AAMC Fee Assistance Program (FAP): What You Need to Know

For many aspiring physicians, the financial burden of buying essential resources and paying for the application process can be overwhelming. Thankfully, there are fee assistance programs out there to help take some of the weight off (and allow you to spend your money where you need it the most). We’ll first talk about the Fee Assistance Program (FAP) offered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Then, we’ll introduce Sketchy’s discount policy to accommodate students who are approved through the AAMC Fee Assistance Program and registered for the MCAT.

What is the AAMC Fee Assistance Program (FAP)?

The AAMC FAP is a financial initiative designed to help eligible applicants with the costs associated with preparing for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), applying to medical school, and accessing various AAMC services. 

Approved students receive a number of benefits, which currently include: 

1. Reduced registration fees for the MCAT.
2. Free access to the AAMC's Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR) database for two years.
3. Free access to the AAMC's MCAT Official Prep Online-Only Bundle.
4. Fee waivers for all AMCAS fees for one application submission, covering up to 20 medical school submissions.

And more! Please note that these benefits are subject to change, so always check with the AAMC for updated information in a given calendar year. Also keep in mind that if you’re approved, benefits will begin on the date of approval and will expire the next calendar year on Dec. 31st regardless of when you apply and receive the award during the current application year. In other words, if you’re approved between January 1 and December 31 in 2023, your benefits will expire on December 31, 2024!

How to Know if You Qualify for the AAMC Fee Assistance Program:

The AAMC Fee Assistance Program is open to everyone with a U.S.-based address. Because the program is funded by the AAMC, eligibility requirements differ from other federally funded aid programs such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Applicants must also meet specific income and household size criteria, which are based on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) poverty level guidelines.

To qualify for the AAMC Fee Assistance Program, your total family income must fall at or below 400% of the HHS poverty level for your family size. Yes, the AAMC FAP requires your parents’ financial information, if you are under age 26 at the time of submission. 

Please note that meeting the income and household size criteria does not guarantee approval for the program. The AAMC reviews each application individually, considering factors such as income, assets, and financial obligations. If you are unsure whether you qualify, it is still worth applying, as many applicants are often surprised to learn that they are eligible for assistance.

How to Apply for the AAMC Fee Assistance Program:

The application process for the AAMC Fee Assistance Program is straightforward and user-friendly. To apply, follow these steps:

1. Create an AAMC account if you do not already have one. This account will be used to access various AAMC services and resources throughout your medical school application journey.
2. Navigate to the Fee Assistance Program site.  
3. Review the program's eligibility requirements.
4. Follow the prompts to complete the online application form. Note that some information may be prepopulated from your AAMC profile, so make sure you review and edit as needed and provide accurate and up-to-date information about your financial situation and family size. 
5. Upload any required supporting documentation and submit your application.

The AAMC will process and review Fee Assistance Program applications. You should receive status updates from the AAMC via email.

Sketchy’s Fee Assistance Program

For those students who have received approval from the AAMC FAP, we offer a reduced 12-month Sketchy MCAT Prep Essentials plan. Qualified students are eligible for a 50% discount off the Sketchy MCAT Science Review 12-month plan and will have access to the extra Sketchy content included in the MCAT Prep Essentials program (such as the Sketchy CARS course). 

To apply, please go here to submit your information and the following PDF documents:

• AAMC FAP Approval Document
• MCAT Registration Confirmation

The AAMC FAP Approval Document can be downloaded directly through the AAMC portal. This document must show the applicant’s name, AAMC ID, and application status. Incomplete or incorrect submissions will not be evaluated. Please allow 3-5 business days for your application to be reviewed. If you have any questions, reach out to our support team at support@sketchy.com and we’re happy to help!

So, what are you waiting for? 

Honestly, don’t hesitate to apply to the AAMC Fee Assistance Program. It’s an invaluable resource for eligible students on their journey to medical school. By providing financial assistance and access to essential resources, the program helps remove barriers and create a more diverse and inclusive medical profession. And remember, a successful medical career starts with the right support and resources, and the AAMC Fee Assistance Program and Sketchy are here to help!