School of Medicine Admissions
Selection Factors
What We Look for in Candidates
We are seeking students 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 assist them in the process of learning through their life experiences.
Prospective students must demonstrate competence in the basic sciences regardless of their 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.
Because the number of applicants is far greater than the number of positions we have to offer, admission is highly selective. Loma Linda University does not require a minimum GPA or MCAT score, but the admissions process is competitive within the applicant pool. For the 2011 entering class, the average BCPM GPA was 3.68, the cumulative GPA was 3.73 and average MCAT was 30, with an average of 10 on each subsection.
Our Affiliation with the Seventh-day Adventist Church
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 Seventh-day Adventist applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to Christian principles and are best suited to meet the educational goals of the School. No candidate is accepted on the basis of religious affiliation alone.