Howard University College of Medicine: A Comprehensive Guide to Admissions

Howard University College of Medicine (HUCM), established in 1868, holds the distinction of being the oldest and largest historically Black medical school in the United States. Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., HUCM is renowned for its commitment to training competent and compassionate healthcare professionals, particularly those dedicated to serving underserved communities. This comprehensive guide provides prospective students with detailed information about HUCM, its admissions process, curriculum, campus life, and overall impact on the healthcare sector.

Overview of Howard University College of Medicine

Nestled in the nation's capital, Howard University College of Medicine offers a dynamic blend of urban culture and academic excellence. The college has a rich history in medical education and is celebrated for its significant contributions to medical research and patient care. Howard Medical School is known for its wide array of programs, including MD/MBA, MD/PhD, and the accelerated BS/MD program.

HUCM sets high academic standards, reflected in its competitive admissions process. While specific US News rankings may vary annually, Howard University College of Medicine is consistently recognized for its commitment to training physicians who serve underserved communities.

Mission and Values

Howard University College of Medicine is committed to excellence in educating the next generation of healthcare leaders. The college’s mission is to provide a comprehensive, innovative, and accessible medical education that prepares students to deliver high-quality, patient-centered healthcare, with a particular focus on serving the underserved.

HUCM fosters a diverse and inclusive environment where students from all backgrounds can excel. It emphasizes the importance of addressing healthcare disparities and ensuring that all communities, especially those underserved, have access to quality healthcare. The mission extends beyond education to include pioneering research and patient care. HUCM encourages its students and faculty to engage in research activities that advance medical knowledge and improve patient outcomes.

Read also: Tuition and Fees at Howard

The college trains its students to be not only proficient in the latest medical techniques but also empathetic and culturally aware practitioners, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the diverse healthcare needs of their patients.

Accreditation

Howard University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Secondary Schools and Colleges. The College of Medicine is accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), ensuring high standards in medical education and training.

Academic Programs

HUCM offers a traditional 4-year MD program designed to produce physicians who are knowledgeable in modern medical science and skilled in critical clinical thinking. The 4-year MD program at Howard University College of Medicine follows an innovative integrated curriculum designed to produce physician-scientists.

Dual Degree Programs

Dual degree programs are offered jointly with the Graduate School (MD/Ph.D.), the College of Arts & Sciences (BS/MD), and the School of Business (MD/MBA), accommodating a variety of interests and career aspirations. Admission into any of the Dual M.D. degree programs and the regular M.D. degree are highly competitive. Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee an interview, nor admission.

BS/MD Program

The BS/MD Program allows students to complete the requirements for both the BS and MD degrees in six years instead of the customary eight years. A limited number of students enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences will be admitted each year to the Howard University College of Medicine as part of the entering class of traditionally selected students.

BS/MD requirements for entering into the College of Medicine include: Minimum science GPA of 3.25; minimum overall GPA of 3.5; minimum total MCAT score of 504; strong interview and supportive letters of recommendation.

Six training programs leading to the Master of Science and/or Doctor of Philosophy degree are available in the College of Medicine. These degrees are offered through programs in anatomy, microbiology, biochemistry, pharmacology and physiology & biophysics. For admission and specific degree requirements, students should consult the Graduate School.

Admissions Process

Howard University College of Medicine participates in the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). The admissions team at Howard University College of Medicine meticulously evaluates each application, considering a wide range of criteria, including academic achievements, healthcare experiences, community service involvement, leadership capabilities, and the unique personal qualities that candidates bring to the medical profession.

Admission Statistics

Howard University College of Medicine has an acceptance rate of approximately 1.5%, making it a highly competitive medical school. The college is dedicated to fostering a diverse and dynamic student body and looks for students who will contribute to the richness of the class and share the institution’s commitment to serving communities in need.

