Medical School Requirements for Admission
Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) takes a holistic approach when it comes to considering medical school admission requirements, which means we look at each and every prospective student's entire achievement history. Students who have a solid academic foundation, and also have that "special something."
Medical School Admission Requirements
RUSM admission requirements include factors such as undergraduate performance, knowledge of the medical profession, interpersonal skills, motivation, personal character, and clinical experience. While applying to med school, GPA and MCAT scores are also considered, but they are not the only medical school admission requirements RUSM uses.
This approach has given thousands of our students a chance they may have not found elsewhere. Why? Because physicians in today's world face challenges that require more than just book smarts. They require well-rounded individuals who can juggle multiple responsibilities so they can focus on the most important thing—patient care.
Medical School Course Requirements
To meet the RUSM course requirements, prerequisite courses cannot be more than 10 years old. The coursework should include the following:
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Inorganic or General Chemistry: Two semesters (eight semester hours) with laboratories
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Organic Chemistry: Two semesters (eight semester hours) with laboratories
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General Biology or Zoology: Two semesters of biology or zoology with laboratories
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Physics: One semester (four semester hours) with laboratory
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Mathematics: One semester of college-level mathematics (three semester hours), preferably calculus or statistics
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English: Two semesters (six semester hours). Canadian students may satisfy the English requirements in 3 possible ways: (1) 2 semesters of University humanities where essays composed at least 40% of the overall mark, (2) International Baccalaureate English and (3) Advanced Placement English.
*Substitutions and/or exceptions for med school prerequisites are made on a case by case basis at the discretion of the Admissions Dean and Faculty Admissions Committee.
Medical School GPA Requirements
Undergraduate requirements for medical school may include cumulative GPA and GPA in required pre-medical course work. RUSM evaluates students based on several factors, not just their GPA. Contact Admissions to find out if you qualify for RUSM’s MD program.
As one of the medical school prerequisites at RUSM, students must have bachelor's degree or higher to be considered, and competitiveness of undergraduate school and curriculum will be considered
Performance in graduate work (if applicable) will be reviewed.
MCAT Requirements for Medical School
- To meet medical school admission requirements, Ross University School of Medicine requires that all applicants take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT).
- The average MCAT of RUSM students entering medical school in September 2020, January 2021, and May 2021 is 495.
- Please bear in mind, however, that RUSM accepts students above and below those thresholds, depending on an individual's GPA and other factors listed on this page.
- You can and should apply before taking the MCAT. Prospective medical school students may apply prior to sitting for the MCAT but must submit their scores prior to the interview.
- If you have taken the version of the MCAT that was administered before April 2015 (the old MCAT), we will accept scores for up to five years after you've taken the test.
- Learn more about the MCAT including upcoming test dates and other information at our Online MCAT Guide.
You can get a better idea of your potential candidacy to RUSM by contacting the Admissions Office to discuss your personal situation.
In order to meet medical school requirements for admissions, a complete application packet must consist of the following documents:
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A completed RUSM application.
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All Official transcript(s) from each college and/or professional school attended.
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Personal Statement (750-words or less). You may use your AMCAS, AACOMAS or TMDSAS personal statement.
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At least two official letters of recommendation, which are confidential and become the property of RUSM: At least one academic letter from a pre-medical professor acquainted with the applicant’s academic ability or a recommendation from a college pre-health advisory committee; a second academic letter or reference from a physician acquainted with the applicant’s healthcare work experience, if applicable. The second letter may also be a character reference from an employer or volunteer activity. All letters must be on appropriate letterhead with contact information included, and sent directly from the recommending party to the RUSM Admissions Office.
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Medical College Admission Test scores.
- Non US/Canadian Foreign Transcript Evaluation
- Applicants who have completed coursework in countries other than the United States and Canada must submit a foreign transcript evaluation
All letters of recommendation and transcripts must be mailed to:
Ross University School of Medicine
Office of Admissions
10315 USA Today Way,
Miramar, Florida, 33025
At RUSM we strive to provide fast turnaround on submitted applications to help you stay on track to meet your goals. Please note:
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After you submit your online application, you will receive an email notification confirming that we received your application.
