Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to medical school? How early can I apply?
Candidates can apply by completing the AMCAS application. The application process is from June 1 – December 15. Students should apply as soon as possible.
What is the class size? When is the best time to apply?
The class is size 115. Candidates can begin applying July 1 of their application cycle year by completing the AMCAS application. Students should submit applications no later than December 15.
Do I have to complete all required coursework or have a bachelor's degree before applying to the Meharry School of Medicine?
Matriculation requires a Bachelor’s degree to be admitted. You do not have to have all required coursework or have a college degree before applying to Meharry. However, it is strongly advised that most of your prerequisite courses be completed before you take the MCAT and apply.
Are community college courses acceptable? What about online courses?
Community college courses are acceptable; however, the prerequisite, upper-level basic science courses (organic chemistry and biochemistry) and the recommended courses— microbiology, anatomy, physiology and cell biology—should be taken at an accredited four-year college or university. Online courses must be taken from an accredited college or university and meet the AAMC guidelines.
Should I major in biology, chemistry or the sciences in order to apply to medical school? Does it matter what size academic load I carried in undergraduate school?
Students should choose the preferred major that interests them. However, they should ensure that they meet the Medical School prerequisites.
How many letters of recommendation are required? Where are they sent?
Meharry applicants should send all letters of recommendation directly to AMCAS, which will forward the letters to our office electronically. AMCAS will accept letters from users of VirtualEvals, Interfolio, and via the U.S. Postal Service. The address to which the letters should be mailed will appear on the AMCAS Letter Request Form.
Those applicants who attend, or who have recently graduated from, an undergraduate institution or a post baccalaureate premedical program which offers a Health Professional Advisor or Advisory Committee should submit a letter from this person or committee; this letter should be sent to AMCAS as described above. If no such institutional letter is available, the applicant should substitute a minimum of three (3) individual letters, including two from science professors. These letters should be sent to AMCAS, as described above.
Does Meharry require a Supplemental Application?
Yes, the deadline to complete the supplemental application is January 15 of that cycle year. The Admissions Committee prefers if the candidate has completed the Supplemental application before their interview. The application fee is $65.
How will I know that my application is complete and/or has been received by Meharry?
Please be aware that it is each candidate’s responsibility to regularly check with AMCAS to ensure his/her application is complete. Candidates will receive a confirmation email after the application is submitted. Meharry will send regular email notifications updating candidates of their application status.
When does Meharry begin reviewing applications for admission?
The review of applications for each cycle year begins July 1, and will continue until the class is filled.
How can I schedule a campus tour?
The best way to schedule a campus tour is to contact the Office of Student Affairs and Admissions at admissions@mmc.edu. Tours happen year-round.
How important is the personal statement?
The personal statement is very important and is carefully reviewed. The personal statement is meant to convey a candidate’s purpose for going into medical school and their future aspirations.
When should I take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)?
- Candidates should take the MCAT only after preparing for it—not “just for practice,” as candidates are allowed to take the MCAT a maximum of three times per calendar year and seven times total. Although candidates have seven times total to take the MCAT it is usually not advantageous to utilize all seven attempts to get a competitive score.
- Preparation and review should be on-going, beginning after completing the first year of college Biology and Chemistry.
Is an interview required of all applicants? Who will interview me?
Yes, the interview will be conducted by Meharry Medical College faculty, staff, and students. The typical interview process includes the following:
A traditional interview that usually lasts 30-45 minutes. It is conducted by Meharry Medical College faculty.
Breakout interviews where the candidate is presented with a situational prompt by faculty. This lasts 10 minutes including time to prep for prompt.
Student group interview. This interview will last 30 minutes.
At this time, interviews are virtual.
How are candidates selected to fill the class?
Candidates are selected based upon academic performance in undergraduate and graduate studies, MCAT scores, personal characteristics, awareness of the medical profession through shadowing or other healthcare experiences, leadership experience, community service, and potential for success in medical school as expressed in the letters of recommendation and a personal statement. Candidates are selected using a holistic approach to their academic performance.
Does Meharry have a Dual M.D./Ph.D. Degree Program?
Yes. The Dual M.D./Ph.D. Program is designed to prepare outstanding clinical and research professionals who are capable of identifying and addressing significant problems in oral health. The Ph.D. adds three to four years to the M.D. education so that a student will graduate with both degrees in seven to eight years.
Candidates must first be admitted to the Meharry School of Medicine and complete the first two years of coursework, which includes passing Step 1, before they can apply to the Ph.D. program.
Can I transfer from another medical school to the Meharry School of Medicine?
We do not accept transfer students due to the specialized nature of our curriculum. As a result, students coming to Meharry would need to begin their studies anew.
What do Meharry medical graduates pursue after graduation?
Medical school graduates have many residency program choices. Graduating medical school seniors participate in a national resident match program. The National Resident Matching Program conducts Match Day annually to match the preferences of applicants with their choice of medical residency programs that offer the available training positions at U.S. teaching hospitals. A resident is a medical school graduate who is undertaking a three to seven-year period of specialized training in a medical specialty.
A vast majority of Meharry Medical College School of Medicine graduates match in a primary care field.
Does Meharry have a specific program designed for candidates seeking admission, particularly foreign-trained doctors, to the M.D. program with advanced standing?
At present, Meharry does not have a program for advanced standing.