Skip to main content

A Tar Heel Doctor is something special, and while we evaluate each of our applicants based on the selection criteria below, we are also looking for that indelible extra element that tells us that you connect with our mission. Smart is easy. Being a great doctor goes far beyond that.

Who is our ideal candidate? Our ideal candidate is:

More than a good student.

Our ideal candidate has not just taken the hardest classes and made good grades, they have also sought out experiences that enrich their education and give them opportunities for real-life application of the concepts learned in the classroom. They are self-starters who are internally motivated to challenge themselves.

More than a volunteer.

Our ideal candidate has not just participated in volunteer activities, they have found a hands-on passion for giving back and creating change in a specific way, and have fed that passion regularly over time, resulting in a genuine journey of service.

More than interested in medicine.

Our ideal candidate doesn’t just think they are interested in a career in medicine – they have sought out experiences in healthcare settings, worked directly with patients, and developed a complex understanding of the healthcare system and its current challenges. Because of this, they have some insight into how they might want to fit into that system and what they want to contribute to the world of medicine.

More than good on paper.

Our ideal candidate is a well-rounded human and genuinely nice person. They are able to work with diverse groups of people and excel at finding and building connections with people. They are an effective spoken and written communicator who celebrates the diversity in others.

Selection Criteria (factors considered in the admissions process)

  • A rigorous and successful academic record
  • Competitive MCAT scores
  • Commitment to service
  • Research experience
  • Healthcare experience (caring for patients one-on-one)
  • Extracurricular activities
  • Life and work experiences
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Communication skills
  • Diversity

For more information on our admissions process, click here.

For more information on our prerequisites and requirements, click here.