Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine Admissions

The Admissions Committee is charged with selecting students who fit the mission and vision of the Netter School of Medicine. The ultimate goal of our institution is to train highly qualified, culturally competent physicians. In addition to being academically strong, we place great emphasis on selecting candidates for attributes and experience that align with our mission and also enhance the inclusive and diverse culture that we hope to establish and maintain. In selecting applicants for an interview, and ultimately for matriculation, we consider the following attributes to be important:

• Diversity: race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, upbringing (e.g., urban, rural), socioeconomic status, and whether they are the first generation of their family to attend college.
• Maturity and Character: empathy, integrity, resilience (i.e., “grit”), adaptability, persistence, and cross-cultural awareness.
• Skills and Abilities: motivation, aptitude, interpersonal communication, curiosity and critical thinking.

In addition to being mindful of the attributes listed above, we request that application screeners, appointed by the associate dean for admissions, consider the following characteristics when deciding to recommend an applicant for an interview:

Necessary

• Evidence of exposure to medical practice (e.g., physician shadowing, clinical volunteering, etc.).
• Evidence of community engagement/citizenship.
• Evidence of the capacity to handle the academic rigor of medical school.
• Strong letters of recommendation from referees with in-depth knowledge of the applicant.

Desirable

• Evidence of exposure to medical practice (e.g., physician shadowing, clinical volunteering, etc.).
• Work, volunteer and/or shadowing experience in clinical setting(s) that are substantively related to primary care, rehabilitative medicine, and/or global health.
• Explicit statement of interest in primary care, rehabilitative medicine, and/or global health made in AMCAS and/or secondary application essays.
• Substantive evidence of distance traveled.
• Substantive evidence of tenacity/overcoming personal obstacles.
• Work, scholastic or volunteer experience that has positively impacted medically underserved or vulnerable populations.
• Work experience that demonstrates personal growth and maturity.
• Research experience that has culminated in a favorable letter of recommendation from mentor(s) with or without related publications in the peer-reviewed literature.
• Evidence of a well-rounded education, including classes in the humanities.

The following cohorts shall be prioritized to receive early interview scheduling, if possible:

• Individuals from SES disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Underrepresented in medicine (URiM) applicants.
• Military Veterans.
• Fluent or advanced Spanish language speakers.
• Those with truly exceptional academic credentials (GPA and MCAT).

In addition to these guidelines, screeners are also instructed to consider the following criteria:

1. Netter-identified diversity categories: socioeconomically disadvantaged, African American and Hispanic/Latino, Spanish language proficient, and Armed Service Veterans.
2. Educational Diversity: applicants from challenging socioeconomic backgrounds; applicants graduating from a Historically Black College or University, a Hispanic Serving Institution, Tribal College/University, or from a Minority Serving Institution; age; language; geography; gender; military service; self-disclosed disability; LGBTQ+ (gender identity/orientation).
3. Experiences (medical/clinical): EMT; hospital; hospice; nursing home; clinic; doctor’s office; shadowing; or medical service trips.
4. Community Service: social service; educational; public health; environmental; mental health; or faith-based.
5. Extracurricular Activities: student clubs/organizations; art; music; theatre; athletics; Greek life; or part-time employment.
6. Leadership (appointed/elected): student government; club/organization; athletics (e.g., captain); or activity officer.
7. Intellectual Curiosity: academic research; clinical research; membership in academic associations; entrepreneurship; innovation of any kind; participation in college level academic enrichment programs; fellowships; publications/professional meetings.
8. Full-Time Work Experience
9. Secondary Application Personal Statement: motivation for career in medicine; interest in a primary care specialty, evidence of compassion, empathy and self-awareness; evidence of collaboration/ teamwork, adaptability and growth.