FAQs
MD Program FAQs
Where may I find information about the application process, policies, and procedures?
You can find detailed information about our admission requirements on our website.
My application for admission was rejected. Can I appeal?
Unfortunately, not. All admission decisions are final. You can, however, reapply during the next interview cycle.
How can I reach the Admissions Office?
The phone number for the Office of Admissions is (909) 490–5910. Please send all email inquiries to Admissions@cusm.edu.
Is a bachelor's degree required?
Applicants must hold a bachelor's (baccalaureate) degree from a regionally–accredited undergraduate college or university in the US or an equivalent degree from a non‐US accredited undergraduate university.
Are Visa services provided for international students?
CUSM-SOM is not approved to issue a certificate of eligibility (I–20) for international students. Therefore, student visa services are not provided. CUSM-SOM does not vouch for student status and makes no associated charges.
Can a student with a foreign bachelor's degree apply?
Yes. Applicants must hold a bachelor's (baccalaureate) degree from a regionally–accredited undergraduate college or university in the US or an equivalent degree from a non‐US accredited undergraduate university. The coursework completed at a non‐US institution(s) must be accompanied by an evaluation report certified by one of the foreign educational credentials evaluation services CUSM-SOM approves.
Where can I find the application for admission to the medical school?
All applications to CUSM-SOM must be made through the American Medical College Application System (AMCAS). Applicants can obtain information regarding the CUSM-SOM admissions process and requirements on our website at CUSM.edu. For the AMCAS application process and requirements, visit their website.
Where can I find the admission requirements and course recommendations?
You can find detailed information about our admission requirements on our website.
What is your GPA requirement?
CUSM – grade point average (GPA) preference: a total undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above and a BCPM (biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics) GPA of 3.0 or above.
Do you provide tours or information sessions to prospective applicants or groups?
Due to the volume of requests received – and to ensure equity in the admissions process - the Office of Admissions generally does not provide tours or personalized application counseling to prospective or current applicants during interview season. Applicants invited to interview will be offered a comprehensive overview of our program during their visit, including a campus tour and time with an admissions staff member and current students.
Do you offer advanced standing or transfer seats?
CUSM will consider applications for transfer from other LCME-accredited institutions into the third year of the curriculum starting in 2021 on a space-available basis. Applicants for transfer into Year 3 must have successfully passed the USMLE Step–1 examination. They may be required to assess their clinical skills and knowledge to determine if any remediation is necessary to bring the applicant to the same level as current students.
Do you consider international applicants for admission?
Yes. CUSM requires applicants not US citizens to have a Permanent Resident Visa or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status. CUSM is not approved, however, to issue a certificate of eligibility (–20) for international students. Therefore, student visa services are not provided. CUSM-SOM does not vouch for student status and makes no associated charges.
Do you provide application feedback to applicants who still need to be admitted?
The Admissions Committee makes its decisions confidential, so we cannot provide individual feedback. Please refer to our admissions website for notification of decisions.
How are re–applicants reviewed for admission?
The files of applicants to the MD Program whose applications were reviewed by the Admissions Committee in a previous application cycle are reviewed with a focus on new information.
What are your prerequisites?
You can find detailed information about our admission requirements on our website.
What is your MCAT score requirement? If I have taken the MCAT multiple times, which do you consider?
Medical College Admission Test® (MCAT®) requirements**: An MCAT 2016 or conventional MCAT score is required. An MCAT 2016 score of 504 or above is preferred.
CUSM-SOM prefers an MCAT2015 score but will accept either score. However, MCAT scores should be at most three years old at the time of application.
No other scores are eligible, and no exceptions will be made regardless of reason. The CUSM-SOM Admissions Committee has elected to use an applicant's highest MCAT score when multiple scores are available.
Can I submit my application before I take the MCAT?
Your application will be held pending receipt of your scores if you indicate an impending test date in your AMCAS application. Once all other application materials have been received, you will receive an application completion confirmation email once your latest scores are received.
Can I have my application re-reviewed once new scores arrive?
No. The admissions committee will review each application only once. If you plan on taking the MCAT after submitting your application, you must indicate the exam date in your AMCAS Application; this information will be automatically transmitted to your Secondary Application.
Should I send you my updated transcript?
Please do not send the school any transcripts unless we specifically ask you to submit them. Transcripts will not be added to your file, even if newer grades are available. We will only consider transcripts included in your AMCAS application.
How long after my application is complete should I expect a response?
Turn-around time is generally three weeks and may vary at different stages in the application cycle. Please ensure that every application is individually reviewed before the committee decides.
How should I submit my letters of recommendation?
Letters of recommendation must be submitted through AMCAS. We will not accept letters of recommendation received in any other format.
Will you accept fee waivers for your Secondary Application fee?
Yes. If your AMCAS fee waiver appears on your verified AMCAS application, we will grant a waiver of the Secondary Application fee.
Do you consider deferral requests from accepted students?
The Admissions Committee may consider a request to defer matriculation for extreme extenuating circumstances. In any case, no deferral will be granted for more than one year. All deferral requests should be emailed to Admissions@cusm.edu.
Do you accept post-submission updates (including transcripts)?
No. We only consider the information within the AMCAS initial submission for admissions.
What is a gap year?
A "gap year" is the period between the end of your undergraduate education and the start of medical school. A gap year might be a year or more, depending on each person's circumstances. Whether or not a student takes a gap year is a personal decision. Those who have chosen to take a gap year before applying to medical school are placed at no disadvantage in our admissions process.
What is the CUSM policy regarding credit hours and transfer credit hours?
Yes, please review the policies:
Does CUSM have a policy for student complaints and/or grievance reporting?
Yes, please see the policy: