FAQs

Admissions

  • Is preference given to Michigan students?
    As a private institution we seek to enroll outstanding students from across the U.S. regardless of state of legal residence. We seek diversity among our students, including geographic background, and undergraduate institution. In the WMed Class of 2027, 39% of our students are Michiganders and we have 23 different states represented. Learn more. 
  • What is WMed looking for in an applicant?
    At WMed, we use a holistic review process to select medical students. We are looking for students who are well prepared academically, have had a variety of pre-medical experiences, and exhibit the attributes that align with our mission and vision. The selection process for admission to WMed is rigorous because of this commitment. As part of the supplemental application, applicants complete an online assessment that is designed to help us determine your attributes, such as altruism, accountability, responsibility, duty, honesty, integrity, and respect for others. The results of this assessment are used with the rest of your application materials to select the candidates who are invited for a telephone interview. This telephone interview delves even deeper to identify the strength of your attributes. The final step in the process includes a personal interview with a WMed faculty member who will utilize the time to really get to know who you are and how you will contribute to the WMed community. 
  • Which applicants receive the supplemental application?
    We require a minimum MCAT score of 499 and GPA of 3.0 in order to be invited to complete the supplemental application process. The supplemental application includes an essay component and an online assessment focusing on personal attributes. 
  • Can I submit updates to my application?
    Yes, if you have significant updates, such as new experiences, you are welcome upload a PDF document via the applicant portal or send directly via email to admissions@wmed.edu.
  • Which extracurricular activities do you recommend to participate in before medical school?
    You should be involved in extracurricular activities that motivate you and you are passionate about. We expect that some of these activities will include exposure to the medical field, including research or patient care.
  • How do I apply to WMed?
    WMed uses AMCAS (American Medical College Application Service). Click here to learn more about the application process. We also have an early decision program, WMedStart, for students who plan to graduate from one of our preferred relationship institutions.
  • What is the deadline for applying?
    The AMCAS application must be submitted by November 15. The WMed supplemental application and online assessment must be completed by January 10. WMed uses a rolling admissions process, so all applicants are encouraged to complete the AMCAS and supplemental application early for greatest consideration.
  • Does WMed require CASPer or PREview?
    WMed does not use the CASPer assessment or the AAMC PREview exam situational judgement tests. We use our own online assessment as part of the secondary application, which is free for students and unique to WMed. We use this assessment to give us more information about your personal attributes. It includes approximately 50 multiple choice questions, and you have approximately 30 seconds to respond to each question. The questions are straight-forward and no preparation is needed or recommended.
  • What is the WMed class size?
    WMed enrolls 86 students annually. Review our class profiles to learn more about WMed’s class.
  • Is preference given to students from Western Michigan University (WMU) or other schools?
    WMed has preferred relationships with WMU, as well as Kalamazoo College, Grand Valley State University, and Albion College, and seeks to admit outstanding students from each of these institutions into each entering class. Students from these institutions are also eligible to apply to the WMedStart Early Decision Program.
  • What prerequisite courses do I need?
    Specific undergraduate prerequisite coursework is not required to apply to WMed. To be well prepared in medical school, however, we recommend applicants complete upper division science coursework in biochemistry, genetics, human anatomy, human physiology, and statistics. Click here to learn more about recommended coursework and other application requirements.
  • I haven’t completed all of the courses on the recommended list. Can I still apply?
    Of course! Many applicants are still completing coursework when they submit an application and these recommended courses are encouraged — not required. Please note, if offered admission, one of the conditions is conferral of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution prior to matriculation. 
  • What letters of reference are required and how should I submit them?
    Applicants should submit a minimum of three -- and no more than four -- letters of reference. All letters should be submitted through AMCAS Letters of Evaluation/Reference Service. We recommend that science faculty members write at least two of your letters. Letter packets prepared by undergraduate institutions are also accepted.
  • What is the WMed policy about the MCAT?
    For the 2025 entering class, MCAT scores from exams taken from January 2022 through September 2024 will be considered valid. We require a minimum composite score of 499 for MCAT. WMed does not have sub-score minimums. If multiple valid scores are listed, we consider the most recent composite score. 
  • I am graduating with a degree from a university in a country other than the U.S. Am I eligible for admission?
    To be eligible for admission to WMed, you must have either a bachelor’s degree or an advanced degree (e.g., master’s degree or PhD) from an institution accredited by one of the U.S. regional accrediting organizations recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), or in Canada through membership in Universities Canada (formerly the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada). If your highest degree prior to admission is a bachelor’s degree, it is expected that at least 90 hours of coursework for the bachelor's degree, including most of the recommended premedical courses, be completed at the degree-granting institution. If you have an advanced degree and your bachelor’s degree is from a university outside the U.S., you need to have your bachelor’s degree evaluated for U.S. equivalency through WES.org or ECE.org, with the report delivered directly to WMed.
  • If I'm currently a student at another medical school, can I transfer to WMed?
    Our highly integrated curriculum blends the basic sciences with clinical sciences throughout all four years. The differences in curricula do not enable advanced placement of medical students from other medical schools. WMed does not consider transfer requests.
  • Are scholarships available from the medical school for medical students?
    Yes, scholarships are available for all medical students at WMed, including incoming students. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and/or merit. Additional information about scholarships is available on the financial aid webpages.
  • How do I contact the admissions office?
    You can get in touch with us via email at admissions@wmed.edu or by phone at 269.337.6100.

Curriculum

General FAQs

  • Do students need cars?
    Yes, reliable transportation is necessary during all four years. The curriculum involves experiences at various clinical sites beginning early in the first year. Most of the clinical experiences are within a couple of miles of the downtown W.E. Upjohn M.D. Campus, including the WMed Health clinics on the Oakland Drive Campus, Ascension Borgess Hospital, Bronson Methodist Hospital, and Senior Care Partners. Some researchers are based at the Innovation Center on the Parkview Campus (5 miles or 13 minutes from downtown Kalamazoo). Some students will have occasional clinical experiences at sites outside of Kalamazoo, including Bronson Battle Creek, Bronson Lakeview Hospital in Paw Paw, or Ascension Borgess-Pipp Hospital in Plainwell.
  • What is it like to live in Kalamazoo?
    With a population of more than 325,000, Kalamazoo is the sixth largest metropolitan area in Michigan and part of the 115th largest in the country, providing a perfect combination of big city energy and small town feel. The W.E. Upjohn M.D. Campus is located in downtown Kalamazoo, which offers great dining, eclectic shops, galleries, and entertainment. A wide variety of outdoor activities, lakes, festivals, and attractions are available nearby. Learn more about Downtown Kalamazoo.