FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
• How do I apply to the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School (NJMS)?
Visit www.aamc.org/amcas to locate an application for acceptance to NJMS.
• Once I submit the AMCAS Application, how do I change my contact information?
Applicants should access their AMCAS application online to make changes. Revisions to your AMCAS application, such as grade changes or activity updates, should also be forwarded to njmsadmiss@umdnj.edu.
• How do I register for the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) exam?
The MCAT is now computerized and it is offered 26 times throughout the year. Visit www.aamc.org/mcat to obtain details about testing sites and dates.
• What are the oldest MCAT scores you accept?
NJMS accepts MCAT scores from any year. Applicants must take the MCAT no later than September in the year prior to enrollment.
• What courses are required for admission? Is there a lab requirement?
NJMS requires two semesters, or their equilavent in biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry and physics. These are typically comprehensive introductory courses with laboratory. We also require two semesters of a writing intensive course in either english, humanities or social sciences. Although not required, we strongly recommend courses in Math, Biochemistry and Genetics.
• What type of recommendation letters are required and is there maximum number of letters accepted?
Pre-medical Advisory Committee recommendation letters are preferred. If the applicant’s undergraduate or post-baccalaureate school does not have a committee, we require two science and one non-science recommendation from college faculty who have instructed you and are able to assess your qualifications for medical school. Non-traditional applicants who have been out of school for an extended period of time are required to submit academic letters of recommendations and may submit letters from principle investigators. We will accept letters of recommendations from employers as supplements to your application. Exceptions to these requirements can be made at the discretion of the Admissions Committee, on an individual basis. In the event you are unable to submit the required letters, please email the admissions committee at njmsadmiss@umdnj.edu requesting an approval for the letters you intend to submit.
What is the Deadline for submitting letters of recommendation?
All letters must be received no later than December 15.
How are letters of recommendation submitted to NJMS?
NJMS participates in the AMCAS Letters of Evaluation/Recommendation program for the current application cycle. As outlined on the AMCAS Letters FAQ page. Your letter writer(s) can forward letters to AMCAS in one of the following ways:
• VirtualEvals (VE): VE is available to members of the National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions (NAAHP). If your advisor is a VE user, provide your AAMC ID and Letter ID to your advisor, as these IDs must accompany your letter in order for your letter to be matched to your application.
• AMCAS Letter Writer Application: This application enables letter writers to upload documents securely to AMCAS rather than send letters via the mail
• Interfolio: AMCAS can receive letters sent to Interfolio. Be sure to include your AAMC ID and AMCAS Letter ID in your Interfolio account. These IDs must accompany your letter. Otherwise, your letter will not be matched with your application.
• How do I receive a fee waiver for my supplemental application?
Fee waivers are only granted to individuals who have been granted an AAMC Fee Assistance Program (FAP) approval once a primary AMCAS application is submitted. If this approval is indicated on your AMCAS application, NJMS will waive the Supplemental Application fee.
• How do I obtain the Supplemental Application, is it given out to all applicants?
Yes, all applicants applying to NJMS will receive an email from the Associate Dean of Admissions. A link to the Supplemental Application online will also be provided.
• What payment methods are accepted for the Supplemental Application?
We accept credit card payments online (Visa, Master Card, and Discover). To submit a check or money order, please select this option on the supplemental application. Then, print out the completed form and mail it to the Admissions Office address listed on the form. Please make all checks or money orders payable to: New Jersey Medical School
• What is the deadline for submitting the Supplemental Application?
The deadline for submitting the Supplemental Application is December 15.
• When do students matriculate to NJMS?
Matriculation occurs in mid-August.
• How do I know when my file is complete and will I be notified?
A complete application consists of a verified AMCAS Application, letters of recommendation, MCAT scores, and the Supplemental Application. Once your file is complete, we will submit it to the screening committee for review. If the screening committee selects you for an interview, only then will we notify you via e-mail. Application screening takes place between June and February.
• What are my chances of being accepted at NJMS?
The average mean GPA and MCAT score for the last entering class was a
3.6 GPA and 31 MCAT score. However, the credentials are just one aspect of our decision. We consider all of the information submitted for each applicant before completing the screening process.
• Do you give preference to in-state applicants?
NJMS does give some preference to NJ residents but non-residents are encouraged to apply.
