Fall 2020 courses will commence remotely for our entering classes of medical, dental and graduate students, as well as for our HMS-directed external education programs that would have been held on campus.
We hope to be able to hold in-person research and clinical experiences for our returning medical and graduate students and will continue to closely follow institutional guidelines and public health developments.
Our program leaders will be communicating soon with current and incoming students, faculty and staff to provide further details and preparations—including considerations for start dates, travel, housing, visas and financial aid/support—relative to their respective programs.
We hope to have all of our students back on campus by January, but we are mindful of the many unknowns and will update our projections as new information becomes available.
Your instructors will contact you with specific instructions on how to login. Please see the HMS IT Work Remotely webpage for instructions on how to download the Harvard versions of Zoom or Webex.
Updated May 15, 2020
MS1s: Homeostasis has started and will take place online. First-years are currently attending classes virtually.
MS2s: Intensive Study Period for USMLE Step 1 has begun. There will be a 2 week Core Learning session offered virtually the students must complete before they transition to MS3s in July.
MS3s: Clinical rotations have been paused and are expected to resume on June 1st. Students are welcome to take electives or professional development time over April & May that will count towards MS4 elective credit.
MS4s: The expected graduation date has changed from May 11th to April 10th. Students will be invited to volunteer at health systems across NY until their commitments for residency programs begin.
PhDs: Dissertation dates and graduation will remain as scheduled for May 31st.
Updated May 15, 2020
As the University plans for the Fall 2020 semester, we are doing so with the awareness that we are not only amidst a public health pandemic, but we also face growing social unrest nationwide that is influencing our academic planning. Howard University continues to monitor the (COVID-19) pandemic and is doing our part to help flatten the curve of the rate of infection, while maintaining services required to deliver an exceptional education to our students, and conduct critical research in the safest manner possible.
The University’s Fall 2020 re-opening plan is the product of broad discussions held among the members of the President’s Fall Re-opening Taskforce, as well as 13 Fall 2020 Preparation Sub-Committees, with representation from more than 150 students, faculty, staff, local community leaders, and in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and federal government agencies, as well as local government. Further, the University surveyed students, faculty and staff to glean their opinions on various parts of the University’s operations for the fall. Our community’s collective voices are represented in the University’s plan.
IU School of Medicine will accept P/NP (no pass) or S/F grades as meeting requirements.
IU School of Medicine will exercise flexibility in accepting additional S/F grades for the spring and possibly summer terms.
Applicants should consider scheduling an alternative MCAT test date. For updated MCAT information visit aamc.org.
Applicants should consider enrolling into science prerequisites in fall or later terms rather than summer, if possible.
Applicants who wish to receive a letter grade rather than (S/F or P/NP) may appeal to instructors at their discretion.
Applicants may apply without an MCAT score but are encouraged to include a MCAT test date on the application, if available.
Holistic review assessments will remain in place to determine the fitness of applicants’ backgrounds for medical school admission.
Email [email protected] to schedule a telephone appointment to speak with an admissions director.
Medical schools across the country do not all accept online courses for the prerequisites, and we are among the schools that currently do not do so. Our medical school was discussing whether to begin accepting online courses even before the COVID-19 pandemic, as is true of many other schools that do not currently accept online courses for the prerequisites. Although we have not yet concluded these discussions, we also recognize that the current circumstances are most unusual and we will use full consideration and judgment in evaluating the academic performance of applicants impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This will likely require us to be flexible with respect to online courses and with respect to Pass/Fail grade reporting that many colleges and universities have begun using as in-person classes have transitioned to online delivery. In particular, we will accept Pass/Fail grade reporting for the Spring 2020 semester. We will continue our previous discussions about whether to accept online courses for the prerequisites at an accelerated pace that has been prompted by the pandemic.
Pass/Fail Grades – Our schools will accept pass/fail grades, without prejudice, for courses taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has always been our practice to consider grades in the context of numerous other aspects of the application, and an international crisis certainly provides a unique and compelling context. In making this statement, we are cognizant of the fact that some undergraduate schools are providing an option for students to take courses either for grades or on a Pass/Fail basis. We therefore want to be explicit that applicants should not feel pressured by us to choose the graded option. Students and their families are facing many challenges at the moment – maybe even life and death challenges. The pressure for grades need not be one of them.
MCAT Tests – We will accept applications from individuals who were unable to take the MCAT due to COVID-related test cancellations. For these candidates, we will base secondary application decisions on the information that is available to us at the time of the application. Assuming that MCAT testing resumes prior to October, we will require applicants to have taken the MCAT before we make admissions decisions for the Class of 2025. Accordingly, applicants should not delay applying simply because an MCAT score is not yet available.
Updated June 23, 2020
Many of you may have questions about our status since the Governor announced yesterday that Louisiana would remain in Phase 2 for another 28 days. Accordingly, LSU Health New Orleans will also remain in Phase 2 – our purple phase. As you know, we are an essential organization. Educating and training the majority of Louisiana’s health care professionals is critically important to our state’s ability to manage this pandemic and protect future health. So, we have operated differently from other universities throughout this crisis.
We will fulfill our vital educational mission with classes starting as scheduled for the fall semester. Remote learning will continue, but other students will return to campus as their educational experiences require. Safety precautions will be employed. As each of our schools has distinct curricula and schedules, our individual schools will have details about expectations for their schools. Those who work in our various administrative units will remain essentially as they have been since we entered Phase 2, although there may be a need for more staff on campus in some administrative areas. Supervisors will notify staff in those situations. Supervisors and Human Resources can answer any questions.
For those on campus, masks and physical distancing requirements will be strictly enforced. We also strongly encourage our faculty, staff and students to follow other guidance developed by the State and City for Phase 2 to reduce the spread of COVID-19. As the Governor said, while we may be done with this virus, this virus is not done with us. We do not want to lose the ground we have worked so hard to gain over the past few months.
As a further safety measure, we are finalizing plans to offer free antibody testing to those returning to campus and will be providing details very soon.
In the meantime, please know that we so appreciate the way all of you have stepped up to respond to this crisis. Your attitudes and actions set the standard for others to follow. I am deeply proud of each and every one of you and am confident that together, we will weather this storm.
Updated July 6, 2020
Based on our continued focus to provide the safest possible work environment, as well as the recent sustained increase in COVID-19 cases within our health sciences center, community and state, I am instructing the administrative employees that worked from home during Phase 1 of the State’s COVID-19 response to return to working from home. Out of an abundance of caution, as well as a deliberate assessment of the increasing trend in numbers of cases and hospitalizations for COVID-19 in Louisiana and our neighboring states, I am taking this action effective Monday, July 6.
The following exceptions are to be observed:
- Researchers who are engaged in funded research should continue working in their labs, any questions about who and who should not be on campus should be addressed to Dr. Kevil.
- Administrative employees who have been approved by Mr. Jeff Reynolds, at the request of their supervisor, to continue working on campus based on their impact on direct patient care and/or medical education.
It is unfortunate this step is necessary, but our leadership team agrees this is the right decision and this decision will remain in effect through at least July 24.
My expectations related to COVID-19 conduct for the students, residents, fellows, faculty, and employees are as follows:
- Wear a mask at all times in public spaces – hallways, elevators, restrooms, etc., as well as anywhere you could be within 6 feet of another individual.
- Do not schedule meetings or gather in groups with more than ten individuals. Even meetings with ten or fewer individuals should reflect six feet of distance between each person. (36 sq. ft. is required per person for meetings per the CDC guidelines.)
- All meetings should be scheduled via WebEx or a similar virtual platform unless warranted otherwise.
- No more than 2-3 individuals at a time should be in an elevator.
- Under no circumstances should a buffet-style meal be offered. All food should be singularly packaged. EX: Box lunches, wrapped cookies, individual package of chips, etc.
- The only travel authorized is routine in-state travel necessary for direct patient care.
Related to testing, we (LSUHSC EVT lab) will continue to offer testing Monday through Friday, 8 am until 4 pm for asymptomatic students, residents, fellows and employees in 5-337. This testing room is located in the crossover area between the School of Medicine and hospital on 5th floor of School of Medicine. Those who experience direct exposure to the virus or who are exhibiting symptoms should go to Chevyland located at 2627 Linwood Avenue for testing. This additional EVT lab testing location will be open between 8:30 am and 4 pm Monday through Friday effective July 6. This new testing site has been established to limit the spread of the virus among our students, residents, fellows and employees. Note, this site is not for non-employees of LSUHSC.
I urge each of you to also represent LSU Health Shreveport appropriately when you are out in the community by wearing a mask. It is our role as those working in healthcare to set the tone for the importance of wearing masks and socially distancing as a way to minimize the spread of COVID-19.
I extend my earnest appreciation to each of you as we navigate these challenging times in meeting our professional responsibilities while creating the safest possible environment for our LSUHS family. Thank you for your continued support of our health sciences center.
If you need assistance from the Office of Admissions, please use our general email address which is [email protected]. You can also contact our Dean of Admissions at [email protected] if you are a currently accepted candidate seeking advice or information.
UPDATE (April 14, 2020): Given the unprecedented circumstances surrounding COVID-19, Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine has carefully reviewed its perspective on Pass/Fail grading for the 2021 entering MD class. To alleviate additional stressors surrounding educational modifications, we have decided to accept Pass/Fail and CR/NC grading for prerequisite coursework for Spring Semester 2020. Courses and labs delivered via remote learning due to COVID-19 will also be accepted for the Spring 2020 Semester.
Updated July 9, 2020
Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences (MCSHS) is communicating regularly with its program directors through virtual town hall and program director meetings, and email. Program directors are communicating directly with students and applicants.
Limited in-person teaching
Mayo Clinic limits employees and students on campus only for essential purposes. Therefore, faculty and students can expect most of the didactic (classroom) teaching to be delivered virtually through the fall semester. If a program considers there to be cogent reasons why some classes should be presented in person, this will be considered if there is a large enough room available so that students are separated by at least 6 feet, all students wear masks, and the room is cleaned before and after use. The school expects to issue very few exceptions.
MCSHS considers teaching activities that cannot reasonably be completed virtually, such as clinical experiences, procedural skill-building, lab training, or using medical equipment, to be essential. Therefore, program directors may invite students to campus only for essential teaching activities and with these conditions:
- Limit groups to 15 or fewer people, unless a lower limit is ordered by Mayo Clinic leadership or by state or local government authorities
- Limited to classrooms and labs, not in clinical areas
- Strictly observe Mayo protocols for preventing the spread of COVID-19, such as hand-washing, masking, and body-temperature checks
- Observe 6-foot distancing at all times. The only exception is when it is necessary for students to practice skills on one another, and in these situations the students must wear surgical masks (not cloth). If a mask must be temporarily removed to complete a procedure, eye protection is required. It is not acceptable to break 6-foot distancing for other reasons, such as when using small rooms or equipment that is close together.
COVID-19 accommodations based on underlying medical conditions discontinued effective June 10
Mayo Clinic is discontinuing some temporary COVID-19 accommodations based on underlying medical conditions effective June 10. Students with ongoing concerns about returning to campus or resuming all regular learning activities should request reasonable accommodation through Mayo Clinic’s normal process, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The process includes:
- Registering with the Office of Wellness and Academic Success. Review more information on Disability Accommodations Registration and Services.
- Contacting Kara James, disability and accommodations resource specialist, at [email protected] to schedule a meeting.
- Completing the Request for Accommodations form and returning it to Student Services.
- Providing medical documentation. If necessary, you may request the Medical Provider Verification of Disability form be completed by your provider(s) and returned to Student Services, or provide the information in another preferred format.
Contact Kara James at [email protected] with any questions.
COVID-19 precautions on campus
It is critically important that any person with symptoms of COVID-19 take extra precautions and not come to campus. Please refer to the “Health” section below for more information and resources related to having possible exposure or symptoms consistent with COVID-19.
Take temperature
Students should take their temperatures before arriving on campus and after leaving campus to monitor for possible fevers. If a thermometer is not available, temperature scanning is provided at patient entrances.
Mandatory masking
Students should arrive wearing a clean, personally provided cloth mask that is laundered regularly. Masks with valves are not acceptable. If you will be in a patient care or lab skill teaching environment, Mayo will provide appropriate masks. Program directors will coordinate N95 mask fit-testing for students as appropriate.
Protective eyewear — new requirement
Mayo Clinic now requires all providers and caregivers in direct patient care areas wear approved eyewear and masks at all times. Mayo will provide students with appropriate eye protection as needed.
Patient care
Except for specifically designated residents and fellows, students should not care for patients with confirmed COVID-19. Students should also not care for patients awaiting the results of COVID-19 tests who, in the opinion of the supervising faculty, have a high clinical probability of having COVID-19. Students may care for any other patients awaiting the results of COVID-19 testing. This policy is in order to limit the spread of the virus, conserve essential medical supplies, and protect the health of our students. Exceptions may be considered when programs or rotations feel that it is educationally necessary for students to learn how to care for patients with COVID-19. Permission for such exceptions must be obtained from school leadership.
Support services
The financial aid office, student counseling, and academic success coaches remain available. Libraries are closed, but materials may be ordered online. Please see the additional links and resources available below.
Transportation and parking
Public transportation services remain limited. Please consult with your local transit services and schedules before your scheduled return to campus if you rely on those services. Mayo Clinic parking restrictions are in effect.
Financial impact
Some federal Department of Education funding may be available to help students offset unforeseen expenses caused by the pandemic. Precise amounts and allocation methods have not been determined. Students may review their individual eligibility for financial aid and discuss other academic financial aid concerns with the student financial aid office at 507-284-4839 or [email protected].
- Tuition refunds will be considered only rarely in the event a program is unable to provide the educational credits for which a student has registered.
- Travel and expense restrictions continue for every campus, school, and program. Regular teaching and learning supplies may be purchased. Other potential expenses affecting program PAUs should be discussed with your liaison.
If you have additional questions or concerns, contact your program director or email [email protected].
