Founded in 1973, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine prides itself on ranking number four nationally for its social mission. Many aspiring physicians in Dayton, Ohio, and the surrounding areas say, “WSU Boonshoft School of Medicine is one of the top medical schools near me.”
Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine’s acceptance rate is 3%. This is a bit lower than the average medical school acceptance rate in the US. The lower than average acceptance rate means WSU Boonshoft School of Medicine applicants are among the best of the best and must pass a rigorous application process. In this definitive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about WSU Boonshoft School of Medicine admissions. Don’t forget to bookmark this page for later if you are applying or planning to apply to the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine.
Be An Informed Applicant
Similar to most medical schools across the country, WSU Boonshoft School of Medicine has school-specific guidelines and requirements. To better focus on your application and put your best foot forward, it is important to understand the college’s identity, programs, and selection criteria.
This article covers:
- Wright State University Rankings
- Medical Programs at WSU
- Selection Factors: What WSU Boonshoft School of Medicine Looks for in an Applicant
- Academic Requirements
- WSU Acceptance Rate, Class Profile, and More
- AMCAS Application and WSU Boonshoft Secondary Application
- Wright State University Secondary Application: Essay Prompts, Sample Answers, and Advice
- Medical School Admissions Consulting for WSU Boonshoft School of Medicine
- Voluntary Healthcare Internships Abroad
Personalized Help
Students often find themselves overwhelmed by medical school applications. All schools have a unique admissions process. To best help you get into the medical school of your dreams, consider seeking the help of an admissions consultant.
Medical school admission consultants will help guide you through each step of the application process and provide feedback and personalized support to help you succeed. International Medical Aid can assist you in creating a competitive application that highlights your strengths and tailors your message to each school you apply to.
If you are like most students applying to med school, you will greatly benefit from our personalized medical school admissions consulting.
Why Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine?
The idea of having a medical school program at Wright State started with a group of Dayton physicians and community leaders. This group of individuals recognized that using existing hospitals in the area and other clinical resources would be a cost-effective way to provide a medical education program to the Dayton area.
Only three short years after being chartered as an independent university, the university officials asked the Assembly for support in creating a new medical school. In 1973, the medical program at Wright State was established. The university selected John R. Beljan, M.D. as its first dean in 1974.
Since opening its door for the medical program in 1973, WSU has taken great pride in the accomplishments of its school, curriculum, faculty, students, and alums. One of the school’s top points of pride lies within its social mission, which in 2010 earned the college a number four ranking nationally. Other points of pride for WSU Boonshoft School of Medicine include being honored twice since 2013 with AAFP Top Ten Awards and having 38 Wright State faculty and physicians named the 2017-2018 Best Doctors in America.
Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine Rankings
- #95 Best Medical Schools: Research
- #78 Best Medical Schools: Primary Care
- #13 Most Diverse Medical Schools
- #67 Most Graduates Practicing in Primary Care Fields
- #134 Most Graduates in Medically Underserved Areas
- #59 Most Graduates Practicing in Rural Areas
Medical School Programs at WSU Boonshoft School of Medicine
Before applying to medical school, you should thoroughly research the different medical programs offered by the university. This thorough research will help aid and guide your decision regarding which medical school is the right fit for you.
Wright State University offers medical degrees with a focus in Pharmacology, Toxicology, Public Health, Epidemiology, Neuroscience, General Medicine, and Dermatology.
We will be focusing on the main MD programs offered by WSU. This includes the traditional MD program, MD in three, and Dual Degree programs.
Four-Year MD Program
Wright State’s curriculum is unique as it is broken into three primary phases: Foundations (70 weeks), Doctoring (52 weeks), and Advanced Doctoring (52 weeks). The curricula at WSU is unlike the standard medical school curriculum because WSU integrates both learnings of the “normal” and “abnormal” in terms of clinical applications. For example, while in the Advanced Doctoring phase of the program, students learn and investigate the latest treatment approaches for diseases like diabetes from the understanding of the disease’s molecular and genetic mechanisms.
