What are the degree requirements for admission to the School of Medicine? Barring extraordinary circumstances a Bachelor's degree is required for admission and; in fact, all students in recent years have had degrees. Any program of study leading to Bachelor's degree is acceptable. We encourage prospective applicants to choose both an undergraduate institution, and program of study that will suit their academic needs. For example, we have had accepted applicants into our program who have held degrees in one of the following majors: Romance Language, English, History, Religion, Music, and Law. A student who obtains a degree in less than four years may apply but should recognize that understanding the human condition and developing good judgment require experience. Without unusual qualifications, questions about breadth of education, maturity, experience, and motivation may put such an applicant at a disadvantage. (See our prerequisites)
What is the grade-point average (GPA) of accepted applicants for the current class? The average GPA in the science and mathematics courses was 3.57. The total cumulative GPA was 3.62.
What is weighted the most? Weightings are not used. Each component of the application is considered in terms of its relation to the whole.
Are MCAT scores and GPA the only factors in admission? A successful physician embodies many qualities beyond those reflected in numerical scores. It is difficult to assess qualities relating to commitment, motivation, and compassion, but letters of reference, interviews, and essays all help shape the admissions decision.
When evaluating an applicant, does the committee take the difficulty of the undergraduate institution, coursework, and major into account? The School of Medicine accepts students from the full range of post-secondary institutions. The more selective the school, the more rigorous will be the academic program and the more opportunity a student will have to participate in scholarly and other extracurricular activities. These are important considerations to an admissions committee, but they are not the only considerations. The opportunity to attend a highly selective college or university is not available to all students. Excellence, regardless of the setting, will be considered favorably.
Will the likelihood of admission be greater if I perform volunteer service or if I pursue research opportunities? Volunteer service and research experience both enhance an application but neither is weighted more highly than the other.The decision to spend time as a volunteer or doing research must be made by the individual in the context of her/his own goals. However, applicants are expected to demonstrate some knowledge of the demands of a medical career. For this reason, exposure to the health care system is desirable.
Would it help if I continued with my graduate studies? Graduate study will provide specialized knowledge and expertise that will enrich your career. The effect of graduate study on an individual’s admission to the School of Medicine can only be evaluated in the context of that individual’s complete portfolio.
Do you consider students currently enrolled in a graduate program? Applications are considered from students in the last year of their graduate program. Acceptance is contingent upon successful completion of their program prior to matriculation into our medical school program which begins in August.
Degrees earned outside of the U.S. or Canada: International students who are permanent residents of the United States (i.e., permanent resident alien status) can apply as a North Carolina resident if they qualify. Individuals with other visa types, such as F, H-1, J, etc., are not eligible to apply as residents, but may apply as a non-resident. Non-US citizens holding one of the aforementioned visa types are not eligible for federal loans or grants. Also, if accepted into our medical school program, you will be responsible for the funding of your four-year medical school education. It will be necessary for you to complete a financial certificate that will provide evidence that you and/or whomever is sponsoring your education has the resources set aside to take care of your expenses. If your undergraduate degree is from an educational institution not located in the United States or Canada, AMCAS, the academic verification service, will not verify or certify your academic credentials. Therefore, UNC School of Medicine requires that you complete all of the prerequisites at an accredited college or university within the United States or Canada to allow eligibility for verification by AMCAS. After all of your prerequisites have been successfully completed, which should be 30 or more credit hours, you will be eligible to apply to our school via AMCAS. UNC School of Medicine will review your application and take into consideration all of your educational degrees.
Do you consider students who are not North Carolina residents? As a state-assisted institution, we give preference to North Carolina residents. Approximately 20 non-residents are accepted each year.
If I am not a citizen of the United States, would I be considered for admission and federal financial aid? International students who are permanent residents of the United States (i.e., permanent resident alien status) can apply as a North Carolina resident if they qualify. Individuals with other visa types, such as F, H-1, J, etc., are not eligible to apply as residents, but may apply as a non-resident. Non-US citizens holding one of the aforementioned visa types are not eligible for federal loans or grants. Also, if accepted into our medical school program, you will be responsible for the funding of your four-year medical school education. It will be necessary for you to complete a financial certificate that will provide evidence that you and/or whomever is sponsoring your education has the resources set aside to take care of your expenses.
How is North Carolina residency determined for tuition purposes? To qualify for in-state tuition for a given term, North Carolina law requires proof that a bona fide domicile was established in North Carolina at least twelve months before the beginning of the term, and that it was maintained for continuouslly, and that you were physcially present in the state during that time, for purposes other than attending school.
If you have been in North Carolina for less than three years or lived and/or worked out of state during the previous 24 months, you must complete a four page Application for Classification as a Legal Resident (Domiciliary) of North Carolina for Tuition Purposes for Graduate and Professional Students. If you are selected to be interviewed we will email you the supplemental and the other materials including the residency forms. A determination of your residency for tuition purposes will be made based on the information contained in your application. If you are not classified as a legal resident of North Carolina for tuition purposes, you have the right to appeal that decision to the Residence Status Committee.
For more information please consult "A Manual to Assist the Public Higher Education Institutions of North Carolina in the Matter of Student Residence Classification for Tuition Purposes" (This book is available in libraries of the State’s public institutions). Further information may also be obtained at the UNC Registrar's web site.
Statement on Equal Educational Opportunity: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is open to all people of all races, is committed to equality of educational opportunity, and does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees based on based on race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. The Equal Opportunity/ADA Office has primary responsibility for administering this policy. Moreover, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill actively seeks to promote diversity by recruiting and enrolling disadvantaged students and students from underrepresented groups.
