How to Get Into University of Missouri Medical School in 2022

The University of Missouri-Columbia Medical School was the first public medical school west of the Mississippi River. With a 97% match rate and over 7,200 practicing alumni, Mizzou Medical School attracts medical students eager to engage in patient-based learning and acclaimed biomedical research projects.

In 2022, less than 300 students were accepted out of nearly 4,000 applicants. So what does it take to get into the University of Missouri Medical School?

This ultimate application guide organizes key information about MU’s School of Medicine. We cover the admissions timeline, application requirements, institutional identity, programming and curriculum, and much more.

If you’re applying to the University of Missouri-Columbia Medical School, consider bookmarking this page for easy reference.

Be an Informed Applicant

Medical schools often look for similar qualifications when evaluating applicants, such as MCAT scores, GPA, clinical experience, and AAMC’s Core Competencies.

However, each school is unique in its mission and approach to medical education. When applying to Mizzou Medical School, use the information in this guide to help focus your application. By researching Mizzou, you’re more prepared to demonstrate fit and put your best foot forward.

In addition to demonstrating fit, you’ll also need to meet school-specific requirements and deadlines.

While researching a school on your own can help strengthen your application, it’s simply the case that nothing beats collaborating with an expert. IMA’s medical school admissions consulting provides you with one-on-one guidance throughout the entire application process. We help address the weaknesses in your application, as well as make sure your strengths are presented in the most impactful way possible. We’ve helped hundreds of students, each with their own story, challenges, and ambitions. Read about our medical school admissions consulting to learn more.

This article covers:

Why University of Missouri Medical School?
University of Missouri Medical School Ranking
Admissions Timeline
Medical Programs at Mizzou Medical School
Selection Factors: What MU School of Medicine Looks for in a Candidate
Admissions/Application Requirements
GPA, MCAT, and Coursework Requirements
Class Profile and Admissions Statistics
Tuition and Cost of Attendance
AMCAS Primary Application and Mizzou Medical School Secondary Application
MU School of Medicine Secondary Application: Essay Prompts, Sample Answers, and Advice
How to Find Voluntary Healthcare Internships Abroad
How to Find Medical School Admissions Consulting

What About Medical Schools Near Me?

Looking for other medical schools in Missouri? Interested in medical schools elsewhere?

Check out our growing catalog of Medical School Guides.

Why University of Missouri Medical School?

From impressive national rankings to an exceptional focus on patient-based learning, there are many reasons to consider the University of Missouri Medical School.

At the forefront of Mizzou’s MD program is its patient-based learning model. For over twenty years, the school has used real clinical settings, case-based problem solving, and patient-orientated training. This focus begins in the first year, as core scientific concepts are explored through the lens of patient problems. In addition, Mizzou’s teaching style employs small-group and self-directed learning, which allows students to take a more active role in their education.

The school’s department of Family Medicine is one of the top ten in the nation and has been for twenty consecutive years. Summer programs in family medicine, rural health, research, and medical education are available to select first-year students. Many applicants are excited to serve the MedZou Community Health Clinic, a free student-run community clinic that specializes in diabetes care, neurology, gender affirmative care, mental health, and more.

Beyond its patient-based learning model, Mizzou Medical School is also known for its research opportunities. There are over fifty medical centers, labs, and institutes at the school. Research programs are open to students beginning in year one, providing stipends and summer mentorship. Researchers at Mizzou stay busy — the Office of Research reports over 375 clinical trials are ongoing at any given time.

University of Missouri Medical School Ranking

Here’s how U.S. News and World Report ranks Mizzou Medical School for 2023:

#80 in Best Medical Schools: Research
#67 in Best Medical Schools: Primary Care
#18 in Most Graduates Practicing in Medically Underserved Areas
#51 in Most Graduates Practicing in Rural Areas
#70 in Most Graduates Practicing in Primary Care Fields

Additionally, the University of Missouri ranks:

#122 in National Universities
#73 in Best Colleges for Veterans
#72 in Best Value Schools

When to Apply to University of Missouri Medical School

First, candidates should submit their primary application through AMCAS by October 15th.

