The Application Process

As a member of the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) the University of Minnesota Medical School follows the Association admissions procedures and policies. These regulations are delineated in the Official Guide to Medical School Admissions Requirements and the University of Minnesota Medical School-Twin Cities Catalog. Initiated through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS), two types of applications are considered for admissions to the University of Minnesota Medical School. Both types of applications are reviewed through the same process.

Early Decision Program (EDP) Application

Applicants submitting under this plan must:

  1. apply only to the University of Minnesota Medical School-Twin Cities.
  2. submit an EDP application through AMCAS between June 1 and August 1.
  3. be available for interviews in August and early September.
  4. have an outstanding academic record and excellent MCAT results.

Members of the Admissions Committee review EDP applications and the full Committee makes a final decision in late September. The Committee decision may dictate that an application not accepted through EDP be placed in the regular M.D. application pool for future consideration, or the applicant may be rejected outright. In accordance with AAMC regulations, applicants must receive a decision on their EDP application by October 1.

Regular M.D. Application

Applications submitted under this process are the majority, and are submitted to AMCAS between June 1 and November 15 each year. The applicant arranges to take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) no later than September of the year prior to matriculation. Scores from the MCAT are submitted to AMCAS. These scores, along with the applicant's academic record, a personal statement, and biographical information constitute the primary AMCAS application. Official transcripts from the registrar of each college or university attended must be sent to AMCAS for verification. When the national application service has verified an applicant's course work, the primary AMCAS application is transmitted to the medical school(s) designated by the applicant.

Once the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Office of Admissions obtains a verified AMCAS application, the applicant is notified via email. The verified application is then screened by Admissions staff to determine whether the applicant:

  1. has taken the MCAT at least once with scores no older than three years (scores cannot be older than 2004 for entrance in 2008).
  2. is in compliance with our Reapplication Policy.
  3. is in compliance with our Policy for International Citizens.
  4. will receive a four-year, bachelor’s degree by July 1st of the year of matriculation.

Applicants meeting the above requirements are sent an email invitation to submit the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities supplemental application materials. These supplemental materials include an online application, letters of recommendation, and a non-refundable $75.00 application processing fee.

Once all supplemental application materials are received, the Admissions Committee reviews these materials along with the applicant’s primary AMCAS application. Only qualified applicants are invited to interview with both a medical school faculty member and medical student – please note that not all applicants will be invited to interview. With the two interview reports added to an applicant’s file, the Admissions Committee then evaluates all components of the application and makes a final decision.