Admissions Process
Our students come from broad and diverse backgrounds, bringing together a wide range of life experiences and interests. We take a holistic approach to our application process and evaluate applicants on several factors, including academic achievement (GPA and MCAT scores), healthcare and volunteer experience, life experience, personal statement, and letters of recommendation. For those who are invited, the personal interview is also an important component of the selection process.
About our Students
Student Experiences
Learn about Student LifeThe UVA School of Medicine has a diverse student body with a wide variety of life experiences and interests. For example, a significant number of our students come from backgrounds in the humanities or social sciences. About half of our students completed their undergraduate education a year or more before starting medical school, devoting time to employment service opportunities, research projects, or other educational pursuits.
Our students embrace a learning environment that offers an innovative and challenging curriculum, a welcoming and caring learning community.
Student Experiences
Learn about Student LifeAbout the Application Process
The UVA School of Medicine typically receives over 5,000 applications each year. Approximately 650 applicants are invited to interview. We use a rolling admission process. Early application is encouraged.
- We invite approximately 650 applicants for interviews each year.
- Interviews begin in early September through the first week of March.
- Interviews are held on Mondays through Thursdays.
- Candidates will participate in two 30-minute interviews with members of the Admissions Committee.
- The interview panel may comprise two faculty members, or one faculty member and one 4th year medical student.
- The interview panel presents that week’s candidates to the Admissions Committee, which meets every Friday. The committee votes on which candidates will be offered admission.
- Decision letters are typically mailed within a week following Oct. 15.
The written application will provide information on your academic achievements. However, this alone doesn’t paint a complete picture of who you are, which is why interviews are important!
This will be an opportunity for us to learn more about the passions and experiences that drive your desire to become a physician, and for you to ask questions about the MD program, opportunities and facilities.
The interview is an essential part of the application process, giving us a chance to learn about your background, interests, and passions. It also gives you the opportunity to experience our welcoming and close-knit community.
Interviews
- For the 2024-2025 cycle, ALL interviews will be conducted virtually.
- The UVA School of Medicine interviews approximately 650 applicants each year.
- Interviews take place between Monday and Thursday.
- Applicants are interviewed in groups of six or eight.
- Interviews take about 30 minutes.
- Interviews are conducted by members of the Admissions Committee – either two faculty members, or one faculty member and one student.
- The Admissions Committee meets each Friday to discuss the qualifications of each applicant interviewed that week. The committee then votes on which applicants will be offered admission.
- Decision letters are typically mailed within the week of interview after October 15th.
Offers
- We extend approximately 300 offers each year for a class of 156 students.
General Requirements
In order to successfully apply to the UVA School of Medicine MD program, candidates must meet a number of General Requirements to move forward. See below sections for specifics.
When asked for the qualities that are important for us in a medical student, we often note that we are looking for individuals who are authentic and the best versions of themselves. We consider shadowing activities with a physician to be very important, but also recognize the various other ways that students can be exposed to healthcare experiences, including, but not limited to a scribe program, as an EMT, pharmacy tech, or phlebotomist. Personal or family experience with healthcare is also considered.
General Requirements
- Complete a minimum of 90 semester hours of coursework (at the time of application) at an accredited U.S. or Canadian college or university.
- Non-U.S. citizens or temporary U.S. residents are eligible to apply upon completing at least 90 semester hours of coursework (at the time of application) at a U.S. or Canadian college or university.
- We strongly prefer a bachelor’s degree.
Course Recommendations
- No prerequisite courses
- No science or humanities requirement
- Recommended courses: Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Human Behavior and Statistics
- We accept AP credits (not exemptions) that counted toward your undergraduate degree and appear on your official transcript.
MCAT Requirements
- All applicants are required to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
- We accept either the current or future version of the MCAT, without preference.
- Tests must be taken no later than September 30 of the year prior to matriculation. We also do not accept scores from tests taken before April 1 of the three years prior to matriculation.
- For more information on the MCAT and registration materials, contact premedical advisors or MCAT Registration at phone: (202) 828-0690, or online at: aamc.org.