After submitting your primary application, given you meet the minimum requirements (detailed later in this article), you will receive an invitation to complete Mizzou Medical School’s secondary application. If you are an out-of-state applicant, you’ll be asked to complete the University of Missouri-Columbia Medical School’s Out-Of-State Form. The information provided on this form will determine whether or not out-of-state students receive an invitation to complete the secondary application.

The secondary application for the University of Missouri Medical School is due by November 15th.

After your applications have been screened by the admissions committee, you’ll be invited to interview if the school is considering accepting you. MU Medical School interviews around 400 applicants each application cycle. Interviews begin in October and continue through March.

Final decisions are delivered by March 15th.

The Early Decision Admissions Program timeline is as follows:

AMCAS application is due by August 1st
Secondary application and supporting materials are due by September 1st
Interviews for early decision application take place in September
Early decision applications are notified of their acceptance by October 1st

MD Programs at Mizzou Medical School

The University of Missouri-Columbia Medical School offers two Doctor of Medicine (MD) programs.

Traditional Four-year MD Degree
MD/PhD Dual Degree

Four-year MD Program

“The health of our patients is our first priority.” This is the first item in Mizzou Medical School’s Foundational Values for Medical Education. “The highest quality health care is the environment for the highest quality education of future physicians.”

MU’s School of Medicine has emphasized patient-based learning for over 20 years. The MD curriculum approaches medical education by training students with early clinical experiences and developing clinical reasoning through real-world cases. Small groups, collaborative learning, and self-directed studies are hallmarks of Mizzou’s medical education.

The first and second years of medical school are critical for providing students with a foundation in basic sciences. Mizzou believes emphasizing small-group learning in the early years of medical education leads to more independence and dialogical engagement. This phase of medical education at MU is based on real-patient scenarios in actual clinical contexts. This provides students with the opportunity to gain invaluable experience that cannot be replicated in a lecture hall. Mizzou Med believes this type of learning is more engaging and effective than traditional lecture-based learning. As a result, the school has no discipline-based courses. This allows students to focus on developing the skills they need to be successful in their future careers.

The University of Missouri Medical School offers seven summer programs and fellowships for first and second-year students. These include:

Summer Research Fellowship – Students receive a stipend of $3,000 to conduct original research. MU faculty supervise the project, which lasts 8-10 weeks. The Summer Research Fellowship is open to second-year MD students.
Orientation and White Coat Ceremony Leader – Second-year students with good academic standing and strong leadership skills may apply to lead the week-long orientation for incoming students. Orientation leaders are given a stipend of $1,230. This program lasts for two weeks and takes place in the summer. Three slots are available every year.
Mini Medical School Counselor – Mini Med School is a camp for high school seniors with excellent academics who are pursuing a career in medicine. Second-year MD student counselors teach lectures, facilitate other learning experiences, and/or help with planning. The stipend is $2,250 and the camp lasts for two weeks. Eight second-year students are selected each year.
Springfield Summer Clinical Externship – Eight first-year students take part in this program in the summer before the second year. Students study under physicians at CoxHealth and Mercy sites in Springfield, Missouri. This program is four weeks long and participants are provided with a $1,600 stipend.
Medicine Summer Clinical Externship – This program teaches places students with physicians working in internal medicine and its subspecialties. Shadowing occurs in various hospitals and clinics in the Springfield and Columbia regions. This program is open to 11 first-year students, provides a $1,600 stipend, and lasts four weeks.
Family Medicine Summer Clinical Externship – In the Family Medicine program, students are placed in clinics throughout the Columbia area and work with family physicians. This summer program is quite selective, with space for only four first-year students every year. The stipend is $1,600 and the program lasts for four weeks.

All students enrolled in the School of Medicine must complete seven core clerkships during their third year. These include surgery, psychiatry, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, neurology, internal medicine, and family medicine. These may be taken at the Columbia or Springfield campus.

Each clerkship is seven weeks long, except for the psychiatry clerkship (six weeks) and the neurology clerkship (five weeks). During these clerkships, students train in the essential skills of providing excellent patient care and the faculty evaluate their abilities.

