Admission Requirements

The primary goal of the MD Program is to provide quality medical education. A strong foundation in the Basic Sciences is stressed so that students can obtain the most from their training in the clinical sciences.  It is mandatory that the students be fluent in both English and Spanish, (writing, reading, speaking and understanding) or their application will not be considered.

1. Bachelor Degree (BS or BA)

   Ordinarily, four years of undergraduate education are necessary to prepare for entrance into medical school; however, special programs (e.g., combined baccalaureate-M.D. programs) may allow this to be reduced. General education that includes the social sciences, history, arts and languages is increasingly important for the development of physician competencies outside of the scientific knowledge domain. Ponce Health Sciences University strongly suggests that applicants apply with a BA / BS completed at a college level institution accredited by the Council of Higher Education of PR or by a US accrediting organization. Candidates that have completed the degree (BA / BS) will be given preference. Within the studies of the degree all applicants are requested to have completed the following courses:

   The courses required for admission are as follows (to be included in the BA / BS):

   Course Title	Credits
   Biology	8
   Chemistry	8
   Organic Chemistry	8
   Physics	8
   Mathematics	6
   Behavioral and Social Sciences*	6
   Spanish	3
   English	3

   *Revised: December 20, 2016

   *Any of the following: Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Political Sciences and/or Economics.

   The English and Spanish requisites are direct language classes (grammar or literature). For the English courses, classes from other departments described as “intensive writing” may be considered as substitute.

   In addition to the above requirements, we strongly recommend course work in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, Liberal Arts and/or Humanities.

2. Fully bilingual in English and Spanish (read, write, speak and understand)
3. Minimum GPA of 2.7 (on a four-point scale) is required for applying; our average is 3.5.
4. Minimum SGPA of 2.7 (on a four-point scale) is required for applying; our average is 3.3.
5. Minimum MCAT score of 494 will be required to be eligible.
   
6. Required immunizations prior to admission:

a.   Tdap booster
b.   MMR (2 doses)
c.   Hepatitis B (3 doses)
d.   Varicella (2 doses)
e.   Polio (if under 21 years old)

These requirements may vary according to Centers of Disease Control CDC and the Advisory Committee on Immunization practices and Centers of Disease Control (CDC) recommendations.

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Selection Criteria

When evaluating the applicants, the Medical Admissions’ Committee selects the best of all candidates applying. We look for accepting students with integrity and maturity that show concern for others, leadership and a positive attitude for working with people. Preference will be given to local residents, but US citizens from the mainland are also invited to apply.

The Medical Admission’s Committee evaluates applications considering several factors which include:

1. Academic Performance
2. MCAT scores
3. Applicant’s essay
4. Extracurricular activities
5. Life experiences
6. Experience in the health field (research, community work)
7. Interviews
8. Letters of Recommendation

Accepted applicants that are still completing the degree, must successfully complete all courses in progress at the academic level they had been performing at the time of application.

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Advanced Standing (Transfer)

The MD Advanced Standing Committee will consider applications for transfer from other medical schools to the second or third year of the MD Program. Applicants must be in good academic standing. Students with academic or disciplinary sanctions will not be considered for transfer. Students seeking transfer from LCME accredited schools may be accepted to the level for which they are applying provided that their curriculum is equivalent to that of PHSU.

The number of acceptances will always depend on the availability of vacant spaces. . Preference will be given to local residents.

Tuition: will be in accordance to the academic year to which the applicant will be enrolled in.

Advanced Standing Admission Requirements

• Present evidence of a bachelor’s degree from a college level institution accredited by the PR Council of Education or by a US accrediting organization and comply with the following courses:

* Any of the following: Psychology, Sociology, Political Sciences, Economics, or Anthropology

• Undergraduate GPA of 2.7 or higher (on a four-point scale)
• Fully bilingual in English and Spanish (read, write, speak and understand)
• Have taken the MCAT
• Be a bona fide student in good standing at his/her Medical School
• Have completed courses in medical school equivalent to PHSU’s curriculum prior to the year for which admission is requested.
• USMLE Step 1- approved preferably on the first attempt (to apply for admission to the third year)
• The student must submit the following:

• Official transcript from all institutions attended (undergraduate and graduate)
• Official transcript from the medical school from which the candidate is seeking transfer
• Letter of good standing from the dean of the medical school
• Submit two letters of recommendation from professors, academic advisors or clinical supervisors from the medical school which the student is attending, who can comment on his/her academic performance, character and interests.
• Letter explaining the reason(s) for seeking transfer to PHSU
• Certificate of No Penal Record (Police Clearance/Background Check)
• Application fee of US$75, non-refundable

Upon acceptance, all students are required to submit the following:

• Written confirmation of acceptance and a non-refundable deposit of $100.00 to secure the seat in the entering class.
• Physical Exam (using a form provided by the Admissions Office)
• Health Certificate from the Department of Health of PR
• Evidence of up to date immunization record (must include Varicella, Td Adult, MMR and three doses of Hepatitis B).
• Policy on Technical Standards
• Other documents will be notified as pertinent.

Classes and clinical rotations begin every July.