Applicants must submit scores from the 2007, 2008, or 2009 Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). This exam must be taken no later than September 30 of the year prior to possible matriculation. MCAT registration is available online at
http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/start.htm.
Under exceptional circumstances, to be determined by the Dean for Admissions, the GRE taken in 2007, 2008, or 2009 may be considered during the admissions process. However, the applicant will be required to take the MCAT prior to matriculation.
Ideally, one should spend at least 40 ours shadowing one or more physicians to develop an understanding of the physician-patient relationship and the joys and frustrations that doctors deal with daily. Extenuating circumstances in an applicant’s background are evaluated as they relate to these selection factors.
The premedical course requirements must be completed before matriculating and preferably before applying. Undergraduate or post/baccalaureate required courses must be completed in the United States at a college or university accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting body. Courses must include a minimum of:
- Social Sciences or Humanities - 4 semesters or 6 quarters.
- Chemistry and Biology - 6 semesters or 9 quarters. The subject matter in these courses must include general chemistry, general biology, biochemistry, molecular genetics, and cell biology/cell physiology.
- Physics - 2 semesters or 3 quarters; OR 1 semester or 2 quarters of physics plus 1 semester or 2 quarters of calculus or linear algebra.
The following courses are recommended, but not required:
- Ethics
- Anatomy or Comparative Anatomy
- Human or Mammalian Physiology
- Embryology
Courses such as evolution, ecology, bio-diversity, nutrition, environmental sciences, astronomy, and atmospheric sciences will not satisfy the prerequisites.
The biochemistry course for first-year medical students focuses on molecular mechanisms central to human health and disease. It's taught with the assumption that participants have already mastered the fundamentals of biochemistry, including molecular genetics, structure and activity of proteins, and metabolism.
Under exceptional circumstances, some course requirements may be waived for individuals with unusual achievements and academic promise. All candidates should demonstrate substantial academic ability in their major field as well as in the required science courses. Candidates should be proficient in the use of the English language, basic mathematics, personal computing, and information technologies.
Those offered positions for the fall of 2008 had a mean GPA of 3.67 and the following mean MCAT scores: Verbal 10.2, Physical Sciences 10.6, Biological Sciences 10.8, and a mode of "Q" in the Writing Sample.
All entrants in recent years have fulfilled requirements for a bachelor’s degree. No specific major is advised. A broad background in the humanities and liberal arts is encouraged.