GUIDELINES FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
ADMISSIONS PROCESS 2008-2009
GENERAL INFORMATION
PURPOSE
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These GUIDELINES are designed to advise all applicants to the University of Alabama School of
Medicine of the basic procedures and expectations for the admissions cycle and to describe the
process by which the Admissions Committee functions
The admissions cycle is defined as that period from the time of application submission through
the final selection process and matriculation of the class
All applicants, particularly those individuals who are still pursuing academic goals (baccalaureate
degrees, post-baccalaureate work and/or graduate degrees), should pay careful attention to
these Guidelines
These guidelines are written specifically for the “Regular Admissions” application process, and
apply to all applicants of all admissions programs
UASOM Special Admissions Programs (Early Decision, EMSAP-Bach/MD, RMP or RMSP,
MSTP-MD/PhD and MD/MPH) have additional guidelines which must be followed
o For Specific information about these programs, see the section titled “SPECIAL
ADMISSIONS PROGRAMS”
All applicants should review further information about Admissions and the School of Medicine at:
http://www.uab.edu/uasom/admissions
COMMUNICATION
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The preferred means of general communication with the Admissions Office is by email at
medschool@uab.edu
We attempt to respond to all emails within 3 business days.
Given the large volume of communication handled by our office we ask that you do the following:
o Always indicate the nature of your email on the “Subject Line”
o Always clearly identify yourself by including your AMCAS ID number in your email and
other written communication
o If you need to contact us by phone, be prepared to give us your AMCAS ID
o Before you contact us, please review our website and previous communications to see if
the information you seek is available to you
The most current information about the receipt of applicants’ supporting documents and the
status of Secondary Applications is available at: www.uasom.uab.edu/secondaryapplication
o Members of the staff have NO information other than what is available on this site
o This webpage is updated as documents and other materials arrive
Timely general information is available at the “Information for Current Applicants” link on the
Admissions Web page at: http://www.uab.edu/uasom/admissions
Please review all the links under “Admissions Information” on the Admissions webpage:
http://www.uab.edu/uasom/admissions
MINIMAL/BASIC REQUIREMENTS AND RELATED INFORMATION:
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It is the applicant’s responsibility to be aware of and meet the minimal requirements for
consideration for admission
A minimal total MCAT score of 24 on your most recent exam
o The September 2008 MCAT dates are the latest exams that will be considered for the
2009 entering class
o A 2006 MCAT score is the earliest score considered for the 2009 entering class
There are no minimal grade point averages for consideration for admission; however, an
applicant’s academic record must demonstrate solid knowledge of relevant sciences
Minimum grade of “C” on all required coursework
Page 1 of 20
GUIDELINES FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
ADMISSIONS PROCESS 2008-2009
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Applicants should report at least 90 hours of undergraduate course credit from an accredited U.S.
college or university on the AMCAS application
With rare exceptions completion of an undergraduate degree is required
All work and requirements to complete current degree programs must be completed prior
to matriculation to UASOM
All college majors are considered equally; however, applicants should consider how their major
will be used if acceptance into medical school is never gained
REQUIRED UNDERGRADUATE COURSES
General Biology or Zoology: .......................................................... 8 semester hours
(Embryology and Genetics Recommended)
General Chemistry (with lab): ....................................................... 8 semester hours
Organic Chemistry (with lab): ........................................................ 8 semester hours
General Physics (with lab): ........................................................... 8 semester hours
College Mathematics: .................................................................... 6 semester hours
(may include 1 course in computer science or a statistics)
English: ......................................................................................... 6 semester hours
(If your school requires composition and literature or; interdisciplinary reading and writing courses
in lieu of English please note this on you Secondary Application)
AP or CLEP coursework appearing on the AMCAS application for which college hour or unit credit is
awarded will be accepted to meet a premedical requirement though further coursework in biology and
chemistry is desirable and may be necessary in order to be a competitive applicant
INCOMPLETE COURSEWORK AT TIME OF SUBMITTING APPLICATION
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If the minimal requirements, or their approved equivalents, have not been meet by the time and
application is submitted, it is the applicant’s responsibility to advise the Admissions Office of
his/her intended course of study to satisfy completion of the minimal requirements
Applicants are required to verify the status of these courses on our Secondary Application
Applicants are responsible for knowing and meeting all requirements
Applicants failing to meet any requirements are subject to having their acceptance withdrawn.
Courses to be taken to complete minimal requirements should be listed on the applicant’s
AMCAS Application
o If the courses are not listed on the AMCAS application, it is the applicant’s
responsibility to notify the Admissions Office of the planned course of study to
meet these requirements
o Credit for courses is based on the department granting the credit as posted in the
AMCAS application (Example: only courses listed in the AMCAS application as MATH
and ENGLISH will be counted to meet the Math and English requirements with the
exceptions above)
Applicants enrolled in a degree-granting program (both undergraduate and graduate), must
complete all required coursework for awarding the degree prior to matriculation to medical school.
This includes any and all activities required for awarding the degree
Page 2 of 20
GUIDELINES FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
ADMISSIONS PROCESS 2008-2009
CONTINUATION OF CURRICULAR PLANS
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The Admissions Committee considers the projected courses listed on applicants’ AMCAS
applications in baccalaureate degree and post-baccalaureate study programs as their "Official
Curriculum Plans"
All changes in curricular plans during the admission cycle must be made with the approval of the
applicant’s campus advisor and/or pre-professional committee
o Therefore, check with your advisor concerning:
 Major changes in content or course load for an academic session
o Dropping courses or withdrawal from college
o Changes must be communicated to the Admissions Committee as soon as they are
approved
It is recognized that scheduling and other conflicts may arise from time to time at all institutions
o The Admissions Committee is generally lenient when appropriate substitutions and
changes are made if the Committee has an opportunity to review the circumstances
requiring a change in curricular plans
While the Admissions Committee commonly follows the recommendations of campus advisors
regarding program alterations or substitutions, the Admissions Committee will make the final
decision regarding approval or disapproval of changes in stated curricular plans
EXAMPLE: A student offered acceptance in January subsequently withdraws from future courses
after a letter of acceptance to medical school has been received. Such action will not be condoned
by the Admissions Committee.
