FAQs

Admissions

Curriculum

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.