What is the status of my application?
Students can login to the on-line supplemental application to check the status of the application
Does DukeMed require any specific course work?
We no longer have 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.
What is the earliest MCAT accepted and will Duke accept old MCAT exam?
Significantly more emphasis is now placed on performance on the new MCATs since the competencies assessed there align with the new MCATs. Your MCATs taken previously must be no older than 4 years at the time of projected matriculation. Therefore MCAT scores from a 2014 administration would be acceptable, however anything taken earlier than that would not. This will be the last year that Duke Accepts old MCAT scores.
What is the last date for submitting AMCAS and Secondary application?
October 15th is the last day to send completed AMCAS application. November 15th is the last day to send the completed Duke Supplementary application.
Can International students apply? And how international students get financial aid?
Duke belongs to the AMCAS service and therefore all applications to the medical schools must be directed to AMCAS. DUSOM requires completion of an undergraduate degree from an accredited American college or University, or if the undergraduate degree is from a foreign college at least two years of university work at an American-accredited university or college. We are only able to evaluate credentials from students who have done their coursework in an American accredited university or college.
Our MD/PhD program is an NIH-supported program and therefore cannot consider students who are not American citizens.
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 ONLY accept coursework that has been accepted by your home school towards completion specific educational requirements for your institution as counting toward official academic work completed.
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. This 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 if the letters are in support of your application. You may send additional letters, however, the letters must speak to your requirement of 4 recommendation letters.
There is no upper limit for the individual letters, however with 8000+applicants, please choose carefully as our screeners will not necessarily read more than 4 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 4 letters of recommendation
- Official MCAT scores
- Application fee ($85)
I already submitted my application, but I need to make a change. How can I do that?
If there was an error on your application or you need any changes made, please contact the AAMC at 202-828-0600.
How can I pay my secondary application fee?
We currently accept credit card or e-check payments for $85 (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. We will not waive the fee for any other requests.
Do you admit transfer students?
Duke University School of Medicine does not have a general transfer policy. 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.
Given that there has been little if any attrition from our enrolled classes, even in these limited circumstances has this been possible.
How and when do interviews take place?
Duke interviews are held on every Mondays and Thursdays from mid-September to mid-February each year. Duke Office of Admissions will contact you if you have been selected for an interview.
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.
Do I need to have a science major to apply for MD program?
No. But please refer to the expectations for the MD program.
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?
Yes, you will be considered for the MD program if you have selected that option on your secondary application.
When will I get to know if I have been selected to the Med School?
The Admissions Committee will notify applicants of its decisions in early March. Students who are accepted must send a tuition deposit of $100 with their response form to reserve a place in the class. The deposit will be applied to tuition charges for the fall semester.
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.
Can I transfer my AP Credits?
AP credits that are accepted by your undergraduate are also accepted as part of your medical school application.
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 demonstrated excellence in academic performance. There must be evidence of commitment, not only to acquire an excellent knowledge base but also to developing learning and problem-solving skills that will sustain life-long learning. 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.
How can I get a Fee Waiver?
If you are eligible for the Fee Assistance Program (FAP) through AMCAS, then our system will automatically grant a fee waiver for the Supplemental application fee. This will be done automatically once the application is complete and submitted to duke.
Does Duke have an undergraduate program for medicine (Premed)?
We do not offer an undergraduate degree 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, but Duke is NOT one of them.
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 at Duke if not considered by the PCLT program.
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. These updates can be made by the applicant directly to the supplemental application. We allow five updates with the application. Once your updates has been made it will become a permanent part of your application.