Additional Assessments
UVA School of Medicine does NOT REQUIRE additional assessments at this time. For the 2025 admissions cycle we will be collecting the AAMC PREview™ Professional Readiness Exam for any applicants who took it for other reasons. We will hold these scores separately to be used for research purposes but they will NOT be used for evaluation for the 2025 cycle. Information about the AAMC PREview™ exam, including preparation materials, test registration, requests for accommodations, and important dates and deadlines is available here: http://www.aamc.org/PREview
Technical Standards
All students must demonstrate the physical, cognitive, emotional and interpersonal capabilities necessary to complete the medical education program and provide highly effective patient care. These capabilities, called Technical Standards, are the essential requirements of a general medical education and are based on UVA School of Medicine learning objectives.
Candidates for admission, academic promotion, or graduation must meet these Technical Standards, with or without reasonable accommodation. These standards have been approved by the Curriculum Committee and the Dean of the School of Medicine.
Criminal Background Check
If legal or criminal proceedings are filed against you prior to matriculation, or if you are the recipient of any institutional disciplinary action, it is your responsibility to inform the Admissions Office immediately. Additionally, all applicants must undergo a mandatory criminal background check as a condition of acceptance to the School of Medicine. Read UVA’s criminal background check policy.
General Requirements for International Students
- Non-U.S. citizens or temporary U.S. residents are eligible to apply upon completing at least 90 semester hours of coursework (at the time of application) at a U.S. or Canadian college or university.
- We strongly prefer a bachelor’s degree.
- No prerequisite courses
- No science or humanities requirement
- Recommended courses: Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Human Behavior and Statistics
MCAT Requirements
- All applicants are required to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
- We accept either the current or future version of the MCAT, without preference.
- Tests must be taken no later than September 30 of the year prior to matriculation. We also do not accept scores from tests before April 1 of the three years prior to matriculation.
- For more information on the MCAT and registration materials, contact premedical advisors or MCAT Registration at phone: (202) 828-0690, or online at: Applying to Medical School as an International Applicant.
Federal Loans and Financial Aid
International students who are accepted to the UVA School of Medicine are not eligible for federal loans or financial aid from the University. Documentation showing the ability to pay for your medical education is required before you may begin medical school.
Additional Resources
The UVA International Studies Office (ISO) offers services, resources, and programs to help you adapt to living in the United States and within the University community.
Admitted students: The International Students and Scholars Program, a division of ISO, provides information and support about visa applications and other documentation, planning for your arrival in the U.S., campus life at UVA, and more.
Criminal Background Check
If legal or criminal proceedings are filed against you prior to matriculation, or if you are the recipient of any institutional disciplinary action, it is your responsibility to inform the Admissions Office immediately. Additionally, all applicants must undergo a mandatory criminal background check as a condition of acceptance to the School of Medicine. Read UVA’s criminal background check policy.
Letters of Recommendation
The UVA School of Medicine only accepts letters of evaluation/recommendation through AMCAS. Do not mail letters of recommendation directly to the UVA School of Medicine.
We prefer letters of recommendation from a premedical advisor evaluation. If this service is unavailable, we request a minimum of two letters, preferably from science professors or the equivalent. You also may submit individual letters along with a premed advising evaluation.
There is no limit to the number of letters you may submit. But keep in mind that your application will be stronger with just a few meaningful letters from individuals who know you well, rather than with a larger number of superficial letters.
Admissions Cycle
The Admissions Cycle for application to the School of Medicine is a multi-stage process. We encourage you to carefully read through the content on this page and begin your application early, so you have adequate time to provide all required information and meet all necessary criteria.
The UVA School of Medicine Admissions Office is available to help answer questions in preparation of your application.
We are available to answer questions regarding your application until May 1 of the year that you apply. Note: Case specific information cannot be provided on any active application.
Conditions of Acceptance
If you are offered acceptance at the UVA School of Medicine:
- Submit your Class Reservation on the applicant portal within three weeks to hold your position.
- Carefully read and sign the Declaration of Meeting Technical Standards.
- You do not need to send in a deposit at this time.
- If you do not meet these Conditions of Acceptance, your offer of admission will be rescinded.
You may withdraw your application from the incoming class at any time without penalty. Please submit a written request to the Admissions Office at somadm@virginia.edu.
Questions? Call: (434) 924-5571 or e-mail somadm@virginia.edu.
