BioMedCAS Quick Start Guide and FAQs

Timeline

Key Actions

Prior to the Start of the Application Process

1. Research programs you wish to apply to. Pay special attention to:
   • Cycle dates and deadline requirements. 
   • Application fees.
   • Recommendation requirements. 
   • Minimum requirements, including prerequisites, standardized test scores, supplemental applications, foreign evaluations, etc. 
   • Transcript and coursework requirements.
2. Begin contacting potential recommenders to confirm their participation. 
3. Review the instructions in this Help Center. 

At Least 3 Months Prior to Deadline

1. Create your account. 
2. Complete the Colleges Attended section, and review each program's transcript requirements. Some programs may require that you send official transcripts to BioMedCAS, some may require unofficial transcripts, and others might not require any transcripts. 
3. Review each program's Transcript Entry requirements. Some programs may require that you enter all of your coursework, some may require that you enter only prerequisite coursework, and others might not require that you enter any coursework.
4. Complete the Recommendations section. 

At Least 10-12 Weeks Prior to Deadline

1. If required by your programs, ask your schools to send official transcripts directly to BioMedCAS (you may also need to request that transcripts be sent to you if a program requires that you enter your coursework). If there are any holds on your account at a school, resolve them now to avoid delays in sending transcripts.
2. If applicable, begin entering coursework into your application.
3. Check in with your recommenders to confirm that they received the recommendation request via email.

At Least 6-8 Weeks Prior to Deadline

1. Complete and submit your application.
2. Review the verification process, if applicable.
3. Monitor your application for receipt of transcripts and letters of recommendation and follow up on any missing items.

At Least 4-6 Weeks Prior to Deadline

Continue monitoring your application. If your program requires that your coursework be verified, note the following:

After Deadline

Download a copy of your application for your records.

Do I need to send transcripts?

Each program decides if you need to submit official or unofficial transcripts. Review each program's transcript requirements under Colleges Attended.

Where do I find the Transcript ID Form?

The Transcript ID Form is found in the Colleges Attended section, after you submit a college or university entry.

Should I send my high school transcripts?

No.

My transfer credits are listed on my primary transcript. Do I still need to send all transcripts?

You must report all colleges and universities attended and submit official transcripts, even if your transfer credits are listed on your primary transcript. Review each program's transcript requirements under Colleges Attended.

How do I know what my primary institution is?

Your primary institution is the college or university where you earned or will earn your first undergraduate college degree.

Do I really have to enter all coursework?

Each program decides if you need to enter all coursework, prerequisites, or no coursework. Review each program's coursework requirements under Transcript Entry.

How do I list my repeated courses?

BioMedCAS considers a course to be repeated if you enrolled in the same course (with the same course title and prefix) again at the same college or university.

Report all attempts of repeated coursework (including those that are currently in-progress or planned) and be sure to mark them as repeated during Transcript Review. Enter the number of credit hours attempted for each course, regardless of how many credits were actually earned. 

Should I include foreign coursework in the Transcript Entry section?

No.

Why is my BioMedCAS GPA different from the GPA on my transcripts?

If your program requires that your coursework be verified, the BioMedCAS GPAs factor in all coursework taken, regardless of the college or university and any academic forgiveness policies. See Calculating Your BioMedCAS GPAs for more information.

I don't agree with the GPA. How do I change it?

If your program requires that your coursework be verified, the BioMedCAS GPAs factor in all coursework taken, regardless of the college or university and any academic forgiveness policies. If after reviewing your calculated coursework you find an error with your GPA, review Disputing and Correcting BioMedCAS Course Subjects and GPAs.

How do I remove a program?

Your application must always have at least one program selected. To remove a program, click the checkmark next to the program name on the Add Program tab or click the trash icon on the Submit Application tab.

Can I apply to more programs after I submit my application?

Yes, if the program's deadline date has not yet passed and the application cycle is open.

Should I submit my application if I'm still waiting on transcripts, recommendations, and/or official test scores?

Yes. You can submit your application before your transcripts, recommendations, and/or official test scores are received by BioMedCAS.

I submitted my application to the wrong program. What do I do?

If you would like your application to be considered for a different program, contact the school to determine if they can change your program.

Will BioMedCAS update me on the status of my application?

Your application status for each program is listed in the Check Status section of the application. BioMedCAS will notify you when official transcripts, recommendations, and official test scores are received, and when your application is verified.

When will I learn about admissions decisions? Did I get in!?

You must reach out to your program(s) to learn about a school's admissions decisions.

Is there any other way to pay other than by credit card?

We accept payments by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover) and PayPal.

I want a refund. What do I need to do?

Refunds are not given for any reason. Review Refunding/Withdrawing Your BioMedCAS Application for more information.