WrightCurriculum, as WSU refers to it, takes a developmental approach through the use of learning goals that build upon each other. Class sizes at Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine are smaller than average as well, with approximately 120 students per class. The learning and classroom styles are “flipped,” giving students ample opportunities to work collaboratively in small groups throughout their time in the program. This unique curriculum, WrightCurriculum, was first implemented in 2017 and has proven to be successful for both the university and the students.
Key features of the curriculum include:
- Three phases: Foundation, Doctoring, and Advanced Doctoring
- Integrated learning of the “normal” and “abnormal” clinical applications
- Highly interactive class time
- Small class sizes
- Collaborative work in small groups
- Supervised clinical experience
- Core specialty clerkships
Dual Degree Programs
In addition to the standard four-year medical program, WSU Boonshoft School of Medicine also offers dual degree programs and concentrations.
Combined M.D. and Ph.D. – The combined M.D. and Ph.D. program at WSU allows students to earn both an M.D. and Ph.D. in seven years.
Clinical Investigation Master of Science in Pharmacology and Toxicology (M.S./M.D.) – This dual degree program offered by Wright State University allows students to study Pharmacology and Toxicology. Currently, the program is only available to students who are actively enrolled in the M.D. program at WSU.
M.D./M.B.A Program – The M.D./M.B.A program focuses on both the science of medicine and the business aspects of the healthcare field. This program is great for those who are seeking to become physician leaders.
M.D./M.P.H. Program – The M.D./M.P.H. program focuses on aiding and teaching students how to think about medicine from a broader perspective. Students will focus on how the health of the population affects the health of individuals and vice versa.
M.D. in Three
The M.D. in Three program through Wright State Univerisity Boonshoft School of Medicine puts students on the fast track to obtaining their M.D. This program follows the WrightCurriculum like the traditional four-year program but places students on a line of direct progression to residency into the Boonshoft School of Medicine Residency Program. You are also able to apply to other programs through the NRMP.
Selection Factors: What Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine Looks for in an Applicant
Curious about what Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine is looking for in an applicant—GPA, MCAT scores, and internships?
Most medical colleges take a holistic approach when reviewing incoming admissions applications. What does this mean? This means an evaluation of a student’s entire application and attempting to get the big picture idea of who the applicant is both as a candidate and a person. The AAMC Core Competencies for Entering Medical Students serves as a guide during the application and review process.
When it comes to reviewing incoming applications, the approach of WSU’s review is similar to that of many medical schools. Some criteria and factors that WSU values are:
- Strong interpersonal skills – Students should exhibit strong interpersonal skills and work experiences with diverse groups of people. Students should also be able to communicate and express thoughts and ideas effectively.
- Work-Life Balance – Students should demonstrate the ability to balance work and life obligations in a healthy manner.
- Conduct Research – Students should understand scientific literature, how to conduct research, and be able to distinguish credible from non-credible research.
- Leadership – Students should portray leadership abilities.
- Volunteer Services – Students should be active in volunteer services, community services, and extracurricular activities.
To improve your chances of getting accepted into Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, be sure to focus on the above criteria in your application. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help or seek personalized help resources.
Application Requirements for WSU Boonshoft School of Medicine
Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine has specific academic and application criteria that applicants must meet to be considered for the program and receive a secondary application.
GPA and MCAT Requirements for WSU Boonshoft School of Medicine
While Wright State has strict standards in regard to MCAT scores, the college does not list any specific GPA score requirement. When assessing if your GPA score is acceptable based on WSU’s standards, it is best to view the most recent class profile available. Based on the most recent data provided by Wright State (class of 2023), the average undergraduate GPA for students enrolled is 3.61.
Wright State requires med program applicants to receive a minimum MCAT score of 495. The MCAT score you provide to WSU must not be older than three years, or the score will not be accepted, and you won’t be considered for a secondary application.
Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine Letters of Recommendation
A key factor in being a competitive applicant to Wright State University is presenting letters of recommendation. The letters you submit with your application should be compelling and demonstrate your potential for success in the medical field.
