Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Questions?
UW School of Medicine and Public Health Admissions
(608) 263-4925
medadmissions@
med.wisc.edu
Here are some frequently asked questions about the MD Program admissions process at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in Madison.
The questions are divided into the following categories:
- Pre-Medicine Course Requirements
- MCATs and GPA
- Letters of Recommendation
- Facts and Figures
- Residency and Citizenship
Pre-Medicine Course Requirements
1. Do we accept AP or CLEP credit?
Yes, these credits may satisfy our pre-medicine course requirements for basic sciences, mathematics, and statistics. However, it may be in your best interest to also enroll in some of these courses in your college or university in order to be better prepared for the rigors of medical school. Your transcript must list the specific subject areas in which you received AP or CLEP credit.
2. Can I apply if I have not yet completed all of my pre-medicine course requirements?
These course requirements need not be completed prior to submitting your application, but it is expected that if you are admitted, all requirements be met by the time of matriculation.
3. Do I need a bachelor's degree in order to attend your medical school?
Applicants to the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (UW SMPH) must have earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university before starting the MD program. The degree may be earned in any discipline. Only outstanding undergraduate applicants will be considered without earning a bachelor's degree.
MCATs and GPA
4. What MCAT score and grade point average is required for admission?
At the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, the minimum scores on the MCAT required for consideration are 7 in verbal reasoning, 7 in physical sciences, and 8 in biological sciences, and an undergraduate grade point average of 2.8/4.0. Those not meeting these requirements have their applications reviewed for evidence of other significant achievements, and may still be invited to submit our secondary application.
5. When is the best time to take the MCAT?
The best time to take the MCAT is when you are well-prepared to do so. It is best to have allowed yourself plenty of time to study and prepare for the MCAT. Further, your scores on the MCAT reflect not only intelligence, but also knowledge. If you have not taken most of your required pre-medicine course requirements, you will need to study certain subject areas independently so that you will be adequately prepared. For applicants applying for admission in 2012, the MCAT must have been taken no earlier than 2008 and not later than September 10, 2011.
6. What about multiple MCAT scores? Which score is considered?
We have numerous members on our admissions committee. Some members consider the most recent score only. Others will consider the strongest sub-scores from multiple tests. In any case, committee members will be able to see scores from all of the MCAT tests you have taken recently.
7. Are my MCAT scores and grade point average competitive for the UW School of Medicine and Public Health?
The average MCAT score for our most recent entering class was 31. The average science grade point average was a 3.67 for science courses, and 3.71 overall. Please note that the committee also looks at many factors other than the MCAT and grade point averages. For further information, please refer to our Selection Criteria. The numbers cited above are for general reference only.
8. How long are my MCAT scores valid?
MCAT scores are valid for four years. For applicants applying for admission in 2012, the MCAT must have been taken no earlier than 2008.
Letters of Recommendation
9. How do I submit letters of recommendation?
All letters must be submitted via the AMCAS letter service. During the AMCAS application process, there will be a section asking for your letter of recommendation information. Please consult AMCAS instructions for additional details. We will not accept any letters of recommendation sent directly to our office.
10. What if I have more than four letters of recommendation?
Our admissions committee members will read a minimum of four letters. We cannot guarantee whether additional letters will be read.
11. Can a TA/graduate student instructor write an academic letter for me?
Yes, but our admissions committee prefers letters written by experienced faculty members at the level of associate professor or professor. If you must have a TA/graduate student instructor write a letter for you, it is advisable to have this letter cosigned by the supervising faculty member.
12. If I work in a lab under a doctor or professor, would a letter written by this individual be considered an academic or non-academic letter?
This is your choice, depending on many factors - whether you did the research for a grade, whether you were employed, or both. Typically this type of letter could be considered either academic or non-academic. In any case, the letter writer should be able to comment on your personality, your work ethic, and your research skills.
13. What if I cannot get three academic letters because I am not currently a student, or if I have been out of school for a while?
If you are able to submit one or two academic letters, this would be helpful. Other letters should be more recent and can be from supervisors, volunteer coordinators, etc. The letter writer should know you well and comment on your personal qualities and characteristics.
Facts and Figures
14. How many applications do you receive?
We receive approximately 4,000 applications per year.
15. How many applicants get invited to interview?
Between 500-600 applicants receive an interview.
16. How many spaces are reserved for non-resident applicants?
Approximately 20-25 percent of our entering class will be made up of non-residents. As a state institution, we give preference to Wisconsin residents.
Residency and Citizenship
17. How do I acquire Wisconsin state residency if I was not born in Wisconsin, or did not attend a high school in Wisconsin?
There are several requirements that you will need to meet in order to establish Wisconsin residency for tuition purposes. The Office of the Registrar will make your final residency determination. For further details, please see Wisconsin Residency Information for MD Admission.
18. Do you consider international applicants?
We consider U.S., citizens or permanent residents only. Permanent residents must have evidence that final legal approval for permanent residence has been granted at the time that the AMCAS is submitted.