FAQs

Admissions

• Is preference given to Michigan students?
  As a private institution we seek to enroll outstanding students from across the U.S. regardless of state of legal residence. We seek diversity among our students, including geographic background, and undergraduate institution. In the WMed Class of 2027, 29% of our students are Michiganders and we have 23 different states represented. Learn more. 
• What is WMed looking for in an applicant?
  At WMed, we use a holistic review process to select medical students. We are looking for students who are well prepared academically, have had a variety of pre-medical experiences, and exhibit the attributes that align with our mission and vision. The selection process for admission to WMed is rigorous because of this commitment. As part of the supplemental application, applicants complete an online assessment that is designed to help us determine your attributes, such as altruism, accountability, responsibility, duty, honesty, integrity, and respect for others. The results of this assessment are used with the rest of your application materials to select the candidates who are invited for a telephone interview. This telephone interview delves even deeper to identify the strength of your attributes. The final step in the process includes a personal interview with a WMed faculty member who will utilize the time to really get to know who you are and how you will contribute to the WMed community. 
• Which applicants receive the supplemental application?
  We require a minimum MCAT score of 499 and GPA of 3.0 in order to be invited to complete the supplemental application process. The supplemental application includes an essay component and an online assessment focusing on personal attributes. 
• Can I submit updates to my application?
  Yes, if you have significant updates, such as new experiences, you are welcome upload a PDF document via the applicant portal or send directly via email to admissions@wmed.edu.
• Which extracurricular activities do you recommend to participate in before medical school?
  You should be involved in extracurricular activities that motivate you and you are passionate about. We expect that some of these activities will include exposure to the medical field, including research or patient care.
• How do I apply to WMed?
  WMed uses AMCAS (American Medical College Application Service). Click here to learn more about the application process. We also have an early decision program, WMedStart, for students who plan to graduate from one of our preferred relationship institutions.
• What is the deadline for applying?
  The AMCAS application must be submitted by November 15. The WMed supplemental application and online assessment must be completed by January 5. WMed uses a rolling admissions process, so all applicants are encouraged to complete the AMCAS and supplemental application early for greatest consideration.
• What is the WMed class size?
  WMed enrolls 86 students annually. Review our class profiles to learn more about WMed’s class.
• Is preference given to students from Western Michigan University (WMU) or other schools?
  WMed has preferred relationships with WMU, as well as Kalamazoo College, Grand Valley State University, and Albion College, and seeks to admit outstanding students from each of these institutions into each entering class. Students from these institutions are also eligible to apply to the WMedStart Early Decision Program.
• What prerequisite courses do I need?
  Specific undergraduate prerequisite coursework is not required to apply to WMed. To be well prepared in medical school, however, we recommend applicants complete upper division science coursework in biochemistry, genetics, human anatomy, human physiology, and statistics. Click here to learn more about recommended coursework and other application requirements.
• I haven’t completed all of the courses on the recommended list. Can I still apply?
  Of course! Many applicants are still completing coursework when they submit an application and these recommended courses are encouraged — not required. Please note, if offered admission, one of the conditions is conferral of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution prior to matriculation. 
• What letters of reference are required and how should I submit them?
  Applicants should submit a minimum of three -- and no more than four -- letters of reference. All letters should be submitted through AMCAS Letters of Evaluation/Reference Service. We recommend that science faculty members write at least two of your letters. Letter packets prepared by undergraduate institutions are also accepted.
• What is the WMed policy about the MCAT?
  For the 2024 entering class, MCAT scores from exams taken from January 2021 through September 2023 will be considered valid. We require a minimum composite score of 499 for MCAT. WMed does not have sub-score minimums. If multiple valid scores are listed, we consider the most recent composite score. 
• I am graduating with a degree from a university in a country other than the U.S. Am I eligible for admission?
  To be eligible for admission to WMed, you must have either a bachelor’s degree or an advanced degree (e.g., master’s degree or PhD) from an institution accredited by one of the U.S. regional accrediting organizations recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), or in Canada through membership in Universities Canada (formerly the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada). If your highest degree prior to admission is a bachelor’s degree, it is expected that at least 90 hours of coursework for the bachelor's degree, including most of the recommended premedical courses, be completed at the degree-granting institution. If you have an advanced degree and your bachelor’s degree is from a university outside the U.S., you need to have your bachelor’s degree evaluated for U.S. equivalency through WES.org or ECE.org, with the report delivered directly to WMed.
• If I'm currently a student at another medical school, can I transfer to WMed?
  Our highly integrated curriculum blends the basic sciences with clinical sciences throughout all four years. The differences in curricula do not enable advanced placement of medical students from other medical schools. WMed does not consider transfer requests.
• Are scholarships available from the medical school for medical students?
  Yes, scholarships are available for all medical students at WMed, including incoming students. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and/or merit. Additional information about scholarships is available on the financial aid webpages.
• How do I contact the admissions office?
  You can get in touch with us via email at admissions@wmed.edu or by phone at 269.337.6100.