Key Statistics About Howard University College of Medicine:

Total Enrollment: 499
Median MCAT Score: 507
Median GPA: 3.67
Tuition and Fees: \$55,002 (In-state and Out-of-state)
Acceptance Rate: Competitive, with a focus on diversity and community service
Gender Distribution: Balanced representation of men and women
Application Deadline: December 15
Classes Begin: July 17
Additional Information: Known for its emphasis on serving the underserved and commitment to healthcare innovation.

Premedical Requirements

Prospective medical students must have earned 71 semester hours or the equivalent in an accredited US or Canadian college or university. Specific course requirements include:

Biology/lab (8 semester hours)
Inorganic Chemistry/lab (8 semester hours)
Organic Chemistry/lab (8 semester hours)
Physics/lab (8 semester hours)
Math/Statistics (6 semester hours) - Any college-level math course
Biochemistry (3 semester hours)
English (6 semester hours)
Humanities Courses (6 semester hours) - (includes additional English course work, Languages, Art, Music, History, Philosophy, Religion, etc.)

Also Recommended:

Anatomy & Physiology
Cell Biology
Developmental Biology & Embryology
Genetics
Neuroscience
Microbiology

The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)

The MCAT is required of all applicants and can be taken at any time, but no later than January of the year that you are seeking admission. Applicants should meet the GPA and MCAT scores: Science GPA of 3.0 and a MINIMUM total MCAT 494 (New MCAT).

Application Deadline

The deadline for filing the completed AMCAS application is December 15 of the year immediately preceding the school year in which the applicant expects to enter medical school. Howard follows a rolling admissions process, so applying early is recommended. The HUCM Admissions office will receive notification when your application has been verified.

Letters of Recommendation

The college requires either:

A health professions committee letter of evaluation (composite letter), or
A letter packet from your college/university which includes at least two letters written by science faculty (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math) who taught you and gave you a grade (includes research course faculty).

There is no limit on the number of recommendations. At least two letters are required.

Interview Process

You must be interviewed to be accepted to the College of Medicine. However, we cannot interview every applicant. Howard invites around 300 applicants to interview each year. Interviews will take place between September and late April.

AAMC PREview™ Exam

The AAMC PREview™ exam is recommended but not required. The PREview exam was developed to measure applicants’ knowledge of effective and ineffective behaviors related to core pre-professional competencies. The AAMC collaborated with subject matter experts in the medical school community, including faculty, admissions officers, and student and diversity affairs officers, to develop the PREview exam for medical school admission. The AAMC PREview exam assesses examinees’ understanding of effective pre-professional behaviors across eight core competencies for entering medical students.

Other Admissions Facts

Applicants must demonstrate academic achievement and potential as well as appropriate intellectual personal and social traits. Applicants must demonstrate an interest in solving the problems associated with health disparities and should have experience working or volunteering with underserved communities.

Admission into any of the Dual M.D. degree programs and the regular M.D. degree are highly competitive. Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee an interview, nor admission.

Criminal Background Checks

To maintain the safety and well-being of patients, maintain the ability of accepted applicants and enrolled medical students to become licensed as physicians, and reduce liability concerns affecting medical schools and their affiliated clinical facilities, AAMC recommends a criminal background check for all enrolled medical students.

Students conditionally admitted as incoming freshmen into the Howard University College of Medicine (HUCM) will be subject to a Criminal Background Check (CBC) through the AMCAS facilitated CBC of the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC). To matriculate into the COM, all new entrants MUST satisfactorily pass the criminal background check. Also, be sure to have your AMCAS number readily available.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum at Howard Medical School is thoughtfully designed to provide a solid foundation in medical sciences while promoting the development of critical clinical skills and professional attributes. From the beginning, students engage in a stimulating academic environment where advanced medical science harmonizes with patient-centered care.

The curriculum progresses with the students, transitioning from theoretical learning in the classroom to practical clinical training in diverse healthcare settings. This approach ensures that graduates from Howard University College of Medicine are not only knowledgeable in medical sciences but also skilled, empathetic, and ready to address the unique healthcare needs of their patients. The academic program leading to the MD degree is designed to produce physicians who are knowledgeable of the principles of modern medical science and who have mastered the art of critical thinking in the clinical decision-making process so they may engage in the practice of medicine as competent professionals.

