Preparing for Medical School
Embarking on the path to medical school involves careful preparation for the application process.
At Wayne State University School of Medicine, our approach revolves around holistic evaluation. We consider a multitude of aspects in the review, encompassing GPA, MCAT scores, health and patient care involvements, community service, employment, and a spectrum of activities and experiences. We delve beyond exam scores and transcripts, examining intangible attributes. As you venture into the application phase, note that we do not impose any minimum GPA or MCAT score requirements. Your journey is unique, and we're committed to understanding the entirety of your potential.
Pre-med advising and information sessions
Wayne State University's Pre-Med and Health Advising Center provides prerequisite advising, academic support and professional development strategies for all Wayne State University students pursuing admission to competitive health care programs.
Selection Factors
The Wayne State University School of Medicine evaluates candidates through a holistic admission process. In addition to fulfillment of all admission requirements, your entire record, including grade-point average, Medical College Admission Test scores, recommendations and interview results, will be considered. The Admission Committee uses this process to evaluate your personality, maturity, character and suitability for a career in medicine.
Relevant Experience
Prior experience in the health care field is a desirable characteristic and improves your chances of being admitted to the Wayne State University School of Medicine.
Percentage of accepted applicants with relevant experience:
- 87 percent Non-medical/clinical community service or volunteer experience
- 90 percent Medical/clinical community service or volunteer experience
- 1 percent Military service
- 56 percent Medical/clinical paid employment
Matriculant MCAT scores and GPA scores for the 2022 entering class
| Type | Accepted scores ranging from the 10th to 90th percentile | Median | National median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall GPA | 3.53-3.99 | 3.83 | 3.82 |
| Science GPA | 3.43-4.00 | 3.77 | 3.77 |
| MCAT total score* | 504-518 | 513 | 512 |
| CPBS | 125-130 | 128 | 128 |
| CARS | 124-130 | 126 | 127 |
| BBLS | 126-131 | 128 | 128 |
| PSBB | 127-131 | 129 | 129 |
Additional resources
- Prospective student resources Wayne State University School of Medicine
- Preparing for medical school American Medical Association
- American Association of Medical Colleges Aspiring Docs program
- American Medical Student Association
M.D. Admissions Requirements
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Admission eligibility
To be eligible to apply for admission to the Wayne State University School of Medicine, you must have completed a bachelor's degree including all Medical School pre-requisites and you must be:
- A U.S. citizen
- A U.S. permanent resident
- A Canadian citizen
- OR - - Any student who has completed a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree at Wayne State University regardless of citizenship.
We do not accept transfer students to Wayne State University School of Medicine M.D. program.
As a state-supported school, the Wayne State University School of Medicine gives preference to Michigan residents, but out-of-state applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.
The M.D. Program Office of Admissions will use the Residency Classification from your AMCAS application to determine your residency.
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Coursework
Specific coursework is required for admission. In unusual instances and at the discretion of the Admission Committee, you may be granted a waiver for certain course requirements, provided you have an exceptional academic record. Waivers must be requested in writing once an offer of acceptance is extended.
Regardless of your field of study, your premedical coursework must include:
- Two semesters of general biology
- Two semesters of general/inorganic chemistry
- Two semesters of organic chemistry
- Two semesters of physics
- One semester of writing
- One laboratory in biology, chemistry or physics
*Labs not required, but highly recommended.
The Admission Committee strongly recommends and will give consideration for the following courses:
- Biochemistry
- Statistics
- Medical ethics
- Mathematics
- Social science
- Upper-level biology
Advanced Placement courses will be accepted, but we recommend taking advanced level basic science courses at the college level to enhance your academic record.
Community college coursework will be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
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International coursework
If your academic record includes courses taken outside the United States, you must have completed two years of coursework, including the prerequisite courses, at a U.S. or Canadian college.
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Online courses and pre-requisites
Colleges and universities nationwide are offering a pass/fail or credit/no credit option in addition to transitioning to online platforms. For any pre-requisite coursework, we strongly recommend that you do not take these courses online. However, we will be flexible if no in-person courses are available at your home institution.
For all courses, Strong candidates will select courses to be graded as opposed to P/F if the option is available.