Preparing for Your Undergraduate Medical Education
Undergraduate Education
The applicant’s academic record should exhibit a continued interest in learning and an ability to successfully tackle intellectual challenges. Any undergraduate major can prepare students for the rigors of medical school; however, we strongly recommend that a student’s undergraduate years include liberal arts and science courses, as a broad education will serve them well throughout their life. Students are expected to have at least basic computer skills in order to interact with the curriculum.
Personal Characteristics
Just as important as academic achievement is the applicant’s character, desire to serve others, and understanding of the medical profession. Our application essay and admissions interview allow prospective students to demonstrate these qualities. Ideal candidates possess maturity, integrity and the ability to work with a diverse patient population. In keeping with our Jesuit heritage, we look favorably on candidates who have shown the capacity to work and care for people from different social and economic groups, as well as learn from them. Involvement in community service is an advantage in that it demonstrates a concern for others and an ability to manage time efficiently. Of course, the Committee on Admissions recognizes that some people have limited opportunities for community service due to responsibilities at work and home. Prior to submitting their application, prospective students should explore the medical profession to learn about some of the ethical, social, and economic issues confronting physicians today. Such an exploration will provide students with an awareness of the rewards and limitations of medicine. It can take many forms, including shadowing experiences and conversations with practicing physicians and other health care professionals or a hands-on experience, such as volunteering at a home for the developmentally disabled or caring for an aging relative.
The Admissions Process Initial Application
The American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) application is available on their Web site (www.aamc.org/students/amcas). The site offers applicants a number of resources to assist them with the medical school application process. Applicants are responsible for designating all AMCAS-participating schools to which their application should be sent. AMCAS applications received at Stritch’s Office of Admissions undergo a preliminary screen according to the criteria established by our Committee on Admissions. Applicants who meet these criteria are sent Stritch’s Supplemental Application, which includes short-answer and essay questions that allow students to present their personal experiences and insights. As part of the Supplemental Application, prospective students also must have letters of recommendation submitted on their behalf. Stritch’s deadline for receipt of the AMCAS application is November 15. Since the school uses a rolling admissions process, applicants who submit their AMCAS application and all supporting materials in the summer and early fall will enhance their potential for being offered direct acceptance into the class.
The Admissions Decision
Completed files are reviewed to determine if the applicant is eligible for interview. Interviews take place at the medical school from early September through the end of April and allow prospective students to speak with faculty members and students. Applicants also tour Loyola’s facilities with a current medical student who can describe the educational experience and what it’s like to attend the Stritch School of Medicine. Generally, applicants are notified of their status within one month of the interview date. Once the class is filled, most interviewed candidates are placed on an alternate list and offered positions as they become available before the beginning of the academic year. Orientation usually takes place in late July and classes begin the first Monday in August. First-time applicants who are unsuccessful in gaining admission to Stritch may reapply. Third applications, however, are not encouraged. The Committee on Admissions will consider a third application only if significant improvement is evident in a letter from the potential applicant requesting permission for submitting such an application.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must earn a bachelor’s degree prior to matriculation into the medical school. Any course of study is acceptable, although all students must complete one full academic year of the following prerequisites, including laboratory sections: general biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and general physics. A semester or quarter of biochemistry may be substituted for an equivalent portion of organic chemistry. Those seeking admission to Stritch must be able to perform the essential functions of the educational program as detailed in Loyola’s Policy on Technical Standards for Admission.
The MCAT
Applicants must submit scores from the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), which is given nationally several times a year. We recommend that candidates take the MCAT in the spring of the year that they apply to Stritch and repeat the test that summer if their scores are not near the national averages for all four subtests (biology, chemistry, physics, and verbal reasoning and writing skills). MCAT scores more than four years old from that of anticipated entrance into medical school are not accepted. Registration materials can be obtained online in February of each year at http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/start.htm, by telephone, or by written request. MCAT Program Office P.O. Box 4056 Iowa City, IA 52243-4056 (319) 337-1357
Class Composition
Stritch matriculates an entering class of 145 students. We welcome applications from students with diverse backgrounds, including those who are economically disadvantaged or belong to a group that is underrepresented in medicine. Stritch automatically waives its application fee for applicants who received an AMCAS fee waiver or submit a letter from their school’s financial aid office in support of a waiver.