Preparing to apply to medical schools can be an overwhelming process, to say the least. There are rigorous standards to take into account as you search for the right Doctor of Medicine (MD) program, not to mention the various prerequisites you need to complete before even applying.

But you’re not completely on your own as you navigate these waters. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) created a resource to help pre-med students like you review and compare schools. The Medical School Admissions Requirements (MSAR) database provides aspiring physicians with all the details you’ll need to make an informed decision.

Below, we will outline what to expect from the MSAR.

3 Common questions about the MSAR database

Choosing a medical school will be one of the most impactful decisions you make on your road to becoming a physician. You want to be sure you’re applying to MD programs that will help you reach your specific career goals while offering the support you need along the way.

The MSAR database was designed to streamline this process for you. Chock-full of useful tools and resources, many med school applicants find this service to be invaluable.

1. What is the MSAR database?

Created by the AAMC, the MSAR is the most comprehensive online database for pre-med students. It allows users to browse, search, sort, and compare information about all accredited MD programs in the US and Canada.

The MSAR is the only resource that includes data directly from the MCAT exam, the AMCAS application platform, and med school admissions offices themselves. While not an exhaustive list, a subscription to the database includes the following info on each institution:

• Median MCAT, GPA, and science GPA among accepted applicants and matriculants
• Relevant medical, volunteer, and/or research experience of accepted applicants
• Waitlist data and information
• Required and recommended premedical coursework
• Student research opportunities
• MD/PhD and other combined degree programs
• Graduates’ specialty choices
• Tuition and financial aid information
• Key application dates

Information includes four years of data from each school, and the AAMC updates the data annually.

2. How do you use the MSAR?

The MSAR database can be a critical tool for those looking into medical schools. By aggregating important information on every accredited allopathic medical school in the United States and Canada, you’ll have all the research you need on one platform.

Users can view snapshot profiles of each school, or they can do a deeper dive into the details of individual institutions. Pre-med students can also filter medical schools based on various criteria, such as location, acceptance rate, median MCAT scores, average GPA, or application deadlines. This can help you narrow your list of potential programs in a matter of minutes.

Applicants who use the tools within the MSAR database are able to gain a clearer perspective on what each program is looking for and what they will need to accomplish to become competitive candidates for admission.

3. Who has access to the MSAR?

The MSAR does offer some free resources available to all aspiring med students. These include pre-med worksheets you can use to assess where you are in your journey toward medical school, as well as an extensive catalog of required premedical coursework and competencies as listed by schools across the US and Canada.

For full access to the MSAR database, students can opt for a $28 one-year subscription, or they can pay $36 for two years of access.

It’s also worth noting that the AAMC offers a Fee Assistance Program for students who, without financial support, would be unable to take the MCAT, apply to schools with the AMCAS, and more. The program includes discounted fees, complimentary access to the MSAR database, free MCAT prep products, and other resources.

Find the right medical school for you

As you journey forward in your process of choosing a medical school, it’s critical that you do so strategically. This requires a healthy amount of research as you compare numerous different MD programs.

You now know the various ways the Medical School Admission Requirements database can help you make progress in narrowing your list of potential institutions. Once you do, it’s up to you to decide what criteria are most important.

For more advice, visit our article “How to Choose a Medical School: 8 Things to Evaluate Before Accepting.”