Frequently Asked Questions

I understand that the med school no longer accepts AP credits for prerequisite courses.  I received AP credit for both general chemistry and general biology.  Do I need to retake those courses?

No, you are not expected to retake the general courses. In fact, you are encouraged to take organic chemistry or a more advanced level of biology.

What are the criteria for selection to the University of Minnesota Medical School-Duluth?

Critical to an application are the personal statement - highlighting motivation to study medicine, or the influence and connectedness of life experiences; the interview - which assesses the maturity, altruism, and motivation for a career in medicine; community service activity - demonstrating the personal impact of that service on the applicant; and the submission of letters of recommendation. Along with the MCAT scores and the undergraduate grade point average, the criteria listed become a part of the total application package. Decisions on medical school admission are made by a faculty committee.

The University of Minnesota Medical School Duluth gives priority consideration to applicants who are residents of Minnesota and who wish to become family medicine physicians in a rural setting or American Indian community.  Applicants from other states who demonstrate a high potential and motivation for practicing medicine in Minnesota or American Indian communities will also be considered for admission. 

Does the University of Minnesota Medical School have an application fee?

Yes.  Applicants are required to return a non-refundable, $75.00 processing fee along with their supplemental application materials. The processing fee is waived for those applicants granted a fee waiver from AMCAS.

What are the oldest MCAT scores that can be considered?

MCAT scores must not be more than three (3) years old.  For example, applicants to the entering class of 2010 must present MCAT scores no older than from 2006.

When is the last time I can take the MCAT for the scores to be considered by the Admissions Committee?

Only MCAT scores from the September session or before will receive consideration.

What are the advantages of applying to the Early Decision Program?

Are requests for delayed matriculation considered?

Yes. The Admissions Committee at the University of Minnesota Medical School-Duluth will approve requests for delayed matriculation before June 1.  After June 1, requests must be approved by the Associate Dean for Admissions.

Can I be admitted to matriculate any time other than the fall semester?

No. The starting date for the first-year class is always in August.

Do applicants with science degrees from a particular university have an advantage?

Any four-year, undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university is acceptable. No one degree program or institution is given preference over another.  However, rigor of coursework and competitiveness of undergraduate institution are taken into consideration by the Admissions Committee.

Can I test out of or be exempt from any Medical School courses?

If I apply to the University of Minnesota Medical School, does this cover both the Twin Cities and Duluth campuses?

No. The application processes for the Twin Cities and Duluth campuses are independent.  Beginning with the entering class of 2010, the Medical School campuses in Duluth and the Twin Cities will have a unified AMCAS application.  Applicants will designate the University of Minnesota Medical School—Minneapolis/Duluth on their AMCAS application whether they intend to apply to Duluth, the Twin Cities, or both campuses.  Applicants will be asked to specify program selection as an initial step in the supplemental application process.  The supplemental application processes will remain separate.

What are my responsibilities as a medical school applicant?

As an applicant to an Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) institution, you assume certain responsibilities when it comes to the progression of the application cycle. Please visit  http://www.aamc.org/students/applying/policies/applicants.htm in order to review the AAMC recommendations for medical school applicants.

I have some questions concerning the AMCAS application.   What should I do?

First, review the AMCAS FAQs. If your question is not addressed in the FAQs section, you should contact AMCAS directly at amcas@aamc.org or (202) 828-0600.

Do letters of recommendation need to come from specific people? How many letters are required?

All recommendation letters must be submitted to AMCAS. Applicants are asked to submit three letters of recommendation from individuals who know them well and can attest to their fitness for the medical profession or a composite pre-professional committee letter from their school. Applicants enrolled in colleges with a premedical advisory system should request that the chair of the Premedical Advisory Committee, premedical advisor, coordinator, or person in charge of advising send an evaluation to AMCAS. Applicants who have participated in clinical activities and/or academic research are encouraged to include recommendation letters from their clinical or community service supervisor and/or research mentors.

Note that the mission of the University of Minnesota Medical School - Duluth Campus is to educate students who will practice family medicine in rural Minnesota or who will provide medical care to American Indian communities. Because of the unique mission of the Duluth campus, applicants are encouraged to include among their three letters of recommendation at least one letter from a rural family medicine physician, a physician who serves an American Indian community, or another individual who can comment on potential to become a family medicine physician in rural Minnesota or an American Indian community.

How long do I have to submit letters of recommendation and to complete my supplemental application?

We ask that you complete your supplemental application, including letters of recommendation, within one month. 

How will I know if the Office of Admissions has received all of my supplemental application materials?

The online portion of the supplemental application includes a status page that tracks each applicant’s supplemental materials. However, it is your responsibility to contact the Office of Admissions in order to confirm the status of your application.

If I am asked to complete the University of Minnesota Medical School supplemental application, am I guaranteed an interview?

No. All applicants are invited to complete the supplemental application.  Once all required application materials are compiled, the entire file is reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Upon review, select applicants will be invited to interview with two members of the Admissions Committee.

After my interview, how long will it take to receive a decision from the Admissions Committee?

Generally, applicants receive the Admissions Committee’s decision within two weeks after interviews.

If I am offered a spot in the incoming class, is there anything required of me before I can matriculate?

Yes. You must submit official transcripts from any/all schools you attended by August 1.  You must complete all prerequisite courses.  Accepted applicants must fulfill the University of Minnesota Academic Health Center's immunization requirements.

Minnesota law requires that any person who provides services that involve direct contact with patients and residents at hospitals, nursing homes and other health care facilities licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health have a background study conducted by the state. The background study covers a wide range of criminal offenses, and agency findings related to maltreatment of children or vulnerable adults. An individual who is disqualified from having direct patient contact as a result of the background study, and whose disqualification is not set aside by the Commissioner of Health, will not be permitted to participate in a clinical placement in these licensed health care facilities. Failure to participate in a clinical placement program required by the academic program could result in ineligibility to qualify for a degree in this program.

I haven't heard anything from the Office of Admissions for quite some time. What should I do?

You are encouraged to check on the status of your application by contacting the Office of Admissions directly.  Call (218) 726-8511 or e-mail medadmis@d.umn.edu.