SUBMISSION OF ADDITIONAL MATERIALS BY AN APPLICANT AFTER INITIAL SUBMISSION OF
AN APPLICATION:
Additional materials of a significant nature such as academic honors (Phi Beta Kappa, Mortar Board,
ODK, Top Ten Senior, etc.), completed course work and/or added recommendations may be sent to the
Admissions Office at addresses listed below or emailed to medschool@uab.edu
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If such materials are forwarded please include a subject line indicating, "Add this to my
Application”
U.S. Mail:
Medical Student Services/Admissions
VH-100
1530 3rd Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35294-0019
FedEx, UPS, Street/Ground Delivery:
Medical Student Services/Admissions
Suite 107
1670 University Boulevard
Birmingham, AL 35233-1709
Page 3 of 20
GUIDELINES FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
ADMISSIONS PROCESS 2008-2009
IMPORTANT DATES AND DEADLINES
ADMISSIONS
PROGRAM
AMCAS
APPLICATION
TYPE
AMCAS
APPLICATION
DEADLINE
SECONDARY
APPLICATION
DEADLINE
SECONDARY
FEE
Early Decision
Early Decision
August 1st
August 15th
$75
Deferred
Deferred/Delayed
Matriculation
August 1st
Not required
Not required
Regular
Regular MD
November 1st
November 15th
$75
MSTP (MD/PHD)
Combined Medical
Degree/PhD
November 1st
November 15TH
$75
MD/MPH
Combined Medical
Degree/Graduate
November 1st
November 15th
$75
Early Medical
School Acceptance
Program (EMSAP)
Combined
Bachelors/Medical
Degree
November 1st
November 15th
Not Required
Other Special
Program
June 15th
Not Required
Not Required
Rural Medical
Programs (RMP and
RMSP) Entering
Class of 2008
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Interviews for the Regular Program are scheduled most Thursdays from mid-September into March
Final Committee decisions are made by April 1st
New Student Orientation begins the last week of July
New Student matriculation/classes follow Orientation
REGULAR ADMISSION PROGRAM
PRIMARY APPLICATION
 Our School accepts the widely used American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS)
application for the admissions process. This application is Web-based and available at:
http://www.aamc.org/students/amcas/start.htm
 The deadline for submitting an application through AMCAS for our school is November 1st
 Applications must be “verified” by AMCAS prior to entering the Committee Review
process
Page 4 of 20
GUIDELINES FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
ADMISSIONS PROCESS 2008-2009
SECONDARY APPLICATION
 Secondary Applications are requested from all verified AMCAS applicants who apply to our
school
 Applicants should keep in mind the Minimal Requirements for consideration for admission when
choosing to initiate a Secondary Application
 There is one DEADLINE for all Regular applicants to complete the Secondary Application:
November 15th
o While November 15th is the final deadline, the Committee expects applicants to complete
their Secondary Application as soon as possible as applications are reviewed for
consideration for an interview on a “first submitted, first reviewed basis.”
o Failure to complete the Secondary in a timely fashion may have consequences in that
while all applications will be fully reviewed, not all qualified applicants may receive an
offer for interview since the Committee limits the number of interviews each year based
available Committee resources
 Applicants waiting to the final deadline to complete the Secondary may face
limited or no available interview dates
Completing the Secondary Application
 The Secondary Application is Web-based
 The Secondary Application is initiated when the applicant begins to enter information into the
required fields
 Applicants may save their work and return as necessary to edit and add information until all
required fields are completed and the application is submitted for review
 Applications are considered complete when all required materials are received by the Admissions
Office
How Secondary Applications are Initiated and Processed
 Beginning August 1st, continuing through November 1st, as our office receives notification from
AMCAS of applications to our school, we will contact applicants by email
 This email will direct applicants to a web-address that will allow the applicant to log-in to our
Secondary Application web-site.
o When applicants log-in the first time they will be given instructions for completing the
Secondary Application. There are 4 options available to applicants on their initial visit to the
Secondary Application website:
1. Initiate Completing the Secondary—the applicant may begin to enter information
into the Secondary Application
 The applicant will be able to save the work and return as necessary to edit
and add information until all required fields in the application are complete
and it is ready to submit for review
2. Come back to this site and Initiate Completing the Secondary at a later time
3. Choose to wait to Initiate Completing the Secondary until after receiving
August or September MCAT scores—Applicants choosing this option will be able
to return to this website after receiving their MCAT scores
 At that time the applicant may choose either to Initiate Completing the
Secondary or Withdraw from further consideration
4. Withdraw from our school—after reviewing the minimal requirements for
consideration, the applicant may chose to withdraw from any further consideration by
our school
Page 5 of 20
GUIDELINES FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
ADMISSIONS PROCESS 2008-2009
Completing the Secondary Application will require you to provide the following:
1. A non-refundable $75 application fee to be paid online or by check (this fee is waived for applicants
who have qualified for fee assistance from AAMC Fee Assistance Program (FAP):
http://www.aamc.org/students/applying/fap/start.htm )
2. A digital photograph (.JPG) uploaded to our website
3. Letters of Evaluations from your school and Personal Letters of Reference
While letters from a Pre-Health Professional Advisory Committee (or other advisory entity) are the
strongly preferred method of reporting from your undergraduate school, there are two options for
submitting Evaluations and Letters of Reference:
Option One - Preferred Option:
Required
 Letters and/or composite letter of evaluations from a Pre-Health Professional Advisory
Committee (PHPAC)
Strongly Recommended
 Applicants who submit a PHPAC should also submit two additional personal
letters of recommendation, but are not required to do so
Option Two: If your school does not have a Pre-Health Professional Advisory Committee
(PHPAC), you should submit the following three individual letters of recommendation:
Required
 Two letters from Science Faculty who have taught you
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One letter from other faculty or an individual who can provide an in-depth
recommendation
Strongly Recommended
 Applicants should also submit two additional personal letters of recommendation,
but are not required to do so
Note: Only required letters will be tracked by our office. All additional letters, including those
strongly recommended, will be placed in the applicant’s application file, but will not be tracked nor
appear on the online status page.
