How does the acceptance process work?

The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine operates on a rolling admission cycle, in which the Admissions Committee makes decisions every two weeks. Beginning on October 15, applicants are notified of their status via their personal status page on MedOneStop. Applicants who are placed on the "Alternate" pool remain in consideration for all subsequent Admissions Committee meetings until April. Alternate applications are reviewed continuously during the decision-making process and a number of Alternate applicants are admitted during the process. The Alternate pool becomes a Wait list after April 30.

The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine requires a criminal background check and drug testing prior to matriculation. The purpose of this policy is to assist all our students in becoming licensed physicians, to protect property and to help ensure a safe environment for patients, employees, visitors, and the public. Background checks and drug testing will be performed only after the applicant has been accepted into the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.

What does it mean to be in the Alternate Pool?

Being in the Alternate pool means that the Admissions Committee wants to review more candidates before they make a final decision on your application. Alternate applications are reviewed during the decision-making process and a number of Alternate pool applicants are admitted during the process. The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine does not Tier the Alternate pool; thus, Tiers are not reported to applicants. The Alternate pool becomes a Wait list after April 30.

What should I know about reapplying?

Every year the number of qualified applicants exceeds the number of available positions at our institution. This results in a large number of applicants who will reapply to medical school. We recommend that you make significant changes in more than one area and update your personal statements before reapplying. The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine offers Webinars at the end of the application season that you are welcome to attend.

Reference letters must be submitted to the AMCAS Letter Service each application year. Letters from previous applications are NOT transferred from one application year to the next. Letters written in support of the current application carry more influence with the Admissions Committee than do letters written in previous years for prior applications. One or two new letters submitted on your behalf are expected.

What happens if I’m suddenly not ready or able to start medical school?

If so desired, you may request a deferred acceptance for one year after receiving approval by the Associate Dean of Admissions.