Updated July 9, 2020
Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences (MCSHS) is communicating regularly with its program directors through virtual town hall and program director meetings, and email. Program directors are communicating directly with students and applicants.
Limited in-person teaching
Mayo Clinic limits employees and students on campus only for essential purposes. Therefore, faculty and students can expect most of the didactic (classroom) teaching to be delivered virtually through the fall semester. If a program considers there to be cogent reasons why some classes should be presented in person, this will be considered if there is a large enough room available so that students are separated by at least 6 feet, all students wear masks, and the room is cleaned before and after use. The school expects to issue very few exceptions.
MCSHS considers teaching activities that cannot reasonably be completed virtually, such as clinical experiences, procedural skill-building, lab training, or using medical equipment, to be essential. Therefore, program directors may invite students to campus only for essential teaching activities and with these conditions:
- Limit groups to 15 or fewer people, unless a lower limit is ordered by Mayo Clinic leadership or by state or local government authorities
- Limited to classrooms and labs, not in clinical areas
- Strictly observe Mayo protocols for preventing the spread of COVID-19, such as hand-washing, masking, and body-temperature checks
- Observe 6-foot distancing at all times. The only exception is when it is necessary for students to practice skills on one another, and in these situations the students must wear surgical masks (not cloth). If a mask must be temporarily removed to complete a procedure, eye protection is required. It is not acceptable to break 6-foot distancing for other reasons, such as when using small rooms or equipment that is close together.
COVID-19 accommodations based on underlying medical conditions discontinued effective June 10
Mayo Clinic is discontinuing some temporary COVID-19 accommodations based on underlying medical conditions effective June 10. Students with ongoing concerns about returning to campus or resuming all regular learning activities should request reasonable accommodation through Mayo Clinic’s normal process, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The process includes:
- Registering with the Office of Wellness and Academic Success. Review more information on Disability Accommodations Registration and Services.
- Contacting Kara James, disability and accommodations resource specialist, at [email protected] to schedule a meeting.
- Completing the Request for Accommodations form and returning it to Student Services.
- Providing medical documentation. If necessary, you may request the Medical Provider Verification of Disability form be completed by your provider(s) and returned to Student Services, or provide the information in another preferred format.
Contact Kara James at [email protected] with any questions.
COVID-19 precautions on campus
It is critically important that any person with symptoms of COVID-19 take extra precautions and not come to campus. Please refer to the “Health” section below for more information and resources related to having possible exposure or symptoms consistent with COVID-19.
Take temperature
Students should take their temperatures before arriving on campus and after leaving campus to monitor for possible fevers. If a thermometer is not available, temperature scanning is provided at patient entrances.
Mandatory masking
Students should arrive wearing a clean, personally provided cloth mask that is laundered regularly. Masks with valves are not acceptable. If you will be in a patient care or lab skill teaching environment, Mayo will provide appropriate masks. Program directors will coordinate N95 mask fit-testing for students as appropriate.
Protective eyewear — new requirement
Mayo Clinic now requires all providers and caregivers in direct patient care areas wear approved eyewear and masks at all times. Mayo will provide students with appropriate eye protection as needed.
Patient care
Except for specifically designated residents and fellows, students should not care for patients with confirmed COVID-19. Students should also not care for patients awaiting the results of COVID-19 tests who, in the opinion of the supervising faculty, have a high clinical probability of having COVID-19. Students may care for any other patients awaiting the results of COVID-19 testing. This policy is in order to limit the spread of the virus, conserve essential medical supplies, and protect the health of our students. Exceptions may be considered when programs or rotations feel that it is educationally necessary for students to learn how to care for patients with COVID-19. Permission for such exceptions must be obtained from school leadership.
Support services
The financial aid office, student counseling, and academic success coaches remain available. Libraries are closed, but materials may be ordered online. Please see the additional links and resources available below.
Transportation and parking
Public transportation services remain limited. Please consult with your local transit services and schedules before your scheduled return to campus if you rely on those services. Mayo Clinic parking restrictions are in effect.
Financial impact
Some federal Department of Education funding may be available to help students offset unforeseen expenses caused by the pandemic. Precise amounts and allocation methods have not been determined. Students may review their individual eligibility for financial aid and discuss other academic financial aid concerns with the student financial aid office at 507-284-4839 or [email protected].
- Tuition refunds will be considered only rarely in the event a program is unable to provide the educational credits for which a student has registered.
- Travel and expense restrictions continue for every campus, school, and program. Regular teaching and learning supplies may be purchased. Other potential expenses affecting program PAUs should be discussed with your liaison.
If you have additional questions or concerns, contact your program director or email [email protected].
The Office of Admissions is sensitive to the academic burden placed on applicants attempting to complete graded pre-requisite courses that were converted to online and/or Pass/Fail during the Spring and Summer Semesters of AY 2019-2020 in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Towards this end, all successfully completed pre-requisite courses (including Pass/Fail and online) affected by COVID-19 (Spring and Summer Semesters 2020) will be accepted for credit by the Office of Admissions upon verification of the applicant’s institution. This will only apply to those courses in which the applicant was actively enrolled during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pass/Fail and online courses will not be accepted for required Biology and Chemistry coursework outside of this exception.
Our response to COVID-19 continues to evolve due to the fluid nature of the situation. These policies are accurate as of 4/9/20 but are continuously being evaluated and are subject to change.
We will continue our commitment to holistic admissions and encourage applicants to share context regarding their individual situation on the MCW secondary application essay prompt.
We will accept pass/fail grades for coursework, including prerequisites, taken during the COVID-19 pandemic (currently including January 2020 – present). As prerequisite coursework is intended to prepare applicants for the MCAT exam and for medical school coursework, applicants should ensure they have obtained mastery of the course material regardless of the grading system.
We plan to maintain our current timeline for the 2021 application cycle with completed secondary applications due on Monday, December 7, 2020. A fully completed application includes several components including a valid MCAT and CASPer score.
We will continue to consider completion date as one factor in our admissions process (i.e. “rolling admissions”); however, we realize that external factors may greatly impact application completion date for some applicants this cycle.
To accommodate our large applicant pool, multiple campus locations, and large incoming class size, we need to start interviewing applicants in the early fall. We will interview applicants until at least March 2021 and will extend our interview season further if deemed necessary.
Some applicants may encounter substantial challenges preparing a successful application for the 2021 cycle and may be more successful applying during a future cycle. We will continue to offer application counseling and advising appointments upon request and would be happy to discuss your individual situation prior to application.
In this time of uncertainty related to the impact of COVID-19, we realize that many of you are facing unexpected circumstances and may need to adjust your plans in preparation for the upcoming cycle.
We understand the challenges many of you are facing with MCAT testing availability and/or current coursework, including the potential shift to alternate grading systems or rubrics. While letter grades for coursework are preferred, we recognize the difficulty this may pose for many. As such, we will accept Pass/No Pass grading for Spring 2020 coursework.
Our Admissions Committee assures you that these unforeseen circumstances will be understood in the context of the current situation.
At this point, our timeline and requirements remain the same. Should adjustments be made, we will post notices on this website.
If you have specific questions, as always, our team can be reached at [email protected].
Updated May 15, 2020
Will MMC remain open?
- Yes, campus remains open.
What is the college doing to ensure teaching continues?
- Based on current information, classes will continue without interruption. There will be constant monitoring of information form the CDC and the U.S. Department of State.
- All didactic courses that do not have a lab component will be provided via an online/asynchronous format. Clinical rotations and labs will continue as usual.
Are campus events canceled?
- Based on current information, classes will continue without interruption. There will be constant monitoring of information form the CDC and the U.S. Department of State.
How will admission decisions be impacted as a result of academic work and MCAT exams being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic? (Updated April 13, 2020)
Mercer University School of Medicine is taking many steps to address concerns related to the educational upheaval students are experiencing as a result of COVID-19. Answers to questions related to academic work and MCAT testing are provided below. If you have additional questions, please contact the admissions office for further clarification.
Policy regarding pass/fail grades due to COVID-19
Mercer University School of Medicine will accept pass/fail grades for courses taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. Applicant grades will be considered in the context of a holistic evaluation that also takes into account the student’s passion for the well-being of others and commitment to the residents of Georgia. If students choose the pass/fail grading option for coursework taken during the COVID-19 pandemic, they will not be penalized or considered at a disadvantage during the admissions process. Mercer University School of Medicine will make every effort to provide interview opportunities in a fair and equitable fashion under these extenuating circumstances.
Policy regarding closure of MCAT test centers due to COVID-19
Mercer University School of Medicine will accept applications from individuals who were unable to take the MCAT due to COVID-related test cancellations. For these candidates, secondary application decisions will be based on information that is provided at the time of application. For the Class of 2025, applicants will be required to take the MCAT before final decisions are made, assuming MCAT testing resumes prior to October. Applicants should not delay applying because an MCAT score is not yet available. Check back for more information and updates as this situation continues to evolve.
On Pass/Fail: The challenge for medical school admissions committees is that accurate and specific information is always preferred. When committees are faced with ambiguity, their bias may factor a pass as a “C/D” or 2.0/1.0 rather than a higher grade. So, if you have an option to proceed with a letter grade for prerequisite coursework, many schools (including the College of Human Medicine) would prefer this option.
For those of you in which a Pass/Fail or Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grade is rendered for any of these courses, CHM will work with you. Since we require prerequisite coursework be assessed at a “C or 2.0” grade or higher, we would kindly ask that your home institution (registrar or course instructor) provide written verification that the Passing or Satisfactory grade met this standard.
We would be remiss if we didn’t recognize that there may be several advantages and disadvantages when considering your grading options. We also recognize that every applicant has his/her/their own set of strengths and areas for growth. Maintaining a healthy mentoring/coaching relationship with your pre-health adviser will be key as you proceed with decisions about your Winter/Spring 2020 coursework.
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic MSM is operating from a virtual campus until April 6th. Admissions Specialists are available to respond to your inquiries via email. Please submit your inquiries to [email protected].
COVID-19 Update for 2021 Application cycle:
The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai understands that the COVID-19 public health crisis has impacted different facets of each applicant’s portfolio. The Admissions Committee will be flexible in evaluating the following in Spring 2020: the timing of MCAT tests, the number of P/F grades, the use of online coursework, the abrupt discontinuation of some activities and other elements impacted by the current pandemic. The Admissions Committee evaluates each application holistically and will continue to maintain rigorous holistic review. If your application is impacted by the current crisis, consider writing a short explanation in your application.
Please note the following information regarding coursework, labs and MCAT:
Pass/Fail Coursework – All Spring 2020 courses that were required to be taken as P/F will be evaluated in the context of the entire educational portfolio and can be used to meet our premedical requirements
Online Coursework and Labs – All Spring 2020 courses which were switched to an online platform will be reviewed in context of the entire educational portfolio and can be used to meet our premedical requirements
MCAT – Given the cancellation of MCAT examination test dates in March, April and May, we will accept MCAT scores through October 2020. Delayed MCATs will not be viewed negatively during our holistic review process
Following the COVID-19 crisis, New York Tech is developing an adaptable, responsive, and comprehensive campus re-engagement plan that follows all requisite national, state, and local guidelines while supporting a best-in-class student experience.
Message from President Foley (June 30, 2020)
New York Tech is moving forward with reopening plans, following the June 19 announcement of New York State guidelines for higher education (considered a Phase 4 industry). As I shared in my May 20 email, plans for the fall will consist of a mixture of in-person and remote classes structured to reflect our commitment to ensuring the health and safety of the university community while fulfilling our mission of providing the highest-quality educational experience for our students.
When do we reopen?
The College of Osteopathic Medicine is set to begin classes on August 6. While some labs were able to remain open during the pandemic, we have now received the go-ahead from the state to open all research labs on July 1.
The fall semester for all other New York Tech schools and colleges will begin on Sept. 9, and I urge you to save these dates for new academic year kick-off events: the Annual Faculty and Staff Convocation on Sept. 3 and New Student Academic Convocation on Sept. 8, both to be held virtually.
What is the status of our reopening plan?
Our staff and faculty have been working together in anticipation of reopening, taking into account external factors in our control while optimizing campus facilities, investing in new educational platforms and delivery methods, and other elements in response to the new normal we envision. I am happy to say now that we have the guidelines from the state, our reopening plan just needs further review before we move forward.
All candidates are required to take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). For the 2020-21 application cycle, only scores from exams taken between January 2018 and December 2020 are eligible for consideration.. *Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are extending our MCAT deadline to include tests offered through December 2020.
In fairness to all applicants, there are no exceptions to these posted MCAT date requirements.
Updated May 15, 2020
Due to COVID-19, we are scheduling virtual multiple mini interviews for the 2020 admissions season. During the MD application process at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, we use the multiple mini interview—a series of short conversations between you and several different assessors—instead of the traditional one-on-one or panel interview. Eight successive virtual interviews take place in separate stations within our online interview platform, with a scheduled break at a rest station. The entire process takes about an hour.
Research shows that having applicants interact with many interviewers, instead of one or two, reduces the chance that interviewer bias affects scoring. Studies have also shown that an applicant’s scores on the multiple mini interview are predictive of their performance on clinical clerkships, measures of professionalism, and future scores on clinical exams.
The format can help you convey your cultural sensitivity, maturity, empathy, and reliability—all important physician characteristics that aren’t necessarily reflected by Medical College Admission Test® (MCAT) scores and undergraduate grades. Although you may feel nervous about participating in the multiple mini interview, applicants often tell us they enjoyed the process once they’ve completed it.
The Interview Process
There are a total of eight online interviews. Before an interview rotation begins, you receive a scenario with an open-ended question and have two minutes to prepare an answer. You then enter the virtual interview room, where you engage in a five-minute conversation with an interviewer.
When the time is up for that scenario, your performance is scored. After a short break, you move on to the next scenario.
There is also an open-station virtual interview, similar to a traditional one-on-one interview. It lasts 13 minutes, during which time you can ask questions of the interviewer.
