How to Get Into Saint Louis University School of Medicine in 2022

Located in the beautiful and vibrant midwestern city of Saint Louis, SLU’s School of Medicine is known for graduating top-notch physicians and research, a commitment to teaching humanistic medicine, and producing critical medical tools like the SLUMS assessment.

The SLU School of Medicine is one of the top medical schools in St. Louis and the Midwest. But what does it take to get accepted and attend this world-class institution?

This ultimate guide organizes key information about SLU’s School of Medicine and provides a comprehensive overview of what you need to do to increase your chances of getting in. If you’re applying to the Saint Louis University School of Medicine, consider bookmarking this page for easy reference.

Be an Informed Applicant

Acquiring the academic, clinical, and character-building experiences necessary to get into a good medical school takes significant time and effort. All of your hard work will pay off when you finally submit your primary application, but even then, the journey isn’t over. You’ll need to put forth your best foot forward during the secondary application and interview processes as well.

A major challenge in applying to medical schools is demonstrating fit. When building your candidacy for Saint Louis University’s School of Medicine, you will want to consider how your experiences, ideals, and ambitions line up with the school’s approach to teaching medicine.

Researching a school’s programs, institutional identity, curriculum, and more can be daunting, but it’s an essential first step in the med school application process. This guide will provide you with an overview of what Saint Louis University School of Medicine is looking for in applicants and how to make your case as a strong candidate.

Of course, every medical school applicant is unique. Proper research and preparation go a long way when applying to medical school, but the truth is that one-on-one personal guidance is often irreplaceable.

At International Medical Aid, we provide comprehensive medical school admissions consulting services to help you put your best foot forward during every stage of the application process. From detailed feedback to overall application strategies, there’s a lot to our consulting services, so take a moment to see what it’s all about.

This article covers:

SLU Medical School Ranking and Institutional Identity (Why SLU SOM?)
Medical Schools in St. Louis and Missouri
MD Programs at SLU Medical School
Academic Requirements (GPA, MCAT Scores, Required Coursework)
SLU Medical School Acceptance Rate, Class Profile, and More
AMCAS Primary Application and SLU SOM Secondary Application
SLU Medical School Secondary Application: Essay Prompts, Sample Answers, and Advice
Medical School Admissions Consulting
How to Find Quality Voluntary Healthcare Internships Abroad

Why Saint Louis University School of Medicine?

Established in 1836, the Saint Louis University School of Medicine is a private Jesuit medical school located in St. Louis, Missouri. As one of the first medical schools west of the Mississippi River, the school has a long tradition of excellence in medical education. SLU’s School of Medicine boasts impressive rankings, tied in first for Missouri’s best medical school for primary care and placing second in research.

In 2007, the school completed the construction of the 10-story Edward A. Doisy research center, which houses over 80 research labs. The school’s research is known for its contribution to the study of heart and lung disease, aging and neurological disorders, liver disease, infectious disease, and cancer.

The Saint Louis University Mental Status (SLUMS) examination was developed by SLU’s School of Medicine in 2006 and is used around the country to screen patients for cognitive impairment. The SLUMS test is easy to administer, being only 11 questions long. The ease and effectiveness of the SLUMS assessment has led it to be adopted by many primary care physicians. Indeed, the School of Medicine’s SLUMS test is a go-to tool for doctors to detect Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other cognitive impairments. (Learn more about SLUMShere.)

In addition to its excellent academics and developing usefull tools like SLUMS, SLU’s School of Medicine is committed to serving the community. The school has a strong focus on cultural competence, preparing students to work in diverse settings, and service. In 1994, the school launched the Health Resource Center, a free clinic and resource center run by medical students. Additionally, medical students volunteer at a variety of clinics serving the Chinese community, foreign-born patients, and homeless populations. The school’s faculty and students also participate in the Adventures in Medicine and Sciences, a youth community outreach program.

SLU Medical School Ranking

Here are the 2023 school rankings for the Saint Louis University School of Medicine, according to U.S. News and World Report.

