Admission
As a medical school dedicated since its inception to the healthcare needs of eastern Virginia, EVMS shows preference to applicants from the Commonwealth of Virginia, especially legal residents of Hampton Roads. For an applicant to be considered as an in-state Virginia resident for tuition purposes, the applicant must have legally domiciled in the Commonwealth of Virginia for a least one year prior to matriculation and must fulfill other requirements to confirm Virginia residency.
Applications from out-of-state students who have strong academic credentials and the personal traits valued by EVMS are also encouraged to apply. Applicants from rural or other underserved regions and those who have been disadvantaged or underrepresented for economic, racial or social reasons, and possess the motivation and aptitude required for the study of medicine, are also strongly encouraged to apply.
Applicants who are enrolled or are planning to enroll in a degree-seeking graduate program must fulfill the degree requirements for that program prior to matriculating at EVMS.
Applicants interested in the MD program must have taken the Medical College Admission Text (MCAT) and completed a minimum of 100 semester hours, including the below required prerequisite courses, at an accredited university in the United States or Canada. Online/internet-based courses are now acceptable.
Prerequisite Courses
- Biology (with labs) 1 year
- General chemistry (with labs) 1 year
- Organic chemistry (with labs) 1 year
- Physics (with labs) 1 year
(Biochemistry is highly recommended.)
Applicants must have grades of C or better in all required courses. Credits earned through advanced placement programs or passing College Level Examination Program (CLEP) are acceptable. Applicants may enhance their chances of acceptance by taking graduate coursework in the natural sciences. In recent years, students matriculating at EVMS have had a mean GPA of 3.50 and a mean MCAT of 511. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will accept pass/fail grades for the spring and summer 2020 semesters.
MCAT
The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) is a computer-based exam which is offered multiple times throughout the year and must be taken by the prospective student before the application can be processed.
In light of the recent MCAT test date cancellations, EVMS will extend the MCAT deadline an additional year for the 2020-2021 application cycle. We will now accept test scores taken in 2017 through 2020.
We have provided this courtesy as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) is monitoring and assessing the rapid challenges that impact students; if there are any other changes, updates will be provided as needed.
The MCAT tests academic competencies in the natural sciences, reasoning and analysis skills, and concepts from psychology, sociology and biology that provide the foundation for learning in medical school about the behavioral and socio-cultural determinants of health, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). An applicant may wish to take the MCAT more than once to ensure the best possible performance. If an applicant intends to take the MCAT for the first time in the fall, review of his or her application will not take place until the score has been received. Information and registration may be accessed online.
International Students
Only U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. will be considered for admission into the MD program at EVMS.
Initial Application
EVMS is highly competitive, and each year, the medical school receives more than 6,000 applications from which approximately 151 students are selected. The admissions process begins on June 1 and ends in August of the following year. Initial applications are received through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).
The MD admissions process begins after a completed application is received from the AMCAS. Electronic applications and the instructions for completing the AMCAS application can be accessed through the AAMC website.
This application contains information about the applicant, including a personal comments section and a record of the applicant’s academic performance. In addition to academic information, the application should include other life experiences such as previous healthcare work, volunteerism and employment history.
Supplemental Application
Once the prospective student’s AMCAS application has been received by EVMS, MD Admissions may request that a secondary application be completed. This will be sent to the applicant via the email address supplied to AMCAS when the primary application was submitted.
Veterans are eligible for reimbursement of these fees through the Veterans I-SERVED Program.
Letters of Recommendation
- If your school has a premedical advisory committee, we strongly urge you to have a letter sent by that committee. Otherwise, you may submit three individual letters, including: two letters from natural and physical sciences faculty and one letter from a non-science faculty (courses in Mathematics will be considered in the realm of a non-science letter).
- Applicants currently or previously enrolled in a graduate program must submit another letter of recommendation from their thesis or graduate advisor. (Do not duplicate letters. You should have a minimum of four separate letters, including undergraduate letters listed above, if you are required to submit a graduate letter of reference.)