Interviewers are members of our faculty, staff, and student body who are trained in the multiple mini interview format.
Because the questions are situational, there are no right or wrong answers. Rather, each assessment focuses on your decision-making, critical-thinking, and communication skills as they relate to healthcare and social issues. Interviewers are evaluating your thought process and your ability to improvise.
For admission questions pertaining to the College of Medicine, email [email protected]
Will COVID-19 disruptions be considered as you make admissions decisions?
Yes. Our Committee on Admissions will consider COVID related disruptions as they review applications. We are cognizant of how this may impact our applicants for the Spring 2020 term, including adjustments to grading and MCAT examination, course plans, labs, research, clinical, and developmental experiences, as well as, the potential for late letters of recommendation and delayed transcripts.
Will I have an opportunity to explain how my application has been impacted by COVID-19 related disruptions?
Yes. A question is being added to our supplemental application that will allow you to explain how you have been impacted by the global pandemic.
Will my application be negatively impacted if I am required to take pre-requisite coursework as Pass/Fail?
We understand the effects on your spring 2020 coursework are very much out of your control. We will review your application in the context of these circumstances and your unique situation.
How is Feinberg responding to delayed MCAT examination dates?
At this time, Feinberg School of Medicine will be accepting MCAT scores for the 2021 Admissions Cycle through October 2020. This timeline will accommodate applicants taking the examination through the end of September 2020.
Can I apply to Feinberg before I take the MCAT?
Yes. Applicants should not delay applying simply because an MCAT score is not yet available. Candidates will be invited to complete the supplemental application prior to the receipt of an MCAT score.
Updated May 29, 2020
How will COVID-19 impact the upcoming admission cycle?
Letters of Recommendation: The Admissions Committee has decided to reduce the Letter of Recommendation requirement to two letters. A committee letter will count as two letters and complete the requirement. The Admissions Committee highly recommends applicants select writers who know them well, and can speak to their commitment to the medical profession, as well as their academic preparation for medical school. Letters from family members and/or friends are strongly discouraged.
Admissions Interviews: Considering the enormous impact COVID-19 is having on prospective students and their families and for the safety of our applicants as well as the community, we will transition to a virtual model to conduct admissions interviews. It is our hope that we will be able to provide an on-campus experience for admitted students at a point in the future, possibly through Second Look.
With many MCAT test dates being canceled, what does OUWB recommend for applicants? As the MCAT testing dates have been cancelled and/or rescheduled due to health restrictions related to COVID-19, we will now process applications without an MCAT score. This means that students are able to submit their primary applications and will now be considered for secondary applications and interviews without an MCAT score. A minimum score of 495 is still required, and an MCAT score will be required prior to a final admissions decision made by the Admissions Committee. If an applicant’s MCAT score does not meet our minimum requirement of 495 or higher, they will be released from the process. Due to uncertainty around the MCAT testing and scheduling as well as our continued guidance for applicants to apply early, we will provide a refund on the secondary application fee for any applicant who advances in our process but receives a score that does not meet our minimum MCAT requirement.
Pass/Fail Coursework – Pass/Fail will be allowed for all coursework taken during the Spring 2020 term, including pre-requisites.
Online Coursework and Labs – Online labs will be accepted for the Spring 2020 and Summer 2020 term.
Letters of Evaluation – The requirement for a letter of recommendation from the instructor of a graded science course has been changed for the Spring 2020 term. A letter of recommendation from the instructor of a science course taken pass/fail in the Spring 2020 term is acceptable.
We are working to adapt to the rapidly changing circumstances of this unprecedented time, as the world responds to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our immediate focus has been ensuring the remainder of the 2020 application cycle continues on time. We will be assessing and discussing impacts for the 2021 admissions cycle over the coming weeks.
Updated May 15, 2020
Penn State Health is committed to keeping the public informed and helping people find the most up-to-date, reliable information about coronavirus disease 2019, also known as COVID-19.
We continue to work closely with public health officials to protect the health and safety of all of our patients, visitors and team members. We are assessing the risk of exposure pursuant to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and PA Department of Health.
Updated March 10, 2020
Here at PHSU we have taken the necessary beginning steps to monitor outbreaks and cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) if our community becomes affected. We have started planning mechanisms to ensure the continuity of the academic activities in the event of a campus closure as part of preventive measures to avoid further spreading of the virus.
This protocol will allow to continue courses and didactic activities using the existing academic platforms (Zoom, Canvas, Moodle, etc.). Specific details for each school and program will be provided by the corresponding Deans and training sessions will be held. Details will be provided in the upcoming days.
PHSU administration is also evaluating protocols for the approval of student activities including academic trips, student exchanges, rotations, internships and professional practices. Pertinent details will be shared during the next few days.
We have been monitoring the plans instituted by other universities nationwide to prevent the spread of the virus and will apply some restrictions to student activities (organized by PHSU or student organizations) and other activities that involve large groups.
As our community and the nation continue to navigate the coronavirus pandemic, RMC Admissions will closely monitor the situation and make determinations in accordance with AAMC guidelines/protocols and our institutional mission as it relates to the 2021 application cycle. We understand the unknown is both stressful and anxiety provoking, but rest assured we are in this together. The Rush admissions team is diligently working to ensure the coursework you are currently completing will not negatively impact your timeline for applying to our medical school. Additionally, protocols around additional documentation such as MCAT and LORs will also continue to be monitored and evaluated.
Pass/Fail: The Committee has modified our policy and will accept “PASS” grades for any courses completed this spring or summer term. In addition, with MCAT dates in flux, we will evaluate each applicant’s personal situation with a one-by-one approach.
Delayed MCAT – RWJMS will send secondary applications to those who do not have an MCAT scores showing upon receipt of their AMCAS application. We will require an MCAT score prior to offering an interview. We will extend our interview schedule and slow our reviews so as to allow applicants more time to have their MCAT score available. Ideally this score will be in place by early November.
Pass/Fail Grades – RWJMS will accept pass/fail grades, for courses taken during the COVID pandemic. Ideally candidates will have science course grades from other semesters on their application. We will always review your application as a whole and never focus on grades exclusively.
Online Courses – As most undergraduate schools have gone to online courses during the pandemic, we will accept online courses from candidates who were enrolled during the pandemic. For students who are beyond undergraduate school, we will accept online courses undertaken to meet prerequisites regardless of the institution.
Response to COVID-19 – Information for the 2021 Admissions Cycle:
As we all work through the COVID-19 pandemic, we are aware of your many challenges. Many universities are modifying their grading systems in response to the pandemic. We will give full consideration to pass/fail grades for any lecture or laboratory courses taken during the Spring 2020 semester. As in the past, prerequisite courses must be completed in a degree-granting university. Each course director is to determine the balance between online and classroom instruction. Rest assured, our Committee conducts a holistic review of each applicant; this semester is just one component of your entire application.
Since contemporary medical studies include the study of health and disease at the subcellular and molecular level, the study of biochemistry or cellular biology is highly recommended, though not required. Biochemistry may be taken in place of one semester of organic chemistry.
Updated 15, 2020
Despite the temporary closure by COVID-19, SJBSM will be working on all new entry applications and receipt of documents electronically. Interviews will be coordinated and conducted by phone. Response to COVID-19 – Information for 2021 MD Admissions Cycle
For guidance and general information on the Public Health and Nursing Programs, please contact:
Recruitment Office:
[email protected]
(787) 994-9533
Mr. José Doel Santiago
Learning Assessment Office Director
MPH and BSN Admission Committee Chair
(787) 516-6008
Mr. Fernando González
To deliver the application and documents, or to coordinate the interview, please contact:
Admissions Office
Mrs. Jaymi Sanchez
[email protected]
[email protected]
Mrs. Marta R. Fuentes
[email protected]
Doctor in Medicine Program candidates please contact:
Admissions Office
Mrs. Jaymi Sanchez
[email protected]
[email protected]
Mrs. Marta R. Fuentes
[email protected]
Please note the following new information about pass/fail requirements coursework, policies for online courses/labs and Letters of Evaluation.
Pass/Fail
The University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine (USD-SSOM) recognizes the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak in disrupting coursework for the 2020 spring and summer semesters. Although the committee would prefer grades for the prerequisite courses taken during the 2020 spring/summer semesters (when this option is available), we will accept Pass/Fail grades. The USD-SSOM will continue to monitor the impact of COVID-19 on students’ educational experiences and evaluations and will reevaluate our requirements accordingly.
Letters of Evaluation
As always, USD-SSOM accepts all letter types (Individual, letter packets or Committee letters)
Online Coursework and Labs
As always, USD-SSOM accepts online coursework from any accredited institution.
Application Deadline Date
The USD-SSOM recognizes the challenges facing applicants with regards to completing MCAT, Letters of Recommendation and other requirements due to COVID-19 pandemic, and as such, has decided to extend our 2021 application cycle deadline from Nov. 1 to Dec. 1. Accordingly, we will also extend our MCAT 2021 application cycle deadline to Dec. 1, 2020.
M.D. Eligibility
To pursue an M.D. degree at the USD Sanford School of Medicine, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. You also must be a South Dakota resident or non-resident with strong ties to the state such as:
- Graduation from a high school in South Dakota
- A parent living in South Dakota
- A child of a Sanford School of Medicine alumni
- A member of a U.S. federally recognized tribe from a bordering state
- Completing at least 90 credits at a college or university in South Dakota
An enrolled member of a U.S. federally recognized tribe may apply to the Sanford School of Medicine through the Indians into Medicine program. To apply, the applicant must file an AMCAS application identifying the Sanford School of Medicine as a school to which they are applying and they must also complete the INMED application to verify their tribal status.
You must:
- Have a minimum of 64 semester credits of college course work for admissions committee consideration, with a minimum of 90 semester credits of college course work before matriculation.
- Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) within three years of the AMCAS application deadline of November 1.
- Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.1 and a composite MCAT score of at least 496 (23 with MCAT prior to 2015) to be offered an interview. Applicants with a GPA of less than 3.1 may be considered on an individual basis if they have achieved an MCAT of at least 496 or higher and they have recent and significant coursework with a higher performance.
- Agree to the terms of technical standards for admission, continuation and graduation
- Complete the equivalent of the following semesters of course work, including laboratory experience where available, in the following areas:
Biology | 2 semesters |
General (inorganic) chemistry | 2 semesters |
Organic chemistry | 1 semester |
Biochemistry | 1 semester |
Physics | 2 semesters |
Mathematics | 1 semester |
Statistics | 1 semester |
Although not required, the following courses (one semester each) are recommended to enhance an applicant’s preparation for medical school:
- Second semester of organic chemistry
- Genetics
- Microbiology
- Physiology
- Psychology
- Sociology
M.D./Ph.D. Eligibility
To pursue an M.D./Ph.D degree at the Sanford School of Medicine, students must meet the following criteria:
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited academic institution
- Take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) within three years of the AMCAS application deadline of November 1
- All applicants must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.1 and a composite MCAT score of at least 496 (23 with MCAT prior to 2015) to be offered an interview. Applicants with a GPA of less than 3.1 may be considered on an individual basis if they have achieved an MCAT of at least 496 or higher and they have recent and significant coursework with a higher performance.
- At least one letter of recommendation from a reference who can speak directly to the applicant’s experience in, and potential for, independent research
- Productive laboratory experience that clearly demonstrates an interest, enthusiasm and commitment to biomedical research
- Agree to the terms of technical standards for admission, continuation and graduation
- Complete the equivalent of the following semesters of course work, including laboratory experience where available, in the following areas:
Biology | 2 semesters |
General (inorganic) chemistry | 2 semesters |
Organic chemistry | 1 semester |
Biochemistry | 1 semester |
Physics | 2 semesters |
Mathematics | 1 semester |
Statistics | 1 semester |
Although not required, the following courses (one semester each) are recommended to enhance an applicant’s preparation for medical school:
- Second semester of organic chemistry
- Genetics
- Microbiology
- Physiology
- Psychology
- Sociology
Advanced Standing or Transfer Eligibility
We do not consider applications for advanced standing or transfer students.
Updated April 1, 2020
The Application Cycle for the SIUSOM Physician Assistant Program is April 30, 2020 thru November 1, 2020.
Special Note: With the current COVID-19 pandemic, we are aware that some colleges/universities are offering pass/fail grades for courses. If given the option to select either a grade for a prerequisite course or pass/fail, we require that applicants complete the course with a letter grade. However if the course is only offered with the pass/fail option, we will only accept the course with documentation that there was no option for a letter grade. A screen shot from a university webpage detailing that policy will be acceptable to the admissions committee.
For anatomy, physiology, and microbiology courses taken with pass/fail grades, applicants will need to submit documentation from the instructor that shows the numerical course grade, as well as the letter grade equivalent. An email from the instructor’s email account or letter on official school letterhead, with the instructor or school official’s signature, will be sufficient documentation.
The GRE exam is required, and both test-site and at-home tests will be accepted. The code for submission of scores to the SIU PA Program on CASPA is 0480.
In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, our medical school will accept pass/fail grades, without prejudice, for courses taken during the spring 2020 semester.
Pass/Fail Grades – Our schools will accept pass/fail grades, without prejudice, for courses taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has always been our practice to consider grades in the context of numerous other aspects of the application, and an international crisis certainly provides a unique and compelling context. In making this statement, we are cognizant of the fact that some undergraduate schools are providing an option for students to take courses either for grades or on a Pass/Fail basis. We therefore want to be explicit that applicants should not feel pressured by us to choose the graded option. Students and their families are facing many challenges at the moment – maybe even life and death challenges. The pressure for grades need not be one of them.
MCAT Tests – We will accept applications from individuals who were unable to take the MCAT due to COVID-related test cancellations. For these candidates, we will base secondary application decisions on the information that is available to us at the time of the application. Assuming that MCAT testing resumes prior to October, we will require applicants to have taken the MCAT before we make admissions decisions for the Class of 2025. Accordingly, applicants should not delay applying simply because an MCAT score is not yet available.
