Undergraduate Experience
Requirements for entry into a specific program may vary, and students are urged to check individual schools for complete information.
GPA
Regardless of your major, both your overall GPA and your science GPA should be strong. A GPA of at least 3.5 at time of application should put you in a strong position, although the most selective medical schools (including WUSM) will look for higher grade-point averages (3.7+). Many students have lower grades early in college, build a consistent upward trend and are very competitive by the time they are applying in the junior or senior year.
Students ask whether the rigor of their coursework will be recognized by graduate programs when they apply. We are certain that many schools do recognize the rigor of our program. For example, the national mean GPA of students admitted to medical school is almost 3.7, but over 90% of WU students with a 3.5 GPA are admitted to medical school.
Research
Some schools strongly favor applicants with research experience. Most schools require significant clinical experience as well.
The MCAT
Most medical schools require applicants to take the MCAT. The current MCAT reports four scores. Three of the scores are on a scale ranging from 1 (lowest) to 15 (highest) in theareas of:
- Verbal Reasoning --tests critical thinking and reasoning skills.
- Biological Sciences – tests problem solving and knowledge of basic concepts in biology and biologically related chemistry.
- Physical Sciences-- tests problem solving and knowledge of basic concepts in physics and physically related sciences.
- The fourth score is based on two essays measuring analytical abilities and writing skills. The essays receive one score ranging from “J” (lowest) to “T” (highest).
The Writing section is being phased out, and beginning in 2015, a Behavioral and Social Sciences section will be added. We expect this section to test introductory Psychology and concepts in sociology or medical anthropology.
The MCAT is given many times a year. Students are encouraged to take the MCAT 18 months before they plan to enter medical school. For many students this means taking the MCAT in their junior year. Some students find that it is helpful to take a preparation course for the MCAT. Go here for more information.
This past year, there were more than 20 administrations of the computerized MCAT, with results of the examination available within 30 days of taking the test. You need to have your MCAT scores available in June so that you can apply to medical school as early as possible. Take the MCAT when you know you will be well prepared. Some people prefer to spend the summer studying; others find that the school year works well for them. Schedule your application timeline around when you will be most successful on this exam. Some students opt for a gap year so that they have additional time to study for and complete the MCAT.
Writing
Your application portfolio includes the personal statement (which is limited to 5300 characters with spaces), an explanation of any institutional action taken against you, an explanation of any felonies on your record, responses to additional questions on the secondary applications, and an optional selection of additional information (where you can address suboptimal science GPA, MCAT, withdrawals or incomplete course work, etc. as needed).
