Learn about the academic requirements and letters of recommendation needed to apply to become a medical student at the MU School of Medicine.
Eligibility
Applicant must be a United States citizens or a permanent resident. If you meet the requirements, go to our Medical School Application Process.
Academic Requirements for Entering Class 2025
Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)
All MD, MD-PhD, and Early Decision applicants must have completed the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). MCAT must be taken between January 2021 and September 2024. To be considered for entry in 2025, applicants must provide scores from exams administered through September 2024. Candidates must earn an MCAT score of at least 494 to be considered.
Undergraduate Coursework
Applicants must have completed at least 90 semester hours from a U.S. college or university. All required coursework must also be taken at a U.S. college or university.
Required coursework with a grade of C- or better:
- College English composition or writing intensive, six credit hours or one year
- Mathematics (college algebra or above), three credit hours or one semester*
- Biologic sciences (e.g., biology, genetics, cell biology, animal physiology, molecular biology, histology), six credit hours or one year
- Chemistry (through organic chemistry), twelve credit hours or two years
- General physics, six credit hours or one year
Recommended coursework beyond introductory science courses:
- Biochemistry, three to six credit hours or one semester to one year
- Biology, three to six credit hours or one semester to one year
- Chemistry, three to six credit hours or one semester to one year
- Statistics, three credit hours or one semester
The Dean of Student Affairs and the Office of Admissions can review applications that do not meet our standard course requirements and determine if the coursework meets the academic-equivalent qualifications for incoming students.
Undergraduate Grade Point Average
All applicants must have an overall cumulative GPA of a 3.0 or higher. The Admissions Committee will not consider applicants with either a science cumulative or an overall cumulative GPA of less than 3.0, unless the applicant also has significant post-baccalaureate or graduate coursework. We highly recommend at least 15 credit hours be taken in post-baccalaureate or graduate work if undergrad GPA is under a 3.0.
If an applicant's undergraduate math/science GPA is below 3.0, then the graduate or post-baccalaureate coursework needs to be taken in the math/science areas to show that the applicant knows the subject matter. To learn more about what the AAMC classifies as math and sciences courses, visit their website: AMCAS Course Classification Guide.
A competitive applicant would need to have well above the minimum in either their MCAT score or GPA. Meeting only the minimum requirements in both areas is unlikely to result in a successful application.
Out-of-State Applications
Applicants who do not have a legal residence of Missouri on their AMCAS application are welcome to apply. Since the MU School of Medicine is a state funded university, the majority of accepted students (around 80-85%) will have a legal residence of Missouri. Due to a high number of out-of-state applications, OOS applicants must meet the following MCAT and undergraduate cumulative GPA combinations to be considered.
| MCAT Score | Undergraduate Cumulative GPA |
|---|---|
| 494 – 497 | 3.80 or greater |
| 498 – 501 | 3.60 or greater |
| 502 – 505 | 3.40 or greater |
| 506 – 509 | 3.20 or greater |
| 510 - 528 | 3.00 or greater |
If an applicant has taken significant post-baccalaureate or graduate coursework, the graduate cumulative GPA will be considered individually if the above combinations are not met. If applicants meet the academic requirements above, they will be emailed an Out-Of-State form (no cost), this form determines the applicants' ties to the state of Missouri. If the Out-Of-State form is approved, a secondary application will be provided.
Early Decision MD Applications
To apply for the early-decision program, candidates must have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.75. Applicants with lower GPAs who have successfully completed relevant graduate-level coursework may be considered.
Those applying to the early-decision program must have an MCAT score of at least 508. Candidates must also be Missouri residents.
MD-PhD Applications
If you are interested in applying to our MD-PhD program, all admissions requirements and application deadlines are the same as the MD program, including the academic requirements for non-Missouri residents. We do not offer an early decision program for MD-PhD applicants.
Letters of Evaluation
The University of Missouri School of Medicine participates in the AMCAS Letter Service. Evaluation letters are accepted only through the AMCAS Letter Service. Evaluation letters sent directly to our medical school will not be accepted. Please visit the AMCAS website to learn how to submit letters of evaluation to the University of Missouri School of Medicine.
Applicants should submit three letters of evaluation. Additional letters beyond the three required may be submitted to supplement or validate other aspects of your candidacy, but no more than six letters.
Traditional Applicants
One letter from a professor who taught and issued the applicant a grade is required. It is strongly recommended that the letter from a professor who issued a grade be from science faculty. Letters from teaching assistants will not satisfy this requirement. Applicants may submit a pre-med committee or composite letter in lieu of the three individual letters.
Non-Traditional Applicants
If the applicant has completed an undergraduate degree before September 2022, please have three letters of evaluation sent from individuals who are familiar with the applicant's recent scientific work, study experience, or professional experience.
The Admissions Process
The Admissions Screening Committee is comprised of faculty who screen initial applications and determine the best candidates to invite for interviews. The MCAT results and academic record assist the committee in evaluating an individual’s aptitude for medical education. Equally important, however, are the applicant’s personal characteristics and experiences related to health care. We take a holistic approach to admissions and evaluate the entire application; academics, Missouri affiliation, personal statement, altruism and leadership experiences, health care experiences, research, as well the applicant’s experiences that demonstrate an appreciation of social factors that influence health. All of those areas will be reviewed to determine who receives an interview invite.
Once an applicant is offered an interview, they will then be interviewed by a member of the Admissions Committee which is comprised of students, faculty, and alumni. The Admissions Committee uses letters of evaluation, pre-medical community and educational activities, and the interview to assess the extent to which the applicant has the personal characteristics and knowledge of health care to adequately commit to a lifelong career as a patient-centered physician. The Admissions Committee will determine if an applicant will be admitted, on the alternate list, or denied once all the interviews are completed.
MD-PhD applicants will be offered admission based on a decision from both the MD and PhD Admissions Committees, and will only be considered for the MD-PhD dual program.
