About VSAS

The Visiting Student Application Service (VSAS) is a brand-new AAMC application designed to streamline the application process for senior "away" electives at other U.S. LCME medical schools. This service requires students to submit just one application for all schools, 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).

Launch Dates

VSAS launched for US LCME schools on April 1, 2008.
VSAS launched for students at US LCME schools on April 15, 2008.

After launching, VSAS will remain open indefinitely.

Pilot Host Schools

The following 10 schools are participating as VSAS host schools during the pilot year (2008-2009) 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:

• Boston University School of Medicine
• Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
• Georgetown University School of Medicine
• Oregon Health and Science University School of Medicine
• University of California, Irvine, College of Medicine
• University of Kansas School of Medicine
• University of Michigan Medical School
• University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine
• University of Texas Medical School at San Antonio
• Wake Forest University School of Medicine

If you are not applying to one of these 10 schools, please use the Extramural Electives Compendium (EEC) for visiting student application information.

International and Osteopathic Students

VSAS is not yet available for international and osteopathic student 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 schools applied to, not the number of electives applied for.

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

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

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

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

Will VSAS host schools also charge application fees?

The 10 participating host schools will not be charging additional application fees. But, the host school reserves the right to assess a processing fee when they offer an applicant a spot in an elective.

Who else pays VSAS fees?

After the pilot year (2008-2009), home schools will pay a $5 fee for each of their students who apply through VSAS and participating host schools 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 school, 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 2.0.

For PC Users, VSAS supports the following browser versions:

• Internet Explorer 7.0
• Internet Explorer 6.0
• Firefox 2.0
• Firefox 1.5

For Mac users, VSAS supports the following browser versions:

• Firefox 2.0
• Firefox 1.5
• Safari 3.0

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, Firefox at www.firefox.com or Safari at www.apple.com/safari.

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.