4. A completed Alabama Residency Questionnaire if you apply as Legal Resident of Alabama
5. Submission of your Campus Preference if an interview is requested
Mailing addresses for Pre-Health Professional Advisory Committee (PHPAC) and Reference
letters:
U.S. Mail:
Medical Student Services/Admissions
VH-100
1530 3rd Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35294-0019
FedEx, UPS, Ground Delivery:
Medical Student Services/Admissions
Suite 107
1670 University Boulevard
Birmingham, AL 35233-1709
Page 6 of 20
GUIDELINES FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
ADMISSIONS PROCESS 2008-2009
APPLICATION REVIEW
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Applications must be complete and “verified” by AMCAS prior to review by a Member of the
Admissions Committee
This review is a Whole Application Review
o The areas evaluated on the application are listed on the “Factors Considered by the
Admissions Committee” link from the Admissions Home Page:
http://main.uab.edu/uasom/show.asp?durki=3610 and also include items in the file
“Assessing My Competitiveness for Acceptance to Medical School”
http://www.uab.edu/uasom/wcimg/mss/assessment.pdf
Interviews are offered based on the results of the Whole Application Review
There are three possible actions after the Whole Application Review is completed:
o The applicant is offered an Interview
o The applicant’s application is competitive and remains under consideration for a possible
interview at a future date
o The applicant is notified that, based on the Whole Application Review, his/her application
is not competitive for admission and the Committee will give no further consideration to
the applicant at this time
INTERVIEWS
Purpose of Interviews: Interviews are intended to allow the applicant to “put his or her best foot
forward” and for the Committee to develop a better understanding of the applicant’s interests,
experiences, motivation and capacity to be a physician
 Applicants offered Interviews are notified by email and given instructions for scheduling the
interview using our Web-based interview scheduler located on the Secondary Application
Webpage at www.uasom.uab.edu/secondaryapplication
 After an interview is scheduled, the applicant will receive an email confirmation containing
additional information about the interview day
 After the interview is completed, applicants will be asked to submit their Campus Preferences.
o See the “Campus Preference and Assignment” section of this document for more
information
 It is our goal that interviewers have the applicants’ best interests at heart
o We ask applicants whose experiences are not consistent with this goal or who feel they
were not treated fairly/appropriately to notify us as soon as reasonable
o We understand the “high-stakes” nature of these interviews and from our experience are
aware that on occasion, applicants have experiences they feel are not consistent with our
stated goal
o Should an applicant have this experience, we want to know, so that we can take steps to
respond to the applicant’s concern
How Interviews are Conducted
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Interviews are conducted most Thursdays, from mid-September through mid-March
The interview day begins with a required Orientation to the day’s activities
Following the Orientation, each applicant meets individually with three Admissions Committee
members for twenty–five minute interviews
Based on the applicant’s interests, there may be one or two additional informational interviews
with faculty
After the interviews are completed, applicants meet with current medical students for lunch,
discussion and a tour of our facilities (wear shoes suitable for a walking tour)
The interview day is usually completed by 2:30 p.m.
Page 7 of 20
GUIDELINES FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
ADMISSIONS PROCESS 2008-2009
Interview Day Schedule
Activity
Sign-in
7:45 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
Location
Lobby area Room 302
Volker Hall
Orientation
8:00 a.m. – 8:50 a.m.
Room 302 Volker Hall
Interviews
Three individual interviews
with School of Medicine
Admissions Committee
Members and other
informational sessions
9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Video presentation
11:30 a.m. – Noon
Suites 102 and 107 Volker
Hall; Clinical Skills Facility,
3rd Floor Volker Hall
Lunch with students
Noon – 1:00 p.m.
5th Floor Learning
Community, Volker Hall
Campus Tour
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Leaves from 5th Floor
Learning Community,
Volker Hall
5th Floor Learning
Community, Volker Hall
Description
Applicant Pictures taken and
Information Packets distributed;
Refreshments available throughout
the morning
Orientation to the day’s activities
and important information about
campus preference and assignment,
Alabama residency for tuition
purposes, new medical school
curriculum
Each applicant meets individually for
twenty-five minute interviews with
Admissions Committee Members
Video presentation about the School
of Medicine’s research and clinical
facilities; information about each of
the campuses including Huntsville
and Tuscaloosa
Lunch with our students with
opportunities to meet with students
familiar with each of our campuses
and different aspects of the
curriculum
Tour of educational and clinical
facilities
If you wish to arrange a visit to the Huntsville and Tuscaloosa clinical campuses, please contact:
Tuscaloosa Campus:
Huntsville Campus:
Mary Kay Hannah
Medical Student Affairs
University of Alabama School of MedicineTuscaloosa
Box 870378
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0378
Lanita S. Carter, Ph.D.
