• RESEARCH
• ACADEMIC DEPARTMENTS
• UNIVERSITY HEALTH CARE

• Where Do I Begin?
  • Premedical Education
  • Academic Criteria
  • M.D. Program
  • Joint Degree Programs
  • Other Degree Programs
  • Residency & Non-Residency
• Admissions Criteria
• How Do I Apply?
  • Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)
  • American Medical College Application Services (AMCAS)
  • Secondary Materials
• Process Overview
• Admission Policies
• Contact Information
  • Premedical Advisors
  • Financial Aid

Admission Policies

• Acceptance
• Alternate Positions
• Criminal Background Check
• Deferment
• Drug Testing Policy
• Early Decision Program
• Fifth Pathway
• Health Insurance Coverage
• Physical Examination
• Proof of Immunizations
• Reapplying
• Transfers

Admission Policies

Acceptance

Once an applicant has received an offer of acceptance he/she will have 2 weeks to accept or decline the offer of a position in our incoming class.

• A $100 tuition deposit
• Completed graduate school application
• Signed criminal background check form

The School of Medicine requires an official transcript from every college or university attended. (This is in addition to the transcripts sent to AMCAS.) The degree(s) must be posted as shown on the AMCAS application prior to matriculation.

The tuition deposit will be refunded to applicants who withdraw their acceptance of a position in writing on or before May 15th.

The University of Utah School of Medicine is committed to providing the public with well-trained physicians who possess the traits of high moral character and standards.

Alternate Positions

Applicants on the alternate list may be offered acceptance up until the first day of school. Applicants are accepted from the alternate list in the order that the Admissions Committee ranked them. Your rank is secure throughout the admissions process. Updates to your application will be accepted; however, they will not impact your rank. Your rank is confidential and will not be released.

It is not possible to predict the number of alternate positions that will be available. Applicants may withdraw from the alternate list by notifying the School of Medicine Admissions Office in writing.

Criminal Background Check

The School of Medicine requires a criminal background check prior to matriculation. The purpose of this policy is to protect property and to help ensure a safe environment for patients, employees, visitors and the general public. Background checks will be performed only after the applicant has accepted an offer of admission to the School of Medicine. All offers of acceptance are contingent upon satisfactory results of a criminal background check.

Deferment

Once offered a position at the University of Utah School of Medicine, accepted students are expected to begin their studies the following August. Exceptional circumstances may constitute grounds for deferral of matriculation. Petition for deferment must be made in writing to the Admissions Committee no less than 60 days prior to the beginning of Freshman Class orientation. The Executive Sub-committee of the Admissions Committee will consider the request, and may require the submission of additional information and documentation not included in the original request before making a determination.

Making application to another medical school during the period of deferment will result in withdrawal of the initial offer of acceptance and loss of position at the University of Utah School of Medicine.

Deferment may be granted for the period of one year. This may be extended upon written request at the discretion of the Executive Subcommittee. All decisions of the Executive Subcommittee are final.

Drug Testing Policy

In compliance with the University of Utah Health Sciences Drug Testing Policy, all students are required to undergo drug testing prior to beginning third year clinical rotations. The policy also states that faculty and students working in patient areas may be subjected to drug testing if there is reasonable suspicion of a drug loss or diversion event, or reasonable suspicion that the individual is impaired. A failed test may result in dismissal from the School of Medicine.

The Student Handbook sets student guidelines and discusses the School of Medicine's disciplinary process and associated due process procedures. Students are provided a copy during the first week of orientation and are expected to follow its guidelines.

Early Decision Program

The University of Utah School of Medicine does not offer an Early Decision Program.

Fifth Pathway

The University of Utah School of Medicine does not have a Fifth Pathway Program for medical students.

Health Insurance Coverage

Health insurance is required prior to matriculation. All students are required to have and maintain health insurance coverage during the entire period enrolled at the University of Utah School of Medicine. Options include University of Utah Student Health Insurance, private individual insurance, coverage on parents' or spouse's insurance, or enrollment in a group policy such as Utah Medical, American Medical, or American Medical Student Associations.

Failure to provide proof of coverage to the Admissions Office will result in a hold on your registration. Students are encouraged to have health insurance coverage for their dependents also. Information can be obtained by visiting the Student Health Services website or calling 801. 585.6949. Students who are insured through another company or group plan must provide the University of Utah School of Medicine Student Affairs Office with proof of enrollment.

Physical Examination

All students are required to have a current record of a physical examination completed by a healthcare provider and dated no more than 12 months prior to matriculation.

Proof of Immunizations

Immunizations are designed to protect you as well as patients, other students, faculty, employees, co-workers, and members of the public. The University of Utah recommends that you consult directly with your healthcare provider concerning any possible reactions, drug sensitivities, side effects, or similar matters of informed consent. The University of Utah assumes no responsibility or liability in connection with your obtaining these vaccinations.

Your healthcare provider, undergraduate school, or vaccination booklets are the most likely sources of your record.

Reapplying

Each year more qualified individuals apply to our school than we can accommodate. This results in a large number of applicants who will reapply to medical school. We recommend that applicants planning to reapply meet with their premedical advisor for recommendations on how to strengthen their medical school application. We recommend that applicants review the admissions requirements and make significant changes in more than one area. The application must be updated, including the personal statement, prior to reapplying. Application may be made for 3 consecutive years.

Transfers

Transfers to the University of Utah School of Medicine are NOT available unless the transferring student meets ALL of the following criteria:

• Must be the spouse of a medical school faculty member or the spouse of a person accepted into one of our postgraduate training programs.
• Must be enrolled and in good standing in the third year at a fully LCME accredited United States or Canadian medical school.
• Must have taken and passed the USMLE Step 1 exam.