Submitting your AMCAS (American Medical College Application Service) application is just the first step in the medical school admissions process. Before medical schools can even review your application, AMCAS must verify it—a process that can take anywhere from a few days to over a month depending on when you apply and how accurate your submission is.

At AcceptMed, we help applicants navigate the verification process efficiently, ensuring that their applications are processed as quickly as possible. Many students make simple mistakes that delay verification, which can ultimately affect when they receive interview invitations. Since medical schools operate on a rolling admissions system, a delayed application can put you at a significant disadvantage.

What is AMCAS Verification?

The Purpose of Verification

AMCAS verification is the process where the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) reviews your submitted application to:

• Ensure accuracy of the coursework you entered.
• Match your application data to your official transcripts.
• Confirm GPA calculations based on the grading policies of your schools.
• Check for errors or missing information that could cause problems with your application.

Only after AMCAS completes this verification will your application be released to medical schools. Until then, medical schools cannot review or consider your application.

How Long Does AMCAS Verification Take?

The time it takes for AMCAS verification depends on when you submit and how many other applicants are in the system. Here’s a breakdown of average processing times based on submission date:

May - Early June Submissions:

• Typically verified within 1-2 weeks because fewer applicants submit early.
• This is the fastest period for verification.

Mid-June - July Submissions:

• It takes about 3-4 weeks as the number of applications increases.
• This is the busiest time for AMCAS, so delays are common.

August - September Submissions:

• Processing times can stretch beyond a month due to the heavy volume.
• Applying this late can put you at a disadvantage, as many interview spots will already be filled.

October - December Submissions:

• Applications are verified in 2-4 weeks, but at this point, many medical schools have limited interview slots left.
• Applying this late significantly reduces your chances of acceptance.

Key Takeaway: The earlier you apply, the faster your verification will be. Submitting in May or early June ensures a quicker turnaround.

Common Mistakes That Delay AMCAS Verification

Even if you submit early, certain mistakes can trigger delays and slow down the processing of your application. The most common reasons for verification delays include:

Missing Transcripts

• AMCAS cannot begin verification without all official transcripts.
• Even if you only took one course at a community college, that transcript is required.

Incorrect Coursework Entry

• If the coursework you enter doesn’t match your official transcript, AMCAS will flag it for review.
• Misclassified courses (e.g., incorrectly labeling a humanities course as a science course) can result in delays.

Problems with Letters of Recommendation

• Letters are not required for verification, but schools won’t review your application without them.
• Missing or delayed letters can slow down the entire admissions process.

Errors in Personal Information

• Mistakes in name spelling, birthdate, or social security number can cause problems in transcript matching.

Applying Late in the Cycle

• As more students apply, AMCAS processing slows down significantly, especially in July and August.

Key Takeaway: Double-check your transcripts, coursework, and personal details before submitting to avoid unnecessary delays.

How to Speed Up AMCAS Verification

While you can’t completely control how long AMCAS takes, you can take proactive steps to ensure your application moves through the system as quickly as possible.

Order Transcripts Early

• Request official transcripts from all schools you attended at least one month before submission.
• Confirm that AMCAS has received them by checking your application status online.

Submit Your Application in Early June

• Early submissions move through verification faster since AMCAS isn’t overloaded yet.
• Even if you’re waiting on MCAT scores or letters of recommendation, submit your primary application early—schools won’t review your file until AMCAS verifies it.

Enter Coursework Accurately

• Follow AMCAS guidelines for entering coursework exactly as it appears on your transcript.
• Double-check course classifications, grades, and credit hours to ensure accuracy.

Track Application Status Daily

• Once submitted, monitor your AMCAS portal to make sure transcripts and letters have been received.
• If AMCAS flags an issue, resolve it immediately to avoid extra delays.

Be Prepared for Secondary Applications

• Once verification is complete, most schools will send secondary applications.
• Pre-writing common secondary essay prompts will help you submit them quickly and stay ahead of the competition.

Key Takeaway: Being proactive and organized ensures your application moves through verification as fast as possible.

What Happens After AMCAS Verification?

Once AMCAS finishes verification, your application is sent to medical schools, and your admissions journey officially begins. Here’s what happens next:

Medical Schools Receive Your Application

• Schools will review your verified application and send secondary applications.
• Some schools automatically send secondaries to all applicants, while others are selective.

Secondary Application Submissions Begin

• Most schools expect secondaries to be completed within two weeks of receiving them.
• Pre-writing responses can save you valuable time.

Interview Invitations Are Sent Out

• Schools begin offering interview invites in July and August, and invitations continue throughout the fall and winter.
• Early applicants receive priority for interview scheduling.

Rolling Admissions Process Begins

• Medical schools start making acceptance decisions as early as October and continue offering spots until their class is full.
• The earlier you submit, the better your chances of securing an acceptance.

Key Takeaway: Verification is just the first step—being prepared for secondaries and interviews ensures you stay competitive throughout the process.

Avoiding Delays and Maximizing Your Application Timeline

The AMCAS verification process is one of the most critical steps in applying to medical school. Any delay in verification can impact your chances of securing early interviews and acceptances, which is why submitting early and avoiding mistakes is crucial.

• Submit your AMCAS application in May or early June for the fastest verification time.
• Request transcripts well in advance and confirm receipt in the AMCAS portal.
• Double-check coursework entry and classifications to prevent verification issues.
• Monitor your application status daily and resolve any flagged issues immediately.
• Be ready for secondary applications and interview invitations as soon as verification is complete.

The medical school application process is highly competitive, but a well-planned AMCAS submission timeline can set you apart.