Gaining acceptance to medical school is getting tougher each year and, as competition gets more fierce, successful applicants will need to take steps to improve their competitive edge over others vying for the few class positions available. Quillen College of Medicine's Admissions Committee looks at the "whole person" when choosing applicants. A good grade point average and a competitive MCAT score are not all you need to get an acceptance offer from Quillen. The Admissions Committee evaluates applicants on the basis of demonstrated academic achievement, scores earned on the MCAT, letters of recommendation (when requested), pertinent extracurricular research and work experience, evidence of non-scholastic accomplishment, and clinically related experience demonstrating motivation for the study and practice of medicine. Experience should be varied as well as extensive.
Applicants should also consider carefully what is included in the personal comments section of the application. This is where each applicant has the opportunity to stand out by expressing what "special qualifications" they possess and what makes them different from the other 1,000-plus applicants applying for a position at Quillen.
Admission Preference
Because Quillen College of Medicine is a
state-supported institution, preference for admission is given to
U.S. citizens who are Tennessee residents. Applications from
residents of Tennessee, the immediate service area and
well-qualified minorities from across the nation are encouraged.
Additionally, the college gives preference to veterans of U.S.
military service and to applicants who have received at least a
baccalaureate level degree from a regionally accredited
institution prior to matriculation. Of particular interest are
those applicants giving strong evidence of their commitment to a
career in primary care and/or rural medicine.
Criteria
Applications are accepted from U.S. and Canadian citizens
and those persons that possess a U.S. Permanent Resident Visa.
Admission to the program of medical education at the Quillen
College of Medicine is based on a competitive selection process
involving applicants who meet the minimum requirements for
admission. The criteria for admission are integrity,
willingness, and ability to assume responsibility, high scholastic
achievement, maturity, intellectual curiosity, and sound
motivation. The College of Medicine emphasizes and continues its
commitment to the goal of increasing the number of qualified
physicians in rural health and in currently under-represented
minority groups and actively promotes and encourages applicants
from these groups. Eligibility for admissions shall be determined
without regard to age, race, sex, religion, national origin, or
handicap.
At Quillen College of Medicine, the admissions and financial aid processes are conducted independently of one another. An applicant is selected for admission on the basis of personal and academic qualifications. The fact that you may need financial assistance with your education has no bearing on your selection. You must be aware, however, that an offer of admission does not imply a guarantee of financial assistance. You must apply separately for financial aid and meet aid criteria to qualify. Complete information and directions are provided to accepted and continuing medical students.