Ideally, per WSU guidelines, these letters should be written by the premedical advisory committee at your college. If your current college does not have a premedical advisory committee, you can provide letters from three faculty members whose classes you attended, two of these should be science faculty members. For non-traditional applicants, you should choose someone whom you trust and feel can accurately portray your ability to meet the competencies required for medical school.
Wright State University requires all applicants to submit a minimum of three letters of recommendation with a maximum of five letters. These letters must be sent through the AMCAS Letter Service, as WSU does not accept letters sent directly to the college.
Required Coursework for WSU Boonshoft School of Medicine
The following required premedical coursework must be completed at an accredited institution (in the United States or Canada). It is important to remember a strong application will take precedence over an early application, so while you do not need to have your degree prior to applying, it is recommended.
Here is a comprehensive list of all the prerequisites Wright State requires to be considered for the med program. WSU also likes to remind students, “While a basic understanding of the physical and biological sciences is important to medical education, a broad appreciation of individuals and their social, cultural, and artistic efforts is equally necessary.”
Biology – Two semesters or three quarters of biology with labs
General Chemistry – Two semesters or three quarters of general chemistry with labs
Organic Chemistry – Two semesters or three quarters of organic chemistry with labs
Physics – Two semesters or three quarters of physics with labs
Mathematics – Two semesters or three quarters of college-level mathematics (through trigonometry, but calculus preferred)
English – Two semesters or three quarters of English
Biochemistry – One semester or two quarters
Does Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine Require the CASPer Exam?
The CASPer Exam is an online test that assesses a candidate’s non-cognitive skills and interpersonal skills. This test is designed to complement traditional college admission methods by judging applicants’ personal and professional competencies.
As of 2022, the CASPer exam is not required as part of the admissions process for WSU.
WSU Acceptance Rate and Admission Statistics
Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine has an acceptance rate of 3.94%, as per the stats for the class of 2023. Let’s take a look at the rest of the stats for the class of 2023.
- 6,182 total applicants
- 119 matriculated
- 60.5% of matriculated applicants are from Ohio
- 456 interviews granted
- Male/female ratio of 34%/64%
- Average MCAT score of 506.5
- Underrepresented in medicine, 26%
Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine Tuition and Cost of Attendance
Aside from the standard educational expenses that come along with attending medical school, applicants and students of WSU should budget for living expenses and transportation costs.
Out-of-state students should expect to spend $64,984.95 for tuition for their first year. This number does fluctuate from year to year.
The WSU Financial Aid Office has provided the following cost of attendance estimates for the 2022-2023 school year.
Year 1:
- $47,844.95 tuition
- $14,800 room and board expenses
- $4,462 for miscellaneous expenses (transportation, personal, etc.)
- $66,746.95 total for in-state students and $86,888.95 for out-of-state students
Year 2:
- $46,882.45 tuition
- $15,980 room and board
- $4,700 for misc.
- $67,562.45 total for in-state students and $87,704.45 for out-of-state students
Year 3:
- $60,224.45 tuition
- $17,260 room and board
- $4,936 for misc.
- $82,420.45 total for in-state students and $102,562.45 for out-of-state students
Year 4:
- $44,962.45 tuition
- $13,420 room and board
- $4,157 for misc.
- $62,539.45 total for in-state students and $82,681.45 for out-of-state students
AMCAS Primary Application and WSU Secondary Application
The AMCAS primary application is utilized by most medical schools. Your AMCAS, or primary application, is sent to every medical school you apply to. As is standard with most med schools, a review of your AMCAS application takes around 4 to 6 weeks.
After receiving and reviewing your AMCAS application, you will receive an invitation to complete Wright State’s secondary application if you are a good fit for the college. Each secondary application is unique to the school you are applying to; therefore, many of the questions asked are unique to the college, and the values the college feels are most important.
Please note that you will not be invited to complete Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine’s secondary application if you do not meet the admission requirements previously outlined. If you need a refresher about the required coursework, go back to the required coursework section of this article.