Third-year students have the opportunity to take four clerkships through the MU Rural Track Pipeline Program. This program uses training sites in rural communities throughout the state. This is a unique opportunity for students to live and work in these communities and gain personal experience of the rewards of rural practice. The program provides a well-rounded education, exposing students to a variety of challenges unique to rural healthcare. In addition, students are able to learn from faculty who are experts in rural medicine. The program is an excellent way for students to prepare for a career in rural medicine.

The fourth year of medical school is an important time for students to gain practical experience in their chosen field of medicine. During this year, students take several electives (general and advanced) and a biomedical science course.

At least one surgical and medical elective must be taken, which can be completed at either Mizzou SOM campuses or during rotations.

This final year gives students the opportunity to learn from different types of physicians and see firsthand how they approach patient care. It’s also a time for students to refine their skills for residency and develop their professional focus. With so many options available, it is important for students to carefully consider which electives will best help them achieve their goals for the fourth year.

Dual Degrees

The only dual degree formally offered at the University of Missouri Medical School is the MD/PhD program.

The Tom and Anne Smith MD-PhD Program at MU is designed to train students to become leaders in academic medicine. The program provides an immersive and individualized experience, preparing students for a career in which they will contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge through research.

The MD/PhD program can be completed in seven or eight years. The first two years are spent with the MD program’s early, patient-based curriculum. In years 3-7 or 8 students complete their doctoral work. After that, students return to medical school to complete clerkships and elective rotations for two years.

Other Medical Programs at Mizzou

The School of Medicine at the University of Missouri offers the following master’s and doctoral programs:

Academic Medicine
Pathology and Anatomical Sciences
Nutrition and Exercise Physiology
Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
Medical Pharmacology and Physiology
Health Management and Informatics
Biochemistry

The Mizzou Sinclair School of Nursing offers the following degree programs:

Traditional or Accelerated BSN and RN to BSN online
MS in Nursing (online)
MS in Care Management (online)
PhD in Nursing (online)
DNP (online)

Finally, the University of Missouri School of Health Professions offers the following:

Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences (BHS and MHS)
Social Work (BSW, MSW, and PhD)
Public Health (BHS and MPH)
Occupational Therapy Assistant (BHS)
Health Science (BHS)
Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences (BHS or MHS)
Physical Therapy (DPT)
Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Health and Rehabilitation Science (PhD)

Selection Factors: What MU School of Medicine Looks for in a Candidate

Students, faculty, and alumni make up the admissions committee at the University of Missouri-Columbia Medical School. While academic metrics like GPA and MCAT score bear on your admission decision, the admissions committee looks for more than that. They consider the “whole person” when reviewing applications and seek students with a broad range of interests and abilities who have demonstrated excellence in their endeavors, whether in academics, research, leadership, or service.

The admissions committee first reviews applications and supporting materials to narrow down the candidates. Your letters of recommendation and secondary application essays are crucial at this stage. Only around 400 out of 3,500 applicants are invited to interview.

So what specifically does the University of Missouri-Columbia Medical School look for in a candidate?

Personal character — Letters and experiences should demonstrate leadership qualities and a commitment to service, as well as intellectual curiosity and creativity. Interpersonal skills, motivation, and resilience in the face of adversity are also important.
Intellectual ability — Excellent grades (especially in science courses) and high MCAT scores help show you are ready for the rigors of medical school. Beyond these metrics, the admissions committee is looking for students who have challenged themselves academically and pushed themselves outside of their comfort zone. Extracurricular academic pursuits and coursework that go beyond the minimum requirements (listed in the next section) help to establish this quality in candidates.
Clinical experience: The admissions committee wants to see that you have taken the initiative to learn about the field of medicine and have had exposure to the realities of healthcare. This can be through volunteering, working as a nurse or medical assistant, or shadowing physicians. An internship with International Medical Aid, for instance, offers the perfect balance of breadth and depth for pre-med students who hope to gain a competitive edge and learn about unique aspects of global healthcare.
Cultural competency: As a future physician, you will be caring for patients from a variety of backgrounds. Experiences living or working in diverse environments, taking courses on other cultures, and being involved with organizations that promote inclusion all help to demonstrate your cultural competency.

Application Requirements

You must be a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. to apply to the University of Missouri Medical School. To be considered, you must complete 90 credit hours at an accredited undergraduate institution in the U.S.

Minimum GPA and MCAT Requirements

In-state applicants are required to have science and cumulative GPAs of at least 3.0.

