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.
[back to top]
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.
[back to top]
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.
[back to top]
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.
[back to top]
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.
[back to top]
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.
[back to top]
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.
[back to top]
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.
[back to top]
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.
[back to top]
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.
[back to top]
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.
[back to top]
Q. Who can address specific questions?
A. Keat Sanford, Ph.D., Assistant Dean for Medical School Admissions and Medical Student Affairs.
[back to top] |