- You may submit additional letters other than the required minimum listed above.
- If you have just begun or are planning to begin a one-year master’s degree program this fall, you are required to submit a letter from your program adviser verifying your enrollment and the program completion date. (A letter of your progress in the program will be requested at a later date.)
Transfer Applicants
EVMS will only consider applicants for transfer into the third year (clerkship phase) of the MD program, when vacancies occur from the withdrawal of previously enrolled students. In order to be considered for transfer, student must meet all of the following criteria:
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. permanent resident.
- Currently enrolled in, and in good standing at, an LCME-accredited allopathic medical school. Students attending non-LCME accredited allopathic medical schools (with Step-1 USMLE boards scores above the national average and in good academic standing) are also eligible to apply.
- Must have completed a minimum of 100 undergraduate semester hours from an accredited college or university in the United States or Canada, including 1 year of biology, 2 years of chemistry (including organic chemistry), and 1 year of physics. A lab component must accompany all courses listed above.
- Must have a grade of “C”, “pass” or better in all required courses.
- Must have completed the MCAT.
All transfer applications must include the following:
- Official copies of undergraduate and medical school transcripts.
- Official copy of MCAT scores.
- Official copy of USMLE Step 1 scores.
- Three letters of evaluation, including one from the Dean of the transferring institution, and two from medical school faculty members.
- A completed interview evaluation.
All offers of acceptance are made prior to May 1. Transfer students should be ready to start the first clerkship the last week of June.
In most years, there are few positions available. If there are more acceptable candidates than positions available, selection will be based on the strength of the application. The decision on whether seats are available in the upcoming third year medical school class and if resources and clinical experiences are adequate to support a transfer student is at the discretion of the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs. If a seat is available the EVMS MD Program Admissions Committee reviews applications and determines whether to offer acceptance as a transfer student.
Acceptance Protocol for Eastern Virginia Medical School
Protocol Procedures:
Feb. 19 - April 15: Accepted applicants may select the “Plan to Enroll” option in AMCAS.
April 15 - April 30: Accepted applicants should narrow their offers of acceptance to three medical schools.
April 30 - July 17: Accepted applicants may select the “Commit to Enroll” option in AMCAS. This selection indicates that you are withdrawing your application from consideration at other medical schools.
July 18: Accepted students are required to select the “Commit to Enroll” option in AMCAS. If commit to enroll is not selected by July 18, your offer of acceptance may be rescinded.
Application Deadline
Applications for regular admission may be submitted to EVMS through AMCAS between June 1 and Nov. 15, although applicants are strongly encouraged to submit all application materials as early as possible.
Early Decision Program
EVMS participates in the Early Decision Program (EDP) with the Association of American Medical Colleges. The application period is June 1 through August 1, with applicants being notified of a decision no later than October 1. Early decision or not, all applicants are encouraged to submit materials to AMCAS and EVMS as early as possible. Applicants are strongly urged to contact Admissions prior to applying to the Early Decision Program.
Notifications of Acceptance
Applicants applying through the Early Decision Program (EDP) are notified as soon as possible but no later than Oct. 1. General pool applicants are notified on a rolling basis beginning Oct. 15.
Applicants offered positions must respond to the letter from the dean within two weeks of acceptance. This time may be shortened as the starting date for classes approaches. An applicant accepting a position at EVMS must sign and return the Conditions of Acceptance form and a $100 acceptance deposit (which will be applied toward tuition) to hold a place in the class. The acceptance deposit is refundable prior to May 1.
Accepted students are required to select the “Commit to Enroll” option in AMCAS. If commit to enroll is not selected by July 18, your offer of acceptance may be rescinded.
Non-Discrimination Policy
EVMS does not discriminate in the recruitment and admission of students on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, religion, political affiliation or handicap as required by Title VI, Title IX and Section 504.
Interview Day
The interview is a very important part of the application process as it allows the MD Admissions Committee to assess an applicant’s compassion and dedication to the field of medicine.