Director, Medical Education and Student Affairs
University of Alabama School of Medicine
Huntsville Regional Medical Campus
301 Governors Drive, Suite 312
Huntsville, Alabama 35801
Phone: (205) 348-1384
Fax: (205) 348-4429
Email: Mhannah@cchs.ua.edu
Phone: (256) 551-4465
Fax:
(256) 551-4451
Email: lscarter@uab.edu
Page 8 of 20
GUIDELINES FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
ADMISSIONS PROCESS 2008-2009
WORK OF THE ADMISSIONS COMMITTEE
Initial Application Review
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All completed verified applications are read and evaluated by members of the Admissions
Committee
o See the “Application Review” section above
Interview Day
 Following the interviews, the three interviewers complete a written evaluation on each of the
applicants interviewed that day
 After all interviews have concluded, the Admissions Committee meets to discuss the applicants
interviewed that day
 During this meeting, each applicant is presented in detail by one of the interviewers, the three
evaluations are presented and the Committee members present that day discuss the applicant
 Following the discussion, each Committee Member provides a written Summary Evaluation of
each applicant
 These Summary Evaluations are used by the Admissions Selection Committee to make
admissions decisions
 On rare occasions, the Committee may request additional information on a given applicant prior
to providing a summary evaluation
o If further information is sought, the applicant is placed in a "Hold Category" for further
review until after the information is obtained by the Committee
o Once the final review is completed, the application will be processed as other
applications
Committee Admissions Decisions
 Decisions for admission are made by the Admissions Selection Committee
 Decisions are based on the Summary Evaluations provided by the Admissions Interview
Committee each Thursday
 The Selection Committee meets approximately every four weeks to make decisions for admission
 Decisions at the time the Admissions Selection Committee meets include:
1. “Accepted” - Applicants offered Applicants are first notified by email
o Because official acceptance letters contain individual acceptance information and
campus assignments, they are typically mailed only once each month until final
decisions are made in March
o Final notification is usually sent to all applicants by April 1st
o The Letter of Acceptance includes the following:
o A description of the terms of acceptance including any other specific
requirements
o Information about deposits to hold a position in the class
 Deposits received will be applied toward 1st semester’s tuition
 Applicants withdrawing prior to May 15th may be eligible for a
deposit refund
o Information about Financial Aid
o Campus Assignment for the Clinical years
o The Letter is accompanied by:
o A copy of the University of Alabama School of Medicine Technical
Standards
o An Offer of Acceptance Form containing a statement confirming that the
applicant has read and understands the Technical Standards and
accepts the terms outlined in the Acceptance letter
o The original Offer of Acceptance Form is to be dated, signed and returned to the
Admissions Office to confirm the acceptance
Page 9 of 20
GUIDELINES FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
ADMISSIONS PROCESS 2008-2009
2.
3.
No Further Consideration – ”NFC”: Applicants determined to be not acceptable for
admission at that time will be notified that they will be given no further consideration for
the entering class
Remain Under Consideration – “RUC”: All other applicants will remain under
consideration until a Selection Committee meeting later in the season during which the
applicant may be offered an acceptance and will receive the communications noted
above or until Final Committee Decisions are made in late March
Final Committee Decisions
The Selection Committee will make final decisions in March and by April 1st all applicants will hold one of
the following statuses:
1. ACCEPTED - The applicant is offered an acceptance and will receive the communication noted
above
2. NO FURTHER CONSIDERATION - Final letters of “no further consideration” for interviewed
applicants are generally mailed in April after the class is filled and Alternates are notified
 Thus, an applicant interviewed in early fall may wait until April to find out the final action taken on
his/her application
 Applicants clearly evaluated as “not competitive for admissions at this time” may receive
notification of “no further consideration” at any time after his/her interview
3. ASSIGNED TO THE ALTERNATE LIST - Applicants are accepted from the Alternate List usually from
May until the class matriculates in late July
 Alternates are told the level they are assigned on the Alternate List (Upper, Middle, or Lower
Third) but are not told their specific location on the list
 After the class has matriculated, those remaining on the Alternate List are notified that they are
no longer under consideration, “NFC”
Feedback from the Admissions Committee During the Admissions Season
No "progress report" or "status report" will be given by the Admissions Office until final action has been
taken and approved by the Assistant Dean for Admissions
 Do not contact Committee Members to inquire how you did in your interviews--Committee
members have been instructed to refer all inquiries to the Admissions Office
CHECKING THE STATUS OF YOUR APPLICATION
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Throughout the application process applicants have an “Application Status” (A list of the
“Application Statuses” is included at the end of the “Guidelines”)
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The Secondary Application Webpage allows applicants to check the status of their applications
and confirm that we have received the materials needed to complete the application:
www.uasom.uab.edu/secondaryapplication
o Do not email us or call us to confirm that documents to be submitted for
completing your application have been received
o The only information available is on this webpage—if it is not marked as
received, it has not been received
Page 10 of 20
GUIDELINES FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
ADMISSIONS PROCESS 2008-2009
INFORMATION FOR ACCEPTED APPLICANTS
APPLICANT RESPONSIBILITES
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Accepted applicants are responsible for knowing all requirements and contingencies for matriculation
as stated in the Letter of Acceptance and in these Guidelines and for completing all requirements and
contingencies prior to matriculation
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Applicants are expected to comply with all AMCAS recommendations as stated on the AMCAS
webpage AAMC Recommendations for Medical School Applicants at:
http://www.aamc.org/students/applying/policies/applicants.htm
Note Item 5:
o Any applicant who will be unavailable for an extended period of time (e.g., during foreign travel,
vacation, holidays) during the application/admission process:
 Provide instructions regarding his or her application and the authority to respond to offers
of acceptance to a parent or other responsible individual in the applicant's absence
 Inform all schools at which the applicant remains under consideration of this individual's
name and contact information
Applicants remaining under consideration (Accepted, Alternate List, awaiting final decisions, etc.)
should monitor the “Current Applicants” webpage for updates
All applicants are required to maintain updated contact information through AMCAS
There is a REQUIRED Orientation for all ACCEPTED applicants scheduled the last week of July
and the entering class will matriculate/begin classes immediately following Orientation
o Among other activities, accepted applicant must undergo fingerprinting and a criminal
background check for the Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospital:
http://main.uab.edu/uasom/2/show.asp?durki=101269
Accepted Applicants must complete the following Matriculation Checklist items in order to
matriculate. A complete checklist will be posted to the accepted applicant’s class webpage in May of
the entering year. Items on the checklist include:
o Obtain a Blazer ID
o Complete the HIPAA Privacy and Security Training
o Complete the Diversity Awareness Education (Part 1 Only)
o Complete VA training and orientation
o Complete Student Health Services requirements for Graduate, Professional and
International Students
 Complete the Clinical Health History Form
 Complete a Physical Examination
 Complete all required Immunizations
 Complete mandatory Health Insurance Forms
o Submit an Official Final Transcript with Degree Posted
Alternate List Applicants should be aware of Orientation dates and be prepared to attend Orientation
should they gain acceptance from the Alternate List
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Failure to complete required activities without the expressed written consent of the UASOM Assistant
Dean for Admissions will result in the action or penalty stated with the requirement, including potential
withdrawal of acceptance.
