Preferred Relationships

Preferred Relationship Institutions

WMed has established preferred relationships with Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo College, Albion College, and Grand Valley State University. We seek to build relationships with, support, and recruit students from each of these programs to WMed.

Applicants from preferred relationship institutions receive a priority review in our regular admissions process. Students must apply through AMCAS and meet all admission requirements.

WMedStart Early Decision Program

The WMedStart is designed to help us identify students from our preferred relationship institutions who would like to commit early to attending WMed. The program is open to students in their junior year, and eligible students in their senior year, from WMed’s preferred relationship institutions. This early decision program allows students to apply and be accepted during their junior year of undergraduate education for admission to WMed for the academic year following completion of their bachelor’s degree. This is a binding program, and students accepted through the WMedStart program are restricted from applying to other medical schools.

Through the WMedStart program, we look for students with outstanding experiences, attributes and academic performance. Because we do not require an MCAT score for admission through this program, we rely heavily on the undergraduate GPA and either SAT or ACT score as part of our holistic review process. Before matriculating into WMed, students must earn an MCAT score meeting the medical school’s required minimum score.

WMedStart applications for the cohort beginning July 2027 are now closed. Applications for the cohort beginning in July 2028 will open in January 2027.

Academic Requirements
  • Enrollment at and anticipated bachelor's degree conferral from a WMed preferred relationship institution
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.7 or higher
  • Science GPA (biology, chemistry, physics, and math) of 3.5 or higher 
  • SAT score of 1350 or higher, or ACT score of 30 or higher
    • Note: SAT or ACT exam scores taken after beginning of undergraduate education are not accepted.
Strongly Recommended Coursework  
  • General Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry 
  • Biology 
  • Physics 
Required Application Materials 
  • ACT/SAT Score Report 
    • For all tests taken, upload an official score report or an official high school transcript reporting the score.
  • Essay Questions
  • Current Resume
  • Citizenship Verification 
    • Photocopy of your passport, driver’s license, or permanent resident card. 
    Transcripts
    • Unofficial transcript(s) from all postsecondary institutions attended that show all coursework through December of the application year (official copies will be required if accepted). 
  • Letters of Reference 
    • Minimum of two, and no more than four, letters of reference with two coming from faculty members who can comment on academic achievement and personal qualities. 
  • Application Fee of $50
Why WMedStart?
  • This program allows you the opportunity during your senior year to focus on learning and successfully completing your undergraduate studies. You can avoid incurring the expense of energy, time, and money of applying, traveling, and interviewing at multiple medical schools. With the assurance of admission to medical school you have the security to explore educational opportunities and experiences during your final year of undergraduate education.