The School of Medicine is a member of the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). Applications must be submitted through this service. This application is available on the AMCAS web site.
When the application is received from AMCAS, the admissions office of the School of Medicine provides a supplementary application and reference forms. Following a careful evaluation of the AMCAS application, the supplementary application, and recommendations, selected applicants are invited for a personal interview. Applicants will be notified of the final decision of the admissions committee regarding their application.
General entrance requirements
The secondary school student who looks forward to a career in medicine is advised to include mathematics and science courses during his or her high school years. It is recommended that applicants complete a bachelor’s degree at an accredited college or university prior to entrance into medical school. Exceptional students may be eligible to apply after completion of a minimum of 90 semester hours (135 quarter hours). Letter grades are essential for evaluation of the required science courses. Credits must be presented for the following:
| Semester/Quarter Hours | |
| General Biology or Zoology (with lab) | 8/12 |
| General or Inorganic Chemistry (with lab) | 8/12 |
| Organic Chemistry (with lab) | 8/12 |
| General Physics (with lab) | 8/12 |
| English | (equivalent to satisfy baccalaureate degree requirements) |
| Religion or Ethics | (as required by college attended) |
| Biochemistry is strongly recommended. | |
MCAT
Applicants are required to present Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores prior to consideration by the admissions committee. MCAT scores older than three years are not considered. Applicants are urged to take the MCAT in the spring of the year of application and to have the basic requirements completed at the time of application.
Foreign applicants
Students from schools outside the United States and Canada are required to present a minimum of one year of study at an accredited United States college or university. Academic competitiveness and proficiency in spoken and written English must also be demonstrated.
Fees
The AMCAS fee is required each time an application is submitted. An additional fee is required with each supplementary application to the School of Medicine.
Students are sought who have demonstrated throughout their academic experience a quest for a broad understanding in the major areas of knowledge--the natural sciences, the behavioral sciences, and the humanities--which assists them in the process of learning through their life experiences.
Competence in the basic sciences must have been demonstrated regardless of the major field of study. No preference is given to either science or non-science majors.
Selection of students is based on a review of the complete collegiate academic record, including MCAT scores, recommendations, extracurricular activities, and the personal interview. The admissions committee seeks individuals who have demonstrated a serious personal commitment to the practice of medicine and have altruistic goals and ideals.
The School of Medicine is owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church; therefore, preference for admission is given to members of the Church. However, it is a firm policy of the admissions committee to admit each year a number of non-church-related applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to Christian principles and are best suited for meeting the educational goals of the School. No candidate is accepted on the basis of religious affiliation alone.
Tuition is approximately $35,000 per year. Books, supplies, and living expenses are approximately $16,000 for a single student.
Qualified students may earn an MS or PhD degree along with the MD. Applicants are required to submit separate applications to the School of Medicine for each degree program.
Loma Linda University Medical Center is a 797-bed, acute care, teaching hospital including the Children’s Hospital and Loma Linda University Medical Center East Campus, located within walking distance of the School of Medicine. The Medical Center is the site for many of the clinical experiences and educational opportunities available to students at Loma Linda University. As a major trauma and health-care center, the Medical Center receives patients from an area roughly one-fourth of the state of California. As a major Seventh-day Adventist teaching hospital, it attracts health and medical professionals from all around the world.
Last Revised: Mon, Jan 08, 2007
