Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/22/2025

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I am filing a complaint against the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists, which operates the Congress of Future Medical Leaders. I registered my daughter for their event scheduled for June 2025 and paid a fee of $1350. Due to a scheduling conflict to attend a unique and elite program. I requested a refund on April 18th.Their customer service has been unhelpful, and I believe the refusal to issue a refund is unfair, especially given the quality of the program versus what was advertised. The program itself has several negative reviews and while my daughter was evaluating this program against a free one that she was accepted to we found out a lot that we did not know. This company is for profit and is not sending elite invitations which means this has no benefit for kid's college applications. It is a marketing ploy where they scam people out of thousands and take advantage of kids/parents going through the college process for the first ********* are several things that my daughter and I found doing further research about this program: The Congress is run by a for-profit organization, which raises questions about how "selective" the program actually is.A discussion on College Confidential highlighted that the same press release was used for numerous nominees, merely changing the name Many students receive invitation letters that sound very exclusive, but thousands are invited, often based on publicly available academic data or standardized test scores.Colleges often dont view it as a major award or differentiator, since its not highly competitive or merit-based.The event itself is more of a lecture-style experience than an interactive, skills-building one.Theres no direct mentorship, lab work, or hands-on clinical exposure, which many students benefit from more deeply.There have been complaints regarding the program's refund policies. I am requesting a full refund of $1350.

  Business Response

  Date: 05/27/2025

  We're happy to respond to Ms. ****** note to the BBB regarding her daughter's nomination to and acceptance to the Congress of Future Medical Leaders. 
  Ms. ***** enrolled her daughter on January 31st, and at that time, she agreed to the full-refund policy that allows for 100% money back within 60 days of enrollment. In fact, she was required to acknowledge that she understood that policy in order to complete the enrollment. Our refund policy is also clearly stated in the letter of nomination and on our website.

  
  We'd like to address a few things Ms. ***** addresses:

  
  First, we do not believe, nor have we ever contended, that merely attending the ******** will make a student more attractive for admission to any college or university. In fact, our nomination package and website clearly state that the education, motivation, and recognition at the ******** can inspire students to take the personal actions necessary to become stronger candidates for competitive college and medical school admissions. 

  
  Second, our nomination package and website also clearly explain why the Academy isnt tax-exempt. We have the greatest respect for non-profit charities and academic institutions that help make our lives better. However, we dont think you should have to underwrite our work with your taxes. When organizations dont pay taxes, all of us chip in to make up the difference on April 15th. The Academy pays taxes, accepts no public assistance, and is completely self-sustaining through tuition from academic seminars and conferences. The Academy offers extensive programs and services that are free to all students who wish to take advantage of them.
  As for mentoring after the Congress, were uncertain how Ms. ***** knows what happens after the Congress and the opportunities available to students, as her daughter has yet to attend.

  
  Were happy to welcome her daughter to the Congress if she changes her mind. And if Ms. ***** has anything else shed like to address, she can call us anytime.
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/25/2024

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  They have been telling me its was mailed out some May. I have never received my money and they have the correct address. When I called and asked them when they sent it no one had an answer. Kept say 4-6 weeks. At the time is the calm I was over 4 weeks still waiting. I want to know exactly when it was mailed because we have not ever received it30 DAYS AND I STILL HAVE NOT RECEIVED MY REFUND. **** STATED 2-3 WEEKS LAST **** I SPOKE TO HIM MID JUNE WE WERE PASSED THAT AT THE **** OF THE CONVERSATION.

  Business Response

  Date: 07/24/2024

  We're sorry ******************** had to report to the BBB. Her refund has been mailed already - she must not have notified the BBB of this

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/26/2024

  [To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed as Answered]
  
   Complaint: 21900580
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  I have been being told that since June. I waited 4 weeks after receiving the refund email to contact them about not receiving my refund. **** who answers the phone said 4-6 weeks I had to keep waiting. Now its almost August and still no refund. They have all my info address included so theres no reason I shouldnt have my money by now.
  
  Regards,
  
  *******************************
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Business Response

  Date: 08/02/2024

  ******************** refund was mailed on 7/22. It has yet to be cashed. She should be in touch with us if it doesn't arrive within a few days

  Customer Answer

  Date: 08/16/2024

  
  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.  Received check 8/2/24. 
  
