Becoming a Physician

Undergraduate Curriculum

Most medical schools require a bachelor’s degree with coursework in these areas:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• English
• Math

While there is no preferred major, most University of Akron students who are preparing for medical school pursue a Biomedical Science, Biology, Biochemistry, or Biomedical Engineering degree.

Although some students with interests in the Social Sciences or Humanities may select one of our non-STEM majors that accommodates the addition of the recommended pre-med coursework. Students pursuing a medical degree (M.D. or D.O.) will complete four years of coursework at the undergraduate level (bachelor’s degree), four years of coursework at the medical school level (doctor of medicine degree or doctor of osteopathic medicine), and a minimum of three years of residency training.

Learn about our Partnership Programs

View all UA degree programs

Being a Competitive Applicant

The national acceptance rate for U.S. medical schools is approximately 40%, with the average admitted student earning a 3.7 overall GPA and 511.9 MCAT score (AAMC Table A-16). In addition to strong academic credentials, medical schools encourage students to shadow physicians, gain clinical experience through employment or volunteering, participate in community service work, and research. Learn about research opportunities by talking with UA faculty. Shadow a physician by contacting your own physician or local hospital, clinic, or private practice. Joining student organizations is a great way to become involved on campus and the in local community.

Entrance Exam

Curriculum at The University of Akron prepares students for the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). The MCAT is typically taken during the spring of students junior year of college, and it is important to have taken the MCAT before applying to medical school as most medical schools will not consider students who have not received their MCAT score.

Application Process

Although each medical school has different application deadlines, admissions applications tend to be available in June. It is imperative that students check the application deadlines for the medical schools in which they are interested. Most allopathic medical schools (offer M.D. degree) require applicants to apply through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) while most osteopathic medical schools (D.O.) require applicants to apply through the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS), and the majority of medical schools will require a secondary application. As part of the application, applicants will be required to submit recommendation letters. Therefore, it is important that students develop professional relationships with natural science faculty and physicians. Students will also submit a personal statement or essay.

Medical schools will invite applicants to an on-campus interview with their teaching and clinical faculty. It is important to do several mock medical school interviews. To assist with preparing for this interview, schedule a meeting with a BCAS career liaison by calling 330-972-7880.

If accepted to medical school, all medical schools will conduct a criminal background check.

For additional information about pre-medicine advising, contact the pre-health adviser. Also, please carefully review the websites of the medical schools in which you are interested.

Additional Resources

Timeline

In order to prepare for the medical school and application process, timelines have been developed by the Association of American Medical Colleges and the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine.

Statistics on Applicants and Matriculants

View statistics compiled by the Association of American Medical Schools on both applicants and matriculants. Keep in mind, students should compare themselves to the matriculants as these are applicants who were admitted to medical school.

Ohio Medical Schools

The medical schools in Ohio are:

For a complete listing of U.S. and Canadian Allopathic Medical Schools (M.D.), click here and for a complete listing of Osteopathic Medical Schools (D.O.), click here.

Paying for Medical School

The Association of American Medical Colleges has many resources to assist students through the financial aid process. Visit their websites Aspiring Docs and Financial Aid Fact Sheets. Students who are considering a career in primary care may want to consider the scholarship and loan repayment options offered through the National Health Service Corps.