Last updated on January 9th, 2026 at 06:29 am

Program Overview & Institution Identity

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine (UAMS College of Medicine) stands as Arkansas’s premier medical education institution, established in 1879. As the state’s only comprehensive academic health center, UAMS has been responsible for training the vast majority of Arkansas physicians for over 140 years.

Located in Little Rock, Arkansas, this public institution operates on an urban campus with additional training sites throughout the state. The school holds full LCME (Liaison Committee on Medical Education) accreditation, ensuring graduates meet the highest standards for medical education and are eligible to practice medicine anywhere in the United States.

The College of Medicine offers a standard 4-year MD program with an innovative curriculum that combines traditional medical education with cutting-edge approaches. The program accepts 171 students annually and provides opportunities for combined degrees including MD/MBA and MD/PhD programs. Additionally, UAMS offers a unique 3-year Primary Care Track for students committed to primary care specialties.

UAMS has gained recognition for its commitment to serving rural and underserved populations, with specialized programs focused on addressing healthcare needs in Arkansas and the broader region. The school’s curriculum emphasizes simulation-based learning, comprehensive clinical training, and a strong foundation in both basic sciences and clinical practice.

Admission Requirements

Academic Prerequisites

UAMS College of Medicine requires completion of specific prerequisite coursework prior to matriculation:

Science Requirements:

• Three semesters of Biology including one full semester of General Genetics
• Three semesters of Chemistry including Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry (laboratory components not required for Organic Chemistry or Biochemistry)
• Two semesters of Physics

Additional Required Coursework:

• Two semesters of English
• One semester of Statistics
• Two semesters of Social Sciences (Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology, Ethics, Logic Philosophy, Religion, or Theology courses)

Degree Requirements:
A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university is required prior to matriculation. Advanced Placement credit may satisfy prerequisite requirements if accepted by your institution and posted on your transcript. Online courses are acceptable provided they appear on your official transcript with credit/letter grade from an accredited university.

GPA Requirements

UAMS College of Medicine maintains competitive GPA standards:

• Average GPA of admitted students: 3.85 (Class of 2024)
• GPA range of admitted students: 3.02-4.00
• While no minimum GPA is specified, competitive applicants typically maintain GPAs well above 3.5

The school evaluates both overall GPA and science GPA, considering the rigor of coursework and grade trends throughout the undergraduate career.

Standardized Testing Requirements

MCAT Requirements:

• Required for all applicants – scores obtained prior to 2021 are not acceptable for current applicants
• Arkansas residents: Minimum score of 500 required (effective 2026 admissions cycle)
• Non-Arkansas residents: Minimum score of 505 required (effective 2026 admissions cycle)
• Average MCAT of admitted students: 507 (Class of 2024)
• MCAT range of admitted students: 495-523

Students scoring below these minimum thresholds will not be invited to complete secondary applications or interviews, making their applications ineligible for consideration.

Extracurricular Activities & Experience Requirements

UAMS College of Medicine seeks applicants who demonstrate essential personal qualities including curiosity, compassion, integrity, stamina, dedication to service, and sustained ability to learn. The admissions committee evaluates these attributes through:

• Clinical Experience: Hands-on patient care or clinical shadowing experiences
• Research Activity: Basic science, clinical, or public health research participation
• Community Service: Volunteer work demonstrating commitment to serving others
• Leadership Experience: Evidence of leadership capabilities in academic, professional, or community settings
• Personal Statement: Compelling narrative explaining motivation for medicine

The school uses a holistic evaluation process, considering the applicant’s entire academic record, MCAT performance, premedical advisory committee evaluations, letters of recommendation, and personal interview.

Application Process & Timeline

Application System & Deadlines

UAMS College of Medicine participates in the AMCAS (American Medical College Application Service) system. Key dates for the 2026 application cycle include:

Primary Application:

• May 27, 2025: AMCAS application opens
• November 1, 2025: Final deadline for AMCAS submission

Secondary Application:

• November 15, 2025: Deadline for UAMS supplemental application
• January 15, 2026: All applicant documentation must be received

Required Documents

Primary Application (AMCAS):

• Official transcripts from all institutions attended
• MCAT scores
• Work and activities descriptions
• Personal statement
• Letters of recommendation/evaluation

Secondary Application (UAMS-specific):

