University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine

Applicant Requirements

• U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• At least a bachelor's degree from an accredited academic institution
• Meet all admission requirements of Sanford School of Medicine of The University of South Dakota
• Outstanding grades as undergraduates
• Strong scores on the MCAT exam
• Strong letters of recommendation; including one letter of recommendation from a reference that can speak directly to your experience in and potential for independent research
• Productive laboratory experience that clearly demonstrates an interest, enthusiasm and commitment to biomedical research

Application Process

• File an application with AMCAS between June 1 and October 15 of the year before you wish to enter the MD/PhD program of study. Be sure to select the radio button for the combined MD/PHD program. Selecting this radio button will provide you access to questions specific to the Physician Scientist program that must be answered for consideration in this program.
• Take MCATS within the past three years. We must receive your score by November 15 of the year prior to your target start date.
• We will contact you regarding interviews following review of your completed application by the Physician Scientist Admissions Committee. 
• Interviews will take place in December and January.
• Letters of acceptance for our program may be mailed any time following the interview.
• Letters for the final group for acceptance, for the alternate list and for non-acceptances are mailed in mid-March.
• Accepted students must secure their position in the class within two weeks by signing a notarized form and depositing $100 toward their tuition.
• An accepted student may withdraw prior to June 1 and receive a refund of their $100 deposit.