If you are applying to allopathic medical schools, the Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR) online database is an invaluable resource. Created by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the MSAR is a comprehensive guide of all MD-granting, Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME)–accredited medical schools in the United States and Canada. Applicants can use this resource to search 160 U.S. medical schools and 12 Canadian schools based on location, median GPA, median MCAT, location, and more. While some information is offered for free, to access the full complement of data, subscribers must pay an annual fee of $28.  

What Data Does the MSAR Provide?

For each medical school, six primary categories of information are provided: 

• Overview
• Admissions
• Acceptance Data
• Education & Research
• Tuition, Aid & Debt
• Campus Life

Let’s highlight some salient features in each of these six categories.  

Overview

Initially, you can see a quick snapshot of the school’s matriculation data, including median MCAT and median GPA. But there will be more detailed information on this data in a later section. This section also includes the school’s mission statement. Reading a school’s mission statement and their founding values, goals, and objectives can provide tremendous insight into the type of school they are, the qualities they are looking for in applicants, and the characteristics they seek in future graduating physicians.  

Admissions

This section provides information on deadlines and fees for both primary and secondary applications. Applicants can see policies regarding qualifying for admission to that particular school as well as preferred letter writers. Two important sections applicants should spend some time reviewing are “Information about Application Selection” and “Premedical Experiences of the First Year Class.”

Acceptance Data

This section is filled with helpful data to guide the answer to the question, “Am I competitive for this school?” Here, you will find not just median MCAT and GPA scores for recent matriculants but also ranges from the 10th to 90th percentile. MCAT section score ranges are also presented as well as median science GPA. Matriculation data for the most recent class is presented regarding the number of verified applications, applicants interviewed, and students matriculated as well as in-state versus out-of-state acceptances.  

Education & Research

Do you learn better when a professor gives a didactic lecture or with case-based learning? Did you know some medical schools have moved to a pass/fail grading structure? Applicants can learn about a school’s curricular models, grading structures, affiliated hospitals, and research opportunities in this section.  

Tuition, Aid & Debt

This section provides a helpful budgeting tool. Applicants will see a quick snapshot of the total cost of attendance, including tuition and fees, and if there is a difference for in-state versus out-of-state students. Most schools will also link directly to any financial aid resource they offer.  

Campus Life

Often overlooked because it’s the last one, this section delivers some great insight into the school’s culture and additional support programs offered. And, as the AAMC has prioritized medical students’ wellness and mental health, there is a subsection where every school notes the availability of wellness programs or resources.

Do you want more personalized assistance with school selection or any other element of your medical school application? Schedule a free consultation with an Accepted med school expert. 

As the former assistant dean of student affairs at the William Beaumont School of Medicine and former director of pre-health advisement and the Postbaccalaureate Certificate Program at Sacred Heart University, Valerie brings more than 20 years of success working with pre-health candidates in medicine, dental, vet, PA, PT, OT, exercise science, and nursing. Her clients appreciate her expertise in the holistic admissions process and her patient, thoughtful, strategic, and data-driven working style. Work with Valerie! Schedule a free consultation today!

Related Resources

• Medical School Selectivity Index, a free tool
• Five Fatal Flaws to Avoid in Your Med School & Secondary Essays, a free guide
• Medical School Admissions Calculator, a free tool