Institutional Action and Background Checks

29 June 2011 29 June 2011

Gulp. That dreaded institutional action section on your AMCAS essay. You were hoping you didn't have to reveal something you did that got you in trouble while as an undergraduate. Well, it's time to come clean because if you don't reveal that it in your AMCAS essay, it could potentially show up in your background check.

Background check? What school can afford to order background check on their applicants? We'll its not whether you will get a background check or not it will be only a matter of when. Most schools have implemented a background check on all their incoming students. In fact, when applying to 4th year away rotations at other hospitals, they will often ask you for your background check information. In today's litigious society, schools have to cover their backs and ensure that their students have a clean criminal history.

International student admission policy at US Medical Schools

26 June 2011 28 June 2011

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)

Success Rate of International Applicants to US Medical Schools

25 June 2011 26 June 2011

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)

Institutional Action and Background Checks

International student admission policy at US Medical Schools

Success Rate of International Applicants to US Medical Schools

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