Updated April 15, 2020
Occasionally Downstate’s colleges may need to temporarily suspend on-site activities. This can be infection prevention, such as the current COVID-19 virus pandemic
Updated May 15, 2020
Covid-19 Information for Fall 2021 Cycle College of Medicine Applicants
To our valued applicants,
We know that you have worked tirelessly to prepare yourself to apply to medical school and we look forward to reviewing your application. We realize that we are living in quite unprecedented times. At Upstate, we are quite fluid in our thinking and will continue to monitor the COVID-19 crisis very closely. The well-being of our community, students and prospective students remains our top priority. That being said, below are some answers on what we imagine to be your top concerns as it relates to the impact of this COVID-19 pandemic. Please be sure to check back for regular updates as we continue to monitor the situation closely. Above all, be well and be safe.
MCAT
We know that there have been many test cancellations that have been rescheduled but even these dates are currently tentative. Please do not delay submitting your AMCAS application due to lack of MCATs. These scores can be submitted to complete the application when they become available. We will keep an eye on the situation closely but as of right now, the MCAT is still required. Please keep an eye on https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/taking-mcat-exam/register-mcat-exam/ to when new test dates are added.
Prerequisite Courses
If your undergraduate institution has required students to go to Pass/Fail coursework, we will accept this. We do suggest that if this is optional, you do your best to take the medical school prerequisites for a letter grade. We also suggest that if you must take a Pass/Fail in a prerequisite, that you try to take an additional upper-level science course this fall to demonstrate additional competency in the subject area.
In the wake of the current situation, we realize that some of your prerequisites for this spring 2020 semester may not have allowed you to complete the lab component. We will certainly still give this full consideration and will be as flexible as possible. This will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Online Courses
We realize that many undergraduate schools have gone to online courses during this time. We will certainly accept online courses if they are offered by the school at which the candidate was already enrolled. For students who are beyond their undergraduate education, we will accept online courses undertaken to meet prerequisites as long as this current crisis persists.
BLS Certification
MCAT
Many of you have been notified that you need to reschedule your March or April 2020 MCAT test date, as those administrations have been cancelled. We understand that testing may be delayed into the summer months.
You can submit your AMCAS application without MCAT scores. Once we receive your verified application from AMCAS, you will receive an email with a link to our online supplemental application. Receipt of MCAT scores is not required to submit secondary. We will review your complete application when your 2020 MCAT scores are received.
Coursework
Online: While our preference is to review your application with coursework completed in person, we understand that in these unique circumstances most of your spring 2020 coursework is now online. This will not impact the review of your application.
Grading: For the spring 2020 semester, many schools are offering the option for Pass/Fail in lieu of a letter grade. This will not impact the review of your application.
Letters of Recommendation
Some schools may not be offering a committee letter this year. This will not impact your application negatively. Please see the guidelines for submitting individual letters of recommendation.
How will processing and review of applications be affected?
We expect to conduct our review of applications as usual, beginning in June, in chronological order, and on a rolling basis until we fill our interview sessions in mid-December or early January (if necessary). However, we are cognizant of the limitations that colleges, universities and students may be subject to given the current COVID-19 crisis, and we will exercise appropriate flexibility.
What will I do about Interviews?
Currently, we expect to conduct our interviews as usual in our traditional format along with our standardized patient exercises beginning in July and ending in December. However, if circumstances do not improve by then, we will explore other options and consider as well extending interviews into January.
If I finish courses remotely, will the courses still meet the requirement?
Yes, provided that the coursework is officially documented on your college or university transcript.
Will there be any concessions for required coursework?
We review carefully the required coursework for our medical school and inform applicants if they are deficient or if a course(s) does not meet the requirement (s). We do assess these on a case by case basis and will exercise some flexibility depending upon other coursework that may satisfy a requirement (s). To make such decisions, we will require a detailed syllabus and other pertinent documentation.
How will processing and review of applications be affected?nnAs of now they won’t! We will as always, be reviewing completed applications on a rolling basis. We will make every effort to be flexible in our consideration of coursework taken in the current Spring 2020 semester. Our admissions committee and staff are ready to receive and review incoming applications this cycle whether it occurs from campus or at home.nnMany institutions have moved courses online. How will these affect the application review process?nnOnline coursework will be accepted as long as credit is granted by the applicant’s degree- granting institution.nnWhat will I do about Interviews?nnAs of now, no changes are anticipated for the upcoming interview cycle. Should that change we will adjust accordingly and notify candidates in advance.nnWill I be bypassed if I haven’t taken my MCAT?nnWe do not review applications without an MCAT score from the past 5 years. We will not review an incomplete application for any reason. If you have taken the MCAT and reported previous scores to TMDSAS but are also registered for an upcoming MCAT, please notify schools and TMDSAS if you are unable to complete the exam due to current conditions. This will ensure that we use previous scores to review your application and not delay it’s review due to an incomplete test score.nnIf I finish courses remotely, will the courses still meet the requirement?nnIf the degree granting institution awards credit, we will accept the course as completed provided it is for the current Spring 2020 semester. If the course changed from letter grades to Pass/Fail as a result, we will accept the course if is the policy of the undergraduate institution. If given a choice on the grading policy, we recommend students continue to take the course for a letter grade.nnWill there be any concessions for required coursework?nnWe will not change our policy on pre-requisites. We will continue to review course work on a case-by-case basis as we have always done and be flexible when considering coursework completed during the Spring 2020 semester.
How will processing and review of applications be affected?nnWe are planning on conducting the processing and review of applications in the same manner. We will start reviewing applications as they are transmitted in late May or early June. We do understand that during this uncertain time period created from the COVID-19 pandemic that undergraduate institutions are dealing with unexpected limitations, therefore, we will try to be flexible, as much possible, to support our applicants.nnMany institutions have moved courses online, how will these affect the application review process?nnAs an institution, we truly value the holistic review of an application. We began accepting online coursework for entry year 2020 and will continue to do so. In addition to this, students who are provided a pass/fail option because of the current circumstances created by the COVID-19 pandemic TTUHSC School of Medicine will accept coursework from pass/fail courses during this time period. Our preference would be that courses be given a grade, but if students have no other choice we will look at their record of course work and make exceptions for those students that have taken courses from January 2020 through May 2020 and potentially through the Summer of 2020. We completely understand that these are unprecedented times and we are willing to work with students in any way possible.nnWe will I do about interviews?nnAt this moment, we are preparing to conduct interviews in the same format as in the past application/interview cycles. However, we have had some preliminary discussions on potentially starting interviews in September versus August as we have done in years past. We are also considering extending interviews into the first few weeks of January. However, if circumstances created by the COVID-19 pandemic do not change as we enter the fall semester, we are currently looking at other potential options such as online/virtual interviews.nnWill I be overlooked if I have not taken my MCAT?nnYou will not be overlooked. Our Admissions Selection Committee will require the MCAT as part of the holistic review and decision-making process but we begin reviewing applications as soon as we begin receiving them. We understand that there have been test dates that have been canceled, therefore, we encourage students to reschedule as soon as they can. We will be able to review an application as long as there is an official MCAT score report that has been taken within the last 5 years.nnIf I finish courses remotely, will the course is still meet the requirement?nnYes, as long as the course work is officially accepted and documented on your undergraduate transcript.nnWill there be any concessions for required coursework?nnThe required prerequisites will remain the same. We will review the applicant’s transcript after acceptance to determine if they are deficient on any of the required courses. We will evaluate each student on a case-by-case basis and provide them guidance on how to remediate any deficiencies.
Updated April 28, 2020
As previously announced on April 28, 2020, Thomas Jefferson University is planning to return to in-person classes and campus operations for the Fall 2020 semester. In delivering your education in-person, we will operate within a framework that maximizes safety and abides by local, state and federal regulations related to the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of that framework, we have made the decision that all on-campus classes, activities and programs will end at the Thanksgiving break and classes and other course activity will resume remotely/online until the normal end of the semester, including final exam periods. Classes and other course activities will resume after the Thanksgiving break but will be held remotely until the normal end of the semester, including final exam periods. Residence halls and dining facilities will be limited, with permission, and will re-open for the beginning of the Spring 2021 semester. Fall 2020 room and board charges will be adjusted accordingly. Student clinical rotations are not affected by this decision and will continue as scheduled.
We have made this decision to minimize the exposure risks associated with large numbers of students travelling home or to other destinations over the Thanksgiving break, and then returning to campus. Many other colleges and universities have made the same decision in an effort to maximize the safety of students, faculty and staff, especially late in the semester where there is a projected possibility of an increase in COVID-19 cases. Our academic programs are incorporating this decision in their planning for their fall course schedules.
As a reminder, all summer classes remain online and University-sponsored travel is suspended.
If you have any questions, please contact your academic program directly.
We look forward to welcoming our students back in-person for the Fall 2020 semester, and wish all of you an enjoyable and safe summer.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic the following changes in Tufts University School of Medicine (TUSM) premed requirements will be in effect for the 2020-2021 admissions cycle.
- TUSM will consider P/F (pass/no-pass) grades for all coursework which will be utilized as part of our holistic evaluation process.
- Only coursework taken during the winter/spring/summer semesters of 2020 will be included for this exception.
- Those who can continue to receive conventional grades are strongly encouraged to utilize that option.
- For students who submit P/F grades, a statement from your school documenting your schools grading system during this time frame will be required.
- Students are encouraged not to ‘overload’ on P/F grades during this time frame (not to take an unusually large number of courses).
- TUSM does not have a policy prohibiting applicants from taking prerequisite courses online, and this stance will be continued.
- MCATs will continue to be an admissions requirement and utilized as part of our holistic evaluation process. For any candidate whose opportunity to take the MCATs has been delayed for the spring of 2020, you will have the opportunity to submit a later MCAT score through the fall of 2020 and your application will be considered once it’s complete. We will ensure that interview positions and acceptance offers will remain available for applicants who are required to delay their MCAT testing.
- A statement will be placed on our secondary application allowing you to contextualize your experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and how it has impacted your educational and personal journey.
Updated May 29, 2020
Over the past few months, Tulane has faced a series of unprecedented events that have impacted virtually every individual and institution in our society. In a demonstration of classic Tulanian resilience, we have confronted these challenges exceptionally well and will emerge stronger — medically, educationally, and academically. I have never been prouder of our community. We now are turning to our plans for the coming fall. Six committees of university leaders, faculty, staff, and student representatives have been working assiduously to make plans for our return for the fall of 2020. Their deliberations have been guided by two fundamental principles.
First, and foremost, is the health and safety of the Tulane community. This is non-negotiable. While every part of our society is facing increased health risks, our members must be confident that their well-being is paramount in our decision-making. In this effort, we are aided by the fact that we have access to some of the best medical and public health minds in the world at Tulane. We are also making decisions about actions that will occur several months in the future, when testing and public health protections are expected to continue to improve.
Secondly, the continuation of our educational, research and clinical mission is critical to preparing the leaders of a post-COVID-19 world, as well as continuing our current battle against this global pandemic. The value of a leading research university and academic medical center like Tulane to the future of our country has never been more apparent than at this moment.
In adherence to our guiding principles, it is the recommendation of the Education Reopening Committee, with the approval of the University Senate Committee on Educational Policy, that the fall 2020 semester begin on Wednesday, Aug. 19, five days earlier than originally scheduled, and continue through Tuesday, Nov. 24 (graduate and professional schools may vary). Most final exams will be taken online after Thanksgiving. This accelerated fall semester is intended to reduce travel to promote the health and safety of the community.
At the same time, we are moving forward with a comprehensive and rigorous program for the well-being of our students, faculty and staff in New Orleans. Our goal is to test individuals as they return to campus and to provide frequent testing during the school year. We are grateful that our financial position is such, at this time, that we are able to undertake this effort and bring back our full contingent of dedicated employees, who are so central to our success.
We will also be implementing a broad policy to implement social distancing, face coverings, plexiglass shields and hand sanitizers in classrooms and public areas. In housing and residential life, we will de-densify residence halls with the provision of some off-campus single room options and establish an on-campus infirmary to quarantine and care for any ill or test-positive students. Classrooms will also be adjusted to reduce density, and remote teaching and learning options offered. Employees will follow a similar pattern of social distancing, and, where appropriate, continue to work remotely. We will also offer special considerations for those individuals who are particularly vulnerable to the disease, including learning, teaching or working.
Although much of our planning is to support the health of our community, we have not lost sight of what makes Tulane so special – our unique relational culture. Tulanians are spirited, social and engaged. The continuation of a robust student experience is imperative. As we prepare to welcome students back to campus in fall, we are also planning for opportunities to connect with peers and faculty to develop those bonds that are such an important part of Tulane life.
Planning for our “new normal” is complicated and all of our plans are contingent on local state and federal directives. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic is an ever-evolving challenge with shifting degrees of uncertainty regarding health recommendations and the best practices necessary to protect our community. We must recognize that, during the coming year, there will be individuals in every community in our country that may contract COVID-19, including at Tulane.
But this is the exact type of challenge for which Tulane was created. We were established to combat an epidemic – the seasonal bouts of yellow fever that devastated coastal regions like ours. We triumphed over that challenge and more than a century and a half later were confronted by Katrina, from which we emerged a stronger, wiser and more resilient community. We draw on this history, experience and knowledge, as well as our collective will, to meet the challenge of COVID-19 today.
I am grateful for the hard work of the many individuals who served on the return-to-campus committees and have gotten us this far along in our planning. The initial recommendations submitted by these committees are thoughtful, careful and provide an emerging roadmap for our path forward as we continue our planning process. As local, state and federal guidance continues to evolve, we will update or adjust our planning accordingly. You can review a summary of these recommendations online.