It also provides interviewers an opportunity to examine your motivation, sensitivity, cultural awareness and interpersonal skills. The interview helps the MD Admissions Committee see from your lens, the understanding of a physician’s role and their contribution to health and wellness.
MD Interviews at EVMS
EVMS interviews applicants for the MD program on Wednesdays and Fridays beginning in September and ending in March.
Due to COVID-19 all interviews this cycle will be held virtually. EVMS uses BlueJeans for video conferencing. BlueJeans provides an interoperable cloud-based video conferencing service that connects participants across a wide range of devices and conferencing platforms.
Applicants will be provided a BlueJeans link that will correspond to their interviewers on the designated day and time of their interview. This platform is versatile. If a student/interviewer is unable to log in using the link provided, they can call into the interview with the telephone number, meeting ID and passcode that will also be provided for each video conference. Details will be included in all interview confirmations.
All interviews begin at 2 p.m. and are scheduled in 45 minute increments: 2 p.m., 2:45 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Each Wednesday during the interview season, interviewees scheduled during their designated week (whether it be on a Wednesday or Friday) will have an opportunity for a face-to-face engagement with members from the EVMS academic enterprise community via BlueJeans.
This may include, but not be limited to the Associate Dean of Admissions and Enrollment, Director of Admissions, Assistant Dean of Diversity and Inclusion, Associate Dean of Student Affairs, Director of Financial Aid and/or currently enrolled EVMS MD students. Details will be included in all interview confirmations.
Technical Standards
Students who graduate from the EVMS Doctor of Medicine program must be prepared for entry into the practice of medicine within post-graduate medical education training programs. As such, in addition to meeting academic criteria, each applicant to and student in the EVMS Doctor of Medicine program must demonstrate that they possess independent ability, aptitude, and skills to meet the non-academic criteria. These Technical Standards must be met with or without accommodation and are essential for admission to, promotion within and graduation from the EVMS Doctor of Medicine program.
Observation Skills Technical Standard
Demonstrate sufficient attention and accuracy in observation skills (visual, auditory and tactile) in the lecture hall, laboratory, patient’s bedside and outpatient settings.
Indicators include, but are not limited to, the following examples:
- Accurate observation and participation in the lecture hall, laboratory and clinic with patients at a distance and close at hand, including nonverbal and verbal signals.
- Accurate identification of changes in color of fluids, skin and diagnostic media examinations (including microscopy).
- Accurate visualization, discrimination and interpretation of text, numbers, patterns, graphic illustrations and findings on all imaging modalities and diagnostic procedures.
Communication Skills Technical Standard
Demonstrate effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills with other students, faculty, patients and healthcare providers from different social and cultural backgrounds, varying degrees and types of infirmities and varying cultures and personalities.
Indicators include, but are not limited to, the following examples:
- Clear, efficient and intelligible articulation of English language.
- Legible, efficient and intelligible written English language.
- Ability to prepare and communicate concise oral and written summaries of patient encounters.
- Ability to provide appropriate patient counseling and instruction to patients.
- Record examination and diagnostic results clearly, accurately and efficiently.
Critical Reasoning Skills Technical Standard
Demonstrate critical reasoning skills required to undertake the full curriculum, achieve the level of competency required by the faculty and meet the demands of total patient care in a timeframe appropriate to the clinical or educational situation. These skills include, but are not limited to, intellectual, conceptual, integrative and quantitative abilities.
Indicators include, but are not limited to, these examples:
- Accurate and efficient reading skills (English language).
- Ability to utilize computer technology to access and complete instructional modules and to perform patient care.
- Demonstrate ability to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, integrate and synthesize information.
- Comprehend the spatial relationships of structures (e.g. three-dimensional relationships).
- Demonstrate ability to acquire, retain, assimilate and apply large amounts of complex, technical and detailed information.
- Demonstrate ability to synthesize and apply concepts and information from various disciplines in order to formulate diagnostic and therapeutic plans.
