We are acutely aware that many upcoming MCAT test dates have been cancelled.  We are also aware that additional dates have been added at a later time and that AMCAS is working feverishly in order to respond to the situation while still ensuring a positive experience for each applicant as well as the validity of the overall test.  The AAMC has a dedicated page to address this particular issue and we’ve found it to be very helpful as we receive the most updated information – we encourage all applicants to refer to the AAMC website as well.  In addition, please note that Cincinnati Medicine has made adjustments to the upcoming 2020-2021 interview season by delaying its start by two weeks (ie, begin Sept 2020 rather than August 2020) in order to plan for the delay in completed applications.  Our institution is committed to closely monitoring the ongoing changes that are caused by COVID-19 and to communicate and respond to all applicants accordingly. 

Unfortunately, an application must be marked as complete (which includes the MCAT score) before it goes under review with the Admissions Committee.  It is not possible to pre-review your application if it does not have your MCAT score and therefore, is not marked as complete.

Not at all!  So long as your application is marked as complete no later than the November 15^th application deadline, your application will still undergo a review.  While it is important to apply as early as possible due to rolling admissions, our institution understands that this is not a “typical” application cycle and our Admissions Committee understands that many applicants will be delayed in their application submission for various reasons related to COVID-19.  This is why the decision has been made to shift the 2020-2021 interview season to now take place from September through February (formerly, August through January). 

The early decision application deadline has been extended by two weeks.  The new deadline is now August 14^th.  So long as all application materials (including the MCAT score) are submitted and the application has been marked as complete by the August 14^th deadline, the application will be considered for review.

The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine uses a holistic review and has no prerequisite courses (i.e., prerequisites are typically courses for which a letter grade is required by other programs). Since we do not have any prerequisite course requirements, we have no singular recommendation or policy for applicants regarding the impact of a pass/fail or letter grade on their candidacy.

It is our recommendation that each applicant speak with their major advisor (and pre-professional advisor, if applicable) to discuss the manner in which a pass/fail or letter grade would impact their candidacy. In this way, an applicant can make a fully informed decision about how to move forward based upon the entirety of her/his/their application. We are confident that an applicant’s knowledgeable advisors can assist her/him/them in holistically considering the impact of this decision on the applicant’s medical school candidacy as a whole.

While we understand COVID-19’s impact on an applicant’s ability to obtain desired clinical shadowing experiences, please note it is important to have gained these experiences over a span of time.  Nevertheless, the committee will take this brief period of time (March through August) into consideration with the understanding that obtaining shadowing experiences is challenging.

In regard to service, we encourage applicants to think outside of the box and to understand that even in a state of quarantine, it is still possible to serve others.  The Committee is eager to see how applicants have been able to think creatively in order to continue to serve others.

Finally, please note that application updates are always welcome after an applicant has submitted his/her application.  Therefore, once the “standard” clinical shadowing and service experiences may resume, an applicant is strongly encouraged to upload updates to his/her application portal throughout the admissions cycle.