WHO ARE WE?
From Twitter's #WaiveTheMCAT campaign to a student-led organization fighting for equity in academia.
Students for Ethical Admissions is a grassroots organization of over 100 students currently involved in the graduate and professional school admissions process. We formed specifically in response to increasing inequities in the medical school admissions process caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing protests around the nation, but have since expanded to include students pursuing careers in other health professions, law, and academia. Broadly, we advocated for increased transparency in the application process, as well as fair and safe assessment and review.
We are most commonly known for our presence on Twitter and our push to #WaiveTheMCAT requirement during the coronavirus pandemic, though we have dozens of other projects going on (both behind the scenes and in public) at any time!
Explore our most recent findings on MCAT administration below, and our efforts to fight for equity in academia. Use the quick links to write your #WaiveTheMCAT letter, learn more about medical school MCAT and admission policies, access the media kit, or just to pitch your ideas to us!
MCAT TEST CENTERS ARE NOT SAFE RIGHT NOW.
Especially for students at higher-risk of complications from COVID-19. Of the recent MCAT examinees (n=199)...
64% were not screened for COVID-19 at all when they arrived for their exam.
0% were asked to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test.
Only 7% underwent temperature checks.
Only 11% were questioned about recent travel.
Only 24% were questioned about recent symptoms.
Only 24% were questioned about recent exposures.
Only 15% were asked to sign a waiver.
66% witnessed no cleaning of commonly used surfaces in their test center.
Only 50% witnessed their personal workspace being cleaned before, during, or after their MCAT exam.
27% reported that masks were not enforced inside their test center.
20% personally witnessed test center staff violating mask policies.
29% reported that social distancing was not possible in their test center.
24% personally witnessed test center staff violating social distancing guidelines.
2020 MCAT EXAM YEAR DATA
At the conclusion of the 2020 testing year...
64% of applicants who have NOT taken or are planning to retake the MCAT (n=130) are NOT comfortable contacting an AdCom explaining their situation.
92% of applicants who have not yet been able to take or are planning to retake the MCAT (n=103), will lose >$1000 if their upcoming exam is canceled and will have to withdraw their app because medical schools are still requiring the MCAT.
90% of applicants who have already taken the MCAT this year (n=154) felt as though the circumstances did not allow them to accurately demonstrate their abilities.
89% of current medical students (n=101) said that they would not have been comfortable asking an AdCom for a personal exception to admissions requirements while they were applying.
QUICK LINKS
2020-2021 POLICY TRACKER
We compiled a list of medical school MCAT and application policies for the 2020-2021 admissions cycle. Don't worry - we covered all our bases! Get updated information for all U.S. MD, DO, and Canadian MD medical school policies here.
SEND YOUR #WAIVETHEMCAT LETTER
Are you a physician or medical student, wondering how you can help? Send a letter to your medical school/organization. Thank you for supporting #WaiveTheMCAT!
2021-2022 POLICY TRACKER
As the 2020-2021 admissions cycle rushes to an end, our members are wrapping up their final interviews and receiving admission offers. But rest assured, we are working tirelessly behind the scenes to compile a list of 2021-2022 medical school MCAT and admissions policies!
WORK WITH US
Want to get involved? Have ideas? Want to learn more about us? Reach out to us - we are always looking for more eager hands and brains!
ACCESSIBILITY
SEA is committed to keeping the website content accessible and user-friendly, and being an organization that can serve the needs of all members of the very diverse premedical community. Please email us at any time if there's anything we can do to make our content more accessible.
MEDIA KIT
For journalists interested in student advocacy.