Is there a preferred major of study?
We recommend majoring in something you enjoy that also allows you to take necessary science courses. Students enter medical school with a variety of majors; no one major is "better." Further, please know that undergraduate programs have career advisors that can and should give you the direction you need in selecting courses and planning for your future.
What criteria are used to evaluate applicants?
Academic credentials cannot be assessed without the context of a complete application. The admissions committee evaluates each candidate’s academic success (GPA, coursework, MCAT), letters of recommendations, meaningful life experiences, leadership, clinical experiences, research, and demonstrated commitment to medicine. All of those pieces of information factor into decisions to interview and/or accept.
What is the latest MCAT score considered for this year?
MCAT scores are valid for three years. 2004 is the last year considered for applicants applying in 2007 for matriculation in 2008.
When should I take the MCAT?
When you feel most prepared. All students learn differently, and therefore, we encourage students to prepare for the MCAT in the way that suits them best. Some students prefer self-study while others take prep courses. We endorse only the method that works best for you.
Am I at a disadvantage if I take (or retake) the MCAT in September and I am applying that year for medical school?
No. Prior to the computer-based MCAT, many students took the MCAT in August and were not put at a disadvantage. Because most medical schools work on “rolling admissions” it is helpful to complete your AMCAS and secondary applications (including sending letters of recommendation) while you are waiting for your MCAT scores, so as not to delay your application’s review too much.
Will you accept the January 2008 MCAT for the 2007-2008 application year?
No. It is simply too late in our admissions process.
What if I've already taken the MCAT and applied, and then decide to take the January 2008 MCAT? Will you consider those scores?
No. Not for the 2007-2008 application cycle.
How many letters of recommendation are required?
We recommend three to five letters of recommendation from individuals who know the candidate well and who are in a capacity to judge the student’s performance objectively (no family members or friends of family). At least two letters should be from science or research advisors. A premedical committee evaluation will be considered in lieu of the three to five letters required. Letters of recommendation are considered critical to the decision-making process. Confidential letters are highly preferred, and a specific statement that a student is in good standing is also preferred. Commentary on any institutional action taken is desirable, when applicable.
It is acceptable to send your letters before your AMCAS application is received, but please make sure your recommenders include both your name and AAMC ID number in each letter. Please keep in mind that your file will not be considered complete until all letters have been received by the Admissions Committee.
What is the schedule and procedure for the application process? |
Please be sure to review our application procedures carefully. Take special note of the following deadlines, which could jeopardize your application if not followed. Any changes in your status or information (address, email, phone number, etc.) should be reported to our office as well as to AMCAS. We have a rolling admissions process.
- June 1, 2007 - Consideration of preliminary (AMCAS) applications begins.
- November 1, 2007 - Deadline for filing AMCAS application.
- December 15, 2007 - Deadline for submitting electronic secondary application.
- May 2008 - Notify the University Program of your final decision to attend Case (this is earlier than most medical schools because we start course work July 2008). You may remain on schools' alternate lists.
- July 2008- Classes begin
How long after I submit my AMCAS application will I receive word about my secondary application?
Approximately two weeks after the verified AMCAS application is received by our admissions office all applicants will receive an invitation to complete our secondary application. The email contains a unique URL and password that will allow you to access our iApply system. We suggest that you complete your secondary as soon as possible, but do not sacrifice quality for an immediate completion. Detailed instructions about completing the secondary applications are provided online.
Does the School of Medicine give preference to Ohio residents?
No.
What is tuition for 2007?
$41,500 |
What is the grading system?
Pass/fail in the first eighteen months of didactic coursework. In the third and fourth year clinical rotations, students are given more formative assessments as Honors, Commendable, Satisfactory, and Unsatisfactory.
Does the School of Medicine accept AP credits for premedical requirements?
Yes, AP credits are acceptable for mathematics, physics, and general chemistry. They are not accepted for organic chemistry or biology. If a student does have AP biology credits, they must complete two upper level biology courses to complete their premedical requirements. We do advise that if you are non-science major you complete some upper level science courses in order to demonstrate to the Admissions Committee a mastery of the more difficult sciences.
