Frequently Asked Questions

Will you be taking this year's COVID-related disruptions into consideration as you make admissions decisions?

Yes, our application screeners will be taking COVID related disruptions into consideration as they review applications. We are aware of the multiple issues that have resulted, including pass/fail grading, online or canceled labs, interrupted experiences, the potential for late letters of recommendation and delayed transcripts, etc. and all these factors and any other incurred will be taken into consideration.

Will you review applications and invite applicants for an interview who have a pending MCAT Score?

We will continue to require an MCAT as a part of the completed application, however, we will review your application holistically and consider inviting you for an interview without the MCAT. Your application would be required to have an MCAT score prior to being considered for acceptance. We realize there have been many delays in MCAT testing and as such we have also moved our admissions season two weeks later as well.

What is the status of my application?

Students can login to the on-line supplemental application to check the status of the application

I took the MCAT several times. Do you see all the scores?

Yes. DukeMed can see all of your MCAT test scores from previous administrations of the MCAT. We do not combine scores of the sections to make your cumulative score higher. Instead we take the highest score.

How many letters of recommendation are required?

Each applicant must submit a minimum four (4) letters of recommendation, two of which must be from science faculty. Science faculty could be lab or class work. It would also be beneficial to have a clinical letter addressing your ability to work with others. If your school submits a committee letter, it applies the four letter rule. In other words, if you have a committee letter, you won't need to submit four letters of recommendation.

What if I cannot find two Science faculty members?

You can submit a letter from anyone who can write on your behalf regarding your scientific capabilities.

We would prefer that those who have had close contact in a teaching environment, supervisory position where scientific research supervision is documented or in the absence of the above two experiences a supervisory in a clinical experience provide support for your application.

May I send more letters than are required? And what is the maximum?

Yes, Additional letters can be sent as long as the letters are in support of your application.

In MSAR we indicate maximum of six letter, however with 8000+ applicants, please choose carefully as our screeners will not necessarily read more than four since that is what we publish as recommended in lieu of single composite letter.

What should be included in a complete application?

• Verified AMCAS Application
• Duke SOM Supplemental Application (secondary application)
• Required four letters of recommendation
• Official MCAT scores
• Application fee ($100)

How do I send updated information regarding my address and phone number after I've submitted my AMCAS application?

Please update your address or contact information on the AMCAS application. Once updated in AAMC, the Duke application will be automatically updated.

How can I pay my secondary application fee?

We currently accept credit card or e-check payments for $100 (USD). We DO NOT accept cash. Credit card and e-check payments must be made online via our Admissions System. Please note: you will receive a link to the Admissions System once you have been verified. Students who are granted fee waivers by AMCAS’s Fee Assistance Program (FAP) will be given fee waivers for the Duke secondary application once the application is complete. We will not waive the fee for any other requests.

How can I send updates to my application?

Once the supplemental application is received we will accept updates such as publications, honor/awards, any legal updates. Application updates can be made directly to the secondary application under the Additional Consideration section. Once your updates have been made it will become a permanent part of your application. 

What happens if I cannot find my supplementary application email?

Once your application is verified by AMCAS, an automated email will be generated by the Duke system with your Supplementary Application. If you cannot find this email, please ensure you have checked all folders of your email, including the spam folder before reaching out to our office.

What type of degree is required to enter Duke School of Medicine?

Applicants must have received an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university by the time of matriculation.

Does DukeMed require any specific course work?

DukeMed no longer requires pre-requisites for course completion at DukeMed. The choice of appropriate courses is the student’s and should prepare them not only for the new MCATs but also broadly for the environment in which students will increasingly be expected to practice medicine. Any judgment about your preparation in this area will be based on the MCAT performance, the inclusion of sociology/psychology-based exposure(s) in your list of activities, the quality and breadth/depth of your essays, and if you are invited to interview, how these exposures contribute to mature discussions with our MMI raters and interactions during the interview day with faculty and students.

Can International students apply?

DukeMed considers international students and requires completion of an undergraduate degree from an accredited American College or University. If the undergraduate degree is from a foreign college, at least two years of university work at an American-accredited university or college will be required. 

Duke Med will only evaluate credentials from students who have done their coursework in an American accredited university or college.

The MD/PhD program does not consider international candidates.

International students are considered for admission to Duke Medicine without regard to their country of origin.

Do you accept courses completed online and at community colleges?

DukeMed will accept coursework from community college that has been accepted by your undergraduate institution.

Due to COVID-19, Duke Med will accept online courses during the Spring, Sumemr and Fall 2020 semesters.

Do you admit transfer students?

Our unique curriculum does not allow the transfer of students to our curriculum where the basic curriculum is completed during the first year of medicine and the initial clinical rotations are completed in the second year of the curriculum. A third year of required scholarly work in clinical or basic science research and/or in an approved dual degree program is required. This is followed by a fourth year of required advanced clinical work. As a result equivalency with a more traditional curriculum is not possible.

