International student admission policy at US Medical Schools

Green card holders (non-US citizen but permanent residents) hold the same weight as a US citizen and are eligible to apply to US Medical schools. However, international students with student visas and without permanent residency status are not eligible to apply to some medical schools.

The National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions has put together a list of schools with their policies on accepting international students.

MEDICAL SCHOOL ADMISSION POLICIES TOWARDS NON-U.S. CITIZENS (external link)

Checklist for International Premed Students

As an international student applying to US medical school, you will need:

A baccalaureate degree or graduate degree from a university in your country, USA, or Canada
Complete all medical school requirements (i.e. Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Biochemistry)
Have an MCAT score (taken within past 3 years)
Demonstrate English proficiency (i.e. Good writing MCAT sample score, good grade in English course in a postbacc program)
Obtain student visa for study in the United States

Success Rate of International Applicants to US Medical Schools

What is the success rate of international applicants to US based medical schools?

The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) tabulated the number of applicants in 2009 by state of legal residence and international students (foreign) and looked at their outcomes matriculating into an in-state or out-of state medical school There were 42,269 applicants to medical school. 1,249 of those students were international (foreign) students. Of those 1,249 international applicants, 144 of them were able to matriculate into a US based medical school translating into a 11.5% acceptance rate. The acceptance rate for US students is 43.5%.

Although it is more difficult to get in as an international student, the data does show that it is possible. If you are persistent and driven (and have good grades, etc.), then you CAN enter medical school. Just remember to apply broadly!

Link to Applicants to U.S. Medical Schools by In or Out-of-State Matriculation Status, 2009 (PDF)

English Proficiency for International Students

English proficiency is an absolute requirement if you are to enter medical school. Unlike graduate schools which require international students to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), medical schools do not have a requirement for TOEFL. Universities like Harvard (external link) do not require TOEFL but do require their applicants to have taken at least one year of courses taught in the US or Canada.

When reviewing applications from international students, one wonders if the applicant is proficient in English language. Without an interview, how can a reviewer know that you speak English well?

Score a Q or higher on your MCAT writing sample
Earn an A- or higher in a University-level English course
Ask that your letter writers comment on how well your written AND spoken English is
Request a letter writer from your University-level English course