If you feel you need more clarification, check out our article about understanding the difference between primary and secondary applications.
WSU Secondary Application: Essay Prompts, Sample Answers, and Advice
Completing a school’s secondary application is a critical part of applying to a medical school. The secondary application gives you the opportunity to express your motivations, character, and ambitions. This is a chance for you to show and demonstrate what makes you unique and sets you apart from the other candidates. Here are a few tips for submitting a successful secondary application and essays to WSU:
- Pay close attention to the essay, and short answer prompts
- Use concrete evidence from your academic, extracurricular, and professional experiences
- Do not repeat answers from your AMCAS application
- Proofread and edit your answers
- Write in a clear and concise manner
- Consider utilizing admission consulting from IMA
The secondary application for Wright State includes a series of short answer questions. Keep in mind not all of these are required. You only need to provide answers to the questions that apply to you.
Essay #1
If you earned a medically related certificate/license, how many hours have you worked in that role since earning your certificate/license? If not, please enter N/A. (100 characters)
Here is a sample answer:
I have pursued a medical-related certificate, currently hold an STNA certification, and have worked 20 hours in the role.
Essay #2
If there has been a significant economic hardship, please explain the circumstances. If none, please enter N/A. (750 characters)
This question is a great opportunity to showcase how you handle hardship and overcome struggles in your life, which often correlates with how you will handle struggles within the workplace and school. If you faced economic hardship, briefly describe the circumstances that led to this hardship and how you overcame or have learned to work through the financial struggle.
Here is a sample answer:
During the start of the 2020 pandemic, I, like many others, faced economic hardship. The pandemic affected many individuals who did not work in “essential” industries. When the federal and state governments began placing strict rules and mandating closures of businesses, I was laid off from my job, my one and only source of income at the time.
The nearly 2 months long layoff from my place of employment placed a large financial strain on me as I struggled to make ends meet in those uncertain times. As business began to reopen and I was able to return to work, a sense of normalcy returned, but the first few months were still rough as I made up for the previous lack of income. I have since regained my work-life balance and financial status.
Essay #3
If your parents are graduates of Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, please list their name(s) and graduation year(s). Enter N/A if your parents are not Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine Alumni. (100 characters)
Essay #4
If you have relatives that are Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine alumni, current students, faculty, or staff, please list their name(s). Enter N/A if you do not have relatives that are Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine alumni, current students, faculty, or staff. (100 characters)
Essay #5
If you have applied to Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine in a previous cycle, please indicate the year(s) of your previous application(s). Enter N/A if this is your first application to Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine. (100 characters)
Essay #6
What is the primary reason that you have chosen to apply to the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine? (750 characters)
This is one of the two essay prompts required by WSU and is a common prompt among secondary applications. The way you answer this prompt will tell the review committee a lot about you and help them determine if you are a good fit for the university. Your answer to this question should reflect why you want to attend WSU and what led you to apply. It is best to tie this reasoning back to the college and its overall mission (whether it be its social or educational mission).
Here is a sample answer:
During my thorough research of top-ranking medical schools across the country, I found WSU Boonshoft School of Medicine to be my top choice. I was initially drawn to WSU’s social mission.
The values portrayed by Wright State’s mission statement—empowering students to excel in their lives and chosen career paths through integrated learning and experience—spoke to me as I believe these values align well with my personal values. In my daily life, I improve and find new ways to excel by pulling knowledge from previous experiences and learning from new experiences.
The combination of WSU’s social mission and my personal core values led me to apply as I truly believe that this school is a good fit for me, but I am a good fit for the college.
Essay #7
Are there any specific patient populations that you desire to serve as a physician? (750 characters)
This essay prompt is a great opportunity to discuss your personal goals for your career and where you see yourself in the future.
Here is a sample answer:
As I progress through medical school and eventually begin my own unsupervised practice, I see myself serving a rural population, as rural populations do not have the same level of access to medical treatment as more suburban and urban populations do. Because of this, I can see myself making the biggest impact and helping those in need by starting a rural medical practice.
