How To Study Medicine in the USA for International Students

How To Study Medicine in the USA

Are you thinking of how to study medicine in the USA as an international student?

If your dream is to save lives and people, and you would love to get quality education of world standard, you may want to consider studying medicine in the United States of America.

In this article will highlight in simple terms, the requirements as well as a step-by-step guide on how to study medicine in the USA as an international student.


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How To Study Medicine in the USA: An Overview

Are you thinking of leaving your home country to study medicine in the United States?

Many international students have the dream of not only studying but also practicing medicine in the U.S. as the country is home to several hundred world-class medical schools.

Unlike in the UK, studying Medicine in the USA is only available as a postgraduate option, so you can start a Medicine programme after you complete a four-year pre-med degree in a subject like Biology, Chemistry or Neuroscience.

To apply to medical schools, candidates will have to sit the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). This MCAT Score alongside your degree transcript, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and other experiences will be put together in your application to a school of medicine.

Interestingly, students with degrees in social sciences and humanities can also proceed to medical schools in the USA provided they can show that they have completed the preliminary coursework including Mathematics, English,  Chemistry, Physics, and Biology.

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Which Schools Offers Medicine In the USA?

The United States is home to over 1000 universities, each offering varieties of undergraduate and graduate courses. 

For international students seeking how to study medicine in the USA, there are 172 medical schools to choose from.

That said, the number of medical schools for international students in the USA is likely to grow in the coming years as the U.S. faces a shortage of qualified doctors

These medical schools offer either a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree provided they meet the admission criteria.

List of Medical Schools in the USA for International Students

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, 48 international schools of medicine acept international students. These are;

School Number of International Students Acceptance Rate for International Students Tuition Fee for International Students
Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University NR NR $63,924
Alpert Medical School at Brown University NR 0.70% $70,491
Boston University School of Medicine 7,000 1.34% $69,806
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine NR NR $69,712
Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science NR  NR $67,072
Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons 11,847 0.2% $70,339
Creighton University School of Medicine 200 NR $64,996
Duke University School of Medicine NR 61.8%* $67,294
Emory University School of Medicine 10-15  NR $55,864
Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth 360 NR $73,659
Georgetown University School of Medicine NR  1.03% $67,875
George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences NR 35% $64,870
Harvard Medical School 9% of the student body 1.63%  $70,709
Howard University College of Medicine NR 36% $49,862
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai 309 NR $63,462
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine 1.6% of the student body NR $62,397
Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University 2.9% of the student body NR $64,494
Loma Linda University School of Medicine 18 and 22% of the student body NR $61,600
Mayo Medical School NR NR $60,400
Medical College of Wisconsin 5% of the student body 2.3% $61,765
Michigan State University College of Human Medicine NR 0.16% $60,008
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine 6 0% $69,658
Oakland University School of Medicine 220 4.8% $56,522
Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine 7,616 NR $54,473
Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania NR  0.16% $69,231
Rutgers Johnson Medical School NR NR $70,828
Stanford University School of Medicine 13% of the student body 8% $69,239
State University of New York Upstate Medical University NR NR $69,867
Stony Brook University School of Medicine 3% of the student body NR $73,206
Tulane University School of Medicine 1,335 NR $70,492
University of California Davis School of Medicine 1-2 46% $58,144
University of California Los Angeles Geffen School of Medicine 2.2% of the student body NR $55,971
University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine 2% of the student body NR $62,439
University of Connecticut School of Medicine 3,400 NR $79,996
University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine NR NR $76,765
University of Kentucky College of Medicine 31% of the student body NR $73,854
University of Maryland School of Medicine 3% of the student body NR  $76,445
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine 1 NR $65,284
University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry 272 4.54% $67,198
University of Utah School of Medicine NR  NR  $80,511
University of Virginia School of Medicine 5% of the student body NR  $62,360
Vanderbilt School of Medicine 3% of the student body 1.1% $65,259
Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine NR NR $68,480
Wayne State University School of Medicine NR NR $68,732
Weill Cornell Medical College 3% of the student body NR $68,620
West Virginia University School of Medicine NR NR $66,324
Yale School of Medicine 2 1.5%

source: inspiraadvantage.com

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Admission Requirements for Studying Medicine in the USA

International students planning to study medicine in the USA must have the following;

  • a four-year pre-medical undergraduate degree in a relevant field
  • a good and competitive MCAT Score
  • scientific background knowledge in areas of chemistry and biology.

