Application Primer

Just getting an application together for medical school can be a daunting experience. This section is designed to help candidates find general guidance in organizing and presenting their candidacies.

The School of Medicine Admissions Selection Committee is authorized by University Council Policy to implement the admissions process. The Selection Committee, a body of 20 faculty, student, and community members, considers all relevant information contained in the AMCAS application, supplemental statement, letters of recommendation, and interview reports in making selection decisions.

Many applicants worry about some of the following questions: Do I have the necessary and required academic background? Should I take additional coursework? What should I say in my personal statement? Is my MCAT strong enough to be considered? What level of participation is required related to research background, clinical experience, and community service or volunteer work? How many medical schools should I apply to? Which medical schools should I apply to?

While many of these questions can be answered based on certain norms and expectations, the answers to many other questions depend on what a candidate has done to date, and what are the true interests of the applicant. In short, there is no one, fixed menu of all possible considerations. It is in the individuality of each student, where the uniqueness of a medical school class is born. There is no single, cookie-cutter recipe that will secure an admission. We encourage each candidate to seek a thorough and balanced approach to preparing for a career in medicine.