About VSAS

The Visiting Student Application Service (VSAS) is an AAMC application designed to streamline the application process for senior "away" electives at other U.S. LCME medical schools and independent academic medical centers that are members of the Council of Teaching Hospitals and Health Systems (COTH). This service requires students to submit just one application for all institutions, effectively reducing paperwork, miscommunication, and time. VSAS also provides a centralized location for managing offers and tracking decisions. It was created at the request of two GSA committees: Committee on Student Records (COSR) and Committee on Student Affairs (COSA).

Host Institutions

The following medical schools are participating as VSAS host institutions for the 2009-2010 academic year and will be accepting visiting student applications through VSAS. You will only use VSAS if you are enrolled at a U.S. LCME medical school and are applying to any of the following:

If you are not applying to one of these institutions, please use the Extramural Electives Compendium (EEC) for visiting student application information.

Canadian, International and Osteopathic Students

VSAS is not yet available for international, osteopathic, or students enrolled at Canadian medical schools to use. Please use the Extramural Electives Compendium (EEC) for visiting student application information.

VSAS Application Fees

VSAS application fees are based on the number of institutions applied to, not the number of electives applied for.

The fee for the first institution you apply to is $35, regardless of the number of electives you apply for at that institution.
The fee for each additional institution is $15, again, regardless of the number of electives you apply for at those institutions.

For example, if you apply for electives at three institutions, your total fees will equal $65:

	$35	1st institution fee
	$15	2nd institution fee
+	$15	3rd institution fee
	$65	TOTAL fees

*If you re-apply to any of these institutions, you will not be charged a second application fee.

Will VSAS host institutions also charge application fees?

The participating host institutions will not charge additional application fees. But, the host institution reserves the right to assess a processing fee when they offer an applicant a spot in an elective.

Who else pays VSAS fees?

Beginning in Fall 2009, home schools will pay an annual fee of $500 (an introductory fee of $250 will be assessed for 2009) and participating host institutions will pay an annual fee of $500 to receive applications through VSAS.

Refund Policy

VSAS does not offer refunds. Refunds will not be given if you do not meet the visiting student requirements of a host institution, there are no slots available or for applications sent to programs whose deadlines have passed.

If you receive communications from VSAS staff regarding any outstanding balances, please read the instructions contained in the communication. You may also contact VSAS via e-mail.

Data Policy

The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and the Visiting Student Application Service (VSAS) recognize the importance of responsibly collecting and guarding the information we receive from our users. The AAMC has developed data policy guidelines to prevent the exposure of personal data without prior permission of the individual.

Browser Requirements

When using VSAS, the preferred browser for both PC and Mac users is Firefox 3.0.

For PC Users, VSAS supports the following browser versions:

• Internet Explorer 7.0
• Firefox 3.0
• Firefox 2.0

For Mac users, VSAS supports the following browser versions:

• Firefox 3.0
• Firefox 2.0

Failure to use supported browsers may result in application delays, lost data or other technical problems while using the software.

Applicants can obtain a correct browser version of Internet Explorer at www.microsoft.com and Firefox at www.firefox.com.

Questions or Concerns?

Review our Frequently Asked Questions and Tutorials for additional information.

You may also contact VSAS at vsas@aamc.org or 202-478-9878, Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. ET.