Medical School Program Types

When you’re adding a medical school, you must designate which program you’re applying to at the selected school. The AMCAS application does not permit you to designate several programs for a single medical school. If you wish to apply to several programs at a single school, you should contact the medical school directly for recommendations on how to do that.

Certain programs require you to obtain permission from the medical school before you submit an application to them. In addition, some programs may be restricted, precluding you from applying to other medical schools. Not all types of programs are available at all medical schools. Please contact medical schools directly before applying to any restricted programs. An explanation of each type of program follows:

  • Regular MD Program: Regular MD Program refers to the standard medical degree program at the selected school.
  • Combined MD-PhD Program: Designating a Combined MD-PhD Program type notifies the MD program at a school that you’re interested in applying to one of its combined MD-PhD programs, either alone or in combination with the Regular MD Program. When you select this option, you will be asked to indicate the specific combined program(s) you’re interested in. The Combined MD-PhD Program type requires you to complete two additional essays in the Essay section. Designating the Combined MD-PhD Program type is not the same as applying to the program and may require an additional application. Contact the medical school directly for additional information.
  • Combined Bachelor’s-MD Degree Program: You may not designate a Combined Bachelor’s-MD Degree Program type without preapproval from the medical school you’re applying to. Designating a Combined Bachelor’s-MD Degree Program type is not the same as applying to the program and may require an additional application. Contact the medical school directly for additional information.
  • Combined MD Degree-Graduate Program: Designating a Combined MD Degree-Graduate Program type notifies the Regular MD Program at the designated school that you’re interested in applying to one of its Combined MD Degree-Graduate Programs, either alone or in combination with the Regular MD Program. When you select this option, you will be asked to indicate the specific combined program(s) you’re interested in.
  • Deferred/Delayed Matriculation: You will need preapproval from the medical school before you apply if you were previously admitted to that medical school and granted a deferral.
  • Early Assurance Program: You will need preapproval from the medical school to apply to an Early Assurance Program. This program type is reserved for applicants medical schools invited to apply.
  • Other Special Program (OSP): An OSP is typically a special program of study offered by a medical school. OSPs tend to vary greatly from one institution to another, so you should refer to the Medical School Admission Requirements website or the medical school’s website for detailed information about each OSP.

If the program you want to select isn’t listed, then its deadline has passed, the program requires preapproval, or the program has a residency requirement. If the program deadline has not passed, contact the medical school to determine whether you are eligible to apply.