Last updated on January 9th, 2026 at 06:32 am

Program Overview & Institution Identity

Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans stands as one of Louisiana’s premier medical education institutions, established in 1931 under the charter of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College. Located in the vibrant heart of New Orleans, this public medical school has been training competent, humanistic physicians for over 90 years.

Program Duration and Structure

LSU School of Medicine New Orleans offers a traditional 4-year MD program that leads to the Doctor of Medicine degree. The curriculum is structured with the first three years managed centrally by the Office of Undergraduate Medical Education (UME), while the fourth year is managed by the Office of Student Affairs to provide student-focused flexibility. The most recent major curriculum revision was implemented in 2015-2016, with ongoing updates based on faculty and student feedback.

Location and Campus Details

The medical school is situated in New Orleans, Louisiana, an urban campus that has expanded significantly over the decades. The campus includes:

• Medical Education Building at 1901 Perdido Street
• Lions-LSU Clinics Building at 2020 Gravier Street
• Clinical Sciences Research Building
• Student Learning Center with group learning spaces and simulation labs
• Adjacent state-of-the-art teaching hospital on Canal Street
• Cancer Center on Tulane Avenue
• Center of Advanced Learning and Simulation complex

The LSU Health Sciences Center encompasses multiple schools including Medicine, Allied Health, Dentistry, Graduate Studies, Nursing, and Public Health.

Accreditation Status

LSU School of Medicine New Orleans is fully accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), ensuring that graduates are eligible to take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and apply for residency training programs throughout the United States.

Combined Degree Programs

The school offers several combined degree options:

• MD/PhD programs for students interested in research careers
• MD/MPH programs for those focusing on public health

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Admission Requirements

Academic Prerequisites

Minimum Degree Requirements:
LSU School of Medicine requires applicants to complete a minimum of 90 semester hours of acceptable credit at the time of matriculation. All coursework must be completed with a grade of C or better at an accredited institution within the United States or Canada.

Required Courses:

• Chemistry: 8 semester hours of general/inorganic chemistry with laboratory AND 8 semester hours of organic chemistry with laboratory
• Physics: 8 semester hours of general physics with laboratory
• Biochemistry: 3 semester hours (laboratory not required)
• Biology: 8 semester hours of general biology with laboratory
• English: 6 semester hours
• Statistics: 3 semester hours

Recommended Courses:
The school encourages a balanced curriculum including courses in:

• Cell biology
• Comparative vertebrate anatomy
• Computer sciences
• Embryology (developmental biology)
• Histology
• Mathematics
• Microbiology
• Molecular genetics
• Physiology
• Economics, ethics, foreign languages, history, philosophy, psychology, public speaking, and sociology

GPA Requirements

While LSU School of Medicine New Orleans does not specify a minimum GPA requirement, recent statistics show:

• Median Overall GPA: 3.85 (according to provided data)
• Average Science GPA: 3.75 (2024 entering class)
• Average Overall GPA: 3.76 (2024 entering class)

Successful applicants typically maintain GPAs significantly above 3.5, with competitive candidates having GPAs of 3.7 or higher.

Standardized Testing

MCAT Requirements:

• MCAT scores must be from tests taken no later than September 2025 for admission in August 2026
• For the entering class of 2026, only test scores from January 2022-September 2025 will be accepted
• Median MCAT Score: 510 (according to provided data)
• MCAT scores from recent entering classes averaged in the 75th percentile
• Test scores must be no more than 3 years old at the time of matriculation

Extracurricular Activities & Experience Requirements

LSU School of Medicine New Orleans uses a holistic evaluation process that considers three major areas:

Humanitarian Qualities:

• Demonstrated history of community service
• Leadership experience
• Volunteer work

Overall Excellence:

• Academic achievements
• Special honors and awards
• Employment history (particularly if the applicant worked to support their education)

Experience:

• Clinical exposure and healthcare experience
• Research participation
• Extracurricular activities with meaningful participation

Residency Preferences

As a public institution, LSU School of Medicine New Orleans shows preference for Louisiana residents. However, the school does accept out-of-state applicants and Canadian students. Out-of-state students are responsible for paying non-resident tuition throughout their enrollment.

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Application Process & Timeline

Application System

LSU School of Medicine New Orleans participates in the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) for primary applications.

Application Deadlines

• Application Deadline: November 1, 2025 (for 2026 entry)
• Early Decision Deadline: August 1
• MCAT Deadline: September 2025 (for 2026 entry)

Required Documents

• Transcripts: Official transcripts from all institutions attended
• MCAT Scores: Valid scores from January 2022-September 2025
• Letters of Evaluation: Letters from faculty at previous academic institutions
• Personal Statement: As part of AMCAS application

Secondary Applications

LSU School of Medicine New Orleans has a streamlined secondary application process:

• Most secondary components use forms rather than extensive essays
• Optional essay: 500-600 words on “your values”
• Special tracks (Primary Care Program and Rural Scholars Track) have additional essay requirements
• Disadvantaged scholarship application: Optional with supporting documentation

Interview Process

The school conducts interviews for selected candidates. The Admissions Committee, comprised of clinical and basic science faculty members, fourth-year medical students, administrators, and community members, meets approximately every three weeks throughout the application cycle.