Page 11 of 20
GUIDELINES FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
ADMISSIONS PROCESS 2008-2009
NOTIFICATION OF GRADES IN COURSE WORK COMPLETED AFTER THE FORMAL APPLICATION
(Also see “CONTINUATION OF CURRICULAR PLANS” Above)
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Accepted applicants who have not completed the minimal requirements for matriculation at time
of acceptance must submit grade reports on coursework completed after their formal application
is submitted to AMCAS
Accepted applicants are expected to furnish updated curriculum reports prior to matriculation and
all required coursework and other requirements for graduation must be completed prior to
matriculation
Any accepted applicant who fails to complete all requirements for graduation prior to matriculation
will not be allowed to matriculate
o Any exceptions to this requirement must be granted in writing prior to July 15th by the
Admissions Committee
o It is the applicant’s responsibility to know the requirements and to complete all required
actions.
COMPLETION OF DEGREES
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Applicants enrolled in degree granting programs, including first baccalaureate undergraduate,
masters or doctoral degree granting programs, are required to complete all degree requirements,
including but not limited to all coursework, final changes in theses or dissertations prior to
matriculation to medical school and are required to submit documentation of the timeline for
completing these no later than July 15th.
If an applicant’s degree will be conferred after the matriculation date (August 1st), we will require a
letter from your school (Registrar or Dean’s Office) stating you have completed all requirements
for your degree and that your degree will be posted to your transcript on a specific date
o These letters must be received by our office no later than July 15th
Any applicant failing to complete all work toward a degree pending at the time of application will
not be permitted to matriculate unless this requirement has been waived in writing by the
Admissions Committee
o The Committee rarely grants waivers as it is the intent of the Committee that all
applicants meet all prior commitments to other degree granting programs
FINAL TRANSCRIPTS
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All accepted applicants must also submit an official final transcript containing all courses
taken and with degrees posted prior to matriculation
Transcripts submitted to AMCAS are not available to the Admissions Office
Final transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate programs, with degrees posted must be
submitted prior to matriculation
o The deadline for submitting final transcripts is July 15th
o Transcripts submitted to AMCAS as part of the application process DO NOT meet
this requirement
If your school has a degree posting or graduation date after July 15th, we will require a letter from
your school (Registrar or Dean’s Office) stating you have completed all requirements for your
degree and that your degree will be posted to your transcript on a specific date
o If the final transcript with degrees posted has not been received prior to orientation,
the applicant will be expected to attend orientation, appear for matriculation and
begin classes, but the applicant will not be officially matriculated until this transcript
has been received and approved by the Admissions Committee
o A final transcript with degree posted is required once it is available and the applicant
is not officially matriculated until this transcript is received by the Registrar
o Failure to provide this transcript can result in the students removal from Medical
School
Page 12 of 20
GUIDELINES FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
ADMISSIONS PROCESS 2008-2009
After degrees are posted, accepted students must have their final transcript sent to:
U.S. Mail:
Medical Student Services/Admissions
VH-100
1530 3rd Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35294-0019
FedEx, UPS, Street/Ground Delivery:
Medical Student Services/Admissions
Suite 107
1670 University Boulevard
Birmingham, AL 35233-1709
ACCEPTED APPLICANTS CONSIDERING DEFERRED ADMISSION
 The Admissions Committee grants one year Deferred Admission on a case-by-case basis
Factors for consideration
o Only applicants with solid academic records are considered
o Common reasons to consider a deferred admission include opportunities for year-long
research, educational or service experiences
o Applicants accepted from the Alternate List are not eligible for consideration
 To be considered for a deferment, applicants must send a written request to the Committee that
includes a description of the opportunity
o The Committee may request details about the opportunity including the time commitment
and any contingencies that may affect your request
o The Committee expects all requests for deferred admission be submitted as soon as
possible but no later than July 1st
o Requests should be addressed to medschool@uab.edu
REQUIREMENTS FOR UASOM SPECIAL ADMISSIONS PROGRAMS
EARLY DECISION PROGRAM (EDP)
The University of Alabama School of Medicine participates in the AMCAS Early Decision Plan (EDP)
 Application deadline: August 1st and the Secondary Application deadline is August 15th
 EDP applicants will be advised of the decision of the Admissions Committee by October 1st
 Applicants should choose the AMCAS application Program Type: Early Decision
 Eligibility Criteria are listed at: (http://main.uab.edu/uasom/2/show.asp?durki=28439)
o CRITERIA: To be eligible for participation, a student:
 Must be a legal resident of Alabama
 Must be eligible for a Bachelor's degree by the time of matriculation (August 1 st)
 Should have a GPA of 3.6 or above
 Should have average or above MCAT scores (total score of 30 with no sub-score
less than 9)
 If an applicant is not accepted as “Early Decision,” his/her application status is changed to
Regular MD
o At this time the applicant is entered into the Regular admissions process and is free to
apply to other schools
 Accepted ED applicants must meet the eligibility Criteria for ED as well as the Regular admission
requirements to the School of Medicine
Page 13 of 20
GUIDELINES FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
ADMISSIONS PROCESS 2008-2009
EARLY MEDICAL SCHOOL ADMISSIONS PROGRAM (EMSAP or Bach/MD Program)
 Application deadline: January 1st
 This is our 8 year program, 4 years Undergraduate and 4 years Medical School
 Applications are submitted to the UAB Undergraduate Admissions Office
 Applicants to this program do not apply through AMCAS until the year the applicant matriculates
to medical school
 Eligibility requirements are listed on the webpage: http://main.uab.edu/show.asp?durki=27436
 An application and description of the application process can be found at:
http://main.uab.edu/show.asp?durki=27440
 Interviews are conducted once each year by the UASOM Admissions Committee in late
January
 Acceptance decisions are collaborative with the UAB Undergraduate school and the
Undergraduate Admissions Office notifies applicants of their admissions status shortly after the
interviews are completed
 In order to matriculate into the Medical part of the program, applicants accepted into the
undergraduate part of the program must meet the “Criteria for Remaining in Good Standing in
EMSAP” found at: http://main.uab.edu/show.asp?durki=52990
 Formal reviews of the students progress prior to entering the medical school program are held
usually in the sophomore undergraduate year
 Students determined to be eligible to enter the medical school part of the program must:
o Meet the Criteria for Remaining in Good Standing in EMSAP including achieving a
minimal total score of 28 on the MCAT
o Meet all other requirements for Regular admission to the school of medicine
o Complete an AMCAS application (Program Type: Combined Bachelors/Medical Degree)
o Complete a Secondary Application
 EMSAP applicants are not required to submit letters of recommendation or
Secondary Application fee
 The Medical Admissions Committee expects EMSAP students to take full
advantage of their undergraduate experiences and use time made available by
AP, CLEP and IB credit to conduct research, travel and engage in other enriching
activities.
