The 3 Main Medical School Applications Every Premed Must Know

Mar 31, 2021

medical school applications

There are three stages to the medical school application process: primary applications, secondary applications, and interviews. The primary application is the initial application a medical school receives. Secondary applications (a.k.a. supplemental applications) are school-specific applications sent to an applicant after the primary application has been approved. Finally, the interview is when you visit the school and get the chance to talk to the faculty directly. 

All U.S. medical schools use 1 of 3 application services: AMCAS, TMDSAS, and AAMCOMAS. Each medical school program only uses one application service. Knowing the difference between these three main medical school application services prior to applying can help you prepare for the different components of each application. In this article, we will discuss each of these medical school application services and the differences between them. 

American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS)

Used by: U.S. allopathic (M.D.) medical schools
Application Cost: $170 for first medical school. Additional medical schools cost $41 each.
Application opening date: AMCAS opens May 4, 2021.

AMCAS is the AAMC’s centralized medical school application service. Most M.D. medical schools located in the United States use AMCAS as their primary application method. 

Official AMCAS Website
AMCAS Application
List of medical schools that use AMCAS

Texas Medical & Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS)

Used by: Texas allopathic and osteopathic medical schools
Application Cost: $185 flat rate regardless of how many schools you apply to.
Application opening date: TMDSAS opens May 1, 2021

TMDSAS is the medical school application service for medical schools, dental schools and veterinarian schools in Texas. Medical school applicants can use TMDSAS to apply to medical schools in the state of Texas. 

Official TMDSAS Website
TMDSAS Application
List of medical schools that use TMDSAS

American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS) 

Used by: U.S. osteopathic (D.O) medical schools
Application Cost: $196 for first medical school. Additional medical schools cost $46 each.
Application opening date: AACOMAS opens May 5th, 2021.

AACOMAS is the centralized online application service for the US osteopathic medical schools. 

Official AACOMAS Website
AACOMAS Application
List of medical schools that use AACOMAS

Post-bacc vs. Masters – 2023 Comparative Guide – Premed

Many premed students often ask, what is the difference between a post-bacc and a master’s program? This guide will cover everything you need to know about the two.  It’s no secret that medical school is hard to get into. According to the Association of American...
Read More

Ion Names – A List of Common Monatomic and Polyatomic Ions

This article discusses ionic nomenclature and common ion names for both monatomic and polyatomic ions and includes a list for reference. What is an ion? Before we discuss common ion names, let's talk about what an ion is. An ion is an electrically charged atom or...
Read More

Useful Websites for Premeds

The advent of technology has changed nearly every industry. From smart cars to smart phones, our world will never be the same. As we navigate our new modern world, we can’t help but feel nostalgia for the past. Our ancestors were intelligent and they read physical...
Read More

How to form effective study groups

With the advent of social media and smart phones, connecting with other students and studying in groups is easier than ever. Effective study groups allow students to learn the course material at a deeper level.  But not all study groups are useful. If students...
Read More

MD-MPH Dual Degree Programs List and Information 2023

An MD-MPH degree is a dual degree program that offers both a medical degree and a master's of public health degree. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about MD-MPH degrees and programs. Table of Contents What is an MD-MPH degree? How long do...
Read More

Medical School Prerequisites in 2023: The Ultimate Guide

Applying to medical school can be a stressful and lengthy process. Before working on your application, it is important to become familiarized with the various requirements and expectations from the schools that you plan on applying to. Depending on the specific...
Read More

15 White Coat Ceremony Gift Guide – [2023 edition]

If you were invited to a white coat ceremony, congratulations! This is a momentous occasion for your loved one to receive his/her/their first white coat and commit to a lifelong career in medicine. Even if you just attended your loved one’s graduation from a...
Read More

67 Undergraduate Premed Scholarships – 2023 Updated List

Are you a premed student that needs help paying for college? Check out our list of 67 undergraduate premed scholarships! Read on. College is expensive and it's hard to find ways to pay for it. Every day, students like you have to make tough decisions about how to pay...
Read More

Classes to take before the MCAT

When deciding what classes to take during your premed undergraduate career, you should keep in mind a list of prerequisite courses for medical schools and a list of courses that will help you sufficiently prepare for the MCAT.  In this article, we will discuss...
Read More

How to Get Published in a Medical Journal

One of the most effective ways to stand out during medical school interviews is to have research experience under your belt. And even better, publishing your scientific findings in a peer-reviewed academic or medical journal. If this is an endeavour you want to...
Read More
Download a printable list of M.D. medical schools in the United States
do med school list