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Admissions > Application Primer Frequently Asked Questions
Application Primer Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do I apply for
admission?
A. Applicants should request school catalogs and
visit web sites for information about medical schools that
interest them. The so-called “Bible” for medical school
admissions information is the
Medical
School Admissions Requirements (MSAR), published annually by
the Association of American Medical Colleges. It contains
complete information about preparation, medical schools, and
information regarding national data. Applicants should consult
with their faculty and premedical advisors at their
undergraduate institutions. Formal application begins when a
candidate submits the
AMCAS
application.
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Q. What are the basic
application requirements?
A. Applicants are advised to prepare by earning
a bachelor’s degree. Formal science course requirements are a
year each of biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and
physics. The
Medical
College Admissions Test (MCAT) is required.
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Q. What should the applicant
say in the personal statement?
A. The personal statement portrays candidates'
interest and preparation for the study of medicine. Most
applicants talk about what motivates their interest in medicine
and how they have tested their interests and abilities in both
academic and experiential areas. There is no “magic” personal
statement with “essential” phrases and ideas. The personal
statement is a focused and relevant history of applicants career
interests and plans.
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Q. What are the minimum grade
point average and MCAT scores that will be considered?
A. Entering class grade point averages usually
have a range of 3.0 to 4.0 and an overall average of 3.6 to 3.7.
Entering class MCAT scores range from mid 20s to 40s with an
overall average of about 30. A positive grade trend in a
candidate’s record is carefully considered, as are the breadth
and rigor of students' academic programs. Additional work beyond
the bachelor’s degree is also considered. It is the candidate’s
entire academic, extracurricular, work, community, and social
history that the committee considers.
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Q. Does the University of
Connecticut give preference in admissions to residents of
Connecticut?
A. As a state-supported school, preference is
given to Connecticut residents. The current mix of residents and
non-residents is approximately three to one. Non-residents and
international students will be considered if their admission
would add to the quality and diversity of the student body.
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Q. Does the school offer
combined degree programs?
A. Yes, several combined programs are offered
including, M.D./Ph.D., M.D./M.P.H., and M.D./M.B.A. The School
of Medicine, in cooperation with the University of Connecticut
undergraduate program, also offers an eight-year combined
B.A./B.S. and M.D. program. Students accepted to the
undergraduate program are assured admission to the medical
school provided all required performance and experiential
contingencies are met.
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Q. How many applicants apply?
How many are interviewed? How many are accepted?
A. The School of Medicine receives approximately
2,800 applications, interviews about 400 applicants, and issues
an average of 170 acceptances to secure a class of 80 new
students. Connecticut resident applicants usually number about
400, of which approximately 225 are interviewed, and
approximately 100 are issued acceptances. Non-resident
applicants usually number around 2,400, of which approximately
175 are interviewed, and approximately 70 are accepted.
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Q. Does the school seek
candidates mainly interested in primary care disciplines or as
generalists?
A. The curriculum is designed to prepare
students for any discipline that suits their interests and
abilities. Historically, approximately half of each class tracks
toward a generalist career – family medicine, internal medicine,
and pediatrics. Many initially headed toward internal medicine
or pediatrics seek further specialization during or after their
initial residency years.
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Q. Does the School of Medicine
require research as a prerequisite for admission?
A. Experience in research is not a formal
requirement to apply. The Admissions Committee assesses
students' entire educational program interpreting levels of
successes in a variety of education settings, including, lecture
classes, labs, small group seminars, group project experiences,
internships, and research.
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Q. Are there early
notification admission programs?
A. The school has two early notification
programs, Early Assurance and Early Decision. The standards are
higher than for the normal admissions process.
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Q. Does the Admissions Office
operate a rolling admissions process or are notices sent on a
single release date?
A. The School of Medicine issues some
acceptances as it progresses between September and March. Denial
letters are issued between January and March. The Admissions
Committee establishes an alternate list in March, and works off
that list as positions become available through the Spring and
Summer months.
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Q. Who can address specific
questions?
A. Keat
Sanford, Ph.D., Assistant Dean for Medical School Admissions
and Medical Student Affairs.
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