Admission Guide

Medical School Admission Requirements

Complete guide to medical school admission requirements, prerequisites, and application strategies for MD and DO programs in the United States.

Core Admission Requirements

Essential requirements that most medical schools expect from applicants.

Academic Prerequisites
  • Biology (1 year with lab)
  • General Chemistry (1 year with lab)
  • Organic Chemistry (1 year with lab)
  • Physics (1 year with lab)
  • Mathematics (1 year including statistics)
  • English (1 year)

Some schools may require additional courses like biochemistry or psychology

Standardized Testing
  • MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)
  • Scores typically valid for 3 years
  • Average accepted score: 510-515
  • Competitive scores: 515+

MCAT includes sections on biological sciences, chemical sciences, physics, and critical analysis

Clinical Experience
  • Physician shadowing (50-100+ hours)
  • Clinical volunteering (100+ hours)
  • Patient interaction experience
  • Healthcare exposure in various settings

Quality and reflection on experiences matter more than quantity

Research & Leadership
  • Research experience (preferred)
  • Leadership roles
  • Community service
  • Extracurricular activities

Demonstrates commitment to medicine and personal growth

Program-Specific Requirements

Different requirements and expectations for MD and DO programs.

MD Programs (AMCAS)
GPA: 3.7-4.0MCAT: 510-520
  • Strong science GPA (3.6+)
  • Diverse clinical experiences
  • Research experience highly valued
  • Strong letters of recommendation
DO Programs (AACOMAS)
GPA: 3.5-3.8MCAT: 505-515
  • Osteopathic physician shadowing
  • Understanding of osteopathic principles
  • Community service emphasis
  • Holistic application review

Application Timeline

Key milestones and deadlines for medical school applications.

1

Junior Year Spring

  • Take MCAT
  • Begin application preparation
  • Gather transcripts
2

Application Year May

  • Submit primary applications
  • Request transcripts
  • Finalize personal statement
3

Summer

  • Complete secondary applications
  • Interview preparation
  • Continue clinical activities
4

Fall/Winter

  • Attend interviews
  • Send update letters
  • Make final school selections
5

Spring

  • Receive acceptances
  • Make final decision
  • Prepare for matriculation

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