Washington University in St. Louis
School of Medicine (WUSM)
Medical
School
Admissions
1
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 63110
(314) 362-6844
chungk@wusm.wustl.edu
2
Topics

Introduction to WUSM and Curriculum

Admissions Process:
Qualities we seek
Pre-med preparation
Application process
Interviews

WUSM:
Characteristics of our students
Research opportunities
Scholarships
3
Introduction and Curriculum
4
5
Medical Training
M.D.
Residency
4
Fellowship
8
12
years
6
WUSM’s Curriculum

First Year
Normal human biology: anatomy,
biochemistry, genetics, physiology

Second Year
Disease processes and mechanisms,
body responses and manifestations,
treatment

Third Year Core clinical rotations
Medicine
Surgery
Pediatrics

Fourth Year
Psychiatry
Neurology
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Electives
7
Admissions: Qualities We Seek
8
What are we looking for?
• Scholars
• Scientists
• Humanitarians
• Volunteers
• Creators
Art, music, literature
• Visionaries
• Leaders
• People of achievement
9
Personal qualities

Caring, compassionate and empathetic

Dedicated to making the world a better place

Dedicated to service to others

Effective communicators

Energetic, enthusiastic and hard working

Genuine and honest

Humble
10
Admissions: Pre-med Preparation
11
Why do I want to go to medical school?

Passionate about a career in medicine

Dedicated to a career of helping patients

Interested in understanding the science
behind human diseases

Role models
12
Factors considered in the review process

GPA

MCAT scores

Extracurricular activities

Recommendation letters

Personal essay

International applicants are welcome
13
GPA and MCAT Scores of Matriculants
GPA
MCAT
National Average
3.6
31
WUSM average
3.8
37
14
Course Requirements

Courses - one year each:
Biology
Chemistry
Organic Chemistry/Biochemistry
Physics
Calculus/Statistics

Major in any field, excel in the sciences

Include courses that improve writing skills

90 credit hours

International students - study 2 yrs at a US college
15
Extracurricular Activities

Demonstrate that applicants are compassionate,
well balanced and interesting

Choose a few activities that applicants are
passionate about and stick with them
Clinical exposure
Hobbies
Research
Volunteer
Work
16
Admissions: Application Process
17
Overview of Application Process
Apply to AMCAS
Complete On-line Secondary Application
Interview 20%
MD only Pathway
MD/PhD Pathway
Accepted
Not accepted
Wait List
18
Web Information

Washington University School of Medicine
http://medschool.wustl.edu/admissions/

2012-2013 Medical School Admission Requirements
(MSAR) book from AAMC
https://www.aamc.org/msar
19
How to Apply

Apply early

American Medical College Application Service
(AMCAS) electronic application
http://www.aamc.org/students/amcas/

WUSM’s on-line secondary application
https://wumsapply.wustl.edu/
20
Admissions: Interviews
21
Prepare for the Interview

Practice speaking in front of strangers

Applicants should know:
Why they are pursuing medicine
Major issues in medicine today
Their long term goals

Applicants should familiarize themselves with:
Their medical school applications
Mission statements of medical schools
22
Why do I want to go to medical school?

Passionate about a career in medicine

Dedicated to a career of helping patients

Interested in understanding the science
behind human diseases

Role models
23
Factors Considered in the Interview

Professional and friendly

Communication skills – listening skills

Motivation – medicine is their calling

Maturity

Compassion

Interests

Emotional stability

Subjective overall impression – humble
24
WUSM:
Characteristics of Our Students
25
WUSM Selection – 2011
121
1,126
4,045
43,776
26
Acceptance Rates – 2011

National accepts:
45% accepted to
a medical school

WUSM accepts:
8% accepted

WUSM interviewees:
90% accepted
to a medical
school
27
WUSM 2011 First Year Class

N = 121

M:F = 64:57

1940:
10% women
1970:
30% women
2000:
50% women
Origins
States
36
Foreign countries
8
Colleges
64
28
WUSM 2011 First Year Class

N = 121

M:F = 64:57

Features

MSTP
26
URM
17
Credentials
GPA range
3.42 – 4.0
MCAT range
28 - 44
29
WUSM: Research Opportunities
30
Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP)

Applicants must be passionate about research

Combined MD/PhD

Basic Science Training - 18-24 months

Thesis Research - 30-? months

Clinical Training - 12-24 months

Average time to completion – 7.5 years

International students are eligible
31
MSTP Program Benefits

Full tuition remission for both PhD and MD
phases of training

Health and Disability Insurance

Stipend of $27,000 per year to cover living
expenses

NIH encourages and supports MSTP graduates
with research funding
32
11
10
09
08
07
06
05
04
03
02
01
00
Total
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
99
98
97
96
95
100
19
19
19
19
19
Number of Students
Medical Students in Summer Research
(Non-MSTP)
120
105
80
60
40
23
20
0
Year
33
Merit Scholarships

20 MD scholarships
Academic excellence
Distinguished personal achievements
Excellent communication skills
Strong leadership skills
Awarded without regard to financial need

25 MSTP scholarships
34
Summary

We are interested in academically talented,
compassionate, well rounded applicants with
strong communication skills

Pursue your talents and passions
35