• Are there any Joint Degree Programs at NJMS?
Yes, NJMS has four Joint Degree Programs: MD/MPH, MD/MBA, MD/PhD, and MD+Thesis.
• How is your curriculum structured?
Basic and clinical sciences are integrated throughout all four years of the curriculum providing students with exciting challenges and learning opportunities. Our goal is to reinforce and prepare students to excel in the art and science of medicine. In the two-year Physician’s Core course, students begin to learn and practice important clinical skills such as interviewing and examining patients. Additionally, important fundamentals of patient care are taught with modules in medical ethics, humanism and professionalism, cultural competency, doctor-patient relationships, and medical-legal issues. Further details can be found under Curriculum & Grading.
•Are non-science/non-traditional applicants considered at NJMS?
Non-science/non-traditional applicants are given equal consideration if they have demonstrated academic excellence, completed the undergraduate prerequisites and submitted MCAT/Letters of Recommendation.
• Does NJMS Accept Transfer Students and what is the policy on Advanced Standing credentials?
NJMS accepts transfer students when positions are available in the class. Please be advised however, that NJMS has not had any transfer openings for at least 10 years and does not anticipate any becoming available this year.
In the event a transfer seat becomes available, applicants may only apply to the second and third-year class if they have completed the first-year of medical school and if they have, or will have, completed the first two years of medical school and passed the USMLE Step One Examination.
Please note that we do not admit students with advanced standing based on coursework completed in foreign medical schools or in programs that lead to other professional or academic credentials such as DMD, DO, DVM, or PhD degrees.
• Are applications from international students considered for acceptance?
No. NJMS only considers applications from students who are either permanent residents or citizens of the United States.
• Are medical students eligible for financial aid?
Financial need is not a factor in the selection of students. All accepted applicants are advised to contact the Financial Aid Office immediately to discuss aid and fill out all necessary forms. Financial aid is given on the basis of need, as assessed by a needs analysis. The analysis is usually adjusted upward to reflect costs in the northeastern United States. Approximately 70 percent of NJMS students receive some form of financial aid. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for more information about tuition and fees. Also, visit http://www.umdnj.edu/studentfinancialaid.
• What policy exists regarding visiting students who are interested in Elective Rotations?
Application by non-NJMS students to participate in Clinical Rotations and Electives is available to students currently enrolled in LCME-accredited medical schools. Visit the Registrar’s Office website for information about the Visiting Student Application or by phone: (973) 972-4640.
• Where do current medical students receive clinical exposure?
Major clinical instruction is carried out at the UMDNJ-University Hospital, East Orange VA Medical Center, Saint-Barnabas Medical Center, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Overlook Hospital, Hackensack University Medical Center, and Morristown Memorial Hospital.
• Is housing available for students?
Yes. New graduate student and resident housing is located on campus at 180 West Market Street. It opened in the fall of 2006.
The state-of-the-art design create a thoughtfully planned living experience for 462 graduate students, residents, post docs and faculty from UMDNJ’s medical, dental, nursing, and other schools. It provides a modern full size living room, kitchen, bath, private bedrooms, and plenty of closet space. Other features include air conditioning and high speed internet. Apartments are cable-ready.
There are 233 apartments in the building. It includes 1, 2, and 3 bedrooms as well as studio apartments that are fully furnished. In addition to an on-site staff that is operates the building 24-hours a day, we have security card access entry, parking, laundry and vending machines, outdoor terrace on the 6th floor, and a quiet study lounge. For additional information, please call the housing office directly at (973) 972-8796 or the Housing Website.
• Where can I find the NJMS Residency Match Lists?
• Will NJMS accept pre-requisite course work taken online?
No.
• Will NJMS accept Advanced Placement (AP) credits taken in high school?
Yes we will consider AP coursework to satisfy prerequisites. However, we strongly encourage students to take advanced coursework in those disciplines in college.
• How do I obtain clinical exposure?
Students may obtain clinical exposure by working in a clinical setting (EMT, Nursing Assistant, Medical Technician, etc.) or by signing up with the volunteer office at their local hospital or UMDNJ-The University Hospital
• Does NJMS require applicants to do research and what research opportunities are available at NJMS?
No, unless you have applied to the MD/PhD program. However, we do encourage students to have a broad range of experiences. Research opportunities are available at NJMS. For details, contact the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.
