Frequently Asked Questions
General
- Could you send me an AMCAS application?
- What are the oldest MCAT scores that you accept?
- When should I apply?
- What's the competition for admission like there?
- What are the average MCAT scores and GPA's of accepted applicants?
- How much is tuition?
- Does Vanderbilt give preference to in-state applicants?
- Does it matter where I got my undergraduate degree?
- Does Vanderbilt accept foreign students?
- What are the requirements for admission?
- Will my extracurricular activities/interests be considered in the preliminary review of my file?
- Does the Medical School have any special programs such as Physician's Assistant or M.D./Ph.D. combined degrees? What about 8-year B.A./M.D. or post-bac programs?
- Are transfer students accepted to Vanderbilt University School of Medicine?
- Can international students apply to the first year class?
After You Have Initially Applied
- I've already applied through AMCAS. When do I get the secondary application?
- Can I have a regional Interview?
- If driving to Nashville for my interview, where do I park?
- Where can I get more information?
Could you send me an AMCAS application?
We are an AMCAS-affiliated school so the first step in applying to VUSM is to send in the on-line AMCAS application and indicate you want to send your data to Vanderbilt.
You will need to take the MCAT. For the 2009 admissions season the MCAT is administered multiple times during the year. Beginning January 2007 the MCAT will become an electronic test given 19 times per year. Vanderbilt’s MCAT policy for 2009 and beyond is that applicants take the MCAT no later than the latest offered test date in September.
Registration is available online - http://www.aamc.org/mcat.
OR by mail, write to:MCAT Program Office
PO Box 4056
Iowa City, IA 52243
(319) 337-1357
What are the oldest MCAT scores that you accept?
MCAT scores are good for a period of three years. 2006 is the oldest MCAT scores that will be accepted for the 2009 first year class
When should I apply?
For 2009 AMCAS applications are accepted June 4th - November 15th. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and the first acceptances go out after October 15.
What's the competition for admission like there?
For the 2007 first year class, Vanderbilt had over 5,000 applications for 104 positions.
What are the average MCAT scores and GPA's of matriculating applicants?
Below are the average mean scores of students matriculating into VUSM.
| 2007 First Year Class | |
|---|---|
| MCAT | 11.5 |
| GPA | 3.8 |
How much is tuition?
For 2008-2009, tuition is $38,400. Most students rely on loans to finance their medical education. Check our financial aid page
Does Vanderbilt give preference to in-state applicants?
No. Vanderbilt treats in-state and out-of-state applications exactly the same. Click here to see a list of undergraduate schools
Does it matter where I got my undergraduate degree?
If you would like to view a list of where our students have attended undergraduate school, click here.
Does Vanderbilt accept foreign students?
Yes, but there are financial constraints since non-US citizens are not eligible for federal loans.
What are the requirements for admission?
Please see the course requirements
Eight semester hours (including laboratories) in each of the following: Biology, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physics. Six semester hours in English and Composition. Neither AP credit, CLEP credit nor PF credit will count toward ANY requirements for admission. Higher level coursework in the same area is encouraged and accepted. Any college major is acceptable and no particular major is favored in the application review process.
Will my extracurricular activities/interests be considered in the preliminary review of my file?
Yes. The school seeks those who have cultivated their humanistic interest and skills through broad life experiences as well as prepared themselves academically.
Does the Medical School have any special programs such as Physician's Assistant or M.D./Ph.D. combined degrees? What about 8-year B.A./M.D. or post-bac programs?
Vanderbilt has a National Institute of Health-supported M.D./Ph.D. program. Vanderbilt does not offer Physician's Assistant training, nor does it offer an official 8-year or post-bac programs.
Combined graduate degrees are available in conjunction with selected graduate schools. These dual degrees currently include M.D./M.B.A., M.D./Divinity, M.D./J.D., M.D./M.P.H., and M.D./M.S. BMI.
Are transfer students accepted to Vanderbilt University School of Medicine?
Acceptance for transfer is limited to the third year filling places made by attrition only. Opportunities for transfer are rarely available because of the low attrition rate. Those students who have completed the second year of medical school, in good standing at LCME-accredited U.S. or Canadian medical schools are eligible to apply. The deadline for applying for transfer is March 1. (AAMC link)
| Number of Matriculated Transfer Students by Year | |
|---|---|
| 2000-1 | |
| 2001-2 | |
| 2002-1 | |
| 2003-5 | |
| 2004-3 | |
| 2005-3 | |
| 2006-2 | |
| 2007-2 | |
Can international students apply to the first year class?
Yes. International students are welcome to apply to the first year class. However, VUSM does not accept transfer applications from students in foreign medical schools.
In most cases, applicants who have studied exclusively outside the United States have chosen to supplement their studies with at least a year of course work in an accredited university in the United States.
I've already applied through AMCAS. When do I get the secondary application?
After VUSM receives your AMCAS application, it will be screened by three faculty members. On the basis of the screening, you will be sent a letter asking you to complete the Vanderbilt on-line secondary or you will receive a letter saying the admissions process has ended.
Can I have a regional Interview?
All interviews will be at Vanderbilt.
If driving to Nashville for my interview, where do I park?
Park in the 25th Avenue Garage located between 24th Ave and 25th Ave [View Map]. Enter on the 25th Ave side. Contact Judy Mcclanahan (judy.mcclanahan@vanderbilt.edu) for instructions one week before arriving regarding parking validation.
Where can I get more information?
By mail:
Medical School Admissions Office215 Light Hall
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
Nashville, TN 37232-0685
For additional information visit: http://www.vanderbilt.edu/catalogs/
The Vanderbilt University School of Medicine is accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME).