#73 in Best Medical Schools: Research
#56 in Best Medical Schools: Primary Care
#97 in Most Diverse Medical Schools
#70 in Most Graduates Practicing in Primary Care Fields
#89 in Most Graduates Practicing in Medically Underserved Areas
#112 in Most Graduates Practicing in Rural Areas

Additionally, Saint Louis Univeresity Ranks:

#103 in National Universities
#56 in Best Value Schools
#43 in Nursing
#133 in Best Colleges for Veterans

Medical Schools in St. Louis

Aside from the Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine is located in the city.

The two Saint Louis medical schools are tied at #56 for Best Medical Schools: Primary Care. Washington University is ranked #11 in Best Medical Schools: Research, and Saint Louis University is ranked #73.

Here’s a full list of medical schools in Missouri:

Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine
Saint Louis University School of Medicine
University of Missouri–Columbia School of Medicine
University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Medicine
A.T. Still University–Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine

MD Programs at Saint Louis University School of Medicine

The Saint Louis University School of Medicine offers the follow MD programs:

Four-year MD program
MD/PhD (Medical Scientist Training Program)
MD/PhD (Health Outcomes Research)
MD/MPH
MD/MBA

Four-year MD Program

The MD program at SLU’s Medical School outlines the following objectives:

Patient Care
Medical Knowledge
Practice-Based Learning and Improvement
Interpersonal and Communication Skills
Professionalism
Systems-Based Practice
Interprofessional Collaboration
Personal and Professional Development

Year one of the MD program proceeds as follows.

Students begin with an Orientation and Transition to Medical School course before beginning studies in the Foundations of Medicine. September through November is comprised of coursework and learning experiences in Normal Structure and Function, Healthcare Ethics, Physical Diagnosis, Epidemiology, Social Determinants of Health, and Population Health.

In the spring semester, students study Intro to Pathology, Immunology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Healthcare Ethics, Clinical Interviewing, IPE, Systems Science, Business & Business Ethics, Brain & Behavior, and Cardiovascular Systems.

Year two continues with studies and experiences in Healthcare Ethics and IPE, Systems Science, Business & Business Ethics. Coursework and training in Clinical Diagnosis, Heme, Pulmonary, Renal, GI and Nutrition, and Reproductive Endocrinology take place in the first semester.

In the spring, students finish up coursework in Healthcare Ethics, IPE, Systems Science, Business & Business Ethics, and Clinical Diagnosis, and take a course in Skin, Bone, and Joint before breaking to study for the CBSE and OSCE exams.

In March of the second year, students are introduced to clerkships and participate in two seven-week clerkships.

Year three Continues with six seven-week clerkships before breaking for another study period in March. Students finish the semester taking electives and completing an acting internship.

By year four, students will have completed clerkships in Family and Community Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, Psychiatry, Pediatrics, Neurology, and Internal Medicine.

The final year includes four weeks of Emergency Medicine, four weeks of Ambulatory Medicine, a sub-internship, and 30 weeks of electives. By the end of the year, students must pass the USMLE Step 2CK. In April, a two-week capstone course in residency preparation is undertaken.

Facilities and Clinical Teaching Sites

Students of SLU SOM train at the following affiliated hospitals during clerkships and residencies:

SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital
SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
The Missouri Regional Poison Center
SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital
Mercy Hospital St. Louis
John Cochran VA Medical Center
St. Luke’s Des Peres Hospital
Mercy Hospital South

The main facilities at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine include the Medical Center Library, Doisy Research Center, and Clinical Skills Center at SLU’s Medical Center. Research at SLU’s School of Medicine has resulted in significant contributions to the studies of heart and lung disease, infectious disease, cancer, and aging disorders. The school’s cognitive impairment assessment, SLUMS, is widely used by physicians around the country.

The Health Resource Center has been providing free primary healthcare services in an academic environment since 1994. This center includes primary care, geriatrics, asthma and allergy, diabetes, and other clinics. The Health Resource Center is a volunteer-based community service run by medical students at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine.