Like many other medical schools, we will be accepting pass/fail and online credit for pre-requisite courses during the 2020-2021 Application Cycle. At the Uniformed Services University, F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine, letter grades are preferred by the Admissions Committee as they allow us to assess your academic performance; however, we understand that this may not be possible for all applicants. As a result, we are advising applicants to not select pass/fail grading if it is given as an option for prerequisite courses; however, if a college or university does not allow any other option, our Admissions Committee will certainly accept credit for these courses and use other details in your application to assess your candidacy for admission. Please inform your Admissions Counselor by email at the time of application if you were not allowed to receive a letter grade for any prerequisite courses as a result of COVID-19. nnRegarding the MCAT, we are closely observing the testing dates that are being offered. We are aware that the March and April MCAT testing dates have been cancelled. We are closely monitoring this situation as it is impacted by COVID-19. As MCAT testing dates are expanded or even extended into October and November, we will certainly extend our deadlines if needed. As of now, MCAT scores are still required and we have not extended our application deadlines. At this time, it is recommended to schedule MCAT testing in June or July. We are also still advising applicants to initiate their AMCAS applications as soon as possible (even without MCAT scores) as we use a rolling admissions process, and we can easily add MCAT scores to applications which have already been initiated and processed.
Updated May 15, 2020
Please contact admissions officer regarding COVID-19 updates.
Admitted students have shared with us their fear of not being able to make it to Buffalo in time to start medical school.
We understand that it may be difficult to make plans for your arrival in Buffalo.
Courses are being offered online for the remainder of the spring 2020 semester.
For specific details on university operations and policies, visit the University at Buffalo COVID-19 FAQs webpage, part of the official channel of COVID-19 communication for the entire UB community.
Fall 2020 Semester Will Start On Time
We have not changed the academic calendar. We are anticipating regular enrollment for fall 2020.
Will courses be distance education/online learning or on-campus?
Fall 2020 courses are scheduled to be delivered in their original format.
We are evaluating which courses may be converted to online or distance education to best serve our students.
At this time, we do not anticipate any situation that would prevent you from enrolling at UAB. If you are unable to submit required documents required for admission and/or enrollment, we are prepared to work with students on a case-by-case basis. Please contact your admissions counselor or contact us at [email protected].
Updated May 15, 2020
We understand that the coronavirus pandemic may have affected your preparation for the medical school application process in a number of different ways. Our approach this season will be to do everything in our power to make sure our process does not disadvantage students affected by current circumstances. Below are just a few of the ways we are adapting for the upcoming cycle.
Delayed MCAT – You should not delay submitting your application because your MCAT score is not available yet due to test cancellations. We will send out secondary applications based on the information that is available to us at the time of initial application and hold for MCAT scores later in our review process. You should continue to list any future test dates for which you are registered on your primary application. If this date changes due to further cancellations, you should contact the Office of Admissions at your earliest convenience and notify us if you were able to reschedule for an alternate date. We continue to work closely with the AAMC and will adjust our process as the extent of test cancellations becomes clearer.
MCAT Age – We have increased the age of acceptable MCATs. We will now accept MCATs that have been taken within four years prior to intended matriculation for the entering class of 2021. Applicants must have taken the MCAT between January 2017 and September 2020.
Pass/Fail Grades – We will accept pass/fail graded courses taken during the COVID-19 pandemic, regardless of whether you opted in or if pass/fail was implemented school-wide by your current university. A grade of “pass” is required for the course to be accepted.
Online Courses – We continue to accept online courses from regionally accredited institutions to meet any of our prerequisite course requirements.
Letters of Recommendation – We will continue to review applications as long as we have at least one letter of recommendation on file. The deadline to submit additional letters of recommendation is currently November 30, 2020, or October 6, 2020, if you are applying for the MD/PhD program. If you are in a situation where you will not be able to meet the minimum three letters of recommendation we require for admission, you should contact us directly for more information.
Activities/Experiences – We understand that some opportunities may have been scaled back or canceled during this pandemic, including student group activities, clinical experiences and volunteer or research opportunities to name a few. We will be adding a question to our Secondary Application where you can explain how your involvement in these activities has been affected by the current reality.
Deadlines – We have extended the deadline for primary applications.
The UA COM-Tucson Admissions Office are aware of the many scheduling challenges due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Below are the changes we are making for the 2020 Admissions Cycle.
We have extended our primary application deadline to December 01 and our Secondary deadline to December 15th (or 21 days from the date you received your secondary, whichever comes first to give students extra time to apply.
We are adding a question on the Secondary application-“How did COVID19 impact your application process?”
Students can submit their AMCAS application without their MCAT. We will place your application on a MCAT hold. Notify us when you are taking the MCAT. The last MCAT date we will accept is September 12 and this is subject to change should there be further delays/closure due to the pandemic.
We will be accepting pass/fail grades for 2020 Spring/Summer courses.
We will continue to be flexible as this all unfolds.
Updated on May 15, 2020
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences recognizes applicants are facing unprecedented challenges during this public health emergency. Please be assured that our staff and admissions committee members understand the issues that you are facing and will continue to adjust our assessment of applications and applicants as needed. Our primary concern is the safety of all applicants.
Please use this page to stay up-to-date on how the pandemic affects application requirements for the 2020-21 PTCAS cycle.
Pass/fail coursework
We recognize that COVID-19 has disrupted academic plans across the country and that applicants are facing unprecedented challenges related to the pandemic. Admissions is aware that due to COVID-19 and the impact on colleges and universities, some students are being issued pass/fail, credit/no credit prerequisite grades. We will accept this grading system during the semesters/quarters impacted by COVID-19 as long as the college or university documents “pass/P or credit/CR” and the credit hours on the transcript. We will not accept a prerequisite course grade of if it indicates on the transcript that the individual received less than a C grade in the course (for example, Pass-D, fail/F, withdrawn failing/WF).
Regarding pass/fail coursework impact on cumulative GPA calculation: Cumulative GPA includes ALL coursework ever taken regardless of how many times a course was taken. Although “pass/P” or ‘credit/CR” count towards earned credits towards a degree, they do not do not factor into overall GPA. Note: a grade of “fail/F” or “withdrawn failing/WF” is factored into GPA calculations as an F.
We are not revising our required prerequisite coursework or credits.
Pass/fail coursework for repeated/retaken prerequisite courses
In the event an applicant repeated prerequisite coursework during the semesters impacted by COVID, we will calculate and compare two prerequisite GPAs and take the one that is higher and most favorable for the applicant. The two prerequisite GPA scores that will be calculated and compared are: 1) a prerequisite GPA score with the prior (letter) course grade and 2) a prerequisite GPA with the Pass/Credit from the granting institution’s transcript as the course grade on the repeated course. Again, we will use whichever prerequisite GPA is higher and more favorable to the applicant.
We are aware that due to COVID-19 and the impact on colleges and universities, some students are being issued pass/fail, credit/no credit prerequisite grades. We will accept this grading system during the semesters/quarters impacted by COVID-19 as long as the college or university documents “pass/P or credit/CR” and the credit hours on the transcript. The Pass or Credit ‘grade’ does not factor into the prerequisite GPA calculation, but the course credits will be accepted. We will not accept a prerequisite course grade if it indicates on the transcript that the individual received less than a C grade in the course (for example, Pass-D, fail/F, withdrawn failing/WF).
Online coursework and labs
As has been the case with our program since inception, admissions requirements including prerequisite coursework, (including labs) can be taken at any regionally accredited institution- including online courses.
Observation hours
Due to self-quarantine, social distancing, and other virus mitigation policies, it may be more difficult for applicants to accumulate significant preparatory experiences such as observation with a licensed physical therapist. Therefore, for the 2020-2021 PTCAS cycle, we are waiving our observation hour requirements; however, we do still recommend observation hours if applicants are able to obtain them. We do encourage applicants to upload any hours completed to PTCAS.
Letters of recommendation
We recognize that the course of study changes and challenges in obtaining observation hours, resulting from COVID-19, may impact an applicant’s ability to obtain a letter of recommendation from a physical therapist. Therefore, for the 2020-2021 application cycle, we have revised this requirement and now require two letters of recommendation from other types of reviewers. Please refer to admissions requirements – acceptable evaluators for letters of recommendation. We also understand that the depth of applicants’ interactions with typical recommenders may be affected and that the specificity of comments may be less or have a different tone due to a lower number of in-person contact hours. This will be taken into consideration with the individual’s full application.
GRE
We still require the GRE for application to our program. As has been with our program for several years, scores up to five years old are accepted. In an effort to meet the needs of students who are unable to take the GRE General Test at a test center due to public health concerns, ETS is temporarily offering a GRE General Test at-home option.
Application deadline
Due to the revisions we have made to admissions delineated above, we will maintain our application deadline of September 15, 2020.
Pass/Fail Grades – Our schools will accept pass/fail grades, without prejudice, for courses taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has always been our practice to consider grades in the context of numerous other aspects of the application, and an international crisis certainly provides a unique and compelling context. In making this statement, we are cognizant of the fact that some undergraduate schools are providing an option for students to take courses either for grades or on a Pass/Fail basis. We therefore want to be explicit that applicants should not feel pressured by us to choose the graded option. Students and their families are facing many challenges at the moment – maybe even life and death challenges. The pressure for grades need not be one of them.
MCAT Tests – We will accept applications from individuals who were unable to take the MCAT due to COVID-related test cancellations. For these candidates, we will base secondary application decisions on the information that is available to us at the time of the application. Assuming that MCAT testing resumes prior to October, we will require applicants to have taken the MCAT before we make admissions decisions for the Class of 2025. Accordingly, applicants should not delay applying simply because an MCAT score is not yet available.
Pass/Fail Grades – Our schools will accept pass/fail grades, without prejudice, for courses taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has always been our practice to consider grades in the context of numerous other aspects of the application, and an international crisis certainly provides a unique and compelling context. In making this statement, we are cognizant of the fact that some undergraduate schools are providing an option for students to take courses either for grades or on a Pass/Fail basis. We therefore want to be explicit that applicants should not feel pressured by us to choose the graded option. Students and their families are facing many challenges at the moment – maybe even life and death challenges. The pressure for grades need not be one of them.
MCAT Tests – We will accept applications from individuals who were unable to take the MCAT due to COVID-related test cancellations. For these candidates, we will base secondary application decisions on the information that is available to us at the time of the application. Assuming that MCAT testing resumes prior to October, we will require applicants to have taken the MCAT before we make admissions decisions for the Class of 2025. Accordingly, applicants should not delay applying simply because an MCAT score is not yet available.
Pass/Fail Grades – Our schools will accept pass/fail grades, without prejudice, for courses taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has always been our practice to consider grades in the context of numerous other aspects of the application, and an international crisis certainly provides a unique and compelling context. In making this statement, we are cognizant of the fact that some undergraduate schools are providing an option for students to take courses either for grades or on a Pass/Fail basis. We therefore want to be explicit that applicants should not feel pressured by us to choose the graded option. Students and their families are facing many challenges at the moment – maybe even life and death challenges. The pressure for grades need not be one of them.
MCAT Tests – We will accept applications from individuals who were unable to take the MCAT due to COVID-related test cancellations. For these candidates, we will base secondary application decisions on the information that is available to us at the time of the application. Assuming that MCAT testing resumes prior to October, we will require applicants to have taken the MCAT before we make admissions decisions for the Class of 2025. Accordingly, applicants should not delay applying simply because an MCAT score is not yet available.
Pass/Fail Grades – Our schools will accept pass/fail grades, without prejudice, for courses taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has always been our practice to consider grades in the context of numerous other aspects of the application, and an international crisis certainly provides a unique and compelling context. In making this statement, we are cognizant of the fact that some undergraduate schools are providing an option for students to take courses either for grades or on a Pass/Fail basis. We therefore want to be explicit that applicants should not feel pressured by us to choose the graded option. Students and their families are facing many challenges at the moment – maybe even life and death challenges. The pressure for grades need not be one of them.
MCAT Tests – We will accept applications from individuals who were unable to take the MCAT due to COVID-related test cancellations. For these candidates, we will base secondary application decisions on the information that is available to us at the time of the application. Assuming that MCAT testing resumes prior to October, we will require applicants to have taken the MCAT before we make admissions decisions for the Class of 2025. Accordingly, applicants should not delay applying simply because an MCAT score is not yet available.
Pass/Fail Grades – Our schools will accept pass/fail grades, without prejudice, for courses taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has always been our practice to consider grades in the context of numerous other aspects of the application, and an international crisis certainly provides a unique and compelling context. In making this statement, we are cognizant of the fact that some undergraduate schools are providing an option for students to take courses either for grades or on a Pass/Fail basis. We therefore want to be explicit that applicants should not feel pressured by us to choose the graded option. Students and their families are facing many challenges at the moment – maybe even life and death challenges. The pressure for grades need not be one of them.
MCAT Tests – We will accept applications from individuals who were unable to take the MCAT due to COVID-related test cancellations. For these candidates, we will base secondary application decisions on the information that is available to us at the time of the application. Assuming that MCAT testing resumes prior to October, we will require applicants to have taken the MCAT before we make admissions decisions for the Class of 2025. Accordingly, applicants should not delay applying simply because an MCAT score is not yet available.
Pass/Fail Grades – Our schools will accept pass/fail grades, without prejudice, for courses taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has always been our practice to consider grades in the context of numerous other aspects of the application, and an international crisis certainly provides a unique and compelling context. In making this statement, we are cognizant of the fact that some undergraduate schools are providing an option for students to take courses either for grades or on a Pass/Fail basis. We therefore want to be explicit that applicants should not feel pressured by us to choose the graded option. Students and their families are facing many challenges at the moment – maybe even life and death challenges. The pressure for grades need not be one of them.
MCAT Tests – We will accept applications from individuals who were unable to take the MCAT due to COVID-related test cancellations. For these candidates, we will base secondary application decisions on the information that is available to us at the time of the application. Assuming that MCAT testing resumes prior to October, we will require applicants to have taken the MCAT before we make admissions decisions for the Class of 2025. Accordingly, applicants should not delay applying simply because an MCAT score is not yet available.
The UCF COM MD Admissions office has been working diligently with AMCAS and the AAMC to stay abreast of the impact COVID-19 is having on the current and future admission cycle. UCF COM has confidence in AMCAS and MCAT to ensure that all applications are processed as rapidly as possible.
