Frequently Asked Questions

Prospective Applicants     Jump to: Current Applicant FAQs

I understand that the med school no longer accepts AP credits for prerequisite courses for 2009. I received AP credit for both general chemistry and general biology.  Do I need to retake those courses? 

No, you are not expected to retake the general courses.  In fact, you are encouraged to take organic chemistry or a more advanced level of biology.

What are the criteria for selection to the University of Minnesota Medical School-Twin Cities?

Critical to an application are the personal statement - highlighting motivation to study medicine, or the influence and connectedness of life experiences; the interview - which assesses the maturity, altruism, and motivation for a career in medicine; community service activity - demonstrating the personal impact of that service on the applicant; and the submission of letters of recommendation. Along with the MCAT scores and the undergraduate grade point average, the criteria listed become a part of the total application package. Decisions on medical school admission are made by a faculty committee.

Although preference is given to legal residents of Minnesota, applicants from other states are encouraged to apply if they can demonstrate a high level of scholastic performance and can show evidence of industriousness, creativity, and motivation for a career in medicine. Please review the selection criteria for admission into the University of Minnesota Medical School - Twin Cities.

What are the requirements to be considered a legal resident of Minnesota?

To be eligible for in-state tuition, you must have resided and worked in minnesota for one y ear without having been a student.  Contact Kay Anderson in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at (612) 625-6330 with residency questions.

Does the University of Minnesota Medical School have an application fee?

Yes.  Applicants are required to return a non-refundable, $75.00 processing fee along with their supplemental application materials. The processing fee is waived for those applicants granted a fee waiver from AMCAS.

What are the oldest MCAT scores that can be considered?

MCAT scores must not be more than three (3) years old.

When is the last time I can take the MCAT for the scores to be considered by the Admissions Committee?

Only MCAT scores from the September session or before will receive consideration.

What are the advantages of applying to the Early Decision Program?

Candidates will be notified of acceptance by October 1. The profile of accepted students is equal to that of those accepted under the Regular Decision process.

Are requests for delayed matriculation considered?

Yes, but only under compelling circumstances.  The Admissions Committee at the University of Minnesota Medical School-Twin Cities does not encourage delayed admission for accepted applicants and is highly selective in approving such requests.

Can I be admitted to matriculate any time other than the fall semester?

No. The starting date for the first-year class is always in August.

Do applicants with science degrees from a particular university have an advantage?

Any four-year, undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university is acceptable. No one degree program or institution is given preference over another.  However, rigor of coursework and competitiveness of undergraduate institution are taken into consideration by the Admissions Committee.

Can I test out of or be exempt from any Medical School courses?

There is no testing out of courses. If you have taken the medical school courses while in graduate school, you must provide us with either transcript proof or a letter from the course director.

If I apply to the University of Minnesota Medical School, does this cover both the Twin Cities and Duluth campuses?

No. The application processes for the Twin Cities and Duluth campuses are independent of one another. Duluth medical students automatically transfer to the Twin Cities campus to complete clinical requirements after successfully completing the basic sciences and Step 1 of the USMLE.

Current Applicants    Jump to: Prospective Applicant FAQs   

What are my responsibilities as a medical school applicant?

As an applicant to an Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) institution, you assume certain responsibilities when it comes to the progression of the application cycle. Please visit http://www.aamc.org/students/applying/policies/applicants.htm in order to review the AAMC recommendations for medical school applicants.

I have some questions concerning the AMCAS application.   What should I do?

First, review the AMCAS FAQs. If your question is not addressed in the FAQs section, you should contact AMCAS directly at amcas@aamc.org or (202) 828-0600.

I’ve submitted my AMCAS application and want to begin soliciting letters of recommendation. How many letters are required?

The Admissions Committee requires either:

  1. - four (4) individual recommendations, submitted separately or collectively in a packet
  2. - evaluation materials/packet from a structured pre-medical committee

Do recommendation letters need to come from specific people?

Recommendations should be requested from people who know you well and can evaluate your intellectual capacity, personal qualities, and performance. Letters do not need to be from specific academic faculty, though these can be particularly valuable to the Admissions Committee. Letters from employers and research/volunteer supervisors are also useful.

The Admissions Committee does not accept letters from individuals writing in their capacity as friends or family acquaintances.

How long do I have to submit letters of recommendation and to complete my supplemental application?

The Office of Admissions will process applications in two waves.  If the online application is completed and all supplemental application materials are received in our office by October 15th, you are considered part of the first wave.  If you do not make the October 15th deadline, you are automatically placed in the second wave.

How will I know if the Office of Admissions has received all of my supplemental application materials?

The online portion of the supplemental application includes a status page that tracks each applicant’s supplemental materials. However, it is an applicant's responsibility to contact the Office of Admissions in order to confirm the status of each item.

If I am asked to complete the University of Minnesota Medical School supplemental application, am I guaranteed an interview?

No. Once all required application materials are compiled, the entire file is reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Upon review, select applicants will be invited to interview with both a medical school faculty member and current medical student.

After my interview, how long will it take to receive a decision from the Admissions Committee?

Applicants in the first wave (see above) will receive word of the Admission Committee’s decision on December 15th.  Applicants in the second wave will receive word on March 15th.

If I am offered a spot in the incoming class, is there anything required of me before I can matriculate?

Yes. You must submit official transcripts from any/all schools you attended by July 1st.  Also, accepted applicants must fulfill the University of Minnesota Academic Health Center's immunization requirements.

I haven't heard anything from the Office of Admissions for quite some time. What should I do?

You are free to check on the status of your application by contacting the Office of Admissions directly at meded@umn.edu or 612-625-7977.