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A RUSM admissions officer will contact you if your application is incomplete, if your qualifications do not meet our admissions requirements, or if the Office of Admissions reviews your file and decides to invite you for an interview.
RUSM strongly believes in the value of a personal interview with prospective medical school students. Please Note:
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Applicants whose credentials are judged to be indicative of the potential for successful completion of the RUSM curriculum will be invited for an interview.
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The interview is conducted within two to four weeks after initial application materials have been received.
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Your personal interview helps the admissions committee assess your overall personal and academic background, maturity, adaptability, character, aptitude, and most importantly, your motivation to become a doctor.
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Applicants are advised that being granted an interview is not a guarantee of acceptance, though it does play a significant part in the decision by the Admissions Committee.
Applicants who have completed their undergraduate studies in countries that have an educational system different from that of the United States or Canada will be evaluated on their merits but a completed pre-medical curriculum comparable to that completed by US and Canadian students is one of the med school prerequisites for admission.
Our admissions associates can help you get started. Please contact us with any questions you may have about the medical school requirements for admission.
Want to Know how Your MCAT Score Will Qualify at RUSM?
Take the Admissions Assessment. Enter your MCAT score and other details in this short form, and you'll find out if you qualify for enrollment at RUSM.
Episode 3
In this premed podcast episode, one of our Assistant Director of Admissions describes the application process from submitting your application, to getting the final decision and the support throughout the transition. We talk about pre-requisites, GPA, MCAT and term starts.
Medical School Admission Requirements FAQs
RUSM's medical school admissions requirements for admission includes factors such as undergraduate performance, knowledge of the medical profession, interpersonal skills, motivation, personal character, and clinical experience. And while GPA and MCAT scores are also considered, they are not used as a cutoff.
RUSM evaluates students based on several factors, not just their GPA. As you start your journey towards medical school, it’s important to consider your candidacy holistically. This may include your cumulative GPA, MCAT scores, interpersonal skills, clinical experience, and more. Contact Admissions to find out if you qualify for RUSM’s MD program.
Generally, the MCAT is required for admission to medical school. You can and should apply to RUSM before taking the MCAT, but your scores are required before sitting for an interview. Please bear in mind, however, that RUSM looks at more factors than just the MCAT score. Contact Admissions to find out if you qualify for RUSM’s MD program.
The average MCAT of RUSM students entering medical school in September 2019, January 2020, and May 2020 is 493. Please bear in mind, however, that RUSM accepts students below those thresholds, depending on an individual's GPA and many other factors
One of the med school prerequisites at RUSM, students must have a bachelor's degree or higher to be considered, and competitiveness of undergraduate school and curriculum will be considered. Performance in graduate work (if applicable) will be reviewed.
Letters of recommendation are an important way for the medical school admissions committee to gain insight into the student’s work ethic, interpersonal skills, community involvement and many other attributes that go beyond academics.
All medical school class requirements must be completed prior to the start of the applicant’s intended term. However, the committee may review an applicant’s file for admission with one prerequisite and lab in progress. If admitted, completion of the course with a minimum passing grade stipulated by the committee will be a condition of acceptance.
Extracurricular activities are not a medical school requirement. However, in order to be accepted into medical school, you should be well-rounded - even outside of academics.
The medical school requirements for transfer students are different from students who are enrolling in medical school for the first time. To start, transfer students are required to submit three letters of recommendations instead of two. The third letter must be a Dean’s letter from the medical school you attended. Clinical transfer students must also submit a passing score on the United States Medical Licensing Exam® (USMLE®) Step 1 on the first attempt.
Policy On Nondiscrimination
The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, disability, or age in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities. No qualified individual with a disability will be denied access to or participation in services, programs, or activities of Ross University School of Medicine.