Other affiliated volunteer clinics include Casa de Salud, which serves foreign-born patients, the Chinese Clinic, and Adventures in Medicine and Sciences, a youth community outreach program.

Admissions Requirements

SLU School of Medicine requires a baccalaureate degree of at least 120 semester hours to apply (though some exceptions have been made). International students are required to complete at least one year of college-level school in the U.S.

The Committee on Admissions states that they weigh the quality of your education over your amount of pre-med experience. However, pre-med experience is still crucial in demonstrating your knowledge, skills, and experiences related to the medical field. The quality and quantity of your clinical exposure and research experience are important considerations in your application.

Minimum GPA and MCAT Requirements

The Committee on Admissions at SLU Medical School does not state a required GPA or MCAT score to apply. On average, accepted students have a science-math GPA of 3.83, an overall GPA of 3.86, and an MCAT score of 512.22.

Required Coursework

The Saint Louis University School of Medicine requires candidates to complete the following undergraduate coursework:

Organic Chemistry: A laboratory course and 8 credit hours
General Chemistry: A laboratory course and 8 credit hours
General Biology/Zoology: A laboratory course and 8 credit hours
Physics: A laboratory course and 8 credit hours
English: 6 credit hours
Humanities and Behavioral Sciences: 12 credit hours

Advanced placement credits are recognized by SLU’s Committee on Admissions, but are not accepted as fulfilling the specific coursework requirements listed above.

Letters of Recommendation

Here’s a rundown of SLU Medical School’s letters of recommendation requirements.

A letter from your undergrad institution’s pre-med advisory committee is sufficient. You may submit two additional letters in support of your candidacy.

If your undergrad institution does not have a pre-med advisory committee, you’re required to submit three letters of recommendation. One of the three letters must be from a science faculty member.

A good letter of recommendation is submitted on time, specific about your strengths, and comes from someone who knows you well.

Good examples of who to request letters from include a research mentor, clinical supervisor, or employers. Undergraduate faculty or medical internship mentors who worked closely with you and can speak to your academic and professional merits, character, and commitment to medicine are ideal.

Class Profile and Admissions Statistics

Here are some average metrics for students accepted to the MD program at SLU Medical School in 2021:

Science-Math GPA 3.83
Overall GPA 3.86
MCAT: Overall Score: 512.22
MCAT: CPBS 128.05
MCAT: CARS: 127.28
MCAT: BBFL: 128.27
MCAT: PSBB: 128.61

In 2020, the school’s interview rate was 20% for in-state applicants and 12.6% for out-of-state applicants.

Here are some admissions statistics for the class of 2025, accepted in 2021:

8,220 applications and 962 interviews
181 students enrolled
43 out of 181 students completed their undergrad degree at SLU
52% female and 48% male
Average age of 23, ranging from 20-33 years old
12 first-generation college students
Over 50% of the enrolling class took a gap year

SLU Medical School Acceptance Rate

The SLU Medical School acceptance rate has ranged from 7.3% to 8.2% in recent years. This is slightly higher than the national average of 5.5%, but still much lower than the average for non-medical schools (around 66%).

AMCAS Primary Application and SLU Secondary Application

To apply to the Saint Louis University School of Medicine, you first need to submit your AMCAS primary application. This application is sent to each school you apply to. Upon receiving your application, you’ll be invited to complete a secondary, school specific application. All of the medical schools in St. Louis, and most medical schools in the country use the AMCAS, so taking the time to perfect your primary application is key.

If you’d like to learn more about the AMCAS application process, see our article Primary vs. Secondary Applications: Understanding the Differences.

Saint Louis University School of Medicine Secondary Application: Essay Prompts, Sample Answers, and Advice

Your secondary application is a chance to demonstrate your fit for specific medical schools, elaborate on impactful experiences, and explain your motivations, aspirations, and ideals. Overall, you are giving admissions a picture of who you are that goes beyond metrics like GPA and MCAT scores.