Interview Format: Traditional interview format (specific format details not extensively documented)

Post-Interview Process

After interviews, the Admissions Committee makes decisions to:

• Accept applicants
• Reject applicants
• Defer decision for later consideration

The committee continues to accept applicants until the full enrollment is met in the spring of the application year.

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Admission Statistics & Success Rates

Overall Acceptance Rate

Based on recent data:

• Acceptance Rate: Approximately 5.84% (196 enrolled out of 3,359 applicants)
• Applications from Louisiana Residents: 643 (2024)

Class Size and Demographics

• First Year Class Size: 196 students
• Total Enrollment: Approximately 839 students across all years
• Average Age: 23 years
• Age Range: 19-43 years
• Gender Distribution:
  • Male: 88 students (2024 class)
  • Female: 108 students (2024 class)

Academic Statistics of Admitted Students

2024 Entering Class:

• Science GPA Mean: 3.75
• Overall GPA Mean: 3.76
• MCAT Average: 75th percentile

Geographic Distribution:
The school primarily serves Louisiana residents but accepts qualified out-of-state applicants. Canadian students are also considered for admission.

Residency Match Statistics

2025 Graduating Class:

• Primary Care Match Rate: 61%
• Students Remaining in Louisiana: 49%

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Tuition & Financial Information

Current Tuition Rates

2024-2025 Academic Year:

• Louisiana Residents: $32,937 per year
• Out-of-State Students: $61,115 per year
• Application Fee: $50

Additional Estimated Costs

Annual Expenses (2024-2025):

• Books and Supplies: $3,395
• Computer: $1,268.53
• Other Fees: $409
• Off-campus Living Expenses: $20,403 (9 months)
• Health Insurance: $5,276.40

Total Cost of Attendance

• Louisiana Residents: Approximately $62,688 per year
• Out-of-State Students: Approximately $91,866 per year

Financial Aid Options

Scholarships:

• LSU School of Medicine provides various merit-based and need-based scholarships
• Applications available through the LSUHSC Foundation Scholarship Application portal
• Scholarships administered by the Medical School Scholarship Committee

Financial Aid:

• Federal loan programs available
• Need-based financial aid through FAFSA
• Work-study opportunities
• Priority given to students with greatest documented need who meet application deadlines

Contact Information:

• Student Financial Aid Office: (504) 568-4820
• Email: finaid@lsuhsc.edu
• Location: 433 Bolivar Street, Room 215, New Orleans, LA 70112-2223

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Curriculum & Program Structure

Program Duration and Educational Philosophy

LSU School of Medicine New Orleans follows a traditional 4-year curriculum designed to develop competent, compassionate physicians. The program emphasizes:

• Integration of basic science and clinical knowledge
• Hands-on learning through simulation labs
• Team-based learning approaches
• Community-based healthcare exposure

Pre-Clinical Years (Years 1-3)

• Managed by the Office of Undergraduate Medical Education
• Integration of basic science coursework
• Early clinical exposure
• Team-based learning in specialized classroom settings
• Simulation-based learning in the Student Learning Center

Clinical Training (Year 4)

• Managed by the Office of Student Affairs
• Core clinical rotations
• Elective opportunities
• Flexibility for career exploration
• Clinical sites throughout Louisiana and region

Special Programs and Tracks

Primary Care Program:

• Focus on training primary care physicians
• Additional application requirements and essays
• Emphasis on community service and rural healthcare

Rural Scholars Track:

• Designed for students committed to rural healthcare
• Special application process with additional essays
• Focus on underserved community healthcare

Unique Educational Features

• Team-Based Learning Rooms: Specialized facilities for collaborative learning
• Simulation Labs: State-of-the-art facilities for hands-on practice
• Clinical Partnerships: Extensive network including new teaching hospital and VA hospital
• Research Opportunities: Access to research through affiliated institutions

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Pre-Medical Preparation

Undergraduate Program Recommendations

LSU School of Medicine New Orleans welcomes students from all academic majors as long as prerequisite requirements are met. The school encourages:

• Balance between natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities
• Strong foundation in required science courses
• Development of critical thinking and communication skills

Academic Planning Strategies

• Complete all prerequisite courses with grades of C or better
• Take MCAT no later than September of the application year
• Maintain competitive GPA (ideally above 3.7)
• Consider the 30-Hour Policy for additional coursework if needed

Clinical Experience Requirements

While not explicitly specified, successful applicants typically demonstrate:

• Meaningful clinical exposure
• Healthcare-related volunteer work
• Understanding of the medical profession
• Direct patient interaction experience

Research Experience

Research experience is valued but not required. The school appreciates:

• Basic science research
• Clinical research
• Public health research
• Quality over quantity of research experiences

Extracurricular Planning

Focus on developing:

• Leadership experience through organizations or community involvement
• Community service demonstrating commitment to helping others
• Long-term commitments rather than brief, superficial activities
• Diverse experiences that demonstrate well-roundedness

MCAT Preparation Timeline

• Plan to take MCAT by spring/summer of application year
• Allow time for retake if needed (scores must be from January 2022-September 2025 for 2026 entry)
• Consider test validity period when planning multiple attempts

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Frequently Asked Questions