Several medical schools have specific requirements, you are advised to visit their individual portals to find more information.

For example, the University of California requires that Medicine candidates study general Chemistry for one year with laboratory, organic Chemistry for a minimum of two quarters, Physics for one year with laboratory and General Biology for a minimum of one year with laboratory, including the study of vertebrae zoology.

They also state that students who chose to major in the Humanities or Social Sciences are also expected to take these science courses. To check the requirements of the medical school you’re applying to, review their website.

What Is The MCAT?

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is the required entry test for most Canadian and American medical colleges.

MCAT is a multiple-choice, computer-based test that assesses the knowledge of the applicant in various subjects, as well as their skills and readiness for medical school.

How To Register for the MCAT

Registration for the MCAT is done on the Association of American Medical Colleges website.

You can select your desired test date during your registration from the various available dates throughout the year.

  • How Much is MCAT Registration?

The registration fee for citizens of Canada/US is $330, while international students are required to pay $450 during registration.

There is a Fee Assistance Program to help applicants with the registration cost.

  • How many questions are asked in the MCAT?

There are four components to the MCAT, all of which include multiple choice questions.

  1. Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems – Consists of 44 questions based on passages of text and 15 independent questions.
  2. Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems – Consists of 44 questions based on passages of text and 15 independent questions.
  3. Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of Behaviour – Consists of 44 questions based on passages of text and 15 independent questions.
  4. Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills – Consists of 53 questions based on 9 passages of text.
  • How is the MCAT Scored?

Each section receives a score between 118-132, giving a total score from 472-528. The average is usually around 501.

Things To Consider When Selecting Medical Schools in the USA

Medical schools in the USA have distinctive requirements and features. students applying to these schools are advised to consider the following factors before choosing what medical school to apply to;

  • Acceptance Rate 

Only a third of the 172 medical universities in the USA accept international students. This is because most funded universities are funddto admit and produce home medical students for their areas of domicile.

Before you apply to a school, ensure you have checked and confirmed that international students are welcomed, and that your desired program is offered.

  • Competitiveness

Studying medicine is ver competitive in developing countries, let alone the United States. You should do your research on the acceptance rate, requirements, and ensure the competitiveness of your grade, as well as other documents before you apply.

  • Cost and Expenses

Studying medicine can be very costly. The average cost is about $58,968 per year. Private and Ivy League colleges tend to cost more.

  • Social Status

The social status of the city and university you are applying to also needs to be considered. Medical school can be challenging, hence the need to engage in extracurricular activiities. 

Costs Of Studying Medicine In The USA

Studying medicine in the USA attracts a relatively huge financial expense.

On the average, studying medicine in the United States cost $58,968 per year. Students enrolle in public institutions are expected a little less than this figure while those in private medical colleges are expected to pay more.

The total cost over the period of four years is expected to range around  $218,792. This estimate is not cast in stone. Annually, the cost of studying medicine increases by $1,158.

To ease the burden on students, medical schools offer scholarships, grants, and financial aids. You will find the details on their respective websites.  

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Required Documents to Apply to Medical Schools in the USA

While applying to study Medicine in the USA, you will be required to submit the following documents;

  • Complete Application Form
  • Academic Transcripts
  • Personal Statement
  • Recommendation Letters
  • Proof of English Language Proficiency 
  • MCAT Score

How To Study Medicine in the USA: Step-by-Step Application Guide

Once you have met the requirements and have prepared the required documents 

  • Proceed to the the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) website
  • Once your application with is completed and you have uploaded all documents, AMCAS will forward your application to your chosen school.
  • The cost of application is $160. An additional $38 will be charged for every additional school you would like to apply to.
  • However, candidates applying to the MD programme at Texas University will need to apply using the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS).
  • Applications to medical schools open in the first week of May and closes in June of every academic year.

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