Admission Requirements
Our admission requirements are designed to help you succeed at UND SMHS.
At UND’s School of Medicine & Health Sciences, we don’t just evaluate grades and test scores. We look at who you are, what drives you and how prepared you are for the challenges of medical school and a career in medicine.
Academic Foundation
You must complete a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university before you begin medical school. However, you may apply before your degree is complete.
We do not require a specific major. Choose a field you enjoy and where you can perform well. Many successful applicants major in biology, chemistry or psychology, but others come from backgrounds like nursing, engineering, neuroscience or computer science.
We recommend a mix of:
- Natural sciences: Foundational biomedical science concepts such as introductory biology, organic and inorganic chemistry, physics, biochemistry, and cellular and molecular biology.
- Behavioral sciences: Psychology, sociology and behavioral biology to understand human behavior and social influences on health.
- Humanities and writing-intensive courses: To strengthen skills in scientific inquiry, critical thinking, research methods and statistics as applied to natural, social and behavioral sciences.
This variety helps prepare you for both the MCAT and our integrated, patient-focused curriculum.
Expectations of Incoming Students
You’ll need more than academic knowledge to succeed. We expect incoming students to demonstrate:
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Commitment to working with people of diverse cultures and socioeconomic statuses.
- Adherence to ethical principles.
- Awareness and responsiveness to complex societal systems.
- Ability to function effectively within a team setting.
- Motivation to pursue lifelong learning.
We look for these qualities in your academic record, your clinical experience and the attributes in your applications.
Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) Requirements
- Minimum MCAT score: 495 on the most recent exam
- Average score for accepted students: 506–508
Performance on this standardized test is considered as part of the whole application package. Scores must be from within the last three years. If you’ve taken the MCAT more than once, we consider your most recent score but review prior scores for context.
When to Take the MCAT
The MCAT is offered multiple times each year. To meet our November 1 application deadline, the latest test date you should choose is typically in mid-September.
MCAT scores must be no more than three years old as of January 1 in the year you apply.
MCAT Preparation
The MCAT assesses preparedness in foundational knowledge, scientific reasoning, problem solving, reasoning about the design and execution of research, and data-based and statistical reasoning. Preparation for the MCAT will vary depending on the academic and personal circumstances of the applicant.
Traditional MCAT preparatory courses include:
- General biology (2 semesters)
- General chemistry (2 semesters)
- Organic chemistry (2 semesters)
- Biochemistry (1 semester)
- Physics (2 semesters)
- Psychology and sociology coursework
Need help planning for the MCAT? Visit our Pre-Application Timeline for study tips and recommended prep resources.
GPA
We consider a range of variables in applicants, not just metrics, but a minimum cumulative and BCPM (biology, chemistry, physics, math) GPA of 3.0 or higher is expected.
In recent application cycles, successful applicants have averaged a college cumulative GPA of 3.7 - 3.8.
Experience and Attributes Portfolio
The portfolio allows you to demonstrate qualities that may not be reflected in transcripts or test scores. You can draw from formal coursework, extracurricular activities or work experience to showcase these attributes.
If one experience supports more than one area of the portfolio, be sure to submit unique, clearly labeled examples that highlight each aspect separately.
These items will be assessed from your applications:
- Written Expression
- Research and Creative Activities
- Evidence with Diverse Populations
- Medical/Clinical Experience