Admission Requirements
Basic Requirements
- Bachelor's degree
- One academic year of general chemistry, general biology, general physics, and organic chemistry--all with laboratory (biochemistry can be substituted for part of the organic requirement).
- Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Oldest MCAT considered is 4 years prior to anticipated entrance into Stritch School of Medicine.
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens or hold a permanent resident visa at the time of application.
- Applicants enrolled in advanced degree programs must expect to complete their degrees prior to matriculation.
- Although first-time applicants who are unsuccessful in gaining admission may reapply, third applications are not encouraged and will be considered only if significant improvement is evident.
The applicant’s academic record should exhibit a continued interest in learning and an ability to successfully tackle intellectual challenges. Any undergraduate major can prepare students for the rigors of medical school. We strongly recommend, however, that a student’s undergraduate years include liberal arts and science courses, as a broad education will serve them well throughout their life. We also require that students possess basic computer skills, as so much of their course work at the Stritch School of Medicine requires them.
Personal characteristics
Just as important as academic achievement is the applicant’s character, desire to serve others, and understanding of the medical profession. Our application essay and admissions interview allow prospective students to demonstrate these qualities. Ideal candidates possess maturity, integrity and the ability to work with a diverse patient population. In keeping with our Jesuit heritage, we look favorably on candidates who have shown the capacity to work and care for people from different social and economic groups, as well as learn from them. Involvement in community service is an advantage in that it demonstrates a concern for others and an ability to manage time efficiently. Of course, the Committee on Admissions recognizes that some people have limited opportunities for community service due to responsibilities at work and home. Prior to submitting their application, prospective students should explore the medical profession to learn about some of the ethical, social, and economic issues confronting physicians today. Such an exploration will provide students with an awareness of the rewards and limitations of medicine. It can take many forms, including shadowing experiences and conversations with practicing physicians and other health care professionals or a hands-on experience, such as volunteering at a home for the developmentally disabled or caring for an aging relative.
The MCAT
Applicants must submit scores from the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), which is given nationally several times a year. We recommend that candidates take the MCAT in the Spring, but no later than September, of the year of application and repeat the test if their scores are not near the national averages for all four subtests (biology, chemistry, physics, verbal reasoning and writing skills). MCAT scores more than four years old from the date of anticipated entrance into medical school are not accepted. Registration materials can be obtained online at www.aamc.org/students/mcat/registration.htm.
Letters of Recommendation
The Committee on Admissions at the Stritch School of Medicine (SSOM) requests that you submit letters of evaluation. In order to fulfill this requirement, your letters should be submitted from the following sources:
1. A composite letter from your premedical advisory committee.
OR
2. A letter from your premedical or academic advisor, plus three letters from your professors (two of the three should be from faculty members in science disciplines and one must be from a non-science professor). If you have no advisor, three letters will be acceptable.
3. If you have transferred during your undergraduate career, please request at least one letter from a faculty member at each school you attended. These letters may fulfill part of the requirements stated in number 2 above, or they may be submitted in addition to those requirements. If you feel the faculty members at some schools can no longer supply meaningful evaluations, please send a letter stating so.
4. If you are or were a graduate student, please request a letter from your graduate advisor and any appropriate professors. These letters should be submitted in addition to the requirements stated in 1, 2 and 3 above.
If your school has a system for premedical advising and evaluation and you do not submit material through the system, you must explain your reasons for not doing so. Also, if you are unable to submit any one of the required letters, explain your reasons in writing when you return the Evaluation Inventory Form.
Although confidential letters of evaluation are of most use to the Committee on Admissions, it is not required that you waive your right of access to these letters. It is necessary, however, that you inform all appropriate parties of your decision to waive or not waive your right of access to letters of evaluation written on your behalf.
You may submit a maximum of three letters in addition to those required. If you request additional letters, you should make sure that the authors will be able to submit them within the same time frame as the required letters of evaluation, since all letters must be on file before your application to Loyola-Stritch is considered complete.
IMPORTANT
- It is helpful for Letters of Evaluation to include your full name and AMCAS I.D.#.
Questions or Comments about admissions: Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine -- Admissions Office 2160 South First Avenue Maywood, IL 60153 (708) 216-3229