  Regards,
  
  *******************************
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/26/2024

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  November 2023 -Registered my son for Congress event starting June 26th in ******, and fully understood normal refund policy at that time. However, do to a family issue that came to light this past month (family member is terminally ill, and has requested meeting with all family members the week of the Congress), my son can no longer attend the Congress. I have communicated with the admissions area to see who can make an exception to policy given this sad and unfortunate family issue, but they have stated no exceptions to policy, and provided 2 other solutions that are not acceptable to my son or myself (provide recording of the event or defer to next year). I am sending this request so that it gets elevated to an understanding and compassionate executive who can make a reasonable exception to the refund policy and ***** a full refund given the circumstances.

  Business Response

  Date: 05/14/2024

  We are happy to respond to ************************** complaint as we have spoken with him several times and exchanged several emails. We understand this must be a very trying time for his family. Having someone close to you who is terminally ill is devastating. 
  
  The Congress is an honors program, and his son's participation is by nomination only. We know how sad it will be for him to miss out on this special honor and the chance to distinguish himself from other students. As ********************** noted, we have tried to offer alternatives so that his son will not lose the opportunity to be a Delegate to the Congress of Future Medical Leaders. He spoke and emailed several Admissions Counselors, as well as the Director of Admissions, who has full authority. 
  
  We sincerely hope ********************** either allows his son to defer his nomination and Congress participation until next year or that he allows him to join the Congress virtually through our live stream. Livestream participation entitles him to full access to all the Congress sessions as well as qualifies him to receive College Credit. 
  
  
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/10/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  We were charged an amount of $650 to provide our daughter the opportunity to take advantage of the invitation only opportunity to be a part of this prestigious program. Initiated during COVID, they provided three dates for virtual options. One of which was March 2022. Just prior to time, we were informed that the session was switched to in-person and not in the immediate area. Tis is not what we signed up for! Upon contacting the company, they offered another set of dates, all in person, but offered a virtual solution where they forwarded the recordings for our daughter to "attend" virtually and still meet the obligation, then take the qualifying quiz to receive the final award. This took us to June 20, 2023, at which time, proof of completion was submitted and receipt confirmed. We were assured that the award would be processed and sent out on July 1, to be received shortly after. I contacted them mid-July, 2023, to indicate that the award had yet to be received. We were given a run around and told there was no record of quiz completion. After resending, we were now assured that she was added to the list to receive her award at the end of September! (Apparently, they only request once a month) and during August, we were still going verification rounds.) When not received in Sept, I reached out again, to receive more empty apologies and assurance that this matter would be resolved and the award sent. Upon my most recent inquiry and finally asking for refund, I was told that it needed to be requested within 30 days of payment. There is no way that we could have predicted this to be the waste that it turned out to be, if she had not yet been scheduled for a session and actually given the opportunity to attend! This feels extremely staged and fraudulent. I have yet to receive a response to my last follow-up on 10/3/23. Our daughter has moved on and counted the loss; however, it is principle, justice AND money that drives this pursuit.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/14/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  My daughter received a invitation in Nov 2021. I was hesitate about this because it was $975, but we did the 3 months at $325. The first payment came out in February of 2022 because I was so hesitating, but the kept calling or emailing. The second payment in March and the 3rd payment in April after hesitating again this payment was late. Of course they called. After they draft the last payment out of my account. We didn't hear from them no more. I feel like we were scam. She didn't have no recognition at her high school, no newspaper recognition in her local newspaper, no trip to boston, and I feel like this place is a RIP OFF.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/12/2023

  Dear BBB,
  
  Thank you for bringing to our attention the complaint from ************************** regarding her request for a refund for her daughter's enrollment to our Virtual Congress event. We appreciate the opportunity to respond and clarify the situation.
  
  ***************************** (delegate) enrolled in our Virtual Congress event on 2/14/2022 and agreed to our terms and conditions, which clearly stated that requests for refunds must be made within 30 days of enrollment. Her enrollment covered her participation in three events scheduled for March, June, and November 2022.
  
  We did not receive any communication from ******* or *** until a year after her enrollment, on 2/13/2023, where they requested a refund. Unfortunately, this was well outside of our refund window, and we had to respectfully remind them on 2/17/2023 via email about our refund policy, which they agreed to upon enrollment.
  
  We regret that ******* did not attend any of the scheduled events and that she was not able to take advantage of the knowledge and resources we provided. However, our policy is clear, and we must adhere to it to ensure fairness to all of our Delegates and families.

  If ******* would like to attend out June  21-23 virtual Congress of Future Medical Leaders, she can contact our admissions office.
  
  We appreciate the opportunity to respond to this complaint and hope that we have provided clarification on the matter.

  Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions.