Academic Preparation for Admission to Medical School

No medical school requires a specific major of its applicants or matriculants, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. There are, however, several prerequisites for not only admission to medical school, but also success on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Medical schools generally require two semesters each of biology, physics, chemistry and organic chemistry with lab. Course work in statistics and calculus is recommended. UMF students interested in applying to medical school are encouraged to consult with the chair of the natural sciences department for specific course recommendations for meeting the medical school prerequisites in biology. To meet the physics, chemistry, and organic chemistry requirements, students are encouraged to take General Physics I and II (PHY 141 and 142), Chemistry I and II (CHY 141 and 142) and Organic Chemistry I and II (CHY 241 and 242 with labs, CHY 251 and 252). Calculus I (MAT 141) must be taken either before Physics I or concurrently with Physics I.

Overview of the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a $190, nearly five-hour standardized test administered worldwide twice each year on a Saturday in April and August. Test takers may choose between the computer-based and paper-and-pencil versions of the MCAT. Most medical schools in the United States use the MCAT results as part of their selection criteria. The test consists of three multiple-choice sections and a writing section. The 100-minute Physical Sciences section comprises 77 multiple-choice questions that assess understanding of basic general chemistry and physics concepts, analytical reasoning, and data interpretation. The 85-minute Verbal Reasoning section comprises 60 multiple-choice questions that assess critical reading skills. The 60-minute Writing Sample requires responses to two essay questions (30 minutes each) and assesses critical thinking, intellectual organization, and written communication skills. The 100-minute Biological Sciences section comprises 77 multiple-choice questions that assess understanding of basic biology and organic chemistry concepts, analytical reasoning, and data interpretation. MCAT scores are based on the four parts of the MCAT exam: Physical Sciences (PS), Verbal Reasoning (VR), Biological Sciences (BS), and the Writing Sample (WS). For PS, there are 77 questions with a scoring range of 1 to 15. For VR, there are 60 questions with a scoring range of 1 to 15. For BS, there are 77 questions with a scoring range of 1 to 15. For WS, there are 2 essay questions with a scoring range of J to T. Average scores are approximately 8s for the PS, VR, and BS sections, and N for the WS section, according to the Kaplan MCAT Comprehensive Review, available for two-week loan from the Center for Human Development. A total score of all four sections (24N, for example) is also provided to the test taker and medical schools. MCAT scores are valid for up to three years, although medical schools may require more current scores. See the links in the drop-down menu above for registration, test site, fee waiver, FAQ, and test preparation information.

Timing of the Medical School Application Process and the MCAT

Application deadlines vary by medical school, but generally range from mid-October to mid-December. See the "Application Deadlines" link in the drop-down menu above for application deadlines of AMCAS-participating medical schools. The AMCAS (explained below) deadline for receipt of application, fee, and official transcripts for Early Decision Program applicants is August 1 of the summer just before the start of the senior-year fall semester. Notification of admission usually occurs by March 30 of the matriculating year (spring prior to fall start). According to the Kaplan MCAT Comprehensive Review, many medical schools prefer that applicants take the MCAT on the April administration because of the short time between the availability of the August scores and school application deadlines. MCAT mails official score reports to test takers and medical schools approximately 60 days after the test date.

Overview of the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS)

Students applying to more than one medical school may wish to use the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS), which is a centralized application processing service. Medical school applicants who participate in AMCAS provide the application requirements as per AMCAS instructions; the transcript must be sent directly from the Registrar's Office. AMCAS sends application portfolios to medical schools, as per the applicant's instructions. Participation in AMCAS costs $160 for one application portfolio (sent to one medical school) and $30 for each additional portfolio (sent to other medical schools). See links in the drop-down menu above for AMCAS participating medical schools and online registration information.

Searching for the Right Medical School

The search for the right medical school requires the same research and analytical reading skills required for successful completion of course-related assignments. The Association of American Medical College's Official Guide to Medical School Admission Requirements (available for two-week loan from the Center for Human Development) provides profiles on U.S. and Canadian medical schools. You are encouraged to read the AAMC Official Guide profiles to collect information on medical school application deadlines, tuition, acceptance rates, undergraduate course requirements, minimum GPA requirements, and average MCAT scores among accepted students. The AAMC Official Guide also lists program websites for further information gathering.