Medical admissions committees assess the biographical information provided by the applicant and the academic record from the undergraduate school(s) attended. Of particular importance are:

• grade point averages (GPA),
• scores on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT),
• health-related experiences and service activities,
• letters of evaluation,
• and interviews.

Admissions committees assess academic performance in light of cumulative and science GPAs, subjects and credit hours completed, rigor of the baccalaureate program, and upward trends in performance. For example: a weak first-year followed by strong performance in advanced coursework is preferred over variable or declining performance. A competitive academic record is expected as evidence of excellent ability and motivation!

The application process requires 12-15 months with applications opening each year in early May  Although closing deadlines are not until September - December, you should apply in early summer due to the application verification and rolling admission cycle.

With regard to the MCAT, students should have completed pre-requisite courses in biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, physics, psychology, and sociology. Thus, if a student’s goal is to graduate after four years and matriculate in medical school upon graduation (“direct-entry” applicant), then the MCAT and Medical School application(s) need to be completed during the summer following the third year. A pre-med student who chooses to pursue this timeline will experience a highly structured and demanding program. Many students choose to extend their preparation timeline so as to strengthen all of the elements of their application.

Please refer to the Med/Dent Timeline for more details. 

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is required for admission to US medical schools. What are considered “competitive” MCAT scores vary among schools and with applicant populations, therefore, it is important to consult the Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR) for up-to-date school-specific information. You can find the MCAT Testing Calendar and Score Release Dates online.

It is advised that applicants should complete the MCAT by April prior to the application cycle beginning in May. The test consists of four sections: 

1. Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
2. Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
3. Psychological, Social and Biological Foundation of Behavior
4. Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills

The best study plan is one that is tailored to your personal learning style and schedule. To that end, AAMC provides a five-step guide, developed by the MCAT team at the AAMC, to help you create your own study plan.

JMU School of Professional and Continuing Education and the office of Pre-Professional Health Advising have established an educational partnership with Kaplan Test Prep Services to offer discounted MCAT test prep services. To learn more, click here!

There are many types of test preparation resources that vary in cost and approach. Pre-Health Advisors do not endorse any of the providers below, but are happy to speak with you about how you might identify the style of preparation that best fits your needs.

All medical schools require submission of letters of evaluation (LOE) as part of the application. JMU students and alumni are encouraged to utilize the PPH Evaluation Service to assemble a Letter Packet that will fulfill the requirement of all U.S. allopathic and osteopathic medical schools (for information please contact us at pph@jmu.edu).