Out-of-state applicants are required to meet the following GPA requirements, which vary depending on your MCAT score:

MCAT Score of 510-528: 3.0 GPA
MCAT Score of 506-509: 3.2 GPA
MCAT Score of 502-505: 3.4 GPA
MCAT Score of 498-501: 3.6 GPA
MCAT Score of 494-497: 3.8 GPA

You must have a GPA of 3.75 and an MCAT score of 508 to apply through the early decision program.

Sufficient graduate-level coursework may be accepted in lieu of meeting Mizzou Med’s minimum required GPA (for both early decision applicants and normal applicants).

Required Coursework

Applicants are required to take 90 credit hours at an accredited undergraduate institution in the U.S.

The following coursework is required:

General Physics (six credit hours)
Chemistry through Organic Chemistry (twelve credit hours)
Biologic sciences, such as molecular biology, genetics, animal physiology, etc. (six credit hours)
Math: college algebra or above, excluding statistics (three credit hours)
English Composition or writing-intensive course (six credit hours)

The admissions committee strongly recommends applicants complete the following courses beyond the standard introductory courses:

Chemistry (three to six credit hours)
Biology (three to six credit hours)
Biochemistry (three to six credit hours)

Letters of Recommendation

The University of Missouri Medical School requires three letters of recommendation. Up to six letters may be accepted. The school requires you to submit your letters through the AMCAS Letter Service.

A letter of evaluation from the pre-med committee at your undergrad institution can be submitted instead of three letters.

Traditional students must submit at least one letter from a professor who taught and graded them. The school prefers this letter to be from a member of the science faculty.

Non-traditional students must submit three letters from people who can speak about the recent professional and/or academic activities of the applicant. This is asked of candidates who graduated with a bachelor’s degree more than two years before applying.

Class Profile and Admissions Statistics

Here’s a breakdown of Mizzou Medical School’s class of 2025.

125 enrolled
Average science/math GPA of 3.75
Average total GPA of 3.81
Average MCAT score 509
Ages ranged from 21 to 42
3,156 applicants, 418 interviews, and 191 accepted
26% from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds
42% are ethnic minorities
20% are underrepresented in medicine
20% from rural areas
88% from Missouri
12 states represented

University of Missouri Medical School Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate of Mizzou Medical School is 6% and has been as high as 8.3% in recent years.

MU School of Medicine Tuition and Cost of Attendance

Tuition for Missouri residents is $42,458 and an additional $40,490 in tuition is required for out-of-state students.

Of course, there’s much more to consider about the cost of medical school in 2022. The financial aid office at Mizzou’s School of Medicine has calcuated an estimated cost of attendance, which considers everything from supplies and room and board to exam fees and personal expenses.

The estimated cost of attendance for residents ranges from $64,712.00 (year two) to $71,050.00 (year three).

For non-residents, the estimated cost of attendance ranges from $105,202.00 (year two) to $116,038.00 (year three).

You can find a breakdown of estimated costs on the University of Missouri Medical School Financial Aid page.

AMCAS Primary Application and Mizzou Medical School Secondary Application

Nearly all medical schools in the U.S. and Canada accept primary applications through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS).

The first step in the application process is submitting your primary application. Once you’ve submitted it, AMCAS delivers your application to the schools you’ve selected to apply to.

If you meet the minimum requirements, you’ll be invited to submit a secondary, school-specific application. The secondary application consists of essay questions that help admissions get a clearer idea of who you are and better determine if you’re a good fit for the school.

Be aware of 10 Most Common Mistakes to Avoid on Your AMCAS Application.

If you’d like a more detailed breakdown of the differences between primary and secondary medical school applications, we discuss it here.

University of Missouri Medical School Secondary Application: Essay Prompts, Sample Answers, and Advice

Every year, the University of Missouri Medical School evaluates thousands of applicants, and under 200 are accepted. The secondary essay is one of your best opportunities to demonstrate to the admissions committee that you are not only academically qualified but also a good fit for their school.