RURAL MEDICAL PROGRAMS
Rural Medical Scholars Program (RMSP) and Rural Medicine Program (RMP)
 There are two Rural Medical Programs:
o The Rural Medical Scholars Program (RMSP) is based in Tuscaloosa and conducted by
College of Community Health Science, a branch of the University of Alabama School of
Medicine—Details are available at: http://cchs.ua.edu/rural_programs/rms/index.cfm
o The Rural Medicine Program (RMP) is a jointly sponsored program between the
University of Alabama School of Medicine (UASOM) and Auburn University’s College of
Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM)
http://www.auburn.edu/academic/science_math/cosam/students/rural_med/index.html
o Each Rural Program is a five year program with a pre-matriculation year spent on the
Program’s undergraduate campus
 Applications:
o Applications are available beginning in January each year
o Rural Medical Program Applicants must complete two web based applications:
 Our Special Programs Application for Rural Medical Programs:
https://www.uasom.uab.edu/secondaryapplication/specialstartpage.asp
 The standard AMCAS application Program Type: “Other Special Program”
 Interviews are conducted one day each year usually in May—Applicants should monitor the Rural
Programs Homepage for the specific date for each program’s planned interviews
 All applicants are notified of their admission status shortly after the interviews
Page 14 of 20
GUIDELINES FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
ADMISSIONS PROCESS 2008-2009

In order to Matriculate, Rural Medical Program applicants must:
o Successfully complete the pre-matriculation coursework
o Meet any and all contingencies required for admission
o Meet all other requirements for Regular admission to the School of Medicine
Rural Medical Programs Admission Eligibility Requirements:
 Meet all minimal requirements for consideration for the “Regular” Admission Program
 Specific Requirements to be eligible for the Rural Medical Student Program
o Be a legal resident of Alabama
o Have lived in a rural area of Alabama for no less than eight years
o Intend to practice Family Medicine or primary care in a rural area of Alabama
o Complete a year of undergraduate or graduate education in the Rural Medical Program
(Pre-matriculation year)
o Have a minimum GPA of 3.3
o Have a minimum MCAT score of 24 or higher with no sub-score below six
 If the MCAT has not been taken prior to application, a provisional acceptance
may be granted to individuals with an ACT of 24 or higher or an SAT (math plus
verbal) of 1100 or higher
 No student will matriculate to the School of Medicine without having earned a
satisfactory MCAT score
o Students must earn a minimum GPA of 3.2 or higher for the final year of study in the prematriculation undergraduate or graduate program
o Have earned a baccalaureate degree prior to matriculation in medical school
o The Admissions Committee selects Rural Medical Students based on characteristics –
including academic, personal, teamwork orientation, and self-motivation – that predict
their abilities to become outstanding rural physicians
MEDICAL SCIENTIST TRAINING PROGRAM (MSTP or MD/PhD Program)
The NIH-funded Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) is a combined M.D. /Ph.D. program
designed to prepare students for careers that combine laboratory investigation of disease mechanisms
with the practice and teaching of clinical medicine in an academic setting
 Information about MSTP can be found at: http://www.uasom.uab.edu/mdphd/
 Applicants must complete three applications:
o An AMCAS application Program type: Combined Medical Degree/Ph.D
o A School of Medicine Secondary Application
o An MSTP Application
 Both AMCAS and MSTP application deadlines are November 1st and the Secondary Application
deadline is November 15th
 Applicants interview with two Admissions Committees – The MSTP Admissions Committee and
the UASOM Admissions Committee
 The MSTP extends interview invitations and offers of acceptance
 In order to matriculate to this program, MSTP applicants must meet all requirements for Regular
admissions to the School of Medicine
Further information concerning the application procedure and further program details may be obtained by
emailing: mstp@uab.edu or writing to:
Medical Scientist Training Program
University of Alabama at Birmingham
1825 University Blvd
Suite 121 H
Birmingham, AL 35294-2182
Phone: (205) 934-4092
Page 15 of 20
GUIDELINES FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
ADMISSIONS PROCESS 2008-2009
COORDINATED MEDICAL DEGREE/MASTER’S IN PUBLIC HEALTH ADMISSIONS PROGRAM
(MD/MPH)
In 1998-1999 the UAB School of Medicine and School of Public Health began offering Coordinated
MD/MPH degree for those persons interested in combining medicine with public health practice or
population based research.
