Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine (WUSM) Medical School Admissions 1
2 Presenter Koong-Nah Chung, Ph.D. Associate Dean for Medical Student Research Director of the Office of Medical Student Research Assistant Dean for Admissions Instructor of Cell Biology and Physiology Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis, MO (314)
Topics s Introduction to WUSM and Curriculum s Admissions Process: Qualities we seek Pre-med preparation Application process Interviews s WUSM: Characteristics of our students Research opportunities Scholarships 3
Introduction and Curriculum 4
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6 M.D ResidencyFellowship years Medical Training
7 s First Year Normal human biology: anatomy, biochemistry, genetics, physiology s Second Year Disease processes and mechanisms, body responses and manifestations, treatment s Third Year Core clinical rotations MedicinePsychiatry SurgeryNeurology PediatricsObstetrics & Gynecology s Fourth Year Electives WUSM’s Curriculum
Admissions: Qualities We Seek 8
9 Scholars Scientists Humanitarians Volunteers Creators Art, music, literature Visionaries Leaders People of achievement What are we looking for?
10 Personal qualities s Caring, compassionate and empathetic s Dedicated to making the world a better place s Dedicated to service to others s Effective communicators s Energetic, enthusiastic and hard working s Genuine and honest s Humble
Admissions: Pre-med Preparation 11
12 Why do I want to go to medical school? s Passionate about a career in medicine s Dedicated to a career of helping patients s Interested in understanding the science behind human diseases s Role models
13 Factors considered in the review process s GPA s MCAT scores s Extracurricular activities s Recommendation letters s Personal essay s International applicants are welcome
14 GPA and MCAT Scores of Matriculants GPAMCAT National Average WUSM average
15 Course Requirements s Courses - one year each: Biology Chemistry Organic Chemistry/Biochemistry Physics Calculus/Statistics s Major in any field, excel in the sciences s Include courses that improve writing skills s 90 credit hours s International students - study 2 yrs at a US college
16 Extracurricular Activities s Demonstrate that applicants are compassionate, well balanced and interesting s Choose a few activities that applicants are passionate about and stick with them Clinical exposure Hobbies Research Volunteer Work
Admissions: Application Process 17
18 Overview of Application Process Apply to AMCAS Complete On-line Secondary Application MD only PathwayMD/PhD Pathway Accepted Not accepted Wait List Interview 20%
19 Web Information s Washington University School of Medicine s Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR) book from AAMC
20 How to Apply s Apply early s American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) electronic application s WUSM’s on-line secondary application
Admissions: Interviews 21
22 Prepare for the Interview s Practice speaking in front of strangers s Applicants should know: Why they are pursuing medicine Major issues in medicine today Their long term goals s Applicants should familiarize themselves with: Their medical school applications Mission statements of medical schools
23 Why do I want to go to medical school? s Passionate about a career in medicine s Dedicated to a career of helping patients s Interested in understanding the science behind human diseases s Role models
24 Factors Considered in the Interview w Professional and friendly w Communication skills – listening skills w Motivation – medicine is their calling w Maturity w Compassion w Interests w Emotional stability w Subjective overall impression – humble
WUSM: Characteristics of Our Students 25
26 43,776 4,045 1, WUSM Selection – 2011
27 Acceptance Rates – 2011 s National accepts:45% accepted to a medical school s WUSM accepts: 8% accepted s WUSM interviewees:90% accepted to a medical school
28 WUSM 2011 First Year Class s N = 121 s M:F = 64: : 10% women 1970: 30% women 2000: 50% women s Origins States36 Foreign countries8 Colleges 64
29 WUSM 2011 First Year Class w N = 121 w M:F = 64:57 w Features MSTP26 URM17 w Credentials GPA range3.42 – 4.0 MCAT range
WUSM: Research Opportunities 30
31 Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) w Applicants must be passionate about research w Combined MD/PhD w Basic Science Training months w Thesis Research - 30-? months w Clinical Training months w Average time to completion – 7.5 years w International students are eligible
32 MSTP Program Benefits s Full tuition remission for both PhD and MD phases of training s Health and Disability Insurance s Stipend of $27,000 per year to cover living expenses s NIH encourages and supports MSTP graduates with research funding
33 Medical Students in Summer Research (Non-MSTP)
34 Merit Scholarships s 20 MD scholarships Academic excellence Distinguished personal achievements Excellent communication skills Strong leadership skills Awarded without regard to financial need s 25 MSTP scholarships
Summary s We are interested in academically talented, compassionate, well rounded applicants with strong communication skills s Pursue your talents and passions 35