Studying medicine in the USA
In the USA, medicine is studied as a postgraduate, after you finish an undergraduate degree. You usually study towards a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree for four years.
Usually, you apply through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS).
The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) gives advice on applying to medical school.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements differ by university, so you should check what they are for the universities you want to apply to. You should also check whether they will accept a non-US undergraduate degree.
The AAMC provides an online database of medical school admission requirements.
Academic
You will need an undergraduate degree, usually in the Sciences.
Some universities accept non-science undergraduate degrees if you have taken specific science modules, such as in biology, chemistry, or neuroscience.
Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
You will need to take the multiple-choice Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). This tests your critical thinking skills and knowledge of biology and chemistry.
You should prepare and practise for the MCAT before sitting it. You should also sit the MCAT the year before you plan to start studying medicine. Note that medical schools usually don’t accept MCAT scores older than three years.
There are testing locations in the UK, with dates available throughout the year. Visit the AAMC website to find out scheduled dates.
The Medic Portal has more information about the MCAT.
Skills and work experience
You should try to develop the skills a doctor is expected to have. These include:
- empathy
- communication
- active listening
- being responsible for others.
You can develop these by doing things like:
- shadowing a healthcare professional in a clinical setting
- working in a healthcare setting, including administrative or assistant roles
- volunteering for a healthcare charity
- working with vulnerable people.
The AAMC has more information about getting experience.
Applying
You apply through AMCAS, unless you’re applying to universities in Texas, which use the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS). AMCAS and TMDSAS send your application to each university you want to study at.
Your application must include your:
- personal information
- academic transcript
- letters of recommendation (references)
- personal statement
- MCAT scores.
After they receive your application, some universities may ask you to complete a secondary application. They send this directly to you.
Interviews
If you are successful in the application stage, you will be invited to an interview.
Interviews can be in person or online. They can be one-to-one, group, or multiple mini interviews (MMIs).
The AAMC has more information on the types of interviews.