At the Keck School of Medicine we understand the value of diversity and are committed to enrolling students from diverse backgrounds and supporting them through the journey to becoming a physician so that we can change the face of 21st century medicine.
Completion of the Doctor of Medicine degree program will allow you to apply for a post-graduate training position (residency program). Most state medical boards require at least one year of post-graduate training to be eligible for licensure. State specific licensure requirements can be found on the website of the Federation of State Medical Boards. Additional information is available at licensure.usc.edu.
The Keck School MD Program attracts students from various backgrounds and experiences. From aspiring physicians with diverse cultural heritage to individuals with varied academic pursuits, the program fosters an inclusive learning environment that celebrates the richness of perspectives among its accepted applicants.
MD-PhD Program Third YearAs an MD-PhD applicant, the decision of where I would train was tied to the quality of the medical and research education.
Class of 2023Heritage and community service are two main reasons why I decided to become a Trojan. Growing up as a first generation American, my parents instilled within me two important values.
MD Program Fourth YearBefore applying to medical school, people would always ask me “Oh, how do you feel about having to study all the time?” “Are you okay with giving up your 20s” “How do you feel about work-life balance?”
Applicants must have completed a baccalaureate degree, or its equivalent, from an accredited college or university in the U.S. prior to matriculation. The school has no specific course requirements, although Spanish and statistics are recommended. Strong applicants will have distinguished themselves in their chosen field of study and have demonstrated competency in the sciences at the time of their application. Please see the MSAR for recommended coursework. Please discuss any coursework preparation with your pre-health advisor. If you do not have a pre-health advisor, the National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions provides advising free of charge. Due to the large number of applications that we receive, we are not able to provide individualized admissions counseling.
The Keck School of Medicine of USC participates in the centralized American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) and also requires the submission of the Keck School of Medicine supplemental application. Visit AMCAS to find application materials, fee information, required supporting documents and instructions on completing the centralized medical school application. Students should submit AMCAS materials as early as possible to avoid processing delays and missed deadlines. AMCAS Application Deadline: November 1 (if November 1 falls on a weekend, the deadline will be the next business day) Official transcripts must be submitted within 14 calendar days of the November 1 primary application deadline for the applicant to be considered.
Upon receipt of a candidate’s verified AMCAS application and MCAT score, the Office of Admissions will invite applicants to complete a supplemental application. Students must submit an application processing fee of $100 with the supplemental application. Credit card payments can be made online using MD Program admission application system. In the event that payment cannot be made by credit card, please make checks* payable to: Keck School of Medicine of USC
Office of MD Admissions
1975 Zonal Ave., KAM 104
Los Angeles, CA 90089-9020 Applicants must include their AMCAS ID number on the check. Application fee payments are NON-REFUNDABLE. *Payments made by check must be received by the admissions office by the deadline. An application fee waiver will be granted ONLY to applicants who were approved for the AAMC Fee Assistance Program (FAP). The supplemental application deadline is December 1 (if December 1 falls on a weekend, the deadline will be the next business day). Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. Applications are subject to review immediately upon submission. Post-submission updates or revisions are not allowed.
To be considered for admission, applicants to the 2025 entering medical school class; must have taken the MCAT no earlier than January 1, 2022, and no later than September 30, 2024. All MCAT scores that meet the above criteria are visible to the Admissions Committee and taken into consideration.
The Keck School of Medicine of USC participates in the AMCAS Letter of Recommendation Service. A committee letter is sufficient. Alternatively, 2 or 3 letters from professors, PI’s or work experience are acceptable. Do not send more than 3 letters if you choose the individual letter option! Applicants are required to send their letters through AMCAS. DO NOT send any letters of recommendation to the Office of Admissions, as they will not be accepted.
