First Steps: AMCAS Application

• Review the eligibility requirements to attend the USD Sanford School of Medicine.
• Submit application to AMCAS between June 1 and November 1. The primary application includes MCAT scores, your biographic information, academic record, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation- (more information below).
• Arrange to take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) within three years of the application deadline and no later than November 1 of the year prior to enrolling. Scores from the MCAT are submitted to AMCAS.
• Submit official transcripts from the registrar of each college or university attended to AMCAS. When AMCAS has verified your coursework, your application will be transmitted to the medical school(s) you've designated.

Letters of Recommendation

USD Sanford School of Medicine participates in the AMCAS Letter Writer Service. Send all letters of recommendation directly to AMCAS.

Applicants who are invited to submit letters of recommendation should follow these guidelines:

• Three individual recommendations, or:
• Evaluation materials/packet from a structured pre-medical committee with at least three contributing members on the pre-medical committee.

You should submit no more than five recommendation letters. Letter-writers may submit letters to AMCAS after you have submitted your AMCAS application.

Second Step: Verification and Preliminary Screening

AMCAS will notify you once your application is verified. Once the school receives a verified AMCAS application, admissions staff will screen the verified application is then screened by the admissions staff to determine whether you:

• Are a permanent resident or citizen of the U.S.
• Are a South Dakota resident or have strong ties to South Dakota
• Have completed the prerequisites
• Have taken the MCAT at least once with scores no older than Nov. 1, 2018 and no later than Nov. 1, 2021 for the 2022 entering class

You will then be notified by the Sanford School of Medicine that you either do not meet the criteria for further consideration or are invited to submit a supplemental application. [See below]

Third Step: Supplemental Information (if requested)

Submit a supplemental application only if requested by the admissions office. If you meet the above requirements, you will be sent an email invitation to submit the supplemental application materials, which include:

• Online supplemental application
• Requests for letters of recommendation
• Non-refundable $35 application fee

When all supplemental information is received, the admissions office will review these materials along with your primary AMCAS application to determine whether you will be invited to interview.

 

Fourth Step: Interview

Applicants will be invited by email to interview once all supplemental information has been received.

• Residents of South Dakota are granted an opportunity to interview. Non-residents with strong ties to the state are reviewed for possible invitation to interview.
• Interviews are conducted open file by two members of the admissions committee.
• Interviews will generally take place from September through February

Final Step: Decisions and Offers

Following the interview, the admissions committee will evaluate all components of the completed application and makes a decision at the next scheduled committee meeting. Recommendations for acceptance may be made after any of the meetings. If not accepted, the applicant is "pended" for further review at the final meeting for the year. At the final meeting, the class will be filled, a ranked alternate list is made and decisions for non-acceptance are finalized.

Admissions Action

It is your responsibility to verify that all application materials, especially letters of recommendation, have been received by the USD Sanford School of Medicine admissions office by the deadline.

Following the interview, the admissions committee will evaluate all components of the completed application and makes a decision at the next scheduled committee meeting. Recommendations for acceptance may be made after any of the meetings. If not accepted, the applicant is "pended" until the final meeting for the year. At the final meeting, the class will be filled, a ranked alternate list is made and decisions for non-acceptance are finalized.

To pursue an M.D. degree at the USD Sanford School of Medicine, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. You also must be a South Dakota resident or non-resident with strong ties to the state such as:

• Graduation from a high school in South Dakota
• Completing at least 90 credits at a college or university in South Dakota
• A parent living in South Dakota
• A child of a Sanford School of Medicine alumni
• A member of a U.S. federally recognized tribe from a bordering state (more information below)

You Must:

• Have a minimum of 64 semester credits of college course work for admissions committee consideration, with a minimum of 90 semester credits of college course work before matriculation.
• Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) within three years of the AMCAS application deadline of November 1.
• Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.1 and a composite MCAT score of at least 496 to be offered an interview. Applicants with a GPA of less than 3.1 may be considered on an individual basis if they have achieved an MCAT of at least 496 or higher and they have recent and significant coursework with a higher performance.
• Agree to the terms of technical standards for admission, continuation and graduation
• Complete the equivalent of the following semesters of course work, including laboratory experience where available, in the following areas:
  •  Biology: 2 semesters
  • General (inorganic) chemistry: 2 semesters
  • Organic chemistry: 1 semester
  • Biochemistry: 1 semester
  • Physics: 2 semesters
  • Mathematics: 1 semester
  • Statistics: 1 semester