Curriculum

• How is the curriculum structured?
  The WMed curriculum is a systems-based, integrated curriculum. The curriculum map shows the courses of Foundations of Medicine and the clerkships of Clinical Applications. The basic sciences and clinical sciences are integrated throughout the four years. We use a variety of instructional methods, including team-based learning, small- and large-group sessions, lectures, and early clinical experiences. Simulation-based learning is used extensively throughout the four-year curriculum. Learn more about the curriculum for the medical degree.
• Do students have the option of studying internationally?
  Yes, faculty from the medical school have long-standing relationships with clinics and small hospitals in several areas of the world. Faculty-led experiences occur several times during the year.
• How are students assessed and graded?
  Grading in Foundations of Medicine is on a pass/fail basis. Grading is based on multiple choice exams, anatomy exams, standardized patient exams, simulation-based testing, and professionalism. Capstone review sessions with faculty assist students with preparation for examinations. Each course has weekly formative exams, which do not count in grading, to provide students with objective interval feedback on their learning progress. Grading in Clinical Applications is on an honors/high pass/pass/fail basis. Grading is based on multiple choice exams, standardized patient exams, evaluations by clinical faculty of students' knowledge and skills, and professionalism. Learn more about the curriculum for the medical degree.
• Do students get to take any electives in the first two years?
  Yes, throughout your first two years students select four one-week electives to explore individual areas of interest. These electives range from oncology to rural health, massage therapy, research, forensic pathology, and everything in between. Learn more about the curriculum for the medical degree.
• Since books are purchased as electronic textbooks, are there options for using traditional textbooks?
  Yes, the library has several copies of each textbook that students may borrow.
• What type of preparation is provided for the USMLE exams?
  A goal of the medical school is having all students pass the USMLE exams on the first attempt. Passing USMLE Step 1, and Step 2 CK and CS are required for graduation. Throughout the curriculum, you will have a variety of preparation for the USMLE exams. See how WMed students have performed on these exams.

Interview Process During COVID-19

• How will COVID-19 impact the 2021 cycle and beyond?
  We understand the challenges many applicants are facing. We will continue to be flexible and update our admissions processes as additional information becomes available. Our Admissions Committee assures you that the holistic application review we have always committed to will include the context of the current situation. 
• Will there be any on-campus interviews for the WMed Class of 2028?
  We have made the decision to continue with virtual interviews during the 2024 admissions cycle. Fairness in the admissions process is paramount and we feel having the same environment for all interviews is critical. With two cycles of virtual interviews completed, we are confident we will continue to meet candidates who are not only prepared academically for the rigors of our program, and also bring the personal attributes and a diverse set of pre-medical experiences to our community.
• Where can I include information about how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted my plans and life?
  An additional optional essay is included on our Supplemental Application to provide a designated space to inform the Admissions Committee about the impact of COVID-19 on your plans and in your life. 
• The grading at my undergraduate institution has changed or my coursework has shifted online. Is that okay? 
  Of course! WMed has recommended coursework as opposed to pre-requisite coursework — see https://med.wmich.edu/app. As always, we encourage you to take the courses that will challenge and prepare you for the rigors of medical school, whether that be pass/fail, credit/no-credit, or virtual learning.
• Will applicants be able to visit WMed?
  Yes, our plan is to offer visit days throughout the cycle for applicants. With the health and safety of our community as the first priority, we hope to offer several opportunities for small groups to visit campus, meet with current students and faculty, as well as tour campus.

General FAQs

• Do students need cars?
  Yes, reliable transportation is necessary during all four years. The curriculum involves experiences at various clinical sites beginning early in the first year. Most of the clinical experiences are within a couple of miles of the downtown W.E. Upjohn M.D. Campus, including the WMed Health clinics on the Oakland Drive Campus, Ascension Borgess Hospital, Bronson Methodist Hospital, and Senior Care Partners. Some researchers are based at the Innovation Center on the Parkview Campus (5 miles or 13 minutes from downtown Kalamazoo). Some students will have occasional clinical experiences at sites outside of Kalamazoo, including Bronson Battle Creek, Bronson Lakeview Hospital in Paw Paw, or Ascension Borgess-Pipp Hospital in Plainwell.
• What is it like to live in Kalamazoo?
  With a population of more than 325,000, Kalamazoo is the sixth largest metropolitan area in Michigan and part of the 115th largest in the country, providing a perfect combination of big city energy and small town feel. The W.E. Upjohn M.D. Campus is located in downtown Kalamazoo, which offers great dining, eclectic shops, galleries, and entertainment. A wide variety of outdoor activities, lakes, festivals, and attractions are available nearby. Learn more about Downtown Kalamazoo.