You’ve likely heard of the MSAR as you begin to put together your school list. However, you’re also probably knee-deep in the premed journey, juggling classes, extracurriculars, and maybe a part-time job, and the last thing you need is something else that takes up more of your time and more of your money. So, is the MSAR worth it? Spoiler alert: Yes, actually, it is!
I used MSAR extensively when I was narrowing down where I planned to apply to about twenty to thirty medical schools. It helped me track down the nitty gritty details to weed out which schools were and weren’t a good fit for me.
Below, I’ll break down everything you need to know about the MSAR and how to use it like a pro to improve your chances of snagging more acceptances.
This post is all about answering the question is MSAR worth it.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure here.
Ultimate Question: Is MSAR Worth It?
What is MSAR? What does MSAR Stand For?
MSAR stands for Medical School Admission Requirements. Basically, it’s a super handy database of MD schools in the U.S. and Canada put together by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) that provides information on what different medical schools are looking for in applicants.
Each medical school has its own unique set of requirements and criteria for who it decides to admit. In the past, medical students had to contact individual schools if they wanted more information. However, much like many other things in the world after the pandemic, the AAMC decided we needed a more comprehensive database to allow admission departments to clearly share their requirements with potential applicants.
Is There an MSAR for DO Schools?
As I mentioned above, the MSAR database only contains information on MD schools. However, yes, there is an MSAR for DO schools. AACOM (American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine) provides the Choose DO Explorer. Although it’s not nearly as comprehensive as the MSAR, it’s the go-to resource for students interested in applying to U.S. colleges of osteopathic medicine.
DO Explorer provides detailed information on admission requirements, helps you select the right schools to apply to, guides you through the application process, and enhances your chances of acceptance. The best part? It’s completely free! Provide some basic info, and you’ll have access to all the tools and resources that DO Explorer offers.
How Much Does an MSAR Subscription Cost?
AAMC provides the basic info on each medical school for free, which is awesome. Unfortunately, it’s not going to get you too far. If you want access to all the details and make the most of what MSAR has to offer, you’ll need a subscription.
One-Year Subscription
A one-year subscription will only run you about $28. And what do you get for this investment? This online database is your one-stop-shop for everything you need to know about all MD-granting, LCME-accredited medical schools in the U.S. and Canada.
Two-Year Subscription
If you really want to plan ahead or have the peace of mind of having access for longer, you can opt for the 2-year subscription for $36. It’s a smart move if you’re gearing up to apply or want to have all your bases covered in case you need to reapply. Since the two-year price is less than buying back-to-back one-year subscriptions, make sure you know your timeline for applying before deciding which plan to purchase.
Is There an MSAR Discount Code?
While there isn’t a discount code that I’m aware of, you may qualify for the fee assistance program through AAMC. If you get approved for fee assistance in a calendar year, one of the many perks includes a complimentary 2-year subscription to the MSAR online database after activating your account.
When Does MSAR Update?
Included with your subscription, the AAMC ensures that you have the most current and accurate information when you’re researching medical schools. AAMC works with medical school admissions offices to make sure the school profiles on MSAR stay up-to-date.
They do comprehensive updates once a year, usually around April, but any additional updates will also be automatically reflected when you log in. So, if you’re deciding whether to purchase a subscription, knowing that they regularly update their information is definitely a plus!
Is MSAR Worth It?
The short answer is yes! Why? Imagine this: you spend hundreds of dollars applying to a school only to find out later that they have a GPA cutoff for out-of-state students that you didn’t meet. Ouch, right? Well, that exact scenario happened to me!
With MSAR, you can greatly reduce the risk for such pitfalls and tailor your applications to schools where you have a fighting chance. It simplifies your research process by providing crucial information upfront, saving you a ton of money and headaches by preventing you from applying to schools that aren’t the right fit for you.
You’ll get the inside scoop on everything you need to know about schools across the country. You can easily learn about each school’s admission requirements, the average GPA and MCAT scores of accepted students, application deadlines, and so much more. This information helps you gain a competitive edge, giving you the power to tailor your application to each school’s specific needs!
However, tracking down the GPA, MCAT, and residency bias stats for each medical school you’re interested in can be time-consuming. So, I’ve created something that can make your life a whole lot easier—my course Build a Rock Solid School List! When you sign up, you’ll get access to a massive spreadsheet packed with the GPA, MCAT, and residency bias stats for all MD schools in the US. So you can make informed decisions while saving yourself hours over hours on research.
On top, this course guides you through each step for creating the perfect school list that fits YOU. Including all the hidden factors rarely anyone ever talks about, so that you can make sure to not regret your choices later on!
What Is Included in the MSAR?
If you don’t buy a subscription, you can still access a few bits of information on a basic profile for each medical school for free. Here’s what you can see.
- Application Deadline: MSAR provides detailed information on the application deadlines for each medical school. This should allow you to plan your application timeline effectively.
- Also Accepts: Are you worried about out-of-state bias? MSAR offers insights into whether a medical school also accepts out-of-state applicants, crucial information for non-residents considering their options. But keep in mind that even if they say they accept applicants from out-of-state, take it with a grain of salt. Dig a bit deeper into the stats to identify any underlying bias. I show you exactly how in my Free Premed Workshop.