• School-specific essays and questions
• Additional documentation as requested
• For non-Arkansas residents claiming “strong ties” to Arkansas: supporting letter required

Interview Process

Arkansas Residents:

• Must schedule their own faculty interviews by calling the admissions office
• Can begin scheduling August 15, 2025
• Must schedule by November 1, 2025
• Traditional interview format with faculty members

Non-Arkansas Residents:

• Interview by invitation only
• Admissions Committee reviews applications in mid-December
• Interview invitations extended for January interview dates
• Notification by end of December for invited candidates

Interview Options:

• In-person interviews available in Little Rock and Fayetteville
• Virtual interviews available for out-of-state applicants unable to travel
• Multiple Interview Days offered throughout fall and winter

Application Fees

Current application fees include:

• AMCAS Primary Application: Standard AAMC fees apply
• Secondary Application: $100 one-time application fee
• Additional Fees: $100 VSAS (Visiting Student Application Service) processing fee if applicable

Admission Statistics & Success Rates

Overall Acceptance Rate & Competitiveness

UAMS College of Medicine maintains competitive admission standards with recent statistics showing:

• Overall acceptance rate: 6.23% (2025 admission cycle)
• Total applicants: 2,743 from 47 states
• Students enrolled: 171 students
• Interview invitation rate: 13.88%

This acceptance rate is significantly higher than the national average of 4.02% for all medical schools, making it moderately competitive compared to other public medical schools.

Class Demographics & Statistics

Class of 2024 Profile:

• Class size: 171 students
• Average age: 23 years
• Age range: 19-37 years
• Gender distribution: 49% male, 51% female

Residency Distribution:

• Arkansas residents: 90.6% of enrolled students
• Out-of-state residents: 9.4% of enrolled students
• Acceptance rate for Arkansas residents: 52.79%
• Acceptance rate for out-of-state residents: 0.66%

Academic Statistics

Median Academic Credentials:

• Median GPA: 3.91
• Median MCAT: 508
• Average GPA: 3.85
• Average MCAT: 507

Academic Ranges:

• GPA range: 3.02-4.00
• MCAT range: 495-523

Waitlist Information

UAMS College of Medicine maintains an alternate list for qualified candidates. The school notifies all applicants of their admission status by February 28, with classifications of Accepted, Alternate List, or Not Accepted. Early acceptance notifications for Arkansas residents occur in December and January.

Tuition & Financial Information

Current Tuition Rates

2025-2026 Academic Year Tuition (per semester):

• Arkansas residents: $17,475 ($34,950 annually)
• Non-Arkansas residents: $34,507 ($69,014 annually)

Border State Tuition Policy:
Students from Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas pay in-state tuition rates if accepted, representing significant savings of over $34,000 annually.

Additional Fees

Mandatory Fees (per semester):

• Mandatory Study Materials Fee: $365
• Student Health Fee: $145
• Student Transportation Fee: $78
• Technology Fee: $124
• University Services Fee: $500
• Student Activity Fee: $25

One-Time Fees:

• Application Fee: $100
• Freshman White Coat Ceremony: $25
• Graduation Fee: $70

Total Cost of Attendance

The estimated total cost of attendance includes tuition, fees, books, housing, food, transportation, and personal expenses. Detailed cost of attendance budgets are available through UAMS Student Financial Services, with costs varying based on living arrangements and personal circumstances.

Financial Aid Options

Institutional Scholarships:

• Multiple merit-based scholarships available through UAMS College of Medicine
• Rural Practice Scholarship Program for students committed to rural medicine
• Need-based scholarships for qualifying students

Application Requirements:

• Entering freshmen: Complete Entering Freshman Scholarship Application by May 15
• Continuing students: Complete Rising M2/M3/M4 Scholarship Application

Federal Financial Aid:

• Federal loan programs available through FAFSA
• Work-study opportunities
• External scholarship programs accepted

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Curriculum & Program Structure

Program Duration & Structure

UAMS College of Medicine offers a standard 4-year MD curriculum with two distinct phases:

Foundational Phase (Years 1-2):

• Pre-clinical coursework covering basic science foundations
• Integrated curriculum with system-based learning
• Practice of Medicine courses running concurrently

Clinical Phase (Years 3-4):

• Core clinical rotations in major medical specialties
• Elective opportunities for specialization
• Acting internships and advanced clinical experiences

