MD Admissions Process

• Admissions Process

  The UCCOM has a proud tradition of training outstanding clinicians and leaders in biomedical research and academic medicine. UCCOM strives to provide a stimulating and challenging environment that prepares graduates for the demands of clinical practice. With each incoming class, we select a diverse group of students with the intellectual and personal characteristics that the admissions committee regards as desirable for prospective medical students and physicians.  

  Preliminary Review 

  The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine requires all students to apply through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). Upon receipt of the AMCAS application, they are directed to the UC College of Medicine website to complete the UC On-Line Secondary Application. The purpose of the initial review is to select the most appropriate candidates to invite for interview who will positively contribute to the UCCOM learning environment and the practice of medicine.

   

  Completed Application 

  An application is complete when the Admissions Office has received the following:

  1. AMCAS Application 
  2. UC On-Line Secondary Application. If you need  your Campus ID ("M number") to change your password while talking to our UC HelpDesk, you can look it up here. 
  3. Letters of Recommendation 
  4. MCAT scores that are no more than two years old at the time of applying. (For example, if you are applying for the 2020 entering class, you must submit scores for an administration taken any month of the following years: 2017, 2018, 2019.)
  5. A front and back copy of your permanent residency card, if you are not a U.S. citizen. 

  All application materials, including MCAT scores, must be received by the regular admissions due date. Incomplete or late applications will not be reviewed. 

  Invitations to Interview

  Interviews are by the invitation of the Committee on Admissions and are arranged at a mutually convenient time. The Committee selects approximately 650 applicants to interview. After a student is invited for an interview, they must complete a Questionnaire for Interview Confirmation (QIC) located on the MedOneStop Portal status page. The questionnaire gives the student an opportunity to address additional personal information and any unique circumstances.
  
  During the Admissions Interview Day Program, students not only complete the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI), but also receive a tour of the medical school from a current student and attend programs that cover financial aid and the curriculum, college and admissions process. 
  
  Applicants traveling to and from Cincinnati by air should note that Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is in Northern Kentucky. Please allow at least two hours to get to and from the airport. Students who do not arrive on time may miss valuable information concerning the MMI and their scheduled interview. 
  
  Due to the number of individuals involved, if a student misses the start of the MMI, they will have to return to complete the MMI at a later date. On the MedOneStop Portal, students are given a check-in time for the interview day.
  
  

  Final Decision 

  The College of Medicine is committed to a holistic review of applicants at every stage of the admissions process. The Admissions Committee does not use a formula as a basis for any interview or admissions decision, and all applicants receive consideration. 
  
  The Committee on Admissions reviews the interview report along with letters of recommendation and all other materials supporting the application.

  To assess the applicant's readiness for medical school, the committee looks carefully at the following: 

  • Academic background—grades and grade trends, all MCAT scores, postbaccalaureate and/or graduate experiences, honors courses, research experiences and any independent study courses.
  • Personal Growth and Development—maturity, integrity, leadership skills, empathy and interpersonal skills, involvement in activities helping others, exposure to diverse circumstances and settings, critical thinking skills, communication skills, and distance traveled (i.e., where the applicant has come from to where s/he/they are now).
  • Professional Development—understanding of humanistic dimensions of medicine, exploration of medicine through physician shadowing, distance traveled, demonstrated experiences in health care and service-oriented settings, knowledge of medical school demands and pressures, research productivity, external vs. internal pressures to pursue a medical career.
  • Decisions are communicated as soon as possible. Students are notified if they are accepted, placed on the Alternate List or denied acceptance within two to four weeks. 
    
    

  Accepted applicants are required to respond to the Office of Admissions offer within two weeks. The University of Cincinnati abides by the AAMC Traffic Rules and students may hold multiple acceptances until the stated date per the AAMC. After that date, students may only hold one medical school acceptance. 

• Application Status & Application Updates

  Applicants may check their application status by following the below directions:

  Step 1: Go to the MedOneStop Portal log-in with your MedOneStop Username and Password.

  This information was sent to you in an email after you created your MedOneStop account to start the Secondary Application.

  • If you have login difficulties, you must contact the UC HelpDesk at 513-556-HELP (4357) or helpdesk@uc.edu.
  • The UC HelpDesk will ask for your Campus ID ("M number"), which you can find here.
  • The Office of Admissions cannot help you with login difficulties; please contact the HelpDesk.

  
  

  Step 2: Under the heading "View Application Status Page", click on "Click Here" to view your status. Applicants may monitor the below information on their personal MedOneStop status page:

  • Receipt of UC Secondary Application 
  • Confirmation that letters of recommendation have been received 
  • Update changes to an admission status, i.e. interview and acceptance offers 

  
  

  How to Send Updates to Your Application

  In some cases, applicants may wish to send the Admissions Committee additional information and updates. 

  These include but are not limited to:

  • Courses and grades (transcripts not required)
  • Research articles (abstracts with authors only)
  • Activities and shadowing experiences
  • Honors and awards

  
  

  Updates must be uploaded through your MedOneStop status page. All information must be in a portable document format (PDF). To change documents to a PDF, visit www.adobe.com.

  Once uploaded, you can verify that your update has been received through your MedOneStop status page.

  Please note that due to the high volume of submissions, the Admissions Office cannot verify the receipt of updates via email or phone.

  The Admissions Office cannot process any updates received via U.S. Postal Service or other mail carrier.

• Application Withdrawal

  You may withdraw your application by doing the following:

  • Email MDAdmissions@uc.edu
  • Include your name, AMCAS ID number and “withdraw” in the subject line.
  • In the body of the email, please state your desire to withdraw, indicate the date, your name and AMCAS ID#. You will receive an email confirming your request within 48 to 72 hours and may verify the withdrawal action by logging in to the MedOneStop Portal.

   

• Letters of Recommendation

  Letters of recommendation must be processed through AMCAS. Please visit the AMCAS website for information on how recommenders should submit their materials.
  
  Once a letter is submitted to the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, applicants are giving permission to the college to certify the document.
  
  Letters of recommendation sent directly to the College of Medicine will not be considered. It is the responsibility of the applicant to inform recommenders of the proper protocol. View Frequently Asked Questions regarding Letters of Recommendation.

  Letters of Recommendation Requirements

  • Minimum number of letters: one committee packet or three individual letters
  • Maximum number of letters: five
  • The REGULAR MD PROGRAM requires one (1) packet from your pre-professional committee or three (3) letters from individuals who can properly evaluate your strengths as an applicant and future clinician. In addition to our letter requirement, we will accept up to a total of 5 letters. If you choose to submit three (3) letters, we suggest you request two (2) letters from individuals who can evaluate your performance in science coursework or medical settings.
  • The MD/PhD PROGRAM requires three (3) letters from individuals who served in an instructional or advisory capacity. If you have questions regarding the MD/PhD program, please contact the program office at 513-558-2380.