Use the secondary application to fill in any gaps that your primary application doesn’t cover. Be honest, sincere, and authentic in your responses. Review AAMC’s core competencies, and provide cases for your canidacy that use real-world experiences and examples.

When given the opportunity, feel free to include relevant information about yourself that is not related to your experiences in pre-med. Explaining why you are interested in medical schools in St. Louis, for example, or sharing what you love about the city, can be helpful in personalizing your application and giving admissions a more rounded picture of who you.

Demonstrating knowledge of the school’s history, institutional identity, and programs is also a great way to stand out and show that you are really committed to becoming a student there. This doesn’t necessarily entail diving into a meditation on the school’s mission statement (though if you have a unique perspective to share, go for it). For instance, if you were familiar with SLUMS before applying, you could mention that the school developing practical, widely used tools like SLUMS is a big draw for you.

Don’t forget that your secondary application is also an opportunity to share any special circumstances or factors that may have impacted your performance in the past, but won’t necessarily impact your ability to succeed as a medical student. For example, if you took time off for a mental health break during undergrad, this would be a great time to disclose that information.

Finally, keep your responses focused and well-organized. In the past, the Saint Louis University School of Medicine has limited its secondary application to allowing brief responses. Use you character count wisely.

The following prompts are from the 2021-2022 application cycle. Each response is limited to 1,000 characters, which is about 140-250 words.

Essay #1

Will you be a full-time student for the 2021 – 2022 academic year? If no, please describe your current activities.

In SLU’s most recent MD class, over half of the students took at least a year off before enrolling in medical school. If you’re like these students and are taking a gap year, admissions wants to know how you’ll be spending your time.

You could be working, shadowing physicians, taking courses, conducting research, or doing something else entirely. No matter what you choose to do with your gap year(s), make sure you’re using the time wisely and gaining experiences that will make you a stronger medical school applicant and future doctor.

The American Association of Medical Colleges explains that most successful medical school applicants do one or more of the following:

Prepare for and take the MCAT exam
Reflect on why you want to pursue medicine
Get more clinical experience
Take additional coursework
Learn to budget
Cultivate hobbies and interests unrelated to medicine

Of course, by the time you encounter a prompt about your gap year activities, you’ve likely already planned out your year. In this case, simply explain what you’ll be doing and how you think it will benefit your medical career.

If you have a lot planned for your gap year, be sure to keep keep your answer focused and organized. You only have around 200 words to work with, so make every word count. Your answer should be more than a list of activities. Pick one or two of the more unique and impactful plans to elaborate on. Remember, there are plenty of non-healthcare-related activities that fulfill AAMC’s Core Competencies. Use your best judgment and be honest about your plans.

Here’s a sample answer:

“I’m taking a year off after graduation to pursue volunteer activities and clinical experiences that expose me to new communities and their unique struggles. While I’m eager to enroll in medical school and feel I’ve already gained adequate experience to succeed academically, I recognize that there’s always more to learn about the communities I hope to one day serve.

In college, I saw that the comfort of growing up in the St. Louis suburb of Clayton gave me an isolated experience of the world. While I’m grateful for the security my family has provided me, I feel a responsibility to learn about and serve those who have limited access to healthcare due to socio-economic conditions.

This summer I will be interning with International Medical Aid in East Africa for 8 weeks. I will shadow local physicians, participate in historic and cultural tours, engage in healthcare-related community service, and attend classes on Emergency and Internal Medicine and Surgery.

At home, I’ll continue my work as a patient advocate at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. I’ve been volunteering in the cancer center for 2 years and have developed relationships with patients and their families.

I’m confident that this blend of direct clinical experience, cultural immersion, and advocacy work will better prepare me to provide holistic care to underserved populations.”

Essay #2

Were there any significant disruptions in your academic, volunteer, work, or personal life related to COVID-19 that you would like to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee? If you wish, you may also add any comment you desire regarding access to letters of recommendation or MCAT challenges you encountered.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been an unprecedented disruption to daily life, work, and education. If the pandemic has affected your plans in any way, use this prompt to explain the situation to admissions.