Beyond GPA and MCAT numbers, clinical and volunteer experience, and letters of recommendation, the secondary application essays give admissions a chance to see who you are as an individual. Your responses can show off your creativity, problem-solving abilities, thoughtfulness, and resilience in the face of adversity. Communicating how you think about your role as a physician and important healthcare topics like diversity, equity, and inclusion give the admissions committee a well-rounded view of you as an applicant.

What makes a good essay response? Admissions wants to see that you’re capable of critical thinking and clear writing. Your responses should be polished and free of grammar or spelling errors. They want to get to know you as a person, so avoid sounding like you’re reciting your resume. Be genuine, be specific, and tell a story that only you can tell.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

Make the most of the character/word limit. Stay focused and take the time to prioritize important, impactful information. Don’t repeat information stated elsewhere in your application.
Be clear, concise, and easy to read. The admissions committee will be reading hundreds of applications, so they’ll appreciate the effort you put into fine-tuning your application’s readability.
Use concrete examples and real-world experiences to demonstrate your points.
Proofread your essays carefully before submitting them. Have someone else read them over for typos or errors you may have missed.
Be thoughtful. Consider the prompt carefully — don’t jump on the first thing that comes to mind. If you’re blanking on how to respond to a prompt, take some time away from the question. Starting a conversation with someone about the topic can help get you thinking. Reading articles, essays, and stories relevant to the question can also help get your gears turning.
Be introspective. Take the time to reflect on your experiences and what you’ve learned from them. Demonstrating your ability to grow and learn from challenges shows that you’re resilient and adaptable — two qualities that are essential for success in medical school and as a physician. Being able to communicate the long-term impacts of experiences in your life helps demonstrates self-awareness, and it helps admissions understand exactly how those experiences have shaped who you are today. It’s up to you to communicate your story.
Be authentic. Admissions wants to get to know the real you, not who you think they want you to be. You can demonstrate fit by connecting qualities about the school to your real-world experiences and unique aspirations. If a program, mission statement, or any other aspect of the school excites you, explain why.

The information in this ultimate guide will help you focus your answers and demonstrate that you belong at the Mizzou Medical School.

There is a lot on the line in your secondary applications. IMA offers comprehensive medical school admissions consulting, from overall application strategies to fine-tuning the details — so please reach out to find out how we can help you.

The following prompts are from Mizzou’s 2021-2022 application cycle.

Essay #1

Please let us know information regarding how you heard about our school, and any factors (programs, people, mission, geography ect.) that led you to apply. (1200 characters)

For this question, Mizzou is trying to get a sense of your “fit” with the school. They want to know what made you choose Mizzou and why you think you would succeed there.

To answer the first part of the prompt, simply let admissions know what put Mizzou Medical School on your radar. Were you looking for good medical schools in Missouri? Is your favorite teacher a Mizzou alumn?

For the second part of the prompt, describe what excites you about the school. This guide contains plenty of information about what makes Mizzou unique and the school’s offerings. What about the school’s mission statement or curriculum resonates with you? Do the school’s values align with your own?

You should also mention anything that you feel would make you a good “fit” for Mizzou. Perhaps you have experience in rural communities through volunteering or working in a clinic — this could be valuable experience for a student who are hoping to apply to Mizzou Med’s Rural Track Pipeline Program.

Remember to explain why these things led you to apply — don’t simply list the exciting features of the school. This personalizes your responses and gives admissions a window into your motivations behind pursuing medicine.

Here’s a sample response:

I first learned about Mizzou’s medical school when I took my father to MedZou Community Health Clinic for diabetes treatment. When I found out the clinic was run by medical students, I was impressed and inspired. The quality of care my father received, as well as the compassion of the providers, led me to look more into Mizzou’s medical school.

I was further drawn to Mizzou by the school’s strong focus on patient-based learning and its high ranking for graduates practicing in underserved communities. I’m passionate about the humanist mission of physicians and want a medical education that teaches doctor-patient relationships from the start.

Finally, during my clinical internship in East Africa with IMA, I saw firsthand how professionalism, ethics, and compassion can transform desperate medical situations. During a strategy session with my IMA mentor, we discussed patient-centered schools near my family in Missouri. Mizzou Med was at the top of the list, and I immediately began preparing to apply.

