Admission Process of Military Medical Colleges?

I'm toying with the idea of applying to a military medical college. I'm quite unsure of the admission process though. Could someone please break down what this entails, and the kind of prep I might need?

The admission process for military medical colleges in the US, notably the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), does have some unique components, and it's great that you're getting a head-start on understanding them.

First, the academic requirements are similar to civilian medical schools: you'll need a bachelor's degree and premedical coursework, MCAT scores, and letters of recommendation.

GPA and MCAT: Competitive applicants typically have strong academic records and MCAT scores. While there's no set cutoff point, a GPA above 3.5 and MCAT scores in the upper 500s give you a competitive edge.

In terms of preparation, you'll also need to meet the following criteria:

1. US Citizenship: Unlike some civilian medical schools, you must be a U.S. citizen to apply to USUHS.

2. Commitment to Service: You should have a clear understanding of the military lifestyle, as you'll be required to serve seven years of active duty upon graduation. This is in contrast to civilian medical schools, where you wouldn't have a similar service commitment.

3. Medical Examination: Applicants must pass a physical examination. The standards for this examination are higher than for ordinary enlistment because military physicians can be sent to frontline combat areas and need to maintain their fitness under extreme conditions.

4. Security Clearance: Applicants must also obtain security clearance. This involves a comprehensive background check.

5. The application itself: The USUHS uses the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS), the same system used by many U.S. medical schools. In addition to the standard AMCAS application, you will also need to complete a secondary application specific to USUHS.

6. The Interview: If selected for an interview, you'll be invited to the USUHS campus in Bethesda, Maryland. You'll have interviews with both faculty members and current students, as well as a tour of the campus.

The key thing to remember is that while there is a significant commitment, the benefits are substantial. The USUHS covers full tuition and all fees for its students, and you receive a salary and benefits as you are a commissioned officer while attending.

Start planning early, and reach out to current students or faculty at military medical colleges to get a feel for the path ahead. In conclusion, strong academics, a commitment to service, physical fitness, and the mold of a military leader, are the requirements you're looking at.