Transcripts

[Daisy1777]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I'm a little unsure of how the AMCAS gets your official transcripts, so I thought I would ask for some advice 🙂

I will be taking the MCAT in April and then hopefully applying to medical school (providing I've got good MCAT scores). When I fill out my AMCAS application how do they get my official transcripts? From my research I think that I have to request them and have them mailed to the AMCAS, is this correct? Thank you in advance for your help! I just wanted to make sure I understood the process correctly.

 

[justkeepswiming]

Yep- it's pretty straightforward. When you fill out your AMCAS you'll list all of the schools you've ever taken classes at. AMCAS will generate transcript request forms (basically cover letters directing your school where to send the transcripts), and you'll follow your school's normal transcript request procedures, specifying that they should be sent together with the request form to the AAMC.

(As you probably already know, AMCAS needs these official transcripts before they can verify your primary, so send in the requests as early as you can!)

 

[Daisy1777]

Yep- it's pretty straightforward. When you fill out your AMCAS you'll list all of the schools you've ever taken classes at. AMCAS will generate transcript request forms (basically cover letters directing your school where to send the transcripts), and you'll follow your school's normal transcript request procedures, specifying that they should be sent together with the request form to the AAMC.

(As you probably already know, AMCAS needs these official transcripts before they can verify your primary, so send in the requests as early as you can!)

Okay, so I have to print the AMCAS request form and send it with my transcript request, correct? Also, when do you suggest that I do this by? I'm taking the MCAT April 27th. I do plan to apply shortly thereafter- by June 1st (?)

Many thanks for your reply!!

 

[justkeepswiming]

Yeah, that's correct. Transcript request procedures are slightly different at each school, I'd imagine, but both of my UG schools had online transcript request forms. I just told them to send it to the AAMC address that they give you, then attached the AMCAS request form with instructions to include that together with the official transcript.

You'll want spring grades included on the transcript that amcas gets, so request them basically as soon as you have those. (Or earlier, if your school gives you the option to request ahead of time and release once that semester's grades are available) Your MCAT date shouldn't really affect when you request transcripts. (I got my transcripts to amcas in May and took a late June MCAT, for example)

 

[Jas1360]

Okay, so I have to print the AMCAS request form and send it with my transcript request, correct? Also, when do you suggest that I do this by? I'm taking the MCAT April 27th. I do plan to apply shortly thereafter- by June 1st (?)

Many thanks for your reply!!

The AMCAS will open up around May 1st so that is when I would do it. Just set up your AMCAS account the first day possible. Then enter in at least one class for each college you have ever attended, you can add the rest of the classwork later. Then you can go into the tab and print transcript request forms for each school. Take those forms to your school or do it online if you prefer.

If your spring grades do not post to middle of May, you can still request the transcript at the beginning of May because there should be a place on your schools transcript request form to select that you want them to send the transcript as soon as Spring grades are posted.

The important part is making sure that AMCAS actually receives all of your transcripts. So if it has been two weeks or more since you requested the transcript you should contact your school to have it re-sent. Which is also why you should keep any receipt that you have when you order the transcripts.

Sending transcripts is one of the easiest parts of the application process but it is often overlooked by students because they know it is easy. Then when they finally get around to it they realize it could take the school longer than they were hoping for.

Ideally AMCAS will have all of your transcripts by the end of May. That way the only thing holding up your application is you pushing the submit button.

 

[Daisy1777]

Thanks everyone! I am already finished with all my classes so I have all my grades, one last thing I have to wait for 🙂