College of Medicine Entrance Requirements

Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores

Applicants must complete the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). A minimum MCAT score of 500 is required to be eligible for interview consideration.

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.

For MCAT information and resources, please visit the AAMC Applying to Medical School: Prepare for the MCAT Exam.

Recommended Coursework

Although no prerequisite courses are required, in order to perform successfully in our curriculum, MUSC strongly recommends that the following courses be completed at the time of matriculation:

  • 2 semesters General Biology with lab
  • 2 semesters General Inorganic Chemistry with lab
  • 1 to 2 semesters Organic Chemistry with lab
  • 1 to 2 semesters Physics with lab

MUSC also suggests that coursework exposing students to the following disciplines may be useful:

  • Biochemistry
  • Anatomy
  • Cell Biology
  • Embryology
  • Genetics
  • Physiology
  • Immunology
  • Statistics
  • College level Mathematics
  • Courses involving intensive writing experiences

Online courses from an accredited college or university may be acceptable. However, applicants who have successfully completed science coursework in a formal classroom setting will be deemed more competitive in the selection process than students who completed these courses in online programs.

The Office of Admissions does not directly accept or process transcripts. All transcripts must be submitted through AMCAS.

At least ninety semester hours (minimum of 3 years of college work) are required.  Applicants must have (1) A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree or the equivalent from an accredited institution at the time of matriculation, or (2) be accepted, at the time of application, into a joint baccalaureate-MD program developed in cooperation with MUSC. Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) credits may be used to satisfy semester hour requirements as long as the courses appear on, and are awarded credit hours on the official transcript from the undergraduate institution awarding a degree. Online courses from an accredited college or university may be acceptable. However, applicants who have successfully completed science coursework in a formal classroom setting will be deemed more competitive in the selection process then students who completed these courses in online programs.

Letters of Recommendation

In addition to completing the AMCAS application and the MUSC Supplemental application, at least three (3) letters of recommendation must be submitted on your behalf with a maximum of 5 letters permitted. If your college/university pre-med office prepares a committee letter or packet, this will complete the requirement. Applicants without a premed committee packet or non-traditional applicants, should include at least one letter from a faculty member (preferably a science faculty member) and two letters from other faculty or individuals who can provide in-depth evaluation and recommendation. A variety of letters may be submitted on your behalf such as undergraduate or graduate-level faculty members (preferably a science member), professional mentors, supervisors/employers, physicians you have worked with or shadowed, etc.

Letters of recommendation must be submitted through the AMCAS Letters Service by using AMCAS Letter Writer Application, Interfolio, mail and/or VirtualEvals. Please ensure all letters are submitted to AMCAS through one or more of the above mediums. Only letters submitted through this service will be included in your application for review by our admissions committee. The Office of Admissions does not accept or process letters of recommendation outside of your AMCAS application.

Maximum Applications

An applicant may apply for admission to the Medical University of South Carolina a maximum of three times (effective beginning with the 2020-21 application cycle). Exceptions may be granted under exceptional circumstances by the Associate Dean of Admissions only when a previous applicant demonstrates substantial change in their qualifications. Additional academic degrees, repeated MCAT testing, additional coursework, and other attempts to improve the applicants perceived academic  performance would not constitute substantial change as applicants are expected to have demonstrated their academic potential during their prior application attempts.

Language Proficiency

The ability to communicate effectively in English including the ability to read, write, and speak the language fluently is vital to your success as a medical student at MUSC. Applicants are therefore expected to demonstrate proficiency in English

Technical Standards

Final acceptance and matriculation into the College of Medicine is contingent upon the applicant’s ability to satisfy the College of Medicine’s Technical Standards for Admission, Retention, and Graduation with or without accommodations.

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/PhD Applicant Information webpage or contact Amy Connolly in Graduate Studies.

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

Transfer Policy

The College of Medicine does not accept students with advance standing. The College of Medicine accepts transfer students only under rare circumstances specified in the Transfer Admissions Policy for the MD Degree Program, which is linked here for potential applicants for transfer, their advisors, and for public information.

 

Admissions Policies

 Learn more about MD Program Admissions Policies.

Additional Information & Forms