Applying to Medical School

To apply to the Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine applicants must first apply through AMCAS, the American Medical College Application Service. Once the verified AMCAS application is received (typically within 4-6 weeks), an automatic email will be sent directing you to the link for the online MUSC Secondary Application, which must be completed for further consideration. Applicants should check their spam folder for any MUSC email communications.

Admissions Snapshot - M.D. Program

What We Look For In an Applicant

We take a holistic approach to our selection process. GPA and MCAT scores are a large factor in obtaining an interview, at which point we are looking for the other traits essential to becoming great physicians. These include personality traits, leadership experience, volunteering, clinical exposure, and shadowing experiences.

Admissions Criteria

Additional Consideration

Adjusted undergraduate GPA, MCAT, accomplishments, and interviews are equally weighted and are the primary factors when evaluating the competitiveness and potential success of an applicant. After consideration of the primary criteria, in an effort to maintain balance within our student body and to ensure a broad representation that reflects our population, we may consider additional traits. Examples include the following:

• Artistic and/or athletic achievements
• Connectivity to South Carolina
• Cultural experiences
• Military service
• Graduate degree(s) and/or post-baccalaureate programs
• Overcoming adversity and/or a disability
• Research
• Rural background
• Significant improvement in coursework
• Work experiences

View Full Application Requirements

International Applicants

International applicants must have a permanent resident visa in order to apply to the regular MD program. This does not apply to those applying to the combined MD/PhD program (MSTP). International applicants to the MD/PhD program are considered with or without a permanent resident visa.

Use of Marijuana and/or CBD Products

Marijuana is a Schedule 1 drug and is illegal to purchase in South Carolina. Apart from a narrow and limited scope of codified/documented medical exceptions, it is illegal for individuals to use marijuana/tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in South Carolina. Although cannabidiol (CBD) products may be purchased and used in South Carolina, please be aware that CBD products may contain higher levels of THC than represented on packaging and use of CBD products can result in a positive drug screen for THC/marijuana. Be aware that current drug testing methods cannot accurately ascertain the origins of THC metabolites (i.e., whether from marijuana or CBD products). Your academic program has the authority to conduct random and/or scheduled drug testing; if your test result is reported as positive for THC metabolites (even if you only used a CBD product), your ability to be accepted into the program, progress in the program, and/or successfully complete the program may be negatively impacted.

Scholarship Eligibility

MUSC offers scholarships for which you may be eligible. Some are awarded based on academic achievement; others are awarded based on community service, for example. However, the majority of scholarships awarded at MUSC are based on financial need. This means those scholarships are only awarded to students who need some financial assistance to cover the cost of tuition and fees. If you would like to be considered for a financial need-based scholarship, you must have an up-to-date Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. Make sure you list Medical University of South Carolina on your FAFSA form, along with MUSC’s code: 003438. We encourage you to submit the FAFSA as early as possible. It is recommended to submit the FAFSA in January if you plan to enroll in the Fall.

Application Deadlines

See the full application timeline