Although not required, the following courses (one semester each) are recommended to enhance an applicant's preparation for medical school:

• Second semester of organic chemistry
• Genetics
• Microbiology
• Physiology
• Psychology
• Sociology

Enrolled Members of U.S. Federally Recognized Tribes

An enrolled member of a U.S. federally recognized tribe may apply to the Sanford School of Medicine through the Indians into Medicine program. To apply, the applicant must file an AMCAS application identifying the Sanford School of Medicine as a school to which they are applying and they must also complete the INMED application to verify their tribal status.

Advanced Standing or Transfer Eligibility

We do not consider applications for advanced standing or transfer students.

University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine (USD SSOM) Indians into Medicine program (INMED) is a satellite site of the University of North Dakota School of Medicine, Grand Forks, ND. This is part of a national program that serves to increase the number of American Indian physicians and welcomes applications from across the country.

Beginning with the entering class of 2015, SSOM entered into an agreement with INMED by which SSOM added 2 seats specifically for INMED applicants who are enrolled members of U.S. Federally recognized tribes. Each year we interview students who apply through the INMED program to be a part of the SSOM class. Before 2015, students would complete their first two years in Grand Forks and would then complete their studies at USD.

Fifty years ago, INMED started with five students. The first INMED medical student graduate from UND was Dr. Michael T. Vandall of the Yankton Sioux Tribe of South Dakota in 1976. USD graduated its first INMED graduate in 1987, Dr. Sophie Two Hawk from the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe of South Dakota. Almost 60 American Indian MDs have graduated from USD.

The original symbol of INMED is the staff and serpent of the medical professions forming the backbone of a round green turtle, which represents long life in the American Indian tradition. The new INMED logo features the turtle in a medicine wheel, which is symbolic of the wholeness of life. The four colors represent the qualities of a balanced life: spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental. What happens to one part of the circle affects the whole circle. 

Pathways Activities

USD INMED (Indians into Medicine) holds various hands-on educational activities with American Indian middle school and high school students from South Dakota to inspire them into medicine and healthcare careers. USD holds a Healthcare Careers Summer Camp for a week each June, which has a newly added 2-day ‘mini medical school’ focus. We also help recruit students for the INMED Summer Institute, a 6-week program held on UND’s campus to encourage American Indians to participate in healthcare careers.

First Step: AMCAS Application

• Review the eligibility requirements to attend the USD Sanford School of Medicine.
• Submit application to AMCAS between June 1 and November 1. The primary application includes MCAT scores, your biographic information, academic record, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation (more information below).
• Arrange to take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) within three years of the application deadline and no later than November 1 of the year prior to enrolling. Scores from the MCAT are submitted to AMCAS.
• Submit official transcripts from the registrar of each college or university attended to AMCAS. When AMCAS has verified your coursework, your application will be transmitted to the medical school(s) you have designated.

Letters of Recommendation

USD Sanford School of Medicine participates in the AMCAS Letter Writer Service. Send all letters of recommendation directly to AMCAS.

Applicants who are invited to submit letters of recommendation should follow these guidelines:

• Three individual recommendations, or:
• Evaluation materials/packet from a structured pre-medical committee with at least three contributing members on the pre-medical committee.

You should submit no more than five recommendation letters. Letter-writers may submit letters to AMCAS after you have submitted your AMCAS application.

Second Step: Verification and INMED Application

AMCAS will notify you once your application is verified. Once the school receives a verified AMCAS application, admissions staff will screen the verified application to determine whether you:

• Have completed the prerequisites
• Have taken the MCAT at least once with scores no older than 3 years before the November 1st deadline.

After completing the above requirements and indicating on your application that you are a member of a Federally Recognized Tribe, you will receive information regarding filling out the INMED application.

If you would like to verify eligibility for the INMED program before sending your AMCAS application, please reach out to our admissions office to get connected with the INMED office to complete the verification process. 

Third Step: Supplemental Information (if requested)

Once your INMED application has been received and verified you will receive an invitation to submit a supplemental application. If you are approved to partake in the INMED program, you will be sent an email invitation to submit the supplemental application materials, which include:

• Online supplemental application
• Requests for letters of recommendation
• Non-refundable $35 application fee

When all supplemental information is received, the admissions office will review these materials along with your primary AMCAS application to determine if eligible to be interviewed.