I believe learning medical concepts through real patient cases is essential to becoming an excellent, grounded physician. I excelled in my undergraduate studies, but I found that hands-on learning with IMA taught me more than I could ever imagine. I’m confident that Mizzou’s patient-based curriculum will provide me with the skills and experiences I need to be the physician I want to be.

Essay #2

Please discuss (e.g. using specific personal traits, education, life experiences, etc.) (2000 characters)

1) how you will add to the overall diversity of the medical school and the practice of medicine AND

2) how you will contribute to an inclusive learning environment at the medical school and the practice of medicine.

For this question, Mizzou Med wants to know about your commitment to diversity and inclusion in medicine. In your response, you should discuss why diversity and inclusion are important to medicine and how you have worked to promote these values in the past.

You might discuss your own background and experiences with discrimination or marginalization, and how these have shaped your view of the importance of a diverse and inclusive medical field. You could also discuss your efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in your community, such as through volunteer work or leadership roles in organizations.

Citing sociological or medical journals, essays, and stories is a great way to illustrate your points and back up your claims with scientific analysis. Ultimately, Mizzou Med wants to see that you truly understand the importance of a diverse and inclusive medical field, and that you are committed to promoting these values in your future career.

It’s also important to mention how you will contribute to an inclusive learning environment at Mizzou Med. This could include discussing your experiences working with people from different backgrounds, your interpersonal strengths, or your efforts to create a more inclusive environment in your previous academic or professional settings.

Inclusivity contributes to diversity. But what about you specifically brings diversity to the table? It could be your personal story, your cultural background, or the combination of your lived experiences and perspectives.

Diversity and inclusion are important in medicine because they help ensure that all patients receive quality care. A diverse medical field is better able to meet the needs of a diverse patient population, and an inclusive learning environment ensures that all students have the opportunity to succeed. Additionally, inclusivity and diversity in education give space to otherwise marginalized perspectives that are crucial to furthering our understanding of medicine.

Prioritize demonstrating what you will bring to Mizzou, but be sure to communicate your understanding of and ability to reflect on diversity and inclusion.

Essay #3

3. Has COVID-19 significantly impacted your medical school application? (Optional, 2000 characters)

For many medical school applicants, COVID-19 impacted academics and internship opportunities. If this is the case for you, Mizzou Med wants to hear about it. In your response, you should discuss how COVID-19 has affected your application, and how you have adapted in response to these changes.

It’s important to be honest about the impact of COVID-19 on your application, but don’t dwell on negative experiences. Instead, focus on how you have persevered in spite of these challenges. For example, if you had to take a semester off from school, discuss how you used this time to gain additional knowledge or pursue other interests.

If your academic record has been impacted by COVID-19, be sure to explain how you have worked to overcome these challenges. For example, if you received a lower GPA than you had hoped for due to the sudden shift to online learning, discuss what steps you have taken to improve your grades.

Mizzou Med is interested in seeing how you have responded to adversity, so be sure to highlight your resilience and adaptability in your response.

Voluntary Healthcare Internships Abroad

Pre-med clinical experiences are crucial for medical school applicants. Understanding the day-to-day work of physicians and other medical professionals is essential for anyone considering a career in medicine.

There are many ways to gain clinical experience, but one of the most impactful ways is through IMA’s Healthcare Internships Abroad. IMA internships provide physician shadowing, service-learning, cultural and historic tours, didactic sessions for multiple specialties, and 24/7 mentorship. The non-profit model ensures a focus on providing one-of-a-kind healthcare learning experiences and serving those who need it most.

Medical School Admissions Consulting

If you’re applying to the University of Missouri-Columbia Medical School, this ultimate application guide is just one of the many resources we have for you.

While our pre-health blog is filled with helpful general advice for your pre-med journey, our team of medical school admissions consultants provides personalized guidance based on your unique situation.

We’ve helped hundreds of students just like you get into top medical schools across the country. We’re driven to help you get the experience you need and craft the most effective application you can.

Getting into medical school is hard enough — you shouldn’t have to do it alone. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you get into the University of Missouri-Columbia Medical School.

Good Luck to You!

Whether you’re just starting your pre-med journey or are ready to submit your application, we wish you the best of luck. We know how hard you’ve worked to get to this point and we believe in your ability to achieve your goals.

If you need any help along the way, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you succeed.