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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 .

The gives advice on . 

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 .

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 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 .

The Medic Portal has .

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 .

Applying

You apply through , unless you’re applying to universities in Texas, which use the . 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 .

Additional resources

  • (The Medic Portal)