Fourth Step: Interview

Applicants will be invited by email to interview once all supplemental information has been received.

• Interviews will be held in December following an informational session about the school

Final Step: Decisions and Offers

Following the interview, the admissions committee will evaluate all components of the completed application and makes a decision at the next scheduled committee meeting. At the meeting, the INMED positions will be filled, a ranked alternate list will be made and decisions for non-acceptance will be finalized.

Admissions Action

It is your responsibility to verify that all application materials, especially letters of recommendation, have been received by the USD Sanford School of Medicine admissions office by the deadline. 

 USD SSOM Requirements 

• Have a minimum of 64-semester credits of college coursework for admissions committee consideration, with a minimum of 90-semester credits of college coursework before matriculation.
• Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) within three years of the AMCAS application deadline of November 1.
• Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.1 and a composite MCAT score of at least 496 to be offered an interview. Applicants with a GPA of less than 3.1 may be considered on an individual basis if they have achieved an MCAT of at least 496 or higher and they have recent and significant coursework with a higher performance.
• Agree to the terms of technical standards for admission, continuation, and graduation
• Complete the equivalent of the following semesters of coursework, including laboratory experience where available, in the following areas:
  
  • Biology: 2 semesters
  • General (inorganic) chemistry: 2 semesters
  • Organic chemistry: 1 semester
  • Biochemistry: 1 semester
  • Physics: 2 semesters
  • Mathematics: 1 semester
  • Statistics: 1 semester

INMED Program Requirements

The following program requirements are submitted at the time you submit your INMED application to the INMED office.

• Tribal Letter of Recommendation
• Tribal identification Card or Identification Enrollment Document

First Step: AMCAS Application

• Review the eligibility requirements to attend the USD Sanford School of Medicine.
• Submit application to AMCAS between June 1 and November 1. The primary application includes MCAT scores, your biographic information, academic record, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation- (more information below).
• Arrange to take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) within three years of the application deadline and no later than November 1 of the year prior to enrolling. Scores from the MCAT are submitted to AMCAS.
• Submit official transcripts from the registrar of each college or university attended to AMCAS. When AMCAS has verified your coursework, your application will be transmitted to the medical school(s) you've designated.

Letters of Recommendation

USD Sanford School of Medicine participates in the AMCAS Letter Writer Service. Send all letters of recommendation directly to AMCAS.

Applicants who are invited to submit letters of recommendation should follow these guidelines:

• Three individual recommendations, or:
• Evaluation materials/packet from a structured pre-medical committee with at least three contributing members on the pre-medical committee.
• You should submit no more than five recommendation letters. Letter-writers may submit letters to AMCAS after you have submitted your AMCAS application.

Second Step: Verification and Preliminary Screening

AMCAS will notify you once your application is verified. Once the school receives a verified AMCAS application, admissions staff will screen the verified application to determine whether you:

• Are a permanent resident or citizen of the U.S.
• Have completed the prerequisites
• Have taken the MCAT at least once with scores within three years of the AMCAS application deadline of November 1

You will then be notified by the Sanford School of Medicine that you either do not meet the criteria for further consideration or are invited to submit a supplemental application. [See below]

Third Step: Supplemental Information (if requested)

Submit a supplemental application only if requested by the admissions office. If you meet the above requirements, you will be sent an email invitation to submit the supplemental application materials, which include:

• Online supplemental application
• Requests for letters of recommendation
• Non-refundable $35 application fee

When all supplemental information is received, the admissions office will review these materials along with your primary AMCAS application to determine whether you will be invited to interview.

Fourth Step: Interview

Applicants will be invited by email to interview once all supplemental information has been received and the application has been reviewed by our MD/PhD committee. Applicants do need to be selected for an interview.

• Interviews are conducted open file by the MD/PhD admissions committee.
• Interviews will generally take place from September through February

Final Step: Decisions and Offers

Following the interview, the admissions committee will evaluate all components of the completed application and makes a decision at the next scheduled committee meeting. Recommendations for acceptance may be made after any of the meetings. At the meeting, a ranked alternate list is made and decisions for non-acceptance are finalized.