MCAT: We are aware many of you had your MCAT date rescheduled to a later date than you had planned. We have been assured sufficient MCAT test dates will be added to the schedule to accommodate all who need to test. All rescheduling fees have been waived for 2020. As such, we do not plan to eliminate of the MCAT as a requirement for this application cycle. Furthermore, we will accept MCAT scores taken in 2018, 2019 and 2020.
Coursework: We will accept P/F grades issued during the COVID-19 crisis as well as online courses. When deciding whether or not you should use P/F or a graded system you should select the option that is most optimal for your application.
Interview Season: UCF COM is planning for an adjusted season that may begin and end later. We personally feel we will have sufficient time during our interview/acceptance season. We do not anticipate the matriculation of this class to be hindered.
Future Updates: We will update the MSAR with any changes to our admissions policies, procedures, and deadlines change. We will update our website as decisions are made that may impact this upcoming admission cycle.
Updated May 14, 2020
Below are the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine’s current guidelines for the upcoming application cycle given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We will continue to update this message throughout the application season as the situation develops; we encourage you to check back regularly for updates.
Please know that our Admissions Committee understands the challenges that this pandemic has caused for many applicants, their education, and their families. We will continue to be flexible, holistic, and understanding as we review your candidacy.
Pass/Fail Grades: We will accept pass/fail grades for courses taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are aware that some undergraduate institutions are allowing students to take courses either for grades or on a pass/fail basis. Our applicants should not feel pressured to choose the graded option. Grades of “pass” will satisfy our entrance requirement competencies.
Online/Distance Learning Courses: We will continue to accept online and virtual courses and labs taken during the pandemic.
MCAT: Currently, the AAMC is offering MCAT test dates for 2020 through the end of September. We will accept all 2020 MCAT test dates through the end of September for 2021 admission.
Dates and Deadlines: Like all AMCAS-participating medical schools, we will now receive primary applications from AMCAS beginning on July 10 (a two-week delay). Our AMCAS deadline of November 16 and our secondary deadline of December 1 remain unchanged.
Early Decision: We will not be offering the Early Decision application option for Fall 2021 entry.
Interviews: Our interview season will not begin until September 2020 (a delay from our usual interview season opening in mid-August). We will continue to adhere to public health guidelines regarding travel and social distancing for the safety of our applicants, our patients, and our community, and will announce any changes to the interviewing process to applicants invited to interview as those decisions are made.
Prospective applicants are welcome to attend online information sessions (a.k.a., webinars) offered by Dr. Abbigail Tissot, our Assistant Dean of Admissions. During these sessions, Dr. Tissot will provide an overview of the admissions process, priorities of our institution, and will reserve time for one-on-one Q&A where you can ask your most pressing questions. Webinars will begin promptly at the specified time. To attend a webinar, simply click the date of the webinar. These dates will be hyperlinked just before the webinar begins and the password is Cincinnati. Our 2020 Webinar dates and times are:
Tuesday 4/7/20: 3-4:00 PM ET – COMPLETE!
Monday 4/20/20: 12-1:00 PM ET – COMPLETE!
Wednesday 5/20/20: 4-5:00 PM ET
Thursday 5/28/20: 7-8:00 PM ET
Friday 6/12/20: 12-1:00 PM ET
Wednesday 6/24/20: 11:30AM-12:30 PM ET
In response to COVID-19 we are extending the application deadline. We will continue to accept applications until the cohort is filled.Priority admission: February 1nRegular admission: March 15
First Year Admissions Timeline
June 1: Primary application is available via AMCAS.
August 1: Deadline for Early Decision applicants to complete AMCAS application.
October 1: Early Decision applicants are notified of their status.
November 15: Deadline for submitting AMCAS application.
December 31: Deadline for receipt of all materials, including the Supplemental Statement and Letters of Recommendation.
August – March: Invitations are sent to applicants selected for interview.
October – End of Admissions Cycle: Offers of acceptance are issued on a rolling basis.
The Office of Admissions recognizes that undergraduate institutions have had to adapt the delivery of prerequisite course content in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We do not wish for any applicant to be at a disadvantage due to mandatory changes made by their institutions. Prerequisite lectures and labs that have transitioned completely to online for spring and summer 2020 will be accepted to meet required courses. In addition we will accept a pass, satisfactory, or letter grade of “C” or better for any prerequisite course (or higher level substitute).
- As of 4/17/2020: Spring & Summer 2020 Grading
The JABSOM Office of Admissions recognizes that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the process of evaluating science prerequisite coursework in many undergraduate schools has significantly changed. JABSOM has always assessed prerequisites based on traditional grades, however we understand that schools have developed new grading policies for Spring and Summer 2020.JABSOM will accept pass/fail grading for Spring and Summer 2020 coursework, so that no applicants are negatively impacted as a result of grading policies that are beyond their control. - As of 4/17/2020: MCAT Deadline Extensions
The JABSOM Office of Admissions understands that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the cancellation of multiple MCAT exam dates. As previously announced, JABSOM extended the MCAT deadline for the Early Decision Program from May 31 to July 31, 2020.JABSOM now announces that the MCAT deadline for the Regular MD Program is extended from September 30 to October 31, 2020. The test must be taken by October 31, 2020.We highly recommend that applicants who have been affected by this situation to submit their applications to JABSOM. If necessary, an MCAT intent date may be indicated on the applicant’s AMCAS application.
JABSOM’s continued commitment to maintain the practice of performing a thorough review of each and every application will remain the same, despite many unprecedented changes in this year’s admissions cycle.
- As of 4/7/2020: Timeline
MCAT deadline for the Early Decision Program is extended from May 31 to July 31. The test must be taken by July 31, 2020. - As of 4/2/2020: JABSOM Admissions Requirements
Online lab courses will be accepted from Spring 2020 until further notice. Online lab courses may be used towards fulfilling prerequisite requirements for General Biology, General Physics, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry as outlined on the JABSOM Admissions Requirements page.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Office of Medical College Admissions is currently working remotely.
Updated May 9, 2020
We recommend and prefer that prerequisite courses are taken as graded courses because grades give the admissions committee a better idea of mastery of the subject matter and comparative performance. Applicants should contact us if they do not receive letter grades for prerequisite courses, and we can review these on a case-by-case basis.
Online lab courses WILL meet our pre-medical course requirements.
MCAT deadlines subject to change due to changes in MCAT 2020 testing schedule – please check this page for updates.
Updated April 10, 2020
Pass/Fail Coursework – Students required by their college or university to accept a Pass/Fail or Credit/No Credit grade for the Spring 2020 semester will not be penalized by the School of Medicine. The School of Medicine does accept Pass/Fail and Credit/No Credit grades for course prerequisites, but prefers to see letter grades. Students with the option of accepting a letter grade or a Pass/Fail or Credit/No Credit grade in the Spring 2020 semester may want to consider the impact on the overall science GPA and cumulative GPA if a course does not have a letter grade. nnOnline Coursework and Labs – Coursework and labs that were moved to online courses in response to the COVID-19 pandemic are acceptable. nnLetters of Evaluation – We do not specifically require a school committee letter. If your school is unable to provide one, please submit 3 to 5 letters of reference instead.
Given the unprecedented circumstances surrounding COVID-19, the University of Kentucky College of Medicine has carefully reviewed its perspective on Pass/Fail grading. To alleviate additional stressors surrounding educational modifications we have decided to accept Pass/Fail grading for prerequisite coursework for Spring Semester 2020.
The School of Medicine Office of Admissions is open, however, staff are working remotely to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Given the impact of the current outbreak on grading for the spring 2020 semester, the University of Maryland School of Medicine is adapting by accepting online courses, and will accept Pass/Fail grading. In the event that your institution is providing a letter grading option for this semester, we highly encourage you to opt in to receive letter grades for your prerequisite courses, as preference will be given to letter grades when this option is available. nnWe are aware that some MCAT dates have been canceled, and are actively considering how this will affect the application timeline. At this time, our deadlines as they are listed in the MSAR have not changed, however we will continue to monitor this situation and will remain flexible should any changes be needed.
Applicants Applying for 2021 Matriculation
MD Program
MD/PhD Program
Submission of AMCAS applications begins
Early May 2020 (refer to AMCAS site)
Early May 2020 (refer to AMCAS site)
Deadline for submission of Early Decision applications to AMCAS
8/1/20
Not eligible
Deadline submission of Early Decision applications to the Office of Admissions
9/1/20
Not eligible
Applicants notified of Early Decision-Admissions Committee decision
10/1/20
Not eligible
Application submission deadline to AMCAS
IMPORTANT: AMCAS requires 4-6 weeks to verify applications. Submission of applications to AMCAS by the deadline DOES NOT guarantee the application will be verified in time for secondary applications to be completed by the program deadline. Extensions will NOT be granted for late applications. Applicants are encouraged to submit applications early.
10/15/20
10/15/20
Transcript deadline to AMCAS
10/29/20
10/29/20
Deadline for supplementary application materials to be received by the Office of Admissions. Extensions will NOT be granted for late completion or submission.
12/1/20
12/1/20
Application for clinical years transfer received by the Office of Admissions
Applications for transfer to THIRD YEAR may be submitted for consideration if there are open places available.
1/1/21 – 1/31/21
1/1/21 – 1/31/21
Accepted applicants may select “Plan to Enroll” option within the AMCAS application
2/15/21 – 4/30/21
2/15/21 – 4/30/21
Accepted applicants who are holding multiple acceptances should narrow their selections to 3 schools. Acceptance deposits are refundable for withdrawal made no later than April 30th.
4/15/21 – 4/30/21
4/15/21 – 4/30/21
Accepted applicants may continue to hold acceptances at one school. If UMMS is the applicant’s selected school he/she is REQUIRED to set their status to “Plan to Enroll” at UMMS and withdraw acceptances from other schools. They may continue to hold waitlist places at other schools.
5/1/21 – 7/15/21
5/1/21 – 7/15/21
Accepted applicants MUST select “Commit to Enroll” to UMMS prior to orientation and the first day of classes. Applicants who do not commit to enroll at UMMS by deadline may have their acceptance rescinded. Applicants must withdraw their waitlist places from any further consideration at other schools.
7/15/21 – 8/2/21 (first day of classes)
7/15/21 – 8/2/21 (first day of classes)
No current updates
MCAT The University of Michigan Medical School continues to encourage all applicants to apply as early as possible, even if your MCAT test date was cancelled on or before March 27, 2020 as a result of COVID-19, as our rolling admissions policy is still in effect. We will accept and evaluate applications without MCAT scores. We will base our interview decisions on a holistic review of the entire application, however a final admissions decision will not be made without an MCAT score on file. If MCAT testing sites do not open to sufficient capacity in time for us to receive scores and admit our first round of applicants on October 15, we will reevaluate the situation at that time.
Coursework Pass/Fail: GPA is only one factor used in assessing an applicant’s file. The University of Michigan Medical School has always accepted a limited number of pass/fail grades, however due to unforeseen challenges and restrictions many applicants have faced due to COVID-19, we are willing to more liberally accept pass/fail grades for the 2020-21 application cycle.
Online Courses: We recognize many applicants have been required to switch to online learning due to COVID-19. Our long standing policy of accepting online courses and holistically reviewing applicants’ demonstration of our core competencies remains in place.
The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) may be taken as soon a prerequisite course work is complete provided that adequate time has been devoted to MCAT preparation (such as taking full-length, timed practice exams). For some applicants, this may occur as early as the summer after the sophomore year.
Not later than the fall of the junior year, traditional applicants (who plan to enter medical school the August after graduation from a four-year baccalaureate degree-granting program) are recommended to begin the timeline below. Non-traditional applicants should consider a similar timeline beginning about two years before the anticipated fall enrollment in medical school.
September – Begin preparation for Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)
May – Request transcripts and faculty evaluation letters
Begin online American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) application
June – Take the first MCAT
July – Complete secondary application(s).
Summer – Repeat MCAT, if needed.
September – Interviews begin.
B.A./M.D. Program, Fall 2020: The fall 2020 General Application for Admission and the School of Medicine Supplemental Application were due November 1, 2020. All applications and application materials must have been received by this date, and interview decisions will be communicated in late January, with final offers of admission going out by April 1. The General Application for Admission and the School of Medicine Supplemental Applications for Fall 2021 will become available in early August.
M.D. Program, Spring 2020: The application for the M.D. program is currently closed, and the deadline to apply was August 1, 2019. Interviews are typically held in October, and offers of admission communicated in late October. The General Application for Admission and the AMCAS application for Spring 2021 will become available May 1, 2020.
The admissions committee highly encourages Mizzou Med applicants to keep all required coursework as a letter grade for the spring 2020 semester. However, if this is not an option at your institution, applicants will not be penalized for taking our required coursework as pass/fail for the spring 2020 semester only. For entering class 2021 applicants, our application and MCAT testing deadlines still remain the same.
UPDATED: May 6, 2020
Office of Admissions Response to COVID-19 – Information for 2020-2021 Admissions Cycle
Please note the following information regarding pre-requisite courses, including laboratory courses, and letters of evaluation effective May 2020:
Pass/Fail Coursework –
- UNMC will accept Pass/No Credit grades for courses taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently we consider courses likely to be impacted as those offered in Spring 2020 (Quarter/Semester) and Summer 2020. In implementing this policy, we understand some undergraduate schools are providing an option for students to take courses either for letter grades or on a Pass/No Credit basis during the COVID-19 pandemic period. UNMC will accept Pass/No Credit without conditions. Students and their families are facing many challenges at this time – maybe even life-and-death challenges. UNMC believes that the pressure for grades need not be one of them.
Online Coursework and Laboratory Courses –
- Online coursework, including laboratory courses, will continue to be accepted in fulfillment of some pre-requisites. UNMC has historically accepted the completion of coursework online in limited situations, but highly encourages classroom application for lectures/labs for science entrance requirements.
