Medical school is a highly competitive field, and international students face an even steeper climb to get accepted. However, there are some medical schools in the United States that accept international students, including many major institutions. In this article, we'll explore the medical schools in the country that accept international students, provide tips to increase your chances of admission, and discuss financial aid considerations. Most medical schools require an MCAT score as part of your application.
Generally speaking, you should aim for a score of 509 or higher, but the most competitive schools will look for an MCAT score close to 518. For international applicants who wish to apply to the United States, Randee Reid, Admissions and Residency Officer at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, adds: “Curricular systems are different from those of foreign schools and it is very useful for medical schools to evaluate progress in a program in the U. S. UU. If you are taking the course as a prerequisite as a non-degree-seeking student, the potential applicant will need 30 credit hours or more to assess progress.
Coursework must be completed before applying to medical schools. If any of the courses were taken at a foreign institution, but the credit was accepted through an accredited U. S. institution. Territorial or Canadian post-secondary institution and the courses appear in that official academic record, after the U.
The official academic record from a territorial or Canadian post-secondary institution would be required. AMCAS will verify and include those courses in the AMCAS GPA. For example, a course may have been conducted through a study abroad program sponsored by a U. school, but organized in a foreign country. Be sure to clearly and accurately identify your citizenship and visa status (if applicable) in your AMCAS and secondary applications.
Within the AMCAS application, you can indicate the languages you speak and your command of each one. Federal student aid, such as unsubsidized direct loans and Direct PLUS loans, may be available to those who meet the eligibility requirements for federal student aid. The Federal Student Aid website provides detailed information on the eligibility criteria for federal aid. It is also recommended that students speak directly with the financial aid staff at each medical school they may be interested in attending. In most cases, international students will need to obtain private loans or institutional loans if offered by the medical school.
In some cases, medical schools require applicants to show that they have sufficient financial resources to pay for the four years of medical school or will require applicants to have the full amount in an escrow account. International students should talk to the financial aid office and admissions staff at the schools they are interested in attending to find out what funding options may be available. It's a good idea to work with a health coach prior to preparing for medical school. This person can help you decide what courses you should take and when, and provide valuable feedback on your request. If you don't have access to a prior health counselor at your school, you can find one at the NAAHP. Every year at MedEdits we work with applicants from international medical schools who are accepted into medical school despite their higher level of competition.
Medical schools require applicants to take and pass the MCAT exam. Like other students, you must also take this exam and prepare thoroughly in order to get a high score and improve your chances of admission. Because courses and curricula differ from country to country, admissions committees must verify that you have completed all necessary prerequisites. You can choose to complete additional requirements in an EE. Another option is for courses from an international institution to be accepted by a U.
country. Or Canadian college or university where you get your degree. If you took your courses in an accredited U. country.
School, this won't be a problem. To be accepted by an EE. Medical school, you'll need to demonstrate English language proficiency. You can usually do this by getting a satisfactory score on the TOEFL test. You'll need to justify your plan to attend medical school in the U.
Instead of in your home country. Get ready to explain your decision. Perhaps there are more resources and opportunities in the U. Whatever the reason, have a valid, well-established argument to present. Unfortunately, financial aid is harder to get as an international student.
Some medical schools may require you to show that you have the financial means to pay for four years of medical studies. However, there are some resources available that can help finance your education. Most international students cannot access federal loans; however there are several private organizations that offer loans and scholarships specifically aimed at international students.