Many studies and surveys have time and time again shown that rural populations in the United States have reduced or sometimes no access to primary care. I believe primary care is critical to catching and preventing a host of diseases and illnesses early on and that everyone, no matter where they reside, deserves access to a primary care physician.
Essay #8
If there has been or will be a gap in your education, please describe how you have/will use this time. If not, please enter N/A. (750 characters)
Here is a sample answer:
After completing my premedical schooling, I took a year off, resulting in a gap in my education. I spent this one-year gap focusing on myself and honing my skill set. I also took advantage of International Medical Aid’s pre-med shadowing study abroad program during this educational gap. The voluntary internship allowed me to gain further real-life clinical and hospital experience, which will prove to make me a stronger leader, physician, and medical student. This internship also aided in my decision to choose a career path in rural medicine, as helping medically underserved populations abroad opened my eyes to a new side of healthcare I hadn’t previously considered. I do not intend to take any subsequent breaks from my education.
Essay #9
If you consider yourself a non-traditional candidate, please explain. If not, please enter N/A. (750 characters)
A non-traditional medical school candidate is any student/applicant who has taken a non-traditional path to med school. This can include gap years in education, such as taking a break between undergrad and grad school. For this prompt, you should explain why you are a non-traditional candidate while highlighting what makes you a great fit for WSU Boonshoft School of Medicine. For example, highlight those activities and skills if you have a gap in education but spent that year working in the healthcare field or participating in activities that will grow your doctoring skills.
Here is a sample answer:
I would consider myself to be a non-traditional student due to my gap years between undergrad and graduate school. While there was a two-year gap following my completion of undergraduate school, I spent these two years furthering my real-world clinical experience.
The first year after undergrad, I entered the workforce and obtained an STNA certification. I became a full-time STNA and spent the majority of my first gap year working in this field. As my second-year post-grad approached, I was considering pursuing a different medical path and decided to partake in a study abroad internship. The internship allowed me to gain invaluable knowledge about the healthcare industry and solidified my feelings about becoming a primary care doctor.
Essay #10
Briefly describe any extenuating circumstances which you believe are pertinent to your application (i.e., Poor grades, withdrawn courses, life events). If none, please enter N/A. (750 characters)
This secondary prompt is designed to give candidates with any less than ideal or extenuating circumstances to discuss the reasoning behind these circumstances in further detail. If you have struggled with poor grades, life events affecting your schooling, or have withdrawn from any courses, take your time to explain why you did so and how you have since recovered from the situation or improved your grades (in the case of poor grades).
Here is a sample answer:
As my application and transcripts show, I did not receive the best grades during the Spring of 2020, and although the remainder of my marks is up to par, I would like to further explain the poor grades from 2020.
The pandemic of 2020 affected millions of people, and for me, this effect came in the form of beginning online schooling. As someone who does best in a hands-on learning environment, I found it quite difficult to digest and comprehend the information taught during these online lectures. Due to online education not being the best fit for me but the only option available at the time, my grades suffered. Since returning to a traditional classroom setting, I have raised my grades and maintained high scores, as my transcript shows.
Essay #11
If you have attended any allopathic or osteopathic medical school, as a candidate for an M.D. or D.O., please list the name of the school and explain the reason for separation. Enter N/A if you have not attended any allopathic or osteopathic medical school as a candidate for an M.D. or D.O. (750 characters)
Essay #12
If you are not a current resident of the state of Ohio, please describe your connection to Ohio. If you have no connection to the state of Ohio, please enter N/A. (750 characters)
Your answer to this question should focus on any connection you have to the state of Ohio and/or your reasoning for applying to medical schools in Ohio. This is a great time to talk about past family vacations to the state, previous Ohio residency, or any other strong reasons you feel a connection to Ohio.