- Combined Degrees: Curious about combined degree programs? MSAR outlines the availability of combined MD-PhD or other dual-degree options offered by each medical school.
- Tuition and Fees: Financial planning is key when considering medical school. MSAR provides information on the tuition and fees for each institution. This will help you make informed decisions about the cost of attendance.
Paid Subscription
This subscription offers up a ton of helpful information to guide your application process. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to discover.
- Comprehensive School Profiles: Get vast information on each MD school in the U.S. and Canada. Include AMCAS application data and MCAT exam details.
- Applicant Profile Data: Access MCAT scores, GPAs, and other applicant data to help you gauge your competitiveness.
- Experience Insights: Learn about the relevant medical, volunteer, and research experiences of accepted applicants. This will help you understand what schools are looking for.
- Waitlist Data: Find out about waitlist trends and information to better plan your application strategy.
- Coursework Requirements: Get details on required and recommended premedical coursework to ensure you meet the prerequisites.
- Research Opportunities: Explore research programs available at each school to align with your academic interests.
- Special Programs: If you’re interested in an MD/PhD or other combined degree programs, explore these options.
- Specialty Choices: See where graduates from each school end up specializing to help you envision your future career.
- Financial Information: Get insights on tuition costs and financial aid options to plan for your education.
- Application Dates: Stay on top of key application deadlines to submit your application on time.
- Comparison Information: Compare coursework and admission requirements across schools to find your best fit.
- Save and Rank Schools: Save your favorite schools and rank them to stay organized in your application process.
- Community College Pathway Data: Learn which community college pathways are accepted by each institution.
- Letters Acceptance Policies: Understand each school’s policies regarding the acceptance of letters like a Letter of Intent, a Letter of Interest, or a Notice of Significant Updates
- Wellness Programs: Check out available wellness programs or resources on campus to support your well-being during medical school.
With an MSAR subscription, you’re not just getting basic information – you’re getting a wealth of data and insights to help you navigate the medical school application process with confidence.
How to Use MSAR
If you decide to go with the paid version (which I highly recommend), here’s how to take full advantage of your subscription. Since there’s a ton of information, it’s best to have a plan of attack. This will ensure you’re not wasting time or missing out on helpful stats. Follow these three steps.
1. Enter Your Coursework and Scores
When you log into MSAR, head over to the “My Coursework & Scores” page. Input your MCAT scores, GPA, and all your relevant coursework.
Once that’s done, as you start looking at different medical schools, MSAR will do the heavy lifting for you. It automatically shows how your scores stack up against previous applicants who got accepted. Not only that, but you can also save details about your coursework, lab hours, and research experience. This way, you can quickly check if you meet a school’s admissions requirements without having to dig through your files.
2. Compare Your Potential Schools with MSAR
With MSAR’s handy “Compare” functionality, you can easily stack up to ten schools side by side. You can quickly compare your own stats, coursework, experience, and extracurriculars against what each school is asking for.
So, once you have a few medical schools in mind, place your top choices in the ring and see how they measure up against each other. Maybe you’ve always dreamed of attending a specific school but realize they have some tough prerequisites or require a higher MCAT score. No worries! MSAR will lay it all out for you. It will show you exactly what you need to work on next to make that dream a reality. Or, your school list is too long and needs to be trimmed down. Use this compare feature to pinpoint details that make you feel confident about which medical schools remain on our list and which ones get cut.
3. Categorize the Medical Schools You’re Interested In
As you start researching medical schools, you’ll quickly realize that not all schools are created equal in relation to your qualifications. Some may see you as overqualified (safe schools), while others may seem like a dream school (reach schools).
The best way to categorize schools effectively is to roll up your sleeves and do some research. Compare your qualifications with the data available for each school to see how you stack up. This step may take some time and effort, but it’ll pay off in the long run. It will help you create a well-balanced list of schools to apply to.
To make the most of your applications, having a mix of about 20 to 30 schools will increase your chances of acceptance. Apply to more safe schools but still include a few reach schools. Also, find data on residency bias and use it to your advantage. Identify schools in states where you have residency and are your home state. Schools often have preferences for in-state applicants, so if there are medical schools in your home state or where you hold residency, make sure to give them some extra love in your application list.
Bottom Line on Making the MSAR Worth It
Still deciding whether to invest in the MSAR? Take it from me—it’s definitely worth it as you create your school list. When I was applying to medical schools, I did a deep dive into the database. I used the MSAR as a tool to help me craft my application strategy. The MSAR provided me with invaluable insights into each medical school’s GPA and MCAT score requirements.
Also, the MSAR was extremely useful for identifying residency bias. By understanding each school’s preferences for in-state versus out-of-state applicants, I avoided wasting my time and money. I could tailor my application to schools where I had a better chance of acceptance based on my residency status.
This information helped me narrow down my list of schools when I applied the second time around. No doubt it increased my chances – I received 10 acceptances!
Do you want to learn more about using the MSAR to your advantage? Sign up for my Free Premed Workshop, where I’ll walk you through exactly how to identify residency bias, one of the most important factors for your list of “safety” schools. See you there!
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