Q: What's new in this year's medical school primary application? 

A: The common application for MD programs (AMCAS) has made a few updates:

• Activities can be categorized into a type called Social Justice/ Advocacy, signaling the significance placed on civic engagement. Many medical schools have been emphasizing the importance of addressing societal inequities and injustice in the wake of COVID-19 (see HPA resource on health disparities for suggested readings on the topic).  
• A space has been added to discuss "Other Impactful Experiences," replacing the previous "Disadvantaged Status" framing of similar information.
• The Institutional Action question differentiates between "conduct," "academic," or "both" rather than classifying them all together.
• Applicants can indicate an upcoming AAMC PREview exam date, similar to the upcoming MCAT exam date prompt.
• Pronoun and Gender Identity options have been expanded. 

Anyone planning to apply this year should attend the AAMC's webinar, “Navigating the 2024 AMCAS Application Cycle for Applicants,” on April 26 at 2 p.m. ET for a complete walkthrough of the AMCAS application and available AMCAS resources.

QOTW 2022: Co-signed Letter of Recommendation
QOTW 2021: Med School Financial Aid and Family Contribution