- Demonstrate appropriate judgment in patient assessment, diagnosis, monitoring, evaluation and intervention, including planning, time management and use of resources.
Motor and Sensory Function Technical Standard
Demonstrate sufficient motor and sensory function to perform typical functions of physicians, including, but not limited to, physical examinations, treatment interventions and general care of patients.
Indicators include, but are not limited to, the following examples:
- Functional and sufficient sensory capacity (visual, auditory and tactile) to adequately perform a complete physical examination and elicit information gained from proper use of examination tools and maneuvers (inspection, palpation, percussion and auscultation).
- Execute fine and gross motor movements with sufficient coordination, postural control and hand-eye coordination to safely participate in foundation sciences laboratory sessions, use standard medical/surgical instruments, assess patients, provide patient care and participate in basic diagnostic and therapeutic maneuvers and procedures.
- Execute motor movements that demonstrate safety and efficiency in the various learning settings (i.e., classroom, laboratories and clinical settings, including appropriate negotiation of self and patients in various patient care environments).
- Accurately discern and evaluate various components of the spoken voice (pitch, intensity and timbre), percussive notes and auscultatory findings.
- Physical stamina sufficient to complete the rigorous course of didactic and clinical study, which may include prolonged periods of sitting, standing and/or rapid ambulation.
- Coordination of motor skills necessary to respond to emergency situations quickly and appropriately.
- Ability to perform routine or emergent technical procedures including, but not limited to:
- Complete H&P (adult and pediatric including developmental milestone determination)
- Verbalize understanding of and demonstrate one-provider CPR
- Venipuncture for blood analysis
- Arterial puncture for blood gas analysis
- Nasogastric tube insertion
- Foley catheter insertion
- Pap smear
- Sterile cleaning/debridement of a dirty wound
- Simple suture single-layer laceration repair
- Act as a first assistant for simple surgical or obstetrical procedures
- Apply an extremity splint correctly
- Give an injection/immunization
- Verbalize understanding of and demonstrate proper use of PPE
- Control compressible external hemorrhage with and without a tourniquet
- Maintain an open airway and demonstrate proper use of a bag mask valve
- Establish a peripheral intravenous line
- Apply a sterile dressing to a wound
- Drain a simple subcutaneous abscess
- Perform an ECG
- Have the stamina and physical capability to work continuously for 24-28 hours in a patient care environment
- Verbalize understanding of informed consent and its components, i.e., the intended procedure, benefits, risks and alternatives
Behavioral and Social Attributes Technical Standard
Demonstrate the behavioral and social attributes vital to participation in a professional program and service as a practicing physician.
Indicators include, but are not limited to, the following examples:
- Possess personal qualities that facilitate effective therapeutic interactions (e.g., compassion, empathy, integrity, honesty, benevolence, confidentiality).
- Possess the emotional health required for full utilization of mental faculties (including judgment, orientation, affect and cognition).
- Ability to establish rapport and develop mature and effective professional relationships with faculty, patients, the public and other members of the healthcare team.
- Demonstrate impartial motives, attitudes and values in roles, functions and relationships. Communicate and care for, in a non-judgmental way, persons who differ from oneself and one’s beliefs in a variety of ways, including but not limited to gender, age, race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, culture, creed, military status, sexual orientation and identity and religious or spiritual beliefs.
- Ability to monitor and react appropriately to one’s own emotional needs and responses.
- Display appropriate flexibility, adaptability, composure and emotional stability during periods of high stress or uncertainty associated with didactic and clinical encounters and environments.
- Ability to accurately follow oral and written directions with prompt completion of all responsibilities in the classroom and clinical setting.
- Compliance with standards, policies and practices set forth in the program handbook.
Applicants or students who may have questions regarding these technical standards or who believe they may need to request reasonable accommodation in order to meet the standards are encouraged to consult the EVMS Disability Guide and/or the EVMS Disability Officer.
