Medical School Admissions Requirements vary by university and so it is good to consult directly with the universities you are interested in to be sure that you have everything you need to apply. You can use the AAMC MSAR (Medical School Admissions Requirements) handbook to quickly compare the admissions requirements from one university to the next.
This guide is meant to provide you with an idea of what is typically expected of pre-medical students at the time they apply to medical schools. The information is divided into essential and common lists of requirements, although what belongs in each list changes depending on country and university. This list is most applicable to North American medical schools. Admissions to international medical schools typically have much letter of race less stringent requirements.
Essential Medical School Admissions Requirements (USA, Canada)
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Citizenship or Permanent Resident Status
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Residence in State or Province (may confer preference during admissions processes)
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90 credits of university coursework or 4-year bachelor's degree from a university or college
- Coursework
- 1st and 2nd year General Chemistry with Lab (9 credits)
- 1st and 2nd year Organic Chemistry with Lab (9 credits)
- Introductory Physics (6 credits)
- Introduction Biology (6 credits)
- Introductory Biochemistry (3 to 6 credits)
- GPA Minimum Scores
- Typically 2.5/4 to 3.5/4 although much higher GPAs may be required for acceptance
- Criminal Record Check
- Application Fee
Other Typical Medical School Admissions Requirements (USA, Canada)
- MCAT Scores (i.e. applicants must write the MCAT)
- MCAT Minimum Scores (may be required by some universities)
- Typically 8 or 9 in each section of the MCAT
- Typically a minimum score on the writing sample is required
- Typically MCAT sittings are given a 3 to 8 year expiration time
- Letters of Reference – Typically written by professors or physicians under whom you have worked
- Verifiers – Individuals who can verify claims regarding your extra-curricular experiences and activities
- Personal essays – Typically describing your background and interested in pursuing a medical career
- Full-time course schedule (e.g. 5 courses in Fall, 5 courses in summer may be required by some schools)
- Coursework
- Introductory English (6 credits)