Here is a sample answer:
Although I am not a current Ohio resident, I have always felt strongly connected to the state. As a child, I took yearly vacations with my immediate family, and often these vacations would be to various areas in Ohio, such as the Hocking Hills or Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Exploring more of what Ohio has to offer and meeting the fantastic people who reside there deepened my connection to the state. When it came time to select a medical school, Ohio was a no-brainer for me. While I felt I knew much about the state, I did not realize there was a wealth of medical education facilities, hospitals, and clinics. This solidified my choice to pursue a graduate degree from Ohio. I look forward to immersing myself in the state and its culture.
Essay #13
If you have a connection to Wright State University, please describe that connection. If you have no connection to Wright State University, please enter N/A. (750 characters)
Essay #14
If you have a connection to the Boonshoft School of Medicine, please describe that connection. If you have no connection to the Boonshoft School of Medicine, please enter N/A. (750 characters)
Medical School Admissions Consulting
At International Medical Aid, we make it a point to provide thorough and informative content to all students who are aspiring physicians. We understand that applying and getting into medical school is hard work, and above all else, we want you to succeed.
By far, the best way to boost your application is with the guidance and help of an admissions consultant. Regardless of if you need help writing your application essays, developing an application strategy, or navigating the application process, IMA is here to help.
If you are interested in learning more about medical school admissions consulting, please take a moment to schedule a free consultation with us.
Voluntary Healthcare Internships Abroad
The voluntary healthcare internships offered by IMA give aspiring medical students an opportunity to shadow doctors, work in clinic environments, and gain valuable knowledge and experience in the medical field. The internships are intense and patient-facing. Aspiring medical students can gain real-life clinical and hospital experience through the pre-med shadowing study abroad program, which will further prepare them for medical school.
These internships extend beyond helping you create a compelling and unique application for Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine. We seek to serve struggling populations around the globe through the pre-med shadowing study abroad program. Through this internship, you can develop your doctoring skills, broaden your perspective, serve the medically underserved, and gain insight you will carry with you throughout your medical career.
Good Luck!
We want to wish you the best of luck as you begin the process of navigating the medical school application process. Remember to take your time and don’t hesitate to ask for help when and if you begin to feel overwhelmed by the application process.
At IMA, we know that applying for a medical school program is often an overwhelming and difficult process. For help curating your application, assistance with secondary application essays, and prepping for your upcoming semester, utilize IMA’s Admission Consulting Services.
If you are considering applying to other medical schools in Ohio or med schools in other states, we have ultimate guides for most med schools on our site. Don’t forget to check out our other ultimate school guides, especially if you’ve been asking yourself, “what are the best medical schools near me?”
- Ohio State University College of Medicine
- Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine
- Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine (HMSOM)
- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (NJMS)
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU)
- A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Saint Louis University School of Medicine
- University of Missouri Medical School
- Kansas City University (KCU)
- UMKC School of Medicine
- New York Medical College
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
- University of Wisconsin Medical School
- VCU School of Medicine
- University of Maryland School of Medicine
- Case Western Medical School
- University of North Carolina Medical School
- University of Florida Medical School
- Emory University School of Medicine
- Boston University College of Medicine
- California University of Science and Medicine
- UC San Diego Medical School
- California Northstate University College of Medicine
- Touro University of California
- CHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine
- UC Davis School of Medicine
- Harvard Medical School
- UC Riverside School of Medicine
- USC Keck School of Medicine
- UT Southwestern Medical School
- Long School of Medicine at UT Health San Antonio
- University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine
- UT Austin’s Dell Medical School
- UTMB School of Medicine
- McGovern Medical School at UT Health
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
- McGovern Medical School at UT Health
- The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine
- UNT Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
- University of Houston College of Medicine
- Texas A&M College of Medicine
- Johns Hopkins Medical School
- Baylor College of Medicine
- George Washington University School of Medicine
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
- St. George’s University School of Medicine
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (in Pennsylvania)
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine
- Western University of Health Sciences (in California)
- Drexel University College of Medicine
- Stritch School of Medicine at Loyola University Chicago
- Georgetown University School of Medicine
- Yale School of Medicine
- Perelman School of Medicine
- UCLA Medical School
- NYU Medical School
- Washington University School of Medicine
- Brown Medical School