Are laboratory courses considered prerequisites for the School of Medicine?
Laboratory courses are considered prerequisites. Most premedical courses have laboratory components that enhance and reinforce students’ knowledge of the scientific topic, and may be helpful in preparing for the MCAT and for the basic sciences in medical school. Further, many schools require laboratory work to complete the requirements in a specific major.
Does the School of Medicine accept premedical requirements that were taken at community colleges?
Not usually. We strongly discourage students from taking ALL of their science pre-requisites at a community college.
Is the waiting list “ranked?”
No.
Is a deposit required?
No. |
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How do I apply for a Dual Degree? |
Several joint degree programs are offered in conjunction with the medical degree. The MSTP application is included in the secondary application. Applicants applying to other joint degree programs must submit separate applications to the School of Medicine and to the school that will grant the second degree. This means that applicants must meet the application requirements of each school. Typically, students wait to hear if they have been accepted to the medical school before they pursue a second degree application. Accepted students’ applications to second degree programs are usually expedited.
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Is research experience necessary for an applicant applying to the School of Medicine? |
Research experience is not a requirement for the University Program, but does enhance an application to any medical school. Research is broadly defined as "scholarly work" and can be in a wide variety of disciplines. If you have no research experience, simply state “none” when asked about it on your secondary application.
Some prior research experience in a medical or non-medical field is a requirement for the College program, based at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, and the Medical Scientist Training Program (MD/PhD), since these programs are designed to train clinician investigators/scientists.
What is the MD research thesis for the University Program?
Research, scholarship and an environment of scientific inquiry and curiosity is embedded throughout the four-year curriculum. All types of research are encouraged. Research opportunities in basic, translational, clinical and population-based science are numerous. Research programs investigating disease at the molecular and cellular levels exist within both the basic science and clinical departments. Students select mentors from CWRU faculty based at the School of Medicine, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, the Cleveland Clinic, MetroHealth Medical Center and the Louis Stokes VA Medical Center. The thesis project can involve collaborations with others outside the University, but a CWRU faculty member must be involved in the project. Time and preparation for selection of a thesis project will be ample and does not reduce clinical experiences. Beginning in the third year, four-month block of dedicated time is incorporated into the curriculum for the thesis project, but temporal placement in the curriculum is flexible to accommodate the needs of students. The thesis is not a masters level work, but many students will conduct research of that depth and quality. Review of the thesis is done by the student's mentor and the Office of Medical Student Research. The Office of Medical Student Research also assists students in their thesis efforts.
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How many students are accepted annually? |
135-145 to the University Program, 32 students to the College Program and 10-15 to the Medical Scientist Training Program. |
Does the School of Medicine accept international students?
The School of Medicine will consider a candidate from an institution outside the United States if he/she completes one or two years of science coursework in an accredited four year college or university in this country (Canadian universities are acceptable) and demonstrates the ability to perform well in the United States academic environment.
Since the number of qualified applicants from the United States alone far exceeds the number of places available, international applicants generally are not encouraged to seek admission to U.S. medical schools. Of the 16,648 students enrolled in freshman classes in U.S. medical schools in 2004 only 1.3 percent were non U.S. citizens and most of these students had permanent resident status. Historically, 1-3 international students matriculate at the School of Medicine annually. Note should be paid to the limitations on resources available for financial aid to students who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States. Most medical schools, including the School of Medicine, require proof of payment up front for 2 years. International students often take loans to cover costs, and these must be cosigned by a US citizen. This does not always pertain to Canadian students.
The requirements for acceptance to medical school are listed in the Medical School Admissions Requirements (MSAR) handbook, which you can get from the American Association of Medical Colleges (aamc.org). We require the MCAT from all applicants. More details for acceptance into American medical schools can be found at the AAMC.
Does the School of Medicine have an early decision program?
No.
Does the School of Medicine accept transfer students?
No. Because of unique features in the Western Reserve2 Curriculum, students in advanced standing cannot be accepted as transfer students.
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