Admissions Process
The Keck School of Medicine participates in the centralized American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) and also requires that a supplemental application be sent directly to the Keck School Admissions Office. Visit AMCAS to find application materials, fee information, required supporting documents and instructions on completing the centralized medical school application.
Students should submit AMCAS materials as early as possible to avoid processing delays and missed deadlines. Materials received during peak periods may take considerably longer to process. Further, processing does not begin until AMCAS receives all required official transcripts and the completed application. Note that official transcripts for applicants must be received within 14 calendar days of the AMCAS primary application deadline. Applications missing information and/or supporting documentation and returned to the applicant for correction do not satisfy deadline requirements.
Prerequisites of the Keck School of Medicine
Applicants must have completed a baccalaureate degree, or its equivalent, from an accredited college or university prior to matriculation. Effective now, the school has no specific course requirements. Please see the MSAR for recommended coursework. Please discuss any coursework preparation with your pre-health advisor.
International applicants must hold a degree considered equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree as evaluated by the USC Office of Graduate and International Admissions.
Keck School AMCAS Application Deadline: November 1
The Keck School of Medicine considers applications received by AMCAS between June 1 and November 1. Official transcripts must be submitted within 14 calendar days of the November 1 primary application deadline for the applicant to be considered.
Applicants are required to arrange for the submission of current letters of recommendation from two science faculty members OR a current evaluation from a pre-medical committee. As long as this letter of recommendation requirement is met, applicants may submit additional letters of recommendation. The Keck School of Medicine participates in the AMCAS Letter of Recommendation Service. Applicants are required to send their letters through AMCAS. Please DO NOT send any letters of recommendation to the Office of Admissions, as they will not be accepted.
The AAMC allows applicants to submit letters via the AMCAS letter writer application, via Interfolio, via Virtual Evaluation, or via US mail. For additional questions, please view AMCAS’ list of Frequently Asked Questions.
MCAT
To be considered for admission, applicants to the 2014 entering medical school class must have taken the MCAT no earlier than August 2011 and no later than August 2013. Scores from earlier administrations of the examination will not be accepted for consideration. Early Decision applicants must have taken the MCAT by July 6, 2013.
Keck School Supplemental Application Deadline: December 1
Application Fee Payments and/or Fee Waivers
Students must submit an application processing fee of $90 with the supplemental application. Credit card payments can be made online using KSOM’s Admissions System. The application fee may be waived in cases of demonstrated need. Fee waivers will be granted only for applicants who received approval from the AAMC Fee Assistance Program (FAP).
In the event that you cannot pay by credit card, please make checks payable to:
Keck School of Medicine of USC
Office of MD Admissions
1975 Zonal Ave., KAM 100B
Los Angeles, CA 90089-9020
Applicants must include their AMCAS ID number on the check. Application fee payments are NON-REFUNDABLE.
Upon receipt of a candidate’s AMCAS application, the Office of Admissions will invite applicants to fill out a supplemental application.
The supplemental application, application fee and letters of recommendation must be received by December 1.
Interviews
Decisions regarding
interviews are based upon careful evaluation of an applicant’s completed application and all supporting documentation. Personal interviews are required of applicants under serious consideration and are granted only by invitation of the Admissions Committee. Interviews are scheduled in the Los Angeles area between mid-September and March. If invited for an interview, you will be notified by email from the Admissions Committee.
Notice of Acceptance
Notification of the Admissions Committee's decisions will continue until the entering class of students has been selected. Accepted applicants must reserve their position in the incoming class by agreeing to the conditions outlined in the offer letter. No deposit will be collected to secure an applicant’s acceptance.
Early Decision Program - Program Deadline: August 1
The Keck School of Medicine participates in the AMCAS Early Decision Program (EDP). To participate in the EDP, student academic performance should be at or above that of matriculating first-year medical students, and preference will be given to applicants demonstrating leadership, service, humanitarianism and/or a strong interest in research and teaching. Early Decision applicants must have taken the MCAT by July 6, 2013.
The Keck School considers EDP applications submitted to AMCAS between June 1 and July 31. The AAMC application, supplemental application, application payment, and letters of recommendation must be submitted to Keck by August 1.
EDP candidates will be notified of the Admissions Committee's decision in late August. Those not admitted under early decision will automatically be considered in the regular pool of applicants to the Keck School. In addition, the application will be released at that time to allow applicants to apply to other medical schools.