Frequently Asked Questions

Once an application status is complete and under review, any newly released, valid MCAT score will be made available to us by AMCAS, and may be taken into consideration, as long as an admission decision has not been made. The admissions committee will review your application once only.

No. All applications that have been verified by AMCAS will be reviewed and given full consideration by the admissions committee.

Although a single strong MCAT score is always the best strategy, we consider all MCAT scores in making decisions regarding candidacy. A sequence of scores tells us about timing and judgment as well as mastery of the material. Scores are not the sole determinants of an applicant’s acceptability. They are considered in relation to all of the other components of an application.

No. The admissions office cannot offer individualized advice or counseling. We strongly urge prospective applicants to consult with pre-health advisors at their undergraduate and/or current schools. Members of the National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions (NAAHP) provide pre-health advising on a volunteer basis. Please visit the NAAHP website.

The admissions office cannot offer feedback on admissions decisions. We suggest that applicants consult with pre-health advisors at their undergraduate and/or current schools about ways in which they might improve their applications.

All components of an applicant’s application material are considered using a holistic evaluation model. We cannot determine in advance how post-baccalaureate work will affect an applicant’s likelihood of being accepted. We strongly urge prospective applicants to consult with pre-health advisors at their undergraduate and/or current schools for feedback on preparation.

Please do not send transcripts unless we ask you specifically for them. Transcripts will not be added to your file. We will only consider transcripts included in your AMCAS application.

Unfortunately, we cannot extend an applicant any special or priority treatment due to travel plans.

Yes.

No. The path to becoming a physician is as variable and unique as the applicants themselves. Successful applicants have distinguished themselves in their chosen field of study and show evidence of competency in the physical, biological and social sciences. We require that applicants take the MCAT and that they obtain a baccalaureate degree by the time they intend to matriculate into the program

Yes, we recommend Spanish and statistics courses.

Tours are provided only to those applicants whom have been invited to interview for admission.

We do not accept updates or revisions to application materials once the supplemental application is submitted.

Committee letters or letter packets containing more than three letters will meet but not exceed the requirement. Our reviewers will use their discretion in deciding which (3) letters to include in the evaluation.

The applicant can choose whomever they believe can best speak to their personal and academic strengths. Letters from faculty who know the applicant well are especially valuable to the committee. A committee letter is sufficient. Alternatively, 2 or 3 letters from professors, PI’s or work experience are acceptable. Do not send more than 3 letters.

Applicants on the waitlist on April 30th may send an email to the Admissions Office at medadmit@usc.edu to state their desire to remain on the waitlist.

The admissions committee fills vacancies based on the needs of the incoming class.

All interview invitations and admission decisions will be sent via email. Applicants may check the status of their application on the Admissions Portal at keck-medadmit.usc.edu.

A single reapplication will be considered. Please do not submit a third application.