Admissions Requirements

The requirements for admission are governed by the School of Medicine Council on Selection, which is the admissions committee for the School of Medicine. The Council on Selection is composed of faculty, administration and students who screen applications, determine which candidates will be offered an interview and make all final admission decisions. Admission decisions are based on an individualized and holistic review of applications.

Applicants offered admission to the M.D. program begin medical school coursework in January.

Out-of-state applicants

Although out-of-state students are welcome to apply to the M.D. program, preference and priority consideration is given to in-state students from the state of Missouri as well as to regional students from the states of Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma.

Requirements for Admission

Degree requirements

Applicants must have earned, or will soon earn, a baccalaureate, master’s or doctoral degree awarded from a regionally-accredited college or university located in the United States.

GPA requirements

  • Earned a minimum cumulative undergraduate or graduate GPA of 3.0.
  • Earned a minimum undergraduate or graduate GPA of 3.0 in AMCAS biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics coursework (BCPM).
  • Out-of-state applicants (applicants not from Missouri, Kansas, Nebraksa, Oklahoma, Arkansas, or Illinois) must earn a minimum cumulative undergraduate or graduate GPA of 3.5, as well as a minimum AMCAS BCPM GPA of 3.5

Pre-requisite course requirements


Applicants must have completed the following pre-requisite courses with a grade of B (see note) or better. They must have been completed at a regionally accredited college or university located in the United States. They must also have been completed within five years of the application deadline.
  • One semester of biochemistry (upper-level course)
  • One semester of genetics
  • One semester of cell biology

Note: we strongly advise taking pre-requisite courses for a grade if possible, however, we will not penalize applicants for circumstances outside of their control for classes taken during the Spring 2020 or Summer 2020 semesters as pass/fail.

Additionally, on UMKC’s supplemental application, there will be a section where you can address how the COVID-19 crisis has impacted you and your candidacy for admission. We encourage applicants to utilize this space for the Admissions Committee to review, specifically outlining circumstances and providing justification or documentation, when possible.

The Council on Selection may allow a student to complete one of the required courses in the Fall Semester before matriculating into the program in January. Any offers of admission will be contingent upon the successful completion of the required course. Once enrolled in the course, a student must submit a transcript to the Council on Selection showing this course in progress. A final transcript with the final grade in this course must also be submitted upon completion of the course.

MCAT Score

  • The Medical College Admission Test is required.
  • A minimum MCAT score of 495 is required.
  • MCAT scores must have been earned within three years of the application deadline.
  • The latest MCAT score accepted for initial application review is the July MCAT.
  • If a student is selected for an interview, the latest MCAT score accepted for final review by the Council on Selection is the August MCAT.
  • UMKC School of Medicine MCAT code: 808

Holistic Review of Applications

Admission to the School of Medicine is based on a combination of academic performance and potential to further develop the core competencies of the School of Medicine. The Council on Selection reviews a candidate’s personal characteristics and experiences, in addition to academic information. The Council reviews the candidate’s personal statement, co-curricular and health-related activities, letters of recommendation and results of the interview. There is no one component of the application that will guarantee a candidate an interview or an offer of admission.

Admissions Eligibility

In order to be considered for admission to the M.D. program, applicants for admission must meet the following requirements:

  • Must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
    • Permanent resident status must be achieved by Aug. 1 of the year before the spring term for which applicant is applying. A copy of the permanent resident card must accompany the general application for admission.
    • International students are not eligible for admission to the M.D. program.
  • Must not have been enrolled as a medical student at the UMKC School of Medicine.