How to Apply

Your application is important to us and we want the process to be as simple and informative as possible.

For the M.D., you need to take the MCAT, the Medical College Admission Test, and apply to medical school through AMCAS, the American Medical College Application Service. For the best fit, take time to research programs that are right for you. After the AMCAS applications are received at the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, you will be asked to prepare a second application for review by the Admissions Committee. Interviews are then scheduled so we can get to know you and you can learn about our medical school.

AMCAS begins accepting applications on June 1 of each year. Completed applications and all materials, including official transcripts, must be submitted to AMCAS no later than November 1. If the application is submitted after the deadline, the student must contact the school directly and obtain permission for AMCAS to process the application.

All U. S. citizens who apply and international applicants with permanent resident status will be sent a secondary application. The information and documentation that students furnish will provide the Admissions Committee with an opportunity to learn more about each candidate. A $75.00 non-refundable application fee must accompany the application form.

AMCAS offers a Fee Assistance Program (FAP) for students with documented need. Those students granted a fee waiver will automatically qualify for a secondary application fee waiver from the Whiddon College of Medicine.

Since the medical profession needs individuals with a wide range of talents and academic backgrounds, both science and nonscience majors will be considered. Ninety (90) semester hours from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university are required, and a Baccalaureate degree is preferred. Regardless of major, the science courses selected to fulfill the minimum requirements should be designated for science or premed students.

MCAT

For the 2025 cycle:

  • Scores from the September 2024 MCAT dates are the latest scores that will be considered.
  • A 2021 MCAT score is the earliest score considered for the 2025 entering class.

Prerequisite Coursework

Minimum requirements include:

  • General Chemistry with Lab: 8 semester hours
  • General Biology with Lab: 8 semester hours
  • Mathematics: 6 semester hours
  • Organic Chemistry with Lab: 8 semester hours
  • General Physics with Lab: 8 semester hours
  • Humanities: 3 semester hours
  • Behavioral and Social Sciences: 3 semester hours
  • English Composition or Literature: 6 semester hours 

Biochemistry may take the place of Organic Chemistry II. Statistics and Immunology also are recommended. 

In light of academic restrictions due to COVID-19, we will accept Pass/Fail grading for prerequisite coursework completed in the Spring semester of 2020. We will accept online coursework for prerequisite courses completed in the Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters of 2020. Online coursework completed in the Spring semester of 2021 will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. As events unfold, we may post additional changes to our deadlines and other admissions policies as needed.

NOTE: U.S. Advanced Placement credits will be accepted with proper denotation on the undergraduate transcript.

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of Recommendation must meet the following criteria:

  • A composite evaluation or letter packet prepared by the premedical committee of your undergraduate college is preferred.
  • If your college has no such committee or system for providing a composite evaluation you must submit at least three (3) letters of recommendation:

- At least two (2) letters of recommendation from faculty who have taught you - one letter must be from science faculty
- At least one (1) letter of recommendation from someone who has known and observed you on a personal basis

- No more than six (6) letters may be submitted

  • Graduate students enrolled in a degree-granting program must submit a letter of evaluation written by your major advisor or department chair containing the anticipated date of fulfilling your degree requirements. All coursework must be completed prior to entering medical school.
  • Consideration will be given to non-traditional applicants in the makeup of their letters who have not completed academic work in 5 or more years. Interested applicants should contact our office for more information.
  • If you are currently employed, we strongly encourage a letter of recommendation from your employer.

NOTE: All letters must be submitted to AMCAS.