Information for Prospective Students
Since most medical schools require four years of college (a few require only three), applying to medical school is something that you would do no earlier than your junior year of college.
Here's some information to help you chart your undergraduate course and prepare for medical school.
What is the best undergraduate program for a student planning to go to medical school?
The medical profession welcomes and needs people with different educational talents and interests. All medical students need aptitude and a strong background in the natural sciences. In addition, medical schools want to be sure that medical students have studied social sciences, humanities, communications skills and, increasingly, computer skills. Most medical schools have very few specific requirements (usually amounting to approximately 25% of the total undergraduate curriculum) so that potential students will have freedom to follow their individual interests in choosing an undergraduate curriculum.
Approximately half of all applicants to medical school major in the biological sciences. Many students also major in the physical sciences (chemistry, engineering, physics, mathematics, etc.) and many students major in non-science subjects (sociology, political science, history, economics, art, etc.). These students have as good a chance of getting into medical school as biological science majors. The concept of a specific "Pre-Med Program" has become obsolete.
Students interested in medicine should choose an undergraduate program that not only includes the courses required for medical school admission, but that also interests and challenges them.
Do you have to be a straight "A" student in order to be admitted to medical school?
A strong academic record is needed to prove that you can cope with the rigorous academic curriculum of medical school. Most students admitted to WWAMI have a cumulative grade point average of more than 3.5. However, students with lower grade point averages are occasionally admitted if they demonstrate unique and original accomplishments that show they would do well in medical school.
Just as important in the medical school admissions process as evidence of scholastic success are other attributes such as evidence of curiosity and initiative, evidence of compassion and concern for the welfare of human beings, and evidence that the student's interest in medicine is genuine.
What are my chances of being accepted into medical school?
Nationwide, approximately three people apply for each available place in American medical schools.
How soon do I have to decide whether or not I want to go to medical school?
Many students choose to enter medical school as soon as they have completed their college education. In that situation, the decision to apply to medical school must be made by the spring of the student's junior year. However, many students decide to go to medical school many years after they have completed their undergraduate education.
The average age of students entering the WWAMI Program is approximately 25, and each year some of the 20 entering WWAMI students are more than 30 years old. Evidence of maturity is one of the things that medical school admissions committees look for in their selection of medical students.
Summer Medical Education Program
- Consider participating in the Summer Medical Education Program at the University of Washington.
- It is a six-week academic and participatory experience for talented, under-represented students with an interest in medicine or dentistry.
Other Information
- Housing: WSU Spokane students are responsible for finding their housing. Student tips.
- UW Medicine student handbook
Contact Us
WWAMI Medical Education Program
Hours: M–F, 8 am–5 pm
Telephone: 509.358.7517
Fax: 509.358.7627
Email: kmhoffman@wsu.edu
UW Admissions
UW
School of Medicine
Office Of Admissions
Box 356340
Seattle, WA 98195-6340
Phone: 206.543.7212
askuwsom@u.washington.edu