Admissions Action

It is your responsibility to verify that all application materials, especially letters of recommendation, have been received by the USD Sanford School of Medicine admissions office by the deadline.

All materials will need to be returned to the Admissions office by the designated deadline.

To pursue an M.D./Ph.D degree at the Sanford School of Medicine, students must meet the following criteria:

• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Have at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited academic institution
• Take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) within three years of the AMCAS application deadline of November 1.
• All applicants must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.1 and a composite MCAT score of at least 496 to be offered an interview. Applicants with a GPA of less than 3.1 may be considered on an individual basis if they have achieved an MCAT of at least 496 or higher and they have recent and significant coursework with a higher performance.
• At least one letter of recommendation from a reference who can speak directly to the applicant's experience in, and potential for, independent research.
• Productive laboratory experience that clearly demonstrates an interest, enthusiasm and commitment to biomedical research.
• Agree to the terms of technical standards for admission, continuation, and graduation.
• Complete the equivalent of the following semesters of course work, including laboratory experience where available, in the following areas:
  • Biology: 2 semesters
  • General (inorganic) chemistry: 2 semesters
  • Organic chemistry: 1 semester
  • Biochemistry: 1 semester
  • Physics: 2 semesters
  • Mathematics: 1 semester
  • Statistics: 1 semester

Although not required, the following courses (one semester each) are recommended to enhance an applicant's preparation for medical school:

• Second semester of organic chemistry
• Genetics
• Microbiology
• Physiology
• Psychology
• Sociology

Advanced Standing or Transfer Eligibility

We do not consider applications for advanced standing or transfer students.

Step 1: Application and Forms

• If you are interested in applying to USD SSOM as a visiting student, please download the application form or email MedStudentAffairs@usd.edu 
• Applications, supporting forms, and documentation are required at least 6 weeks before the elective start date
• Forms and documentation that need to be submitted include:
  • Application form
  • Background Check
  • Affiliation Agreement
  • Consent and Release Form
  • HIPAA Form
  • Immunization Form (AAMC form)
  • TB Risk Assessment
  • Official Transcript
  • Proof of BCLS or ACLS current certification
  • Provide a photo for the ID badge
  • Health Insurance*
  • Confirmation of Malpractice Insurance* 
  • Third-year core course evaluation with narrative comments
  • Review and Sign Medical Student Technical Standards

*If professional liability, malpractice, or health insurance is not provided by your medical school, you'll need to get a special policy. We need proof of special coverage before approving the elective.

Step 2: Application Notification 

Following the submission of all required materials the Student Affairs office will process your application and forward it to the program in which you are applying to be a visiting student. We’ll notify you about the status of your application only after USD SSOM students have completed scheduling their senior electives. 

Step 3: Selection

If your application has been approved and there is availability for your selected visiting rotation you will be contacted by the department to complete the process. 

• Our school and its affiliated hospitals do not provide information for housing or meals, nor will they provide information and advice on available housing.
• When you arrive, you should report to the approving department for further instructions

To be a Visiting Student at USD SSOM you must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident and in your fourth year of a 4-year program at a Liaison Committee of Medical Education (LCME) accredited institution or an American Osteopathic Association (AOA) accredited institution. 

You may apply for no more than eight total weeks of senior year electives, after passing USMLE Step One and completing the core clerkship, as required of third-year students at your institution. These core clerkships at USD SSOM are Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Surgery, Neurology, and Psychiatry. 

Programs that accept Visiting Students: 

• Pathology
• Radiology
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R)
• OB/GYN 
• Pediatrics
• Internal Medicine 
• Family Medicine 
• Surgery
• Neurology
• Psychiatry

(Note that these are subject to change based on availability)

Infection Control Policy

• Occupational Exposure report form
• Immunization Requirements policy

View Policy

Weather Policy 

In the event that severe weather occurs on any of the USD SSOM campuses, these procedures shall be followed.

View Policy

Technical Standards 

View the Medical Student Technical Standards below and the attached link.

To apply to the M.S. or Ph.D. basic biomedical sciences program, you will submit an application to the USD Graduate School through GradCAS. While we have a rolling admissions process, no applications are accepted after May 1. Admission offers are finalized June 1. The fall term begins in August.

For more detailed admission requirements, refer to Basic Biomedical Sciences in the current graduate catalog. Additional requirements exist for international applicants. For more information, visit international admission requirements.

Learn More and Apply