Therefore DukeMed does not consider transfer into its curriculum and only in situations where the spouse of a currently enrolled student or spouse of a DukeMed faculty are involved AND only if there is space in our class.

Do I need to have a science major to apply for MD program?

Duke Medicine takes all majors into consideration when applying to the program.

Can I transfer my AP Credits?

AP credits that are accepted by your undergraduate are also accepted as part of your medical school application.

Do you consider applications from students who are undocumented immigrants?

Yes. Applicants are considered for admission to Duke SoM without regard to their country of origin. Eligible applicants include individuals who have been granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services at the time of the applications as well as undocumented students. If admitted, undocumented students could be eligible for institutional financial aid on the basis of financial need. 

Do you accept applications from Canadian students?

DukeMed accepts applications from Canadian students who have done their undergrad in Canada; however our financial aid is limited for students who are not American citizens.

What is the earliest MCAT accepted and will Duke accept old MCAT exam?

Update as of 7/17/2020: *Due to the delay and cancellation of MCAT tests in Spring/Summer of 2020, we will accept MCAT Scores from 2016 for applicants applying for entry in Fall 2021*

MCAT Scores must be completed by the end of September 2020 in order to be considered for the upcoming application cycle.

The old format of the MCAT test is no longer accepted.

What is the last date for submitting AMCAS and Secondary application?

October 30th at 11:59 pm EST is the last day to send completed AMCAS application. November 30th at 11:59 PM EST is the last day to send the completed Duke Supplementary application.

When will I find out if I have been selected to the Med School?

The Admissions Committee will notify applicants of its decisions in mid-February. 

Securing your place as a Duke University School of Medicine MD, PCLT or MSTP (MD/PhD) student in the 2021 entering class requires the following:

• Adhering to the AMCAS guidelines for choosing a medical school, accepted applicants should hold no more than three acceptances by Wednesday, April 15, 2021, contacting those schools via email where they wish to withdraw. There is no limit to alternate list offers.
   
• Continuing to adhere to the AMCAS guidelines on Thursday, April 30, 2021, accepted applicants must “Plan to Enroll” only at Duke University School of Medicine and withdraw offers from all other MD, PCLT and/or MSTP (MD/PhD) programs. As of that date, AAMC Traffic Rules allow you to hold an active offer from only one MD, PCLT, or MSTP Program.  There is no limit to alternate list offers.
   
• By Wednesday, June 15, 2021, applicants must "Commit to Enroll" at Duke University School of Medicine and withdraw all other wait list offers from other programs.
   
• Your non-refundable $100 e-check tuition deposit must be received by Thursday, April 30, 2021 by 11:59 PM, EST.  The $100 deposit will be added to your Fall 2021 tuition.

Are international students eligible for financial aid?

There is limited financial aid for international students. Please refer to the financial aid website here for further details: https://medschool.duke.edu/education/student-services/office-financial-a... International students

How can I get a Fee Waiver?

Duke Supplemental Application Fee Waivers are considered for applicants who have received an AMCAS Fee Waiver. To be considered for a Duke Supplemental Application Fee Waiver you must have been approved for the AMCAS Fee Waiver Assistance Program.

Your fee assistance request will be approved after you submit your completed secondary application. No payment will be required.

How and when do interviews take place?

DukeMed will hold virtual Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) this year.  We will hold interviews Monday through Thursday from mid-September through the end of January. DukeMed Office of Admissions will contact you via email if you have been selected for an interview.

How do I apply to the MD/PhD (MSTP) Program?

You must submit your application through AMCAS and indicate MD/PhD. You will be given the option of MD/PhD with MD consideration or MD/PhD only. If you choose MD/PhD only your application will not be reviewed by the MD program.

Will I still be considered for the M.D. Program, if I am rejected from the MD/PhD (MSTP) Program?

If you selected MD consideration on your MSTP application the MD proram will review your application after the MSTP committee has made a decision.

I am a PCLT applicant, will my application also be considered for the MD program?

All PCLT applicants will be considered for the traditional MD track if not considered by the PCLT program.

Do you organize tours at the Medical School?

We do not provide tours/visits of the School of Medicine except for those students selected to interview as part of the Admissions process.

What are the skills or characteristics that you are looking for to be a medical student at Duke?

Personal characteristics and learning skills are as important as excellence in academic performance. There must be evidence of commitment to acquire an knowledge base and also to develop learning and problem-solving skills that will sustain life-long growth. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to service to others and to society in general. Finally, applicants should demonstrate well-informed and carefully explored reasons for seeking a career in medicine.

Does Duke have an undergraduate program for medicine (Premed)?

We do not offer an undergraduate program in medicine. All students accepted into our School of Medicine are required to have completed at least an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university before applying into medical school. There are some schools that have combined undergraduate/MD programs and the AAMC website could provide more details as to those program and requirements.