 Information about the Coordinated MD/MPH degree program is available at:
http://www.soph.uab.edu/prospective/academicprograms
 Applicants must complete three applications:
o An AMCAS Application Program type: Combined Medical Degree/Graduate
o A School of Medicine Secondary Application
o A UAB Graduate School Application: www.uab.edu/graduate
 AMCAS Application deadline is November 1st and the Secondary Application Deadline is
November 15th
 Meetings with the School of Public Health may be scheduled on the same day or different days
based on the applicant’s preference
 Applicants accepted by both the School of Medicine will also be accepted by the School of Public
Health
 Applicants accepted only by the School of Public Health are only eligible to attend the School
Public Health
Applying to the Coordinated MD/MPH Degree Program after matriculation to the School of
Medicine
Students in the School of Medicine may apply to the School of Public Health for the Coordinated
MD/MPH Degree after matriculation to the MD program
o To be eligible for the Coordinated MD/MPH degree program after matriculation to the
School of Medicine, students should apply to the School of Public Health prior to April 1st
during their third year of medical school
Campus Preference and Assignment
To see more information about Campus Preference and Assignment go to:
http://main.uab.edu/uasom/show.asp?durki=46041&site=2314&return=3424

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


Since 1969, the School of Medicine has three campuses located in Birmingham, Huntsville, and
Tuscaloosa
It is a long established practice that students are assigned to each of these campuses for the
clinical years
The Medical Student Campus Assignments for the Clinical Years Policy states:
o Students will be assigned proportionately to each of the three campuses each time letters
of acceptance are issued
o In order for an applicant to be offered acceptance, he or she must submit campus
preference(s) as directed
o The Admissions Committee’s decision to accept or not accept an applicant will be without
regard to the applicants’ campus preference(s)
o A letter of acceptance will not be issued prior to receipt of the applicant’s Campus
Preferences
When a new class of students matriculates, the number of students on each campus will be
determined at the beginning of the admissions year
o The current distribution of campus slots on the three campuses for an entering class of
176 students is: Birmingham 106 students, Huntsville and Tuscaloosa 35 students each
After Applicants have been interviewed, applicants submit Campus Preferences using the
Admissions Secondary Application Website.
Page 16 of 20
GUIDELINES FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
ADMISSIONS PROCESS 2008-2009

Applicants accepted through the Early Medical School Acceptance Program (EMSAP) will be
asked to submit Campus Preferences at the time they are instructed to complete the AMCAS
application. These students, along with those accepted Early Decision (ED), will be assigned to
the campus of their choice if their Campus Preferences are submitted by October 15 th.
Preferences submitted after this date will not receive priority and will be entered into the pool of
Regular Admission applicants at that time.

Applicants accepted through the Rural Health Scholars Program (RMSP-Tuscaloosa), the
Rural Medicine Program (RMP-Huntsville) and MSTP (MD/PhD-Birmingham) programs will be
assigned to the appropriate Program campus at the time of acceptance.

Other accepted applicants (Regular Admissions and MD/MPH) will be assigned to campuses
based on their submitted preferences and the availability of positions on the various campuses
o Assigning Campuses:
 If there are more applicants with single campus preferences (one campus only)
and 1st campus preferences with other options than there are places available on
this preferred campus at time of assignment, assignments to available places on
the campus will be made giving priority to the single option campus preferences.
 Applicants with more than one campus option who are not assigned their
1st preferred campus will be assigned to an alternate campus in order of
their preference(s).
 If there are more applicants with single campus preferences for a campus than
places available (that is, the number of individuals with only one preference alone
exceeds the number of places available), applicants offering more than one
option with this campus as their 1st preference will be assigned first and all
applicants offering one campus option will be randomly assigned to available
campuses after those offering preferences have been assigned.
 Applicants assigned randomly, who are not assigned their preferred
campus, will be notified in writing that the Committee's decision to offer
them a place in the class stands, but that the offer is contingent on their
willingness to accept this alternate campus assignment.
Applicants accepted from the Alternate List will be assigned to the campus of the individual who
withdrew Acceptance, creating a place for an Alternate. The Alternate will be informed that
acceptance to the School of Medicine is contingent on acceptance of the campus assignment of
the position offered.
The Admissions Committee’s decision to accept or not accept an applicant is made without
regard to the applicants’ campus preferences. The Committee has no knowledge of the
applicants’ campus preferences.
Once assigned with Offer of Admission, campus assignments are final and binding.
Transfers between campuses will be made only in cases involving significant and compelling
circumstances arising since admission to medical school.
o All transfers must be approved by all the Deans who oversee admissions for the
campuses affected by the proposed transfer.
o These transfers are considered ONLY in the second year of medical school and it is not
always possible to accommodate all reasonable requests.
o Students assigned to any campus may pursue elective and AI (Acting Internship)
activities on all University of Alabama Medical School campuses, except for the Medicine
AI which must be completed on the assigned/home campus.
Transfers between campuses will be considered ONLY in the second year of medical school
o Requests for consideration for transfer should be made in the fall of the second year to
the Dean on the student’s home campus
o Only cases involving significant and compelling changes in circumstances occurring
since admission to medical school are considered
o All transfers are considered by the Deans on each of the Campuses
o All transfers must be approved by the campuses affected by the proposed transfer
o It is possible that there will be more compelling and significant circumstances to consider
for transfer than there are options for resolving
 That is, it may not be possible to resolve all compelling needs for transfer

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Page 17 of 20
GUIDELINES FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
ADMISSIONS PROCESS 2008-2009

Students assigned to any campus will continue to be eligible to pursue electives and AI (“Acting
Internships”) activities on all University of Alabama Medical School campuses, except for the
Medicine AI which must be done on the assigned/home campus
ALABAMA RESIDENCY FOR TUITION PURPOSES

Alabama, like other states, restricts “In-state tuition”
o Residing in Alabama while obtaining an education will NOT qualify persons for Alabama
residency
o Resident tuition status is determined by the University, with regard to Alabama statutes,
and the policies of the Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama System and the
University of Alabama at Birmingham
o Further details are available at: http://main.uab.edu/uasom/2/show.asp?durki=2173
Page 18 of 20
GUIDELINES FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
ADMISSIONS PROCESS 2008-2009
SUMMARY OF APPLICATION STATUSES
SECONDARY APPLICATION REQUESTED
You have been invited to complete a Secondary Application. To be
considered for an interview, you must complete the online application and
submit all accompanying documents before November 15th.