Letters of Evaluation –
- Two letters of recommendation from undergraduate faculty members are required; one in the Pre-medical science area. An official report of a pre-medical advisory committee will fulfill the two-letter requirement. Please limit recommendation letters that you designate through AMCAS for release to UNMC to a total of four.
Clinical Exposure and Volunteer work –
- UNMC will look at the total body of clinical exposure and volunteer work with the understanding that opportunities are likely to be limited in Spring and Summer of 2020. Non-medical volunteer work done during this time should be included in your application.
The Office of Admissions and Records physical office is closed but providing alternate methods of service.
Per the Governor’s directive, we are physically shut down but our staff are continuing to provide our services remotely for the safety of our community. As the University remains open, the Office of Admissions and Records is continuing to provide services to students, staff, faculty, and alumni. Staff will not able to answer phones, but will actively monitor emails.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the following exceptions and considerations will be taken regarding requirements to the UNLV School of Medicine application process for the next admissions cycle(s). As developments or changes occur, we will continue to update this website with information for applicants.
MCAT Test Scores
The deadline for taking the MCAT will be extended until October 1. In the event that the MCAT examination does not resume prior to October 1, we will make decisions on sending Secondary Applications based on the information that is available in the AMCAS application. We will require applicants to have taken the MCAT prior to making admissions decisions for the Class of 2025.
For more information on the MCAT exam and COVID-19, please visit their website.
Online Pre-Requisite Coursework
For Spring 2020, campuses across the U.S. went from in-person instruction to online instruction due to the pandemic. If you were enrolled for pre-requisite course work during this semester, we will accept your course(s) that shifted to online instruction. This will also apply to Summer 2020 coursework.
Pass/Fail Pre-Requisite Coursework
For Spring 2020, some U.S. campuses have required students to take Pass/Fail grades while others have made it an option. The UNLV School of Medicine will review P/F course work from Spring 2020 without prejudice. The Office of Admissions recognizes the disruption to educational plans and course selection that the pandemic has caused. This will also apply to Summer 2020 coursework.
Application Deadline
AMCAS applications may be submitted until October 1, 2020. For more information on the AMCAS application schedule and COVID-19, please visit their website.
For questions or concerns, please email [email protected]. All operations are currently offsite, so phone calls cannot be accommodated. Email is the fastest way to receive information. Thank you!
The University of New Mexico, School of Medicine (UNM SOM) is aware of the disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic for many current applicants in fulfilling admissions requirements. We recognize that this is still a fluid situation, and applicants will be impacted by the following:
Coursework that has gone to Pass/Fail and Credit/No Credit grading
Coursework and labs that have gone to online
MCAT cancellations
Application timelines
Interruption of clinical, volunteer and research activities
Currently, the UNM SOM Committee on Admissions has made no changes to the requirements for the prerequisites coursework and highly encourages applicants to obtain a letter grade for all required prerequisite courses. With various stay-at-home orders and other forms of social distancing we will continue to monitor and re-evaluate our requirements as future events unfold.
MCAT nThe latest MCAT considered for cycle 2021 will now be September 12, 2020. nnPass/Fail Coursework (updated 4/05/2020) nWe recognize the challenge faced by students during the COVID-19 crisis. We will accept P/NC grades and online courses taken during the semesters impacted by COVID-19. This will include the Spring 2020 semester and summer coursework, as applicable.
Timeline: Our application cycle timeline remains the same.
Pass/Fail Grading: Our school will accept pass/fail grades, without prejudice, for courses taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has always been our practice to consider grades in the context of numerous other aspects of the application, and an international crisis certainly provides a unique and compelling context. In making this statement, we are cognizant of the fact that some undergraduate schools are providing an option for students to take courses either for grades or on a Pass/Fail basis. We therefore want to be explicit that applicants should not feel pressured by us to choose the graded option. Students and their families are facing many challenges at the moment – maybe even life and death challenges. The pressure for grades need not be one of them.
MCAT: We encourage individuals who were unable to take the MCAT due to COVID-related test cancellations, to not delay their application submission. AMCAS has announced that they are resuming MCAT examinations with scheduling opening May 7, 2020. They are committed to testing all applicants that want to test this application cycle. We will require applicants to have taken the MCAT before we make admissions decisions for the Class of 2025. Applicants should not delay applying simply because an MCAT score is not yet available.
We are currently considering implications from the COVID 19 pandemic and how this situation might impact admissions requirements and processes for the 2020-2021 application cycle and beyond. This includes but is not limited to, MCAT, prerequisite course enrollment, pass/fail courses and more. The OU College of Medicine Admissions Board and Leadership will be reviewing guidance from the AAMC and working with our university partners to make informed decisions that will best serve applicants and the OUCOM jointly.
Updated May 21, 2020
With the semester’s end and our moving, bittersweet virtual Commencement for the Class of 2020 only days behind us, we are writing to update you on our planning and preparations for the fall.
At this time, predictions for the fall of the pandemic’s progression and our society’s capacities for testing, contact tracing and treatment are sufficiently uncertain that we cannot say with perfect clarity what the fall semester will look like.
Due to the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine has adopted the following policies:
We are accepting Pass/Fail (Pass/No Credit, Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory) for pre-requisite courses completed during the Spring and Summer terms of 2020. However, students participating in our special programs (Guaranteed Admit Program-GAP and Summer Premedical Academic Enrichment Program Early Assurance-SPAEPEA) must obtain letter grades for all required pre-requisite course work. Also, we are accepting on-line course work for pre-requisites and labs during the Spring and Summer 2020 semesters and require that the course work be completed at the student’s undergraduate or graduate college or university or at an accredited academic institution. When deciding whether or not to use pass /fail or a graded system, you should select the option that is optimal for your application.
UPSOM will continue to conduct a holistic review of your application materials and will consider the MCAT score as it becomes available (provided it is posted by our Supplemental deadline date). Application decisions will not be rendered until an MCAT score is submitted. Letters of recommmendation will also be reviewed as they become available.
Updated July 10, 2020
No COVID updates at this time.
Updated July 10, 2020
Contact [email protected] for all COVID related inquiries.
COVID-19 Update: In light of the current outbreak of COVID-19, the University of South Alabama College of Medicine has carefully reviewed the requirements for admissions. So that no applicant is at a disadvantage during this time, the Admissions Committee has revised the course and MCAT requirements for upcoming application cycles as follows:
We will accept Pass/Fail grading for prerequisite coursework completed in Spring semester 2020.
We will accept online coursework for prerequisite courses completed in both Spring and Summer 2020.
Due to cancellation of the MCAT test dates in March, April, and May, an MCAT taken at any time during 2020 will be accepted.
As events unfold, we may post additional changes. Please feel free to contact us at [email protected] with any questions you may have.
Updated June 15, 2020
- GRE Scores: Applicants with GRE scores must arrange for a full set of GRE scores, including the Analytic or written portion of the test, to be sent to USF by Educational Testing Service (ETS). Due to COVID-19 and disruption of normal testing sites, applicants for Fall 2020 are not required to submit GRE scores. USF’s institutional code is 5828. USF’s institutional code is 5828. Applicants with MCAT, PCAT, or DAT test scores must arrange for official test scores, to be sent to the USF Taneja College of Pharmacy Office of Admissions at 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC 67, Tampa, FL 33612.
- TOEFL/IELTS/PTE-A: Required of international applicants from non-English speaking countries or who have not earned a degree in the US.
- To expedite the processing of your application, you may upload unofficial scores to the application portal. However, your admission will not be finalized until we receive your official test scores.
Updated July 1, 2020
AMCAS Application Deadline: November 1.
Updated May 15, 2020
CANCELLATION – Second Look
Due to COVID-19, our Second Look Visit event scheduled April 17-18, 2020 has been cancelled.
As we continue to adapt to the circumstances surrounding COVID-19, the College of Medicine Admissions Liaisons are planning to create a virtual event! As soon as this information is made available, students who have been offered an acceptance will be e-mailed! The information will be sent to your e-mail address you check often! If you wish to update your e-mail address, please send your request to Diane Harris, Admissions Coordinator at [email protected].
Pass/Fail & Online Coursework and Labs: For students who do not receive standard letter grades or do not elect to receive standard letter grades during the Spring 2020 and/or Summer 2020 semesters due to school closures and conversion to online learning, we will accept pass/fail courses and online labs. Although the School of Medicine – Columbia does not have prerequisites, there are strongly recommended courses.
Letters of Evaluation: During the committee review, the School of Medicine – Columbia will remain cognizant of the fact that clinical and observational experience may be more difficult to obtain along with letters accompanying these experiences.
MCAT: The School of Medicine – Columbia will continue to require a MCAT score to be taken no later than September 2020 to be considered for this application cycle.
Until further notice, we are unable to offer tours or campus visits.
Our Admissions team is telecommuting, with sporadic days in the office. We are checking emails during normal business hours.
Due to COVID-19, the UTMB medical school application and interview timeline will be changing as information is updated from TMDSAS and the UTMB Office of Admissions. Make sure to check back for the latest Application and Interview Timeline Information.
Application Timeline
May 2020 TMDSAS application opens
July 2020 Admission Committee begins reviewing applications
August 2020 Interview season begins
October 2020 Open acceptance period for Texas residents begins
November 2020 Deadline for application and supporting materials
Begin making offers to non-Texas residents
January 2021 Interview season ends
Open acceptance period ends
Deadline to submit ranking of schools
March 2021 Alternate pool letters mailed
Due to the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic on testing centers across the world, we will temporarily suspend GRE and GMAT test score requirements for graduate programs. Students submitting a graduate application to any master’s or doctoral program for any of the following semesters or modules will not be required to submit GRE or GMAT test scores.
Updated May 15, 2020
We will begin reviewing applications as usual beginning in June. Interview decisions will be made once we have received all of your materials – secondary application, letters of recommendation and MCAT score(s). Early submission of your application does not always ensure an interview invitation. Interview invitations will be extended beginning early August and continue through early January.
If your MCAT test date has been pushed back, do not stress! Use this time as an opportunity to study effectively for your new test date.
McGovern is committed to addressing the limitations of the institutions, testing centers, and students who have been affected given the current COVID-19 pandemic and we will continue to remain flexible.
If I finish courses online, will the courses still meet the requirement?
Online coursework will be accepted as long as the course was taken through a regionally accredited institution and the credit for the coursework is listed on the applicant’s degree-granting transcript.
How will you handle interviews?
At this time, we do not anticipate the start of our interview season to be disrupted. Our first interview date is August 21st. As the situation unfolds, we will make changes as necessary including extending our interview season into January or adding more interview dates.
How will the Pass/Fail grading be viewed by your Admissions Committee?
Coursework taken during the Spring 2020 or Winter 2020 semester whose grading system was changed to Pass/Fail or Credit/No Credit due to the current circumstances created by the COVID-19 pandemic will be accepted by McGovern to meet any prerequisite or course requirement. If given a choice by your institution between taking the course for a letter grade or as Pass/Fail, our preference would be taking the course for a letter grade.
My research/shadowing/community service has been interrupted. How is your Admissions Committee going to view this?
This is a unique time for all of us. Our Admissions Committee will be aware of this situation in the future when reviewing applications. We foresee that this may be the case for many applicants and we will continue to practice flexibility due to decreased hours.
Use this time wisely to further prepare your application and yourself as a future physician. There are a number of ways that you can serve your community or stay active virtually. Think outside the box; use this time to prepare your essays, teach yourself something new, use online learning resources to learn a new organ system, move your pre-med meetings to a virtual platform, practice your interview skills or read medically related books. Think of how you can use this time to best prepare yourself to be successful in the first year of medical school and as a future physician.
Updated April 1, 2020
The Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS) has been closely following disruptions cause by the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.
The TMDSAS Application for the 2021 application cycle will still open on May 1, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. CT; however, we are monitoring the situation and working with our TMDSAS member institutions to determine any future impact.
We also encourage you to take advantage of the resources your institution may have and to communicate with your pre-health advisor. For those applicants who are no longer able to access a pre-health advisor, we encourage you to join our online communities, which may provide you the opportunity to interact with an advisor.
We recognize that this is an extraordinary event; as such, our member institutions are working to review their policies (such as coursework, committee letters, etc.) to accommodate the needs of the community and we will be posting more updates below as decisions are made. Please check back to this page for further updates.
July 10, 2020
No COVID-19 admissions updates at this time.
Updated May 13, 2020
Applicants must be a citizen of the United States or have permanent resident status (permanent residency “green” card). If applying as a permanent resident, an applicant must be a permanent resident at the time of application and will be required to submit a photocopy of the front and back of their permanent resident card.
A baccalaureate degree from an accredited U.S. college or university.
MCAT scores taken within 3 years from time of application (unless the student is accepted through our early acceptance MEDStart Program or through a UToledo early acceptance program).
A UToledo secondary application.
Letters of recommendation.
Submission of final official transcripts from all undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools you have attended with degrees posted (if applicable).
Successful completion and review of a criminal records check.
Students must meet the Minimal Technical Standards for admissions.
Due to guidance released and monitored by the University to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Admissions team is working remotely. The EHSEBoffice will be closed to the public until restrictions have changed.
Due to the recent changes taking effect at institutions nationally in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, UVA will honor any institutional policies regarding courses shifted to pass/fail. With the holistic admission review, candidates will be granted every possible consideration with special attention given to the 2020 Spring semester. Candidates are encouraged to connect with pre-health advisers to navigate their own institutional policies.
Due to the recent changes taking effect at institutions nationally in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, UVA will honor any institutional policies regarding courses shifted to pass/fail. With the holistic admission review, candidates will be granted every possible consideration with special attention given to the 2020 Spring semester. Candidates are encouraged to connect with pre-health advisers to navigate their own institutional policies.
We are closely monitoring the impact of COVID 19 pandemic on the admissions process for the Fall 2021 entering class. Currently, we do not anticipate any changes to our policies or timeline. We may revisit those policies as the pandemic unfolds. Any changes will be shared with applicants on our Admissions website and Facebook. Below are some common concerns we have received from applicants.
