The AMCAS application requires thorough preparation to be completed promptly.  You must assess your skills, finances, grades, MCAT scores to realistically evaluate which schools would offer you a position. The AAMC publishes the following statistics online The Facts: Applicants, Matriculants and Graduates to help you gauge your chances based on your personal scores. Make no doubt, MCAT scores and grades are the most important criteria as to whether a school will accept you.

It is in your best interest to apply to as many schools within your financial budget. Applying to medical school can be costly but on average students apply to 15-20 schools. After the AMCAS application, many schools send out secondary applications which cost anywhere from $50-$100. Then the cost of interviews alone will be expensive so plan accordingly.

In-state medical schools and many times private medical schools prefer in-state residents. Some consider changing their state of residency strictly to gain admission to a medical school. Some states such as Illinois, New York and Michigan have many medical schools which some believe will increase their chances of acceptance. (both the private and state schools tend to prefer in-state residents). However, it takes good timing and forethought to research residency requirements for the state as well as for each medical school. In addition, states with more medical schools also have many applicants so it is still very competitive.

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