FAQs

Admissions requirements

General information

• Where can I find detailed admissions information for medical schools?

  The best source of information is the Medical School Admissions Requirements (MSAR), which is published by the AAMC. The information included in the MSAR is updated on an annual basis.

• Will distance learning/online courses be accepted?

  As a result of COVID-19 and the effects it has had on institutions of higher education, we will be flexible and consider online courses and laboratory sections, as needed. These considerations will be made for the applicants who have been impacted by COVID-19.

• What GPA and MCAT score will I need to be considered for admission?

  All applicants may be considered. However, our average statistics for accepted applicants are MCAT 510 (range 501 - 527); Overall GPA 3.75 (range 2.77 - 4.0); and BCPM 3.67 (range 2.15 - 4.0). Please see MSAR for further details.

• My undergraduate and/or graduate institution has adopted a Pass/Fail or Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading system. Will Pass/Fail or Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grades be considered for admission?

  As a result of COVID-19 and the effects it has had on institutions of higher education, we will be flexible and consider Pass/Fail or Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grades, as needed. These considerations will be made for the applicants who have been impacted by COVID-19.

AMCAS Primary Application

• When does the application process begin?

  The application process for the 2023 entering class begins in May 2022. All applications must be submitted through American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS).

• What if I need to change my contact information (address, phone, e-mail address) after I submit my AMCAS Primary Application?

  All permanent and preferred contact information may be update through the AMCAS Primary Application.

• What should my Personal Statement include?

  The personal statement is your opportunity to tell us about yourself. Include why and how you made the decision to pursue a career in medicine. Do not make it generic!

• Will community service and/or volunteer activities make my application more competitive?

  Community service and/or volunteer activities are essential to be considered a competitive applicant. Activities relating to underserved populations will be highly valued.

• How important is having experience working with doctors and/or health care professionals?

  "Hands-on" patient contact (e.g. work experience, volunteering, community service, etc.) over a consistent period of time, will enrich your application and is essential to be considered a competitive applicant.

• Is research experience necessary for admission?

  Research is not required, but is strongly encouraged and will help to further enhance your application.

Supplemental Application

• Is there a required Supplemental Application? If so, is there a fee?

  All applicants who have submitted a verified AMCAS application will be invited to complete the HWCOM Supplemental Application. The HWCOM non-refundable Supplemental Application fee is $30. AAMC Fee Assistance Program (FAP) will be honored for an application fee waiver.

Prerequisite Courses

• What specific coursework do I need for admission?

  A bachelor's degree is required for all students attending HWCOM. All coursework must be completed in a satisfactory manner in an educational institution located in the United States or Canada, approved by a regional accrediting body, and listed in the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.

  HWCOM has set forth minimum academic requirements and developed a list of required prerequisite courses and recommended courses for applicants to HWCOM. Learn more about your Academic Requirements.

• Can prerequisite lower division courses be taken at community colleges?

  Yes. However, additional upper level science courses are encouraged in preparation for the MCAT and success in medical school.

• Will AP, IB, and/or CLEP credits be accepted?

  AP and IB credits may fulfill course requirements; however, it is highly recommended that additional coursework be taken in these areas. CLEP courses are not accepted.

MCAT Exam

• Will I need to take the MCAT exam?

  Yes, the MCAT is required to complete your AMCAS application.

• What if I took the MCAT exam a few years ago?

  Scores from MCAT exams taken prior to 2020 will not be accepted for 2023 admission.

Letters of recommendation

• How many letters of recommendation will I need to submit?

  HWCOM requires a minimum of three letters of recommendation, two from science faculty (biology, chemistry, physics, and math) and one from any other faculty member who has taught the applicant. If the school has a Health Professions Advisory Committee, it is expected that the applicant will submit a letter of recommendation from that committee with the three faculty letters described above attached to the advisory committee letter.

  In addition to the required letters, applicants can submit up to three supplemental letters from physicians, researchers, mentors, employers, etc. Letters of recommendation from friends or relatives are not considered. In all cases, letters should be recent, from individuals who know the student well, and who can assess an applicant’s personal qualities. Letters must be written on official letterhead stationery and signed.

  The deadline to submit the letters of recommendation is January 15 of the application year but candidates are encouraged to submit all materials as soon as possible, as interviews are scheduled only if the application is complete.

Graduate and/or professional degrees

• I am currently pursuing a Graduate/Professional Degree. Do I have to complete the degree before I matriculate at HWCOM?

  If currently enrolled in a Graduate/Professional program, you should complete all requirements for your degree before matriculating at HWCOM.

Housing

• Will housing be available for medical students?

  Limited on-campus housing is available for medical students. On-campus housing availability will be released by April/May 2023. If you have further questions regarding on-campus housing opportunities, please contact medfin@fiu.edu. Incoming medical students are responsible for seeking housing arrangements. Recommendations can be provided by current medical students at the request of a prospective or incoming medical student.

Interviews

• How can I prepare for the interview?

  Be yourself! Also, you must do your homework and learn about the school. There are many websites for medical school applicants that contain valuable information about the interview preparation, including sample questions that may be asked and tips for virtual interviews.

• How will interviews be conducted for MD applicants?

  For the 2022-2023 Interview Cycle, all interviews will be conducted virtually.

Other

• If I am accepted to HWCOM, may I defer my enrollment date?

  HWCOM does allow accepted students to defer enrollment under special circumstances on a case-by-case basis.

• What if I have other questions?

  We are happy to help! Please e-mail the Admissions and Recruitment team.