You have initiated, but not yet completed, the online Secondary
Application.
You have completed the online portion of the Secondary Application,
however we have not yet received all of your accompanying documents.
Check above to see which documents are missing. Please allow
processing time to process all of the documents and send your file to
review.
You are waiting for your August or September MCAT scores before
starting the Secondary Application process.
Secondary Requested
Secondary Initiated
Secondary In Process
MCAT Hold
Secondary Complete & Under Review
MCAT Less Than 24
Interview Requested
Interview Scheduled
INITIAL APPLICATION REVIEW
You have completed the Secondary Application and all of your
accompanying documents have been received. Your file is now under
review. This review may take several weeks. For more information on the
review process, see our Guidelines.
Your MCAT score is lower than our required 24. Your file is remaining
under review until latest MCAT scores are available for review.
COMMITTEE ACTIONS AFTER INITIAL REVIEW
You have been invited to interview with the Admissions Committee.
Applicants offered interviews are notified by email and given instructions
for using our Web-based interview scheduler located at:
www.uasom.uab.edu/secondaryapplication .
Your interview date has been scheduled by you and acknowledged by
our office. If you are unable to make this interview day or the date shown
is not the day that you chose, contact our office at medschool@uab.edu .
Remain Under Consideration for Interview
Your file has been reviewed. You remain under consideration for an
invitation to interview.
No Longer Under Consideration
Your file has been reviewed. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer you an
interview and your application will be given no further consideration.
COMMITTEE ACTIONS AFTER INTERVIEW
Interview Complete-Remain Under
You have completed your interviews. You are under consideration for
Consideration
admission.
Campus Choices Received
Accepted (w/Campus Assignment)
Accepted (w/o Campus Assignment)
Alternate-Upper Third
We have received your Campus Preferences. You will be notified by the
Admissions office as soon as the Admissions Committee has made a
decision on your file.
You have been accepted into the UASOM entering class of 2009. Your
campus has been assigned.
You have been accepted into the UASOM entering class of 2009. At this
time, you do not have a campus assignment. You will be informed when
one has been assigned to you.
The Admissions Committee can not offer you a place in our class at this
time but has placed you on the Upper 3rd of our Alternate List. You will
be informed if a place opens up for you.
Alternate-Middle Third
The Admissions Committee can not offer you a place in our class at this
time but has placed you on the Middle 3rd of our Alternate List. You will
be informed if a place opens up for you.
Alternate-Lower Third
The Admissions Committee can not offer you a place in our class at this
time, but have placed you on the Lower 3rd of our Alternate List. You will
be informed if a place opens up for you.
The Admissions Committee will give your application no further
consideration.
Interview Complete - No Longer Under
Consideration
Page 19 of 20
GUIDELINES FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
ADMISSIONS PROCESS 2008-2009
AAMC Recommendations for Medical School Applicants (The most current version can be located at
the AMCAS Web site: http://www.aamc.org/students/applying/policies/applicants.htm
The following recommendations are promulgated by the Association of American Medical Colleges
(AAMC) to ensure that applicants are afforded timely notification of the outcome of their medical school
applications and timely access to available first-year positions and that schools are protected from having
unfilled positions in their entering classes. These recommendations are being distributed for the
information of prospective medical students, their advisors, and personnel at the medical schools to which
they have applied.
The AAMC recommends that:
1. Each applicant be familiar with, understand, and comply with the application, acceptance, and
admission procedures at each school to which the applicant has applied, as well with as these
Recommendations.
2. Each applicant provides accurate and truthful information in all aspects of the application,
acceptance, and admission processes for each school to which the applicant has applied.
3. Each applicant submit all application documents (e.g., primary and secondary application forms,
transcript[s], letters of evaluation/recommendation, fees) to each school in a timely manner and
no later than the school's published deadline date.
4. Each applicant promptly notify all relevant medical school application services and all medical
schools with independent application processes of any change, permanent or temporary, in
contact information (e.g., mailing address, telephone number, e-mail address).
5. Any applicant who will be unavailable for an extended period of time (e.g., during foreign travel,
vacation, holidays) during the application/admission process:
a. Provide instructions regarding his or her application and the authority to respond to offers
of acceptance to a parent or other responsible individual in the applicant's absence.
b. Inform all schools at which the applicant remains under consideration of this individual's
name and contact information.
6. Each applicant responds promptly to a school's invitation for interview. Any applicant who cannot
appear for a previously scheduled interview should notify the school immediately of the
cancellation of the appointment in the manner requested by the school.
7. Each applicant in need of financial aid initiate, as early as possible, the steps necessary to
determine eligibility, including the early filing of appropriate need analysis forms and the
encouragement of parents, when necessary, to file required income tax forms.
8. In fairness to other applicants, when an applicant has made a decision, prior to May 15, not to
attend a medical school that has made an offer of acceptance, the applicant promptly withdraw
his or her application from that (those) other school(s) by written correspondence delivered by
regular or electronic methods.
9. By May 15 of the matriculation year (April 15 for schools whose first day of class is on or before
July 30), each applicant who has received an offer of acceptance from more than one school
choose the specific school at which the applicant prefers to enroll and withdraw his or her
application, by written correspondence delivered by regular or electronic methods, from all other
schools from which acceptance offers have been received.
10. Immediately upon enrollment in, or initiation of an orientation program immediately prior to
enrollment at, a U.S. or Canadian school, each applicant withdraw his or her application from
consideration at all other schools at which he or she remains under consideration.
Approved: GSA Committee on Admissions, July 17, 2003
Approved: GSA Steering Committee, July 18, 2003
Approved: Council of Deans, September, 2003
Approved: AAMC Executive Committee, October 3, 2003
Guidelines Revised 7.07.08
Page 20 of 20