For many students, the shift to online classes was a difficult adjustment. Perhaps you had to take a semester off or withdraw from classes due to the pandemic. Maybe you struggled with motivation or focus while learning remotely.

Additionally, in-person volunteering or clinical shadowing opportunities were likely canceled or postponed. You may have had to put your job on hold as well. Acquiring letters of recommendation from faculty with whom you lack an in-person relationship may have been more challenging than usual.

All of these disruptions, and many more, are valid and should be addressed in your response.

For essays on how COVID-19 affected your medical school application, your priority should be to address any discrepancies or shortcomings your application suffered due to the pandemic. But this question is also an opportunity to talk about how you handled the situation, what you learned from it, and how you think it will make you a better doctor.

Be honest, reflective, and solution-oriented in your response. Admissions committees are looking for applicants who are adaptable and resourceful. If applicable, use this prompt to show them how resilient you are.

Here’s a sample answer:

“Before the pandemic, I made arrangements with my job to take more time off and dedicate 2020 to tackling some of the more challenging coursework in my pre-med curriculum. When the pandemic hit, I initially struggled with online learning. Although I managed to get good grades, the stress and isolation were affecting my ability to truly retain and reflect on these important subjects.

That summer, I decided to take the fall semester off from school. This was a difficult time for me emotionally, as I felt like I was falling behind my peers. But I’m proud of how I handled the situation. I used the extra time to volunteer with a crisis hotline, which taught me what it takes to help and communicate with distressed individuals.

I also took the time to deepen my understanding of chemistry, biology, and physics by reading foundational texts and watching lectures from other universities. Ultimately, this period of studying contributed greatly to my high MCAT score.

The pandemic was a difficult time, but it taught me how to be realistic, resourceful, and adaptable. I’m grateful for the lessons I learned and am confident that they will make me a better doctor.”

Essay #3

What does social justice mean to you?

At the heart of the many definitions of social justice is the idea of equal access to opportunities and resources. Social justice also encompasses the idea of fairness, inclusivity, and equity.

To contextualize your answer to this prompt, you could discuss an experience that helped you develop your understanding of social justice. You might talk about a time when you witnessed or experienced inequality, unfairness, or discrimination. Alternately, you could discuss a time when you saw someone fighting for social justice and the impact it had on you.

Your answer should focus on what social justice means to you in the context of your future career as a doctor. You might talk about how you plan to use your platform and privilege to fight for social justice, or how you hope to use your skills and knowledge to help marginalized communities.

Consider grounding your response in concrete examples, rather than generalities. The admissions committee wants to know how you plan to apply your ideals in your future career. At the same time, medical students cannot concretely pursue social justice without a clear sense of what it means to them. So be sure to directly answer the question, “What does social justice mean to you?”

Here are some ideas for how to approach questions about social justice in medical school applications:

Use personal experiences and real-world situations to contextualize your definition of social justice.
Consider citing an author who has influenced your thinking on social justice.
Explain social justice in terms of healthcare.
Explain what social justice in medical school looks like.
Identify a social justice issue that is particularly important to you.
Discuss how you plan to use your privilege and platform to fight for social justice.
Expound upon advocacy or volunteer work that you have done in the past and how it relates to your definition of social justice.
Talk about how your medical education will inform your pursuit of social justice.

Essay #4

Describe briefly any experiences and/or skills that have made you more sensitive or appreciative of other cultures or the human condition.

Compassion, humanism, altruism, and cultural competency are essential qualities for any doctor. The Committee on Admissions at SLU Medical School explains they “…should have no reservations about the moral integrity of an applicant.” In medicine, cultural competency and appreciation for the human condition are critical for providing quality patient care, and candidates who demonstrate these qualities are more likely to be successful in the medical field.

You could discuss how your background or experiences have helped you develop these qualities. Perhaps you grew up in a culturally diverse community, or you have traveled to different countries and seen firsthand how healthcare varies around the world. Maybe you have volunteered in underserved communities or worked with patients from different backgrounds.

