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In the United States, pursuing a medical degree involves attending Medical School after completing undergraduate studies. Therefore, enrollment in a medical bachelor's program isn't possible; it occurs after completing undergraduate education. Schools renowned for their Medical Schools include Harvard University, Stanford University, Johns Hopkins University, University of California, University of Pennsylvania, and Washington University in St. Louis, among others! Today, let's explore the requirements for applying to Medical Schools in the United States!



US Medical School Admission Requirements
 

Application Process

Applying to medical schools in the United States generally goes through AMCAS (American Medical College Application Service). AMCAS transmits students' applications, including work experience, academic records, and extracurricular activities, along with MCAT scores to the medical schools they apply to. Some medical schools may request additional materials such as essays or letters of recommendation. The application fee for one medical school via AMCAS is $160, with an additional $38 per school for each added application. The application window typically runs from the first week of May to June.


Application Criteria 

1. Bachelor's Degree, GPA (Minimum around 3.0)

Before applying to Medical School, students must first obtain a bachelor's degree (undergraduate) in relevant science subjects (biology and chemistry, for example) from a four-year university.


 

2. MCAT Exam Result

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is an objective exam developed by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Medical schools in the United States require applicants to submit MCAT exam scores.
 

The MCAT exam lasts approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes and covers four subjects:

   - Biological and biochemical foundations of living systems

   - Chemical and physical foundations of biological systems

   - Psychological, social, and biological foundations of behavior

   - Critical analysis and reasoning skills
 

3. TOEFL Scores

4. Extracurricular Activities

Medical schools in the US particularly value students' involvement in meaningful research. According to Dr. Schfiner, Associate Dean of Admissions at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, schools look for evidence that students have conducted research that contributes to society, engaging comprehensively with the scope of the research.
 

Dr. Drayton Harvey, who studied at Dartmouth College during his undergraduate years and is currently pursuing an MD-PhD program, dedicated four years to researching topics such as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), publishing and presenting his findings. He emphasizes the importance of such research experiences during medical school interviews, as they form the foundation for thinking critically and performing well academically.
 

According to a 2019 AAMC survey of medical students, nearly 60% of respondents participated in laboratory research (internships, research activities) during their undergraduate studies. Among respondents who took a leave of absence of one year or more between college and medical school, 46% stated they engaged in research during that time.
 

5. Letters of Recommendation

Requirements for letters of recommendation vary by university.
 

6. Additional Requirements by University

Some US medical schools have additional requirements such as completing pre-medical coursework, including laboratory experiences in biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and biochemistry. Students who majored in humanities or social sciences during their undergraduate studies must also take these science courses.