Clinical training at Howard Medical School is extensive, with students gaining hands-on experience in various healthcare settings within Washington, D.C., and beyond. This exposure allows students to understand and serve diverse patient populations, aligning with the college’s mission to address healthcare disparities and serve the underserved.

Financial Information

The College of Medicine offers university scholarships based on both need and academic performance. The total estimated annual cost of attendance is between $99,000 and $109,000. Washington, DC is known for its higher cost of living compared to many other cities.

If you are accepted to the College of Medicine, students who have accepted our offer of admissions are expected to submit medical forms (immunization and history, and transcripts [if classes were taken after the AMCAS verification], no later than June 30). For accepted International Students ONLY, financial information must be submitted no later than June 30.

Howard University does not accept fee waivers.

Campus Facilities and Student Life

Howard University College of Medicine’s campus serves as a vibrant center for medical education, research, and patient care. Equipped with modern facilities and resources, the campus offers an ideal backdrop for students to pursue their academic and professional aspirations. From advanced simulation labs that provide realistic training scenarios to comprehensive research facilities that encourage innovation, Howard Medical School’s campus is designed to support the multifaceted needs of its students and faculty. Furthermore, the campus offers various services and amenities aimed at enhancing the overall student experience and fostering a balanced and enriching college life.

Key Features of Howard University College of Medicine:

Campus Location and Setting: An urban campus in Washington, D.C., offering a rich blend of cultural, educational, and professional opportunities.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: Equipped with cutting-edge medical and research facilities, fostering an environment conducive to learning and innovation.
Supportive Services: A range of services, including housing assistance and student wellness programs, designed to support students’ academic and personal well-being.
Student Demographics: A diverse student body, reflecting the college’s commitment to inclusivity and cultural competence.

Residency Programs

Located in the heart of the nation’s capital, Howard University College of Medicine is a training ground for a multitude of residency programs. These programs, known for their rigorous training and commitment to excellence, are integral parts of the medical education experience at Howard.

Residency programs at Howard, such as the Howard University Dermatology, Howard University Psychiatry Residency, and Howard OB/GYN Residency, provide residents with comprehensive training, preparing them to be competent and compassionate practitioners. The Howard University Hospital Internal Medicine Residency is particularly notable for its robust curriculum and exposure to a diverse patient population. Those interested in Howard Family Medicine can expect a curriculum that blends clinical excellence with a focus on the social determinants of health.

Tips and Strategies for Admission

Focus on Service and Direct Patient Exposure: Howard values applicants who have demonstrated service and direct patient exposure. Consider pursuing clinical internships abroad to expand your skills and show commitment to global and underserved healthcare. Howard University College of Medicine emphasizes meaningful, sustained involvement over extensive hours.
Excel Academically: Howard’s admissions committee places strong weight on academic performance. While the minimum science GPA is 3.25, most admitted students exceed a 3.65 GPA.
Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation: At least two letters are required.
Apply Early: Howard follows a rolling admissions process, so applying early is recommended.

Visiting the College

The Admissions Office hosts a VIRTUAL FIRST FRIDAY OPEN HOUSE via ZOOM ONLY on the first Friday of each month between August and March (except holidays). Virtual First Friday Open Houses are not offered April, May, June and July. A presentation and question & answer session starts promptly at 12:00 pm.

Advanced Standing and Readmission

HUCM does not accept transfers into the 1st, 2nd, or 4th year classes. Admission will not be granted to students based on courses completed at a foreign medical school. The college will not regularly consider a student who has been dropped from the rolls of another medical school for poor scholarship or for disciplinary reasons.

Applications for advanced standing must be received no later than May 1 of the year in which the student wishes to enter. There is a \$75.00 Advanced Standing application fee (HUCM does not accept fee waiver).

Students dropped from the College of Medicine or who withdraw not in good academic standing may petition for readmission. All petitions for readmission should be received by May 1 of the year of desired matriculation.

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