Educational Philosophy

The curriculum emphasizes:

• Problem-based learning and critical thinking
• Simulation-based education for hands-on training
• Integration of basic science and clinical practice
• Rural and community-based medicine focus

Pre-Clinical Curriculum (M1-M2)

First Year (M1) Courses:

• Human Structure
• Molecules to Cells
• Disease/Defense
• Hematology/Oncology
• Brain and Behavior
• Practice of Medicine I (concurrent)

Second Year (M2) Courses:

• Cardiovascular system
• Pulmonary system
• Renal system
• Gastrointestinal/Nutrition
• Endocrine/Reproductive systems
• Musculoskeletal/Skin
• Capstone course
• USMLE Step 1 preparation
• Practice of Medicine II (concurrent)

Clinical Training (M3-M4)

Third Year Core Rotations:

• Internal Medicine (8 weeks)
• Surgery (8 weeks)
• Pediatrics (8 weeks)
• Family Medicine (4 weeks)
• Neurology (4 weeks)
• Psychiatry (6 weeks)
• Obstetrics/Gynecology (6 weeks)
• Selectives (4 weeks)

Fourth Year Options:

• Acting internships in specialty areas
• 28 credits of electives
• Residency preparation course
• Research opportunities

Special Programs

3-Year Primary Care Track:

• Accelerated curriculum for students committed to primary care
• Summer clinical experiences between M1 and M2
• Early clinical exposure and specialized training

Combined Degree Programs:

• MD/PhD: Research-intensive dual degree program
• MD/MBA: Business and healthcare leadership focus

Clinical Sites & Partnerships

UAMS College of Medicine provides clinical training through:

• UAMS Medical Center (primary teaching hospital)
• Arkansas Children’s Hospital
• Baptist Health System
• VA Medical Center
• Community hospitals throughout Arkansas
• Rural clinical sites statewide

Assessment Methods

The school utilizes various assessment approaches:

• Traditional examinations and practical assessments
• Clinical skills evaluations
• OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examinations)
• Portfolio-based assessments

Residency Outcomes & USMLE Performance

Residency Match Statistics

UAMS College of Medicine demonstrates strong residency placement rates with recent match results showing graduates matching into diverse specialties across the country. The 2025 Match Results include placements in:

Popular Specialties:

• Internal Medicine: Multiple placements at prestigious institutions
• Family Medicine: Strong placement in Arkansas and regional programs
• Pediatrics: Competitive pediatric residency placements
• Surgery: General surgery and surgical subspecialties
• Emergency Medicine: Emergency medicine residency placements

Geographic Distribution:

• Arkansas residencies: Significant number staying in-state
• National placements: Students matching across the United States
• Competitive programs: Placements at highly ranked institutions

USMLE Performance

While specific pass rates are not publicly detailed, UAMS College of Medicine maintains appropriate preparation programs including:

• Step 1 preparation integrated into M2 curriculum
• Clinical skills preparation throughout clinical years
• Residency preparation course in M4 year

Pre-Medical Preparation Guidance

Undergraduate Major Recommendations

UAMS College of Medicine welcomes students from all academic backgrounds:

• No preference for pre-medical majors over other fields
• Strong science foundation required regardless of major
• Liberal arts majors encouraged with proper prerequisite completion
• Diverse academic backgrounds valued in holistic admissions

Academic Planning Strategy

Course Sequencing:

• Complete prerequisites early to allow for MCAT preparation
• Maintain strong GPA throughout undergraduate studies
• Consider advanced science courses beyond minimums
• Include recommended courses: Physiology, Microbiology, Cell Biology

Extracurricular Development:

• Clinical experience: Direct patient care or clinical shadowing
• Research participation: Basic science, clinical, or public health research
• Community service: Long-term commitments preferred
• Leadership roles: Academic, professional, or community leadership

MCAT Preparation

Timing Recommendations:

• Take MCAT when adequately prepared, not rushed
• Consider retake policies and score improvements
• Plan for prerequisite completion before MCAT
• Allow adequate study time for competitive scores

Application Timeline Planning

Optimal Timeline:

• Junior year: Complete prerequisites, gain clinical experience
• Summer after junior year: Take MCAT, prepare applications
• Senior year: Submit applications, complete interviews
• Gap year considerations: Productive activities if taking time off

Frequently Asked Questions