Satisfactory Completion of Academic Work
All acceptances to the UVA School of Medicine are contingent upon satisfactory completion of future course work and requirements of any undergraduate or graduate program in which you currently are enrolled.
- Please provide a written explanation for a grade of “C.”
- A grade of “D” or below will result in re-evaluation of your application.
- If you made changes in your course selections after filing your AMCAS application, please notify our Admissions Office in writing.
- Notify the Admissions Office of any decision to take a course for credit/no credit, pass/fail, or audit.
- Notify the Admissions Office if you graduate early or decide to enroll part time.
Pre-entrance Health Requirements
- Student Health and Wellness
- 23-24 Medical and Nursing Student Pre-Entrance form
- Management of Student Practicums/Preceptorships policy
Submit Official Transcripts by July 1 of your Matriculating Year
AMCAS does not forward your transcripts to the University of Virginia. Please request official transcripts from each college or university you have attended to be sent to our Admissions Office – even if those course credits were transferred to another school. This includes study abroad programs.
Student copies of transcripts are not acceptable. These transcripts will become an official part of your permanent medical school record. They will be used for verification purposes after you graduate from the School of Medicine.
Complete Background Check by July 1 of Your Matriculating Year
If legal or criminal proceedings are filed against you prior to matriculation, or if you undergo any institutional disciplinary action, please inform the Admissions Office immediately. All criminal background checks will be facilitated by AMCAS and conducted through Certiphi Screening, Inc.
Certiphi will contact you via email with instructions on how to begin the required background check. For further details, please see the full Criminal Background Check Policy.
Basic Life Support (BLS) by July 1 of Your Matriculating Year
- All incoming medical students are required to provide proof of current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
- The UVA Health System requires certification through the American Heart Association.
- You are required to take the clinical/skill component in the classroom.
To find a course or register, visit http://www.onlineaha.org.
AMCAS Choose Your Medical School Tool
Plan to Enroll: Applicants may hold only one medical school position (at a time) after April 30 per AMCAS acceptance protocols. You may choose “Plan to Enroll” or “Commit to Enroll” after April 30. In fairness to applicants on the waitlist, please make your decision and inform our Admissions Office no later than April 30.
Commit to Enroll: MD Applicants are required to choose “Commit to Enroll” by July 1 of your matriculating year. MSTP Applicants are required to choose “Commit to Enroll” by May 10 of your matriculating year.
For more information, visit AMCAS Choose Your Medical School Tool.
International Students
Please complete and submit all documents required by the International Studies Office by July 1, prior to matriculation.
Each year, the UVA School of Medicine receives over 5,000 applications for 156 seats in the incoming class. After careful evaluation of these initial applications, we select about 650 highly qualified candidates for in-person interviews. As we strive to build a talented and diverse student body, the Admissions Committee carefully weighs the information gathered through these processes to determine which candidates would be the best fit for, and make contributions to, our campus community.
Like most medical schools, we place a number of qualified applicants on an unranked Alternate List (also known as a waitlist). As seats open up when accepted candidates decline to enroll at the UVA School of Medicine, we began extending offers of admission to individuals on this list.
If you are placed on the Alternate List:
- We will send an explanation of how the list works and when you might expect to hear from the Admissions Office. This phase starts on April 30, the AMCAS deadline for applicants to make their final school selections and withdraw acceptances from all other schools or programs.
- You are encouraged to add any document or materials that may strengthen your application.
FAQs About the Alternate List:
- The Alternate List at the UVA School of Medicine is not ranked.
- We are unable to tell you where you are on the list, or to predict your chances for acceptance.
How are applicants selected from the Alternate List?
- When seats become available in the class, we review the Alternate List much like a separate, self-contained admissions process.
- We evaluate numerous factors, keeping in mind our goal of building a diverse class.
- The Admissions Committee will select individuals from the Alternate List who are considered the most qualified at that point in time.
- Each time a position opens up, we will repeat this process until the class is filled.
How many applicants are on the Alternate List?
- The number of individuals on the Alternate List starts out with about 175 applicants.
- As the season progresses, however, there is considerable attrition on the list.
- By the time positions are available, only 70 to 80 alternate candidates remain interested in attending the UVA School of Medicine.
- It is from this pool of applicants that the Admissions Committee will fill positions in the class.
