School of Medicine
Program Overview
Introduction to the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine
The University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine is a prestigious institution dedicated to providing high-quality medical education. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum, cutting-edge research opportunities, and a commitment to excellence in patient care.
Requirements for Admission
To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Submit an application through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS)
- Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
- Complete prerequisite coursework in the life sciences, social sciences, physics, and mathematics
- Take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) and achieve a score of 500 or above
- Provide letters of recommendation from faculty members, clinical experience, research experience, or current employers
- Complete a secondary application, which includes essays and a processing fee
Degree and Coursework Requirements
The school recognizes the value of a diverse, interdisciplinary, and balanced undergraduate education. Applicants should demonstrate competencies in the life sciences, social sciences, physics, and mathematics, as outlined by the AAMC-HHMI Scientific Foundations for Future Physicians and AAMC-Behavioral and Social Science Foundations for Future Physicians.
MCAT Requirements
Applicants must take the MCAT and achieve a score of 500 or above. The oldest exam accepted is no more than three years prior to the year of planned matriculation.
Letters of Recommendation
Applicants must provide three to five letters of recommendation, or a committee summary letter, from faculty members, clinical experience, research experience, or current employers.
Secondary Application
Upon receipt and verification of the AMCAS application, eligible applicants will be emailed a link to the secondary application, which must be completed online and submitted by November 30th of each calendar year.
CASPer Test
All applicants are required to complete the CASPer test, an online situational judgment test that assesses non-cognitive skills, interpersonal characteristics, and personal values and priorities.
Technical Standards for Admission
Applicants must possess the capability to complete the entire medical curriculum and achieve the degree. This includes acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to function in a broad variety of clinical situations and to render a wide spectrum of patient care.
Policies and Procedures
The University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine Admission Committee is responsible for selecting a class of students who demonstrate the intelligence, integrity, personal and emotional characteristics necessary for them to become effective physicians. The committee implements a comprehensive, confidential selection process that is shielded from political or financial influence.
Admission Committee Roles and Expectations
The Admission Committee has several subcommittees, including the Screening Subcommittee, Interview Subcommittee, Post-Interview Review Sub-Committee, MSTP Subcommittee, and BA/BS-MD Subcommittee. Each subcommittee plays a critical role in the selection process, from reviewing applications to conducting interviews and making recommendations for admission.
Admission Procedures
The admission process involves several steps, including:
- Submission of the AMCAS application
- Review of applications by the Screening Subcommittee
- Invitation to complete the secondary application
- Review of secondary applications by the Admission Committee
- Invitation to interview
- Interview and evaluation by the Post-Interview Review Sub-Committee
- Final decision by the Admission Committee
Admission Timeline
The admission timeline typically begins in June, with the opening of the AMCAS application. The secondary application is due by November 30th, and interviews are conducted from August to February. Acceptance decisions are communicated on a rolling basis, beginning on October 15th.
