The school of medicine seeks future physicians who have mastered a broad science curriculum that includes the knowledge base and promotes the problem-solving skills required by the practice of medicine.
In addition, we seek applicants who have thoughtfully prepared to meet the social and emotional needs of patients by including in their formal education a rich exposure to the social sciences and humanities. For more in-depth information, please see the Medical School Admissions Requirements (MSAR).
Applicants must have a 502 MCAT and a 3.2 science/BCPM GPA to be sent a secondary application.
Academics
At least 90 hours of college coursework is required to apply, and advanced placement (AP), P/F courses, and other credits are acceptable. A bachelor’s degree is required at time of matriculation.
We welcome applicants from all majors and colleges with a strong emphasis on academic excellence, compassion, service, integrity, diversity, collegiality and innovation. All applicants should demonstrate a high level of scholarship. The Class of 2026 average GPA is 3.76 and MCAT total score is 511.
A minimum science/BCPM GPA of 3.2 is required to be reviewed by admissions. Applicants who do not meet the undergraduate science/BCPM GPA of a 3.2 and have completed at least 15 hours of either post-baccalaureate or graduate science coursework with a 3.2 average at the time of AMCAS verification will be reviewed by the Dean of Admissions upon completion.
There will be no negative impact for applicants who were required or elected to complete their coursework and/or labs online. In addition, Wake Forest University School of Medicine will continue to accept pass/fail grades.
While Wake Forest University School of Medicine does not have specific required coursework, applicants should be able to demonstrate competence in each of the areas shown as reflected in their MCAT score. Applicants from non-science majors are strongly encouraged to complete a variety of science coursework to be a competitive applicant.
Strongly recommended courses include:
- Biology: introductory biology, molecular/cell biology, genetics, anatomy, physiology, neuroscience
- Chemistry: biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry
- Physics: introductory physics
- Mathematics: algebra, statistics
- Psychology: introductory psychology, behavioral psychology, abnormal psychology
- Sociology: introductory sociology, coursework with a special emphasis on health disparities
- Humanities: foreign language (especially Spanish), philosophy (especially medical ethics), literature
MCAT
Applicants must take the MCAT. Applications will not be reviewed until MCAT scores are received. MCAT scores will only be accepted if the test was taken within three years of application. The minimum MCAT required to be reviewed by admissions is a 502. The highest of the attempts are reviewed. You can review the average totals in the previous year’s class profile.
- For the 2023 admissions cycle, the oldest MCAT scores that will be accepted is January 2019.
Altus Suite - admissions assessments of non-cognitive skills
All applicants applying to the Doctor of Medicine program at Wake Forest University School of Medicine are required to complete an online assessment (Altus Suite) to assist with our selection process for the 2022 - 2023 application cycle. The CASPer test is all that is required. Snapshot and Duet are not required for the 2022 - 2023 application cycle.
How to Complete Altus Suite
In order to take Altus Suite, you will be responsible for securing access to a laptop or desktop computer with webcam and audio capabilities.
You will require the following for both account creation and completing Altus Suite:
- Government-issued photo ID
· Valid email address (the same one you will use to submit your application)
- Working webcam
- Working microphone
- Reliable high-speed internet connection
1. Please go to www.TakeAltus.com to sign up for Altus Suite for Medicine ( CSP-10111 - U.S. Medicine), under your specific country, and register using your AMCAS ID Number and a piece of government-issued photo ID.
2. Select a Casper test date. You will be provided with a limited number of testing dates and times. Please note that these are the only testing dates available for your Casper test. There will be no additional tests scheduled. Please use an email address that you check regularly and that you have used for your application; there may be updates to the test schedule.
a. Important: To account for identity verification and payment processing timeline, ensure that you register for your test at least 3 days before your preferred test date and time. Last-minute bookings are not recommended.
3. Ensure you have selected Wake Forest University School of Medicine for distribution before the posted Distribution Deadline. Likely, there will be no additional tests scheduled, but the most up-to-date information can be found by browsing the Test Dates and Times on TakeAltus.com.
4. Please direct any inquiries on Altus Suite to support@altus.as. Alternatively, you may use the chat bubble in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen on the TakeAltus.com website.
Accommodations: If you require testing accommodations for Altus Suite you will need to submit the Accommodations Request Form signed by you and your qualified professional 3 weeks in advance of your desired test date. Find more information regarding accommodations.
More About Altus Suite
Altus Suite is a standardized, three-part online assessment of non-cognitive skills, interpersonal characteristics, and personal values and priorities that we believe are important for successful students and graduates of our program. Altus Suite will complement the other tools that we use for applicant review and evaluation. In implementing Altus Suite, we are trying to further enhance fairness and objectivity in our selection process.
Altus Suite consists of:
- Casper: a 60-90 minute online situational judgment test (SJT)
- Snapshot: a 10-minute one-way interview with standardized questions
- Duet: a 15-minute value-alignment assessment
About Casper
The Casper test comprises 12 sections of video and written scenarios. Following each scenario, you will be required to answer a set of probing questions under a time contract. The test typically takes between 75-90 minutes to complete. Each response is graded by a different rater, giving a very robust and reliable view of personal and professional characteristics important to our program. No studying is required for Casper, although you may want to familiarize yourself with the test structure at TakeAltus.com, and ensure you have a quiet environment to take the test. We strongly urge you to take advantage of the 12-section practice test, which will not only immerse you in the test environment, but will also ensure you meet the technical requirements to access and complete the test.
Casper test results are valid for one admissions cycle. Applicants who have already taken the test in previous years will therefore be expected to re-take it.
Watch this video for a more detailed look at the Casper test.
About Snapshot
Snapshot is a one-way video interview tool that takes 10-15 minutes to complete. It is used to help programs get to know their applicants better by assessing verbal and non-verbal communication skills, as well as motivation for the profession. Snapshot includes 2 mandatory practice questions to allow applicants to get familiar with the format and to test their audio and video capabilities. After they complete the practice portion, they will move on to record responses to 3 standardized interview-style questions. Applicants have 2 minutes to record each response. They will have time to read and consider each question during a 30-second reflection period before they begin recording. All recorded responses will be submitted to the program for review.
About Duet
Duet is a 15-minute value-alignment assessment that takes input from both our program and our applicants to determine their relative alignment based on program values and priorities. Duet was piloted with GME programs in 2020, and programs found it valuable in providing additional data to highlight applicants whose values and priorities align well with their own.
For more information on Duet, access www.TakeAltus.com.
Technical Standards
Please see our current technical standards requirements (PDF).
International Students
Applications for the MD Program are only accepted from U.S. citizens and permanent residents. If the applicant’s undergraduate, premedical course work has been done outside the U.S. or Canada, the applicant must complete some coursework in the United States or Canada prior to applying.
Transfer Students
Wake Forest University School of Medicine does not accept applicants for transfer or for admission with advanced standing (i.e., transfer students).