In addition to sharing your experiences, it’s also important to reflect on what you have learned from them. What did you learn about yourself? How did they change your perspective? How will these qualities help you in your future career as a doctor?

Here’s a sample answer:

“Friendships, volunteering, philosophy, and personal experiences of discrimination, have all contributed to a deep sense of appreciation for the struggle of others and the power of the human spirit. These have instilled in me a belief that every person has worth and dignity, regardless of their station in life, yet the world around us often doesn’t reflect that.

Participating in International Medical Aid’s healthcare internship abroad was an impactful experiences in my life. In addition to the clinical skills I developed, I was also able to see firsthand how different cultures approach healthcare. The socioeconomic disparities I witnessed were eye-opening, and I came to better understand the structural inequalities that exist in our own healthcare system.

My time spent immersed in another culture and shadowing physicians with limited resources was a humbling experience. Everyone I met, from the patients to the staff, was incredibly resilient in the face of challenging circumstances. This experience made me more compassionate and more dedicated to fighting for others, both in my future career as a doctor and in my personal life.”

Essay #5

Do you wish to include any comments, other than your AMCAS personal statement, to the Admissions Committee? (Yes or No – if yes, max 1,000 characters)

Optional, open-ended prompts like this give you an opportunity to share things you weren’t able to cover elsewhere in your application. If you have anything else you want the admissions committee to know about you, this is your chance to tell them.

The Saint Louis University School of Medicine receives thousands and thousands of applications — respecting the time of the admissions faculty and focusing on new information will go a long way. Avoid repeating things you’ve already covered.

With that said, what you choose to write about doesn’t need to be categorically “new information.” It could be an important aspect of an experience you discussed elsewhere or something that didn’t quite fit into another section but that you think is worth mentioning.

The school’s Committee on Admissions reviews your entire application and does its best to get a holistic sense of who you are as an applicant. Look back on what you’ve included in your application and ask yourself, “what else can I include to help the school understand why I belong there?”

Here are some examples of things other medical students have discussed in this kind of optional essay:

A moment or experience that solidified their desire to pursue medicine
An experience of overcoming adversity
Participation in research, a special project, or another extracurricular activity outside of school or work
Why they’re interested in a specific program or aspect of the school’s curriculum
Any personal ties to the location of the school
A more thorough account of an internship, volunteer experience, or academic acheivement mentioned elsewhere in the application
Non-healthcare/academic skills or experiences that makes them a strong medical school applicant

This last point is important to keep in mind. Given that a wide range of activities can demonstrate one or more of AAMC’s Core Competencies, with some reflection, every candidate should be able to identify at least a few non-clinical experiences that have helped them develop in one or more of these areas.

Voluntary Healthcare Internships Abroad

One of the best ways to make your application stand out and gain one-of-a-kind clinical experience is through IMA’s voluntary healthcare internships abroad. Our programs leverage a unique combination of breadth and depth by including physician shadowing, didactic sessions on multiple specialties, service-learning, cultural tours, and more.

There’s a lot to cover about our pre-med internships. To start, take a look at some of our alumni testimonials to get an idea of just how impactful a healthcare internship with IMA can be.

Medical School Admissions Consulting

We put a lot of work into maintaining an up-to-date, resourceful website for medical student hopefuls. From our Medical School Guides to our Pre-Health Blog, we aim to provide actionable content that’ll help you succeed throughout the entire med school admissions process.

One-on-one guidance is essential for success in such a competitive process. That’s why we offer personalized medical school admissions consulting services, led by medical and educational experts.

Our team has helped students gain admission to their dream schools time and time again. Click here to learn more about our medical school admissions consulting services and schedule a free consultation.

Good Luck to You!

Applying to medical school is a long and winding journey, but we hope this guide has given you some clarity on what to expect from Saint Louis University School of Medicine’s admissions process. Make sure to check out our other ultimate medical school guides.

Wishing you the best of luck as you pursue your dreams of becoming a physician!