2020-2021 Applicants: A Statement from the CHM Assistant Dean for Admissions

Dr. Joel Maurer, CHM Assistant Dean for Admissions
These are clearly some very unusual times, and it appears that things change on a daily (if not hourly) basis.  Nonetheless, I want to provide reassurance that we are prepared for (and looking forward to!) the upcoming application cycle. Currently, we do not anticipate any significant delays or obstacles in providing a fair and equitable application process.

Having said this, we also rely on others outside CHM for implementing a smooth process.  Unfortunately, the March 27 and April 4 MCAT exams have been canceled, and we hope that further dates will remain viable or makeup dates offered. Otherwise, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) has informed us that “all AAMC Services [including the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS), the Fee Assistance Program (FAP), and The Medical College Application Test (MCAT)] are continuing regular operations and there are no changes to our programs’ deadlines. The AAMC is continuing to monitor guidance from the CDC and WHO about coronavirus and we have processes in place should we need to make operational changes during this rapidly changing situation.”  We also partner with Altus Assessments, the party responsible for CASPer; there are no indications from them that they anticipate any delays in scheduling, need for additional or alternative testing dates, and/or reporting of test results to medical schools.  We are watching this very closely and will provide updates as we are informed.

Despite these reassurances, we remain concerned about how this pandemic will potentially affect an applicant’s ability to complete required coursework, sit for required standardized assessments, and continue activities that enhance the life experiences asked of a competitive medical school applicant.  We recognize that the COVID-19 crisis is a life-disrupting event for everyone.  Furthermore, it’s difficult to predict how medical school admissions committees across our nation will address this interruption.  When this pandemic will subside is unclear and will ultimately play out based on how our society works together in the coming weeks to months. 

Most medical schools receive exceedingly large numbers of applications every year for relatively very few matriculation spots.  As such, we continue to recommend applying to medical school only when you believe your application is as strong as it can be.  For some of you, this might mean delaying an application for the upcoming admissions cycle.  If you find yourself in this predicament, think about how this disruption will make you a better future physician, and then tell every medical school about it when the right time comes to apply.  Sharing your “silver lining” story in times of uncertainty, doubt, and loss can be very powerful.

We would encourage you to check back frequently for further information about CHM Admissions as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic.  We will keep lines of communication fluid and clear.

And most importantly, abide by your local public health and government officials’ guidelines and mandates.  We need everyone to stay healthy and take personal responsibility for preventing the spread of this devastating viral pandemic.

Sincerely (and with Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect [PLUR]),

Joel Maurer, MD, FACOG
Assistant Dean for Admissions
Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology

Also see: CHM Admissions Statement Regarding COVID-19 and Winter/Spring Coursework for Current and Future Applicants

Comments

  1. UnknownMarch 27, 2020 at 12:53 PM

    Thank you so much for this. It feels very reassuring to hear this from one of my favorite medical schools. I'm wishing you and everyone the best of luck and health!

    ReplyDelete

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