Frequently Asked Questions

 

A Note to 2022-2023 Applicants

In this time of uncertainty related to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, we realize that many of you are facing unexpected circumstances and may need to adjust your plans in preparation for the upcoming cycle.

We understand the challenges many of you are facing with MCAT testing availability and/or current coursework, including the potential shift to alternate grading systems or rubrics. While letter grades for coursework are preferred, we recognize the difficulty this may pose for many. As such, we will accept Pass/No Pass grading for Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, and Spring 2022 coursework. Our Admissions Committee assures that these unforeseen circumstances will be understood in the context of the current situation.

Interview Days will be virtual throughout this application cycle. 

If you have specific questions, as always, our team can be reached at com-admissions@musc.edu.

Are there specific prerequisites for admission to your program?

Although there are no prerequisite courses required, it is strongly recommended that applicants applying should complete two semesters each of: General Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, General Physics, and Biochemistry, also recommended is one semester each of: Introductory Psychology and Introductory Sociology. For additional detail, please view the College of Medicine Entrance Requirements.

What are you looking 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. For additional information, see Applying to Medical School and College of Medicine Technical Standards

Are campus tours offered?

Please see the Visit MUSC College of Medicine page for more information. 

Do you have a regional campus?

Yes. The Primary Care Parallel Track at MUSC AnMed Health Clinical Campus provides comprehensive clinical training for third and fourth year MUSC medical students in Anderson, SC. In addition to the required clerkships and selective opportunities, students in this track engage in enhanced education opportunities with a primary care emphasis. These enhanced experiences include a longitudinal continuity clinic with an underserved population, increased ambulatory experiences during clerkships, longitudinal professor rounds throughout the clinical years, a longitudinal wellness curriculum, service learning activities, and much more.

Do you have to be a science major to get into MUSC College of Medicine?

We strive for a diverse class and welcome all majors as long as your degree is from an accredited college/university. Please see our Entrance Requirements for additional information.

Is there a track for students interested in primary care?

Yes. The Primary Care Parallel Track at MUSC AnMed Health Clinical Campus provides comprehensive clinical training for third and fourth year MUSC medical students in Anderson, SC. In addition to the required clerkships and selective opportunities, students in this track engage in enhanced education opportunities with a primary care emphasis. These enhanced experiences include a longitudinal continuity clinic with an underserved population, increased ambulatory experiences during clerkships, longitudinal professor rounds throughout the clinical years, a longitudinal wellness curriculum, service learning activities, and much more.

Is there a GPA minimum that an applicant must have? What is the average GPA?

There is no minimum GPA set for applicants to apply. However, students with GPAs lower than 3.4 are typically encouraged to complete a graduate degree to become a more competitive applicant. The average GPA for the current class is a 3.7 on a 4.0 scale. Please see our Entrance Requirements for additional information.

What is the minimum and average MCAT score?

South Carolina applicants must score at least a 500 on the MCAT exam to be considered for an interview. Please note, the average MCAT for the current class is 511 with an average cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.7.

Important MCAT Deadlines: The last MCAT test date accepted for Early Decision is July 15, 2023. The last MCAT date accepted for Regular Decision is September 9, 2023. MCAT scores prior to May 2021 will not be accepted for Fall 2024.

Out-of-state applicants must meet the average academic threshold of the current accepted class which consists of a minimum MCAT of 511 and a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.7. Out-of-state applicants must possess strong “South Carolina Close Ties” such as having lived in SC for multiple years, parents who currently live in SC, completed an undergraduate/graduate degree from a SC institution, or currently living in and/or working in South Carolina. Out-of-state applicants will list potential Close Ties to South Carolina within the MUSC secondary application. Please see our Entrance Requirements for additional information.

Do you accept out-of-state applicants?

MUSC College of Medicine is a state-funded institution; therefore, primary consideration is given to in-state applicants. Out-of-state applicants must meet the average academic threshold of the current accepted class which consists of a minimum MCAT of 511 and a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.7. Out-of-state applicants must possess strong “South Carolina Close Ties” such as having lived in SC for multiple years, parents who currently live in SC, completed an undergraduate/graduate degree from a SC institution, or currently living in and/or working in South Carolina. Out-of-state applicants will list potential Close Ties to South Carolina within the MUSC secondary application. Please visit the Office of Enrollment Management SC Residency webpage for more information on SC residency requirements.

Do you accept international applicants?

International applicants to the MD degree program must have a permanent resident visa (green card) in order to be considered for admission.  International applicants may apply to the MSTP (combined MD/PhD degree program) without a permanent resident visa. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) applicants holding DACA status may apply to the MD program and be considered for admission to the College of Medicine under the same policies and procedures as other applicants. Those interested in the MD/PhD program, please visit the MD/PhDApplicant Information webpage or contact Amy Connolly in Graduate Studies (connalla@musc.edu).

What is the procedure for sending international transcripts?

Applicants who have studied or completed degrees at international institutions, please refer to the AMCAS guidelines Applying to Medical School as an International Applicant.

Do you accept transfer students?

Transfer students are very rarely admitted to our institution. Of primary importance, the student must have a “hardship” reason for wishing to attend medical school at MUSC. Those considered must be in good standing at one of the LCME accredited medical schools within the US. They must also have taken, and passed the USMLE Step 1. View the College of Medicine's Transfer Admissions Policy for the MD Program.

Do you offer a secondary application fee waiver?

The MUSC Secondary application fee is waived on a case-by-case basis. Requests can be sent to COM-Admissions@musc.edu for consideration. Please include a copy of your AAMC Fee Assistance Program (FAP) waiver in your request.

What happens after I apply?

After completing your application with AMCAS, a supplemental MUSC application will be sent to you. Please note it can take 4 to 6 weeks for applications to be verified by AMCAS. Your complete application will be reviewed to determine if you are eligible for an interview and, if so, you will be notified of your interview date by e-mail. Early Decision interviews are scheduled for September. In our rolling admissions cycle, regular interviews will continue through March. Please be sure to check your spam folder for any MUSC email communications.

How do I send application updates once I have submitted my AMCAS?

If there is a significant application update such as additional experiences, research, and/or noteworthy accolade that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee, please complete the Admissions Application Update Form. The Admissions Committee will only accept updates submitted before your interview date.

Where can I learn more about COM Admissions Policies?

Please visit the MD Admissions Policies page to learn more.

How much does it cost to attend MUSC College of Medicine? Are scholarships available?

You can find tuition and fees information for the M.D. program through the MUSC Office of Enrollment Management. For more information about scholarship opportunities, please visit the College of Medicine Scholarships page.

Once I get my M.D. degree, am I licensed to practice medicine? What is the difference between licensure and accreditation?”

Please see "Accreditation vs. Licensure to Practice Medicine" for detailed information on this.

What is the mailing address and contact information for the Admissions Office?

College of Medicine Dean's Office
Attn: Admissions
Medical University of South Carolina
96 Jonathan Lucas Street
Suite 601, MSC 617
Charleston, SC 29425

843-792-3283
843-792-0204 (Fax)
COM-admissions@musc.edu

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