Admissions Philosophy

The Keck School of Medicine Admissions Committee views the personal attributes of each medical school applicant holistically. The following factors influence admission decisions:

• Performance in college, based on grade-point average (GPA)
• Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) scores
• Personal characteristics such as communication skills, compassion and empathy
• History of leadership, civic service and a commitment to social justice
• Interest in teaching, research or providing patient care to underserved populations

Admissions Policies

The Committee on Admissions seriously considers candidates whose academic achievement and MCAT performance indicate their ability to satisfactorily complete the rigorous curriculum of the medical school. Favorable consideration reflects additional factors that contribute to the breadth and diversity of the entering class. These include but are not limited to demonstrated motivation and commitment to service, evidence of leadership, personal qualities, including compassion and sensitivity, which are deemed desirable in the study and practice of medicine, personal achievement and potential for making significant contributions in personal and professional endeavors.

While there are no minimum score or grade requirements needed to apply to medical school, admission is extremely competitive. At the Keck School of Medicine, the committee fully considers all aspects of an applicant, weighing scores and grades with letters of recommendation, essays, community service, research, evidence of compassion through volunteer work and other factors. Accepted students generally have an average undergraduate science grade point average of about a 3.6 and average MCAT scores of about 10 or higher on each section.

The Keck School encourages applications from all qualified students. USC does not discriminate against students or applicants for admission, on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, or status as a disabled veteran. An otherwise qualified individual shall not be excluded from admission, or participation in educational programs and activities solely by reason of his/her physical handicap or medical condition.

Foreign Students

Foreign students are eligible to apply to the Keck School of Medicine but must have completed at least one year of study at an accredited college or university in the United States prior to application.

Please note: Canadian applicants are considered the same as U.S. applicants. All policies that apply to U.S. students apply to Canadian students.

Ineligible Students

Individuals who have discontinued studies in medical school for academic reasons are not eligible to apply to the Keck School of Medicine.

Admission with Advanced Standing

We are accepting Admission with Advanced Standing (Transfer) applications for the 2008-2009 academic year. 

It is the policy of the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California to consider applicants for admission with advanced standing into the third-year class on a space-available basis. Applications will be accepted only from full-time medical students currently enrolled or on approved leave-of-absence and in good standing at LCME-accredited medical schools within the United States or Canada. Eligible applicants are required to have satisfactorily completed two years of medical education, including history taking and physical diagnosis, prior to matriculation at the Keck School of Medicine and to have passed the USMLE, Step 1.

The following are not eligible for consideration: (1) students attending non-LCME accredited medical schools, (2) individuals who have already earned the M.D. degree, and (3) students who have been dismissed from a medical school and who are not eligible for readmission to that school.

Applicants must have their medical school submit (1) a statement of good standing from their dean of student affairs, and (2) an official medical school transcript.  Letters of recommendation are optional.  The application and all supporting documentation must be postmarked by June 15, 2008, though applicants may apply earlier, as explained below.  There is an application fee of $50.

Please click here to download the application.

« Back to M.D. Admissions