When can I expect to hear from the Admissions Committee?
- It is impossible to know exactly when positions will become available.
- The Admissions Committee will overbook the class knowing that some applicants will choose to attend other medical schools.
- Because applicants are not allowed to hold multiple acceptances after April 30, we typically receive a number of withdrawals around that date.
- Based on previous years’ experiences, we believe the class size will drop below 156 in late June.
- At that time, review of the Alternate List will begin. All Alternate List candidates are kept under consideration until the first day of orientation or until an applicant matriculates at another medical school, whichever comes first.
How many applicants are taken from the Alternate List each year?
- It is impossible to know in advance how many positions will become available in any given year.
- In previous years, the average numbers of matriculants from the Alternate List has been 10 to 12 individuals.
What can I do to improve my chances while I’m waiting to hear from the Committee?
- Alternate List applications are reviewed when positions become available.
- You are welcome to add materials to your file at any time to strengthen your application: new letters of recommendation, recent publications, information about recent activities.
- Please submit updated transcripts as soon as they become available.
How will I be contacted if the Committee decides to make me an offer?
- If you are selected from the Alternate List, the Admissions Office will contact you by phone.
- Please make sure you have provided a phone number where we can reach you.
- If you will be unavailable by phone for an extended period of time, please send in writing the name and daytime phone number of someone who has the authority to accept or decline an offer for you.
We realize that waiting to hear from the Admissions Office may cause uncertainty and anxiety as you are trying to make important decisions about your future. We appreciate your patience and continued interest in the UVA School of Medicine. We empathize with your position, but we cannot offer any assurances of acceptance. If you decide to attend another medical school, please notify us so that we can remove your name from the Alternate List.
Reapplication
The UVA School of Medicine has a competitive admissions process: Each year, we receive 5,000 applications for 156 seats. If you are not offered admission, you may reapply.
If you submitted a primary application through AMCAS, but did not send a supplementary application to UVA, you will not be disadvantaged if you decide to apply in the future.
General tips for re-application:
- Find ways to increase your GPA. Consider how your GPA compares to the mean GPA of our admitted students. Try boosting your cumulative GPA by taking additional classes, either through your undergraduate school or through post-baccalaureate programs. Please note that graduate-level courses will not be combined with your undergraduate GPA.
- Consider retaking the MCAT. Set aside plenty of time to prepare for the test, read study materials and take practice tests. Consider taking an MCAT prep course.
- Gain more clinical experiences. Show that you have a passion for medicine. Volunteer at a local hospital, earn your EMT license, or find a job working directly with patients in a healthcare setting.
- Reevaluate your letters of recommendation. You may re-submit your current letters of recommendation but consider whether these are still relevant. It’s okay to ask the original evaluators to update your letter, or to recruit someone new to provide a recommendation.
- Rewrite your application essays. Your personal statement should still indicate a passion for medicine, but it’s also important to highlight personal growth. Your goals may have changed since you first applied to medical school. Be sure to emphasize any additional healthcare or volunteer experiences you’ve undertaken.
Note: Case-specific tips cannot be provided on any individual application.
Orientation
We are looking forward to welcoming you to the UVA School of Medicine and helping you acclimate to our close-knit campus community.
During Orientation, you will meet with your college dean and receive information about resources available in Student Affairs, Student Health, Financial Aid, and the Health Sciences Library. Students are required to attend all sessions.
Orientation Sessions will:
- Provide tools and resources that support students during the initial 18-month phase
- Introduce the educational principles of the Cells to Society Curriculum
- Focus on the educational theories underlying the curriculum’s emphasis on active learning and collaborative teamwork
- Enable students to complete a Myers-Briggs personality inventory to demonstrate differences among individuals
- Provide opportunities for team-building activities, such as a challenge course
- Conclude with the Brodie Gateway Dinner, where students meet their coaches and co-mentors for Foundations of Clinical Medicine
Note: Orientation is mandatory. Failure to attend orientation will forfeit your place within the class.
Transfer credit will be reviewed on an individual case-by-case basis.
Questions? Call (434) 924-5571 or e-mail somadm@virginia.edu.
Admissions Committee
The Admissions Committee, is comprised of a diverse group of faculty and 4th year students selected from within the School of Medicine and is responsible for building each incoming class.