Online courses & P/F grading
Many colleges and universities have switched to online instruction. Our prerequisite policy has always accommodated online coursework and P/F courses. This means that:
Online coursework from regionally accredited institutions will be accepted towards fulfilling prerequisites.
Pass/Fail courses will also be accepted towards fulfilling prerequisites.
Cancelled MCAT test dates
The AAMC is working with their test delivery provider to add additional MCAT test dates, and they are committed to testing everyone who wants to test for the 2020 cycle. The current UWSOM deadline to take the MCAT is September 30, 2020. Please check our admissions website for any developments. We are aware of the effect of the pandemic on all our applicants. We continue to be committed to holistic review. Rest assured that the Committee will consider the activities/metrics from this year within the context of this unprecedented world event.
Online labs
UWSOM does not require labs. If you want to take online labs, that is fine by us.
Shadowing/Volunteering
We recognize this has impacted folks’ shadowing and volunteering opportunities this year. The Admissions Committee has always valued the insight and reflection that applicants gain from their experiences rather than the number of hours.
Committee letter
If your school is no longer able to offer a committee letter, you should know that we will accept a minimum of 3 individual letters of recommendation and a maximum of 6 letters. Please see our letters of recommendation policy for more details: uwmedicine.org/admissions (Letters of Recommendation)
Talking about COVID-19 in my application
We encourage to use the existing secondary application essays to reflect on your experience with COVID-19. Which essay(s) you should use will depend on your experience and the narrative you are sharing in your application. See our secondary application page for the available secondary essay prompts.
Financial resources available
AAMC is working to expand Fee Assistance Program (FAP) to help applicants financially impacted by COVID-19. Please see the FAP webpage for more information about applying. If you are not eligible for FAP but still need financial assistance, please contact the UWSOM Admissions Office. We will work with you on a potential fee waiver for our secondary application.
Pass/Fail vs. grade
The Admissions Committee is generally looking for patterns and trajectories when it comes to grades. Ultimately, how you perform in one class will not make or break your application. If you know that there is room for you to demonstrate improvement in your grades, it may be worth choosing to have the course graded so that the Committee can see evidence of your improvement.
Updated May 15, 2020
Here are some of the anticipated changes to our requirements for the 2020 and 2021 application cycles.
Pass/fail coursework
We recognize that COVID-19 has disrupted academic plans across the country and will make allowances to ensure that applications are considered without prejudice. The UW School of Medicine and Public Health will accept pass/fail (or equivalent) grades for coursework completed during the duration of the pandemic.
However, to give us the best sense of your comparative academic preparation, we encourage as much coursework as possible be taken on a graded basis (vs. pass/fail). This is especially true for our prerequisites and all biology, chemistry, physics and math (BCPM) courses.
Online coursework and labs
Online courses taken at accredited institutions are acceptable for our specified course prerequisites and general degree requirements. We would prefer lab courses to be taken in-person (rather than virtual) but will accept online courses including online lab courses taken in the spring and summer terms of 2020.
Letters of recommendation
Our requirements for the type and number of letters of recommendation are unchanged. However, we recognize that the course of study changes resulting from COVID-19 may impact the depth of applicants’ interactions with typical recommenders and that the specificity of comments may be less or have a different tenor because of lower number of in-person contact hours.
MCAT
Although some MCAT test dates have been suspended, we understand that the test administrators are working hard to provide additional testing opportunities. We will continue to monitor this situation closely and encourage applicants to check the MCAT website frequently for updates. At this time, we will accept MCAT scores taken through Sept. 30, 2020 for the 2021 cycle.
Medical exposure/experiences/public service
Due to self-quarantine, social distancing, and other virus mitigation policies; it may be more difficult for applicants to accumulate significant preparatory experiences such as volunteering, shadowing, and other opportunities for medical exposure. To address this, we recommend consulting your pre-health advising center if you are still in college. You may want to research volunteer opportunities in your local community. Check with organizations you have volunteered with in the past to see if you can assist in previous roles. Consider online opportunities, like tutoring or mentoring. Take an online class, listen to podcasts, or read articles and books about public health, bioethics, or another health-related topic that interests you.
Vanderbilt does not have any specific prerequisite course requirements for applicants; we have course recommendations instead. This allows us to accept Pass/Fail grades without an issue. While we prefer that applicants take in-person lab and lecture courses when possible, we understand that it is not always feasible due to time, financial constraints, and/or global pandemics.
Vanderbilt recognizes that some universities are unable to provide pre-med advisor or committee letters. We will accept individual letters of evaluation and encourage letter writers to cover the broad competencies outlined in the AAMC Guidelines. If your institution offers a letter service during this time, and you are eligible for that service, Vanderbilt kindly expects you to use it.
Regarding the timing of the MCAT, Vanderbilt knows this is a potentially stressful time for applicants. Although Vanderbilt appreciates rolling admissions, we will not penalize candidates who had a delay in the opportunity to take the MCAT. We encourage candidates to consider submitting their AMCAS application for verification without the MCAT. No admissions decisions will be made without the MCAT. Please continue to check this website and the Medical School Admissions Requirement e-book for updates.
Updated May 15, 2020
Due to the impact of COVID-19 on K-12 school systems throughout the country, VCU has decided to move the freshman response deadline from May 1 to June 1 for students who were accepted to the university by April 1.
The Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine is taking steps to align with the university’s guidelines on COVID-19, released through President Tim Sands yesterday evening. Our first priority is the safety of our students, faculty, staff, and community while also keeping our students on track in their education. nnWith Virginia Tech’s guidance to cancel events that would bring together more than 100 people, we are making some changes for events coming up between now and April 30. nnMatch Day is coming up on Friday, March 20. Our event will now be private and limited to the fourth-year students. We will share an overview of our Match Day results later that afternoon. nThe Medical Student Research Symposium scheduled for Friday, March 27, will now be virtual. Oral presentations will be livestreamed. nAny additional events hosted by, or at, the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine that are expected to attract more than 100 people will be canceled or offered virtually to follow university policy. Event organizers will alert guests if their event is impacted.
All applicants are sent a secondary application; however, applicants must have a 507 MCAT and a 3.2 science/BCPM GPA to be reviewed by the Committee on Admissions. Applicants who do not meet the undergraduate science GPA of a 3.2 and have completed at least 15 hours of either post-baccalaureate or graduate science coursework be reviewed by the Dean of Admissions upon receipt of the secondary application. The highest MCAT attempt is reviewed.
Decisions on how interviews will be conducted for the 2021 admissions cycle will made at a later date.
Early Decision applicants will still be considered and must submit their AMCAS application by August 3. If you are unable to receive an MCAT score by the first week in September, note that you can contact us and we will move your application to our regular applicant pool and immediately allow you to apply to other medical schools.
COURSE CONSIDERATIONS DUE TO COVID-19
While we normally require that the pre-requisites above be taken with a grade, students who have experienced changes to their curriculum due to COVID-19 such that a pre-requisite (including the lab) they were enrolled in or planned to enroll in was changed from a graded course to a Pass/Fail course, this will be accepted for the pre-requisite courses for the following timeframes:
Spring 2020 (term, quarter, semester)
Summer 2020
If a pre-requisite course was changed from an in-person course to an online course, we already accept online coursework (as long as taken at an accredited institution) to meet our pre-requisites.
MCAT CONSIDERATIONS DUE TO COVID-19
For the EY 2021, we will accept MCAT scores from calendar year 2016.
While we fully empathize and understand that MCAT test dates have been canceled and rescheduled, we still require the MCAT to be considered for a secondary. This is because we only utilize the MCAT to meet one of our combination thresholds and then completely blind it thereafter through our entire process once the secondary is returned. We will stay abreast of decisions the AAMC has to make regarding the MCAT and any new test dates beyond our current window and adjust accordingly. We do not fill our interview spots until all completed applications (AMCAS, secondary, letters) have been considered for an interview.
The Committee on Admissions recognizes that COVID-19 has created a unique situation where an entire semester of classes in Winter 2020 or Spring 2020 may be graded pass/fail. These grades will be accepted and considered as usual in the context of the rest of the applicant’s portfolio. We continue to monitor the situation and recognize the need to be flexible in our evaluation of candidates.
WUSM recognizes the unique challenges that COVID-19 has caused for many applicants in the 2021 application cycle. To assist with one aspect of the application process, the Committee on Admissions has extended the latest MCAT scores that will be considered, and will now accept scores from January 2017 through September 2020 test dates.
Updated May 15, 2020
Office of the Admissions at Wayne State University School of Medicine (WSUSOM) recognizes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In an effort to ensure no applicants are disadvantaged as a result of this event, please note the amendments to our policy.
Coursework and Pre-Requisites:
Colleges and universities nationwide are offering a pass/fail or credit/no credit option in addition to transitioning to online platforms. For any pre-requisite coursework: Wayne State University School of Medicine strongly recommends that you do not take these courses online. However, during these uncertain times, we will be flexible if no in-person courses are available and will accept courses from other 4-year colleges & universities with preference given to your home institution. For all courses: Strong candidates will select courses to be graded as opposed to P/F if the option is available.
MCAT Testing Information:
Applications will be accepted from individuals who were unable to take the MCAT due to COVID-related test cancellations. For these candidates, we will base decisions on the information that is available to us at the time of the application. Assuming that MCAT testing resumes prior to October, we will require applicants to have taken the MCAT before we make admissions decisions for the Class of 2025. We encourage applicants to not delay applying because an MCAT score is not yet available.
Early Decision Program:
Early Decision Program (EDP) application deadline is August 3. Due to COVID, students may take the MCAT up to August 3 and still apply for the program. For more information, visit the EDP page.
Pass/Fail: The Tri-Institutional MD-PhD Program will accept Pass/Fail grades to fulfill prerequisites for courses taken in the spring semester of 2020. We are aware that the COVID-19 crisis is causing many other disruptions (including MCAT testing dates). We are actively working with our colleagues within Weill Cornell Medicine and from other medical schools to address all issues affecting the next application cycle. We will share the outcomes of these conversations as they become available.
Updated May 15, 2020
How is Covid-19 affecting Admissions at the WVU School of Medicine?
At this time admissions processes are still adhering to the same deadlines as posted on our website
Since we have transitioned to competency-based admissions, requirements are the same as posted on our website
On-line courses (including labs) and pass/fail grades are acceptable
We cannot predict what will happen if further MCAT dates are canceled, but are following the situation closely and are staying informed with any new AAMC policies or recommendations
Students interested in Early Decision (ED) are still strongly recommended to apply ED. Early Decision deadlines for MCAT scores have been extended to August 1st, 2020. Application and secondary application deadlines will remain the same. Please check out our Early Decision Program page for more information.
Updated March 22, 2020
As of March 24, all of our educational programs are being delivered in a manner so that our students do not need to be present on campus. Faculty are utilizing recorded lectures, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and other online learning tools. Following guidance issued by the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) and the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), medical students have not been reporting for clinical duties at any clinical sites. But, some clinical site rotations will begin in June with approval and support from our affiliate hospitals.
The Novel Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic crisis has generated a great deal of stress and uncertainty surrounding unplanned changes to curriculums and cancellation of MCAT test dates. We are closely monitoring information and guidance about the coronavirus and will provide updates as needed.
Please note the following information regarding coursework, labs, letters of evaluation, and MCAT:
• Pass/Fail Coursework – Pass/Fail is accepted for all coursework including prerequisites.
• Online Coursework and Labs – Online labs will be accepted for the Spring 2020 and Summer 2020 term.
• Letters of Evaluation – There are no changes to the letters of evaluation requirements.
• MCAT – MCAT will be required for matriculation but applications may be submitted without MCAT. Applicants should not delay applying because an MCAT score is not yet available. We will consider any MCAT taken between June 2017 and December 2020.
As a reminder, this is an ever changing time and we are closely monitoring information and guidance about the coronavirus and will continue to provide updates as needed.
The Yale School of Medicine (YSM) Office of Admissions faculty and staff recognize the unprecedented challenges that many applicants to medical school will face in the 2020-2021 admissions cycle. Information regarding PASS/FAIL grades, necessity of the MCAT, and timing of applications can be found below.
The following notifications apply to both the MD and MD-PhD programs.
PASS/FAIL GRADES
Required pre-medical classes play an important role in preparing students for the curriculum at YSM. Given the challenging circumstances surrounding COVID-19, YSM Office of Admissions will be cognizant of the fact that many colleges and universities may elect to change their grading policies midterm from letter grades to PASS/FAIL, or to offer students the choice to make such a decision. We believe that individual colleges and universities are best equipped to make decisions on their grading systems, and YSM Office of Admissions will respect and trust each college/university’s response to grading policies, and those of students, with regard to the 2020 academic year.
YSM Office of Admissions and the admissions committee will take circumstances surrounding the 2020 academic year into account when evaluating the applications of all students enrolled in classes this term. As such, prospective applicants to YSM enrolled in pre-medical classes this term should, if applicable, make decisions that they believe are best for them in context of their individual situations.
THE MCAT
Our application evaluation is holistic and contextual and takes into account the entirety of an application. The MCAT examination continues to be a steadfast and important component of this evaluation. The AAMC has reiterated that they remain committed to testing everyone who wishes to sit for the examination for the 2021 application cycle. As such, we will accept scores from all 2020 MCAT test dates and extend the due date for applications to YSM.
APPLICATION DATES
To accommodate applicants for the Class of 2025 who have re-scheduled their MCAT examination dates or are facing other difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are extending our AMCAS application deadline to November 15 and the Yale Secondary Application deadline to December 15. The date for receipt of letters of recommendation will likewise be extended to December 15. We may elect to extend these deadlines further, if necessary.
Note: We cannot guarantee the accuracy, validity, or timely updates of this guide. While we are working diligently to update this guide on a regular basis, we urge you to check the official pages of any of the organizations or programs listed above.

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