During meetings on Friday mornings, between the first week of September and the first week of March, the Admissions Committee listens to presentations about the applicants who were interviewed earlier in the week. The committee accounts for and discusses each applicant’s strengths and weaknesses, to inform a vote on who will receive an offer of admission.
Decisions on applications are sent by e-mail the following week.
Students and faculty are considered as equals on the Admissions Committee. There are 35 members in total; 12 medical students and 23 faculty members, 33 of whom are voting members. Each Committee member is given one vote.
Chair
John Densmore, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs, standing, Chair
Committee Members
- Gabrielle R. Marzani, M.D., Assistant Dean for Admissions, standing, Vice Chair, non-voting
- Gregory Townsend, M.D., Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, standing
- Lesley L. Thomas, J.D., Assistant Dean for Compliance and Accreditation, standing, non-voting
- Laurie Archbald-Pannone, M.D., Director for Student Engagement, standing
- Jeffrey Amoako, M.D., (Internal Medicine) 3 years (2024-2027)
- Darshita Bhatia, M.D., (Pediatrics) 3 years (2024-2027)
- Heather Bruschwein, Psy.D. (Psychiatry) 3 years (2023-2026)
- David Callender, M.D. (Internal Medicine) 3 years (2023-2026)
- Anna Z. Fashandi, M.D. (Endocrine Surgery) 3 Years (2023-2026)
- Paul David Gallo, M.D. (Anesthesiology) 3 Years (2023-2026)
- Alissa Higinbotham, M.D. (Neurology) 3 Years (2024-2027)
- Dominic A. Jose, M.D (Anesthesiology) 3 Years (2023-2026)
- Nora Kern, M.D. (Urology) 3 Years (2020-2023, 2024-2027)
- Andrea Komis, M.D. (Pediatrics-Inova) 3 years (2021-2024)
- Jennifer Louis-Jacques, M.D., M.P.H. (Pediatrics) 3 years (2023-2026)
- Anthony Marino, M.D. (Internal Medicine) 3 years (2024-2027)
- Sakib M. Motalib, M.D. (Emergency Medicine-Inova) 3 years (2021-2024)
- Arthur Jacob “A.J.” Pesch, M.D. (Radiology) 3 years (2024-2027)
- Regan H. Royer, M.D. (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation) 3 years (2022-2025)
- Jessica S. Sheeran, M.D. (Anesthesiology) 3 years (2021-2024)
- Gregory “Ory” Streeter, M.D. (Family Medicine) 3 Years (2023-2026)
- Eryn L. Thiele, M.D. (Anesthesiology) 3 Years (2023-2026)
- Linda Waggoner-Fountain, M.D. (Pediatrics) 3 Years (2021-2025)
Non-voting
- Rachel P. Wyant, M.Ed., Director, Office of Admissions, standing
Student Members: Appointed for one year
Joseph Caruso, SMD’25
Hirra Chaudhary, SMD’25
Vivian Dong, SMD’25
Helen Howell, SMD’25
Emily Kaplan, SMD’25
Shanna Mayorov, SMD’25
Jill Nehrbas, SMD’25
Thi Nguyen, SMD’25
Zuby Okafor, SMD’25
Seth Tersteeg, SMD’25
Thoai Vu , SMD’25
Kibret Yohannes, SMD’25
All Committee decisions are final and are not subject to change.
Ready to begin your application?
AMCAS Application
Begin your application with AMCAS (Association of American Medical Colleges)
Here’s how to begin:
- Complete and submit your primary application here: AMCAS. (Applicants who received an AMCAS Fee Assistance Program Waiver also will be given a Supplemental Application Fee Waiver. Fee waivers must be submitted to and approved by AMCAS before UVA can process the Supplemental Application Fee Waiver.)
- Complete and submit the UVA supplemental application.
- Keep your AMCAS file updated.
- Once all materials are received, including MCAT scores and letters of recommendation, the application review process begins.
- Note: The secondary application fee of $80 can be waived with an AMCAS fee waiver.
- Questions? Call: (434) 924-5571 or e-mail somadm@virginia.edu.
AMCAS Application
Begin your application with AMCAS (Association of American Medical Colleges)