Last updated on January 9th, 2026 at 06:33 am

Program Overview & Institution Identity

Official Program Name & Institution Identity

The Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science (CMS-RFUMS) is a prestigious private medical institution established in 1912. Located on a suburban campus in North Chicago, Illinois, this LCME-accredited medical school has been training physicians for over a century, building a strong reputation for excellence in medical education, research, and community service.

Program Duration & Structure

CMS offers a traditional 4-year allopathic medicine (MD) program structured in three sequential phases:

• Phase I (Years 1-2): Scientific and Clinical Foundations followed by eight system-based blocks
• Phase II (Year 3): Seven core clinical clerkships plus one career exploration elective
• Phase III (Year 4): Residency preparation with sub-internship and 31 weeks of electives

Location & Campus Details

The medical school is situated in North Chicago, Illinois, on a suburban campus that provides easy access to both Chicago and Milwaukee metropolitan areas. This strategic location offers students diverse clinical experiences ranging from urban inner-city hospitals to suburban private practices and rural healthcare settings.

Accreditation Status

CMS holds full accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) for the maximum eight-year term, awarded in March 2021. This accreditation ensures that graduates are eligible to take the USMLE and enter ACGME-accredited residency programs without restrictions. The next full survey visit is scheduled for 2027-2028.

Ranking & Recognition

While specific US News rankings vary annually, CMS consistently demonstrates strong performance through high residency match rates (96-97%) and excellent USMLE pass rates. The school is particularly recognized for its collaborative learning environment, interprofessional education approach, and strong preparation for board examinations.

Admission Requirements

Academic Prerequisites

Minimum Degree Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required prior to matriculation (with exceptions for students from DePaul and Lake Forest College Pathways programs)
• Minimum 90 credit hours of undergraduate academic work at an accredited college or university prior to applying

Required Prerequisite Courses

Core Science Requirements:

• One year Introductory Biology with laboratory
• One year Physics with laboratory
• Two semesters of Chemistry (typically General Chemistry with laboratory)
• Additional advanced science coursework recommended

AP Credit Policy: AP science courses receiving credit at your undergraduate institution fulfill pre-medical requirements, but the admissions committee expects advanced undergraduate coursework in most science disciplines (except Physics).

GPA Requirements

• No official minimum GPA published
• Competitive applicants typically have:
  • Cumulative GPA around 3.5 or higher
  • Science GPA around 3.5 or higher
• 2024 Entering Class Statistics:
  • Median cumulative GPA: 3.76
  • Median science GPA: 3.54

Standardized Testing

MCAT Requirements

• MCAT required for application completion
• Valid MCAT scores: Tests completed after January 1, 2023
• Application cutoff: Tests taken after September 10, 2025 will not be considered
• Competitive MCAT scores:
  • Minimum competitive score: 510
  • 2024 entering class median: 509
  • Provided data shows median of 511

Additional Testing

AAMC PREview Professional Readiness Exam:

• Recommended (not required) to enhance holistic review process
• Assesses professional readiness competencies
• Information available through AAMC website

CASPer Testing:

• Required as part of the application process
• Computer-based assessment measuring personal and professional characteristics
• Must be completed as part of application requirements

Experience & Activity Requirements

Holistic Evaluation Approach

CMS uses a comprehensive holistic review process that emphasizes:

• Medical and clinical exposure experience
• Humanitarian service and community involvement
• Research experience and scholarly activities
• Employment history and leadership roles
• Diverse life experiences and backgrounds

Clinical Experience

While no specific minimum hours are required, meaningful clinical exposure is essential for competitive applicants. The school values quality over quantity, looking for experiences that demonstrate commitment to healthcare and understanding of the physician role.

Research Experience

Research experience is valued but not required. The school appreciates diverse research backgrounds including basic science, clinical, and public health research.

Application Process & Timeline

Application System & Requirements

Primary Application: CMS participates in AMCAS (American Medical College Application Service)

Key Deadlines:

• Application deadline: November 1, 2025
• Early Decision Program deadline: August 1 (complete application including MCAT scores required)
• AMCAS opens: Early May
• Submission begins: June

Required Application Components

Chicago Medical School Supplemental Application

• $125 non-refundable supplemental application fee
• Short essay format with typically 2-3 prompts
• Recent essay topics include:
  • Challenges in your journey to medical school (150 words)
  • How your admission would contribute to CMS diversity (150 words)
  • Management of discriminatory situations
  • Greatest self-discovery
  • Youth experiences that still teach lessons

Letters of Recommendation

Choose ONE of the following options:

• Committee Letter (1) – preferred if available
• Individual Letters (3) – from academic and/or professional sources
• Letter Packet containing maximum three individual letters

Important: No more than three individual letters, one committee letter, or one letter packet will be considered.

Interview Process

• Interview format: Mixed format interviews (specifics vary)
• Stress level: Generally reported as low-stress
• Applicant feedback: School ranks in top 38% of interview experiences
• Timeline: Interview invitations typically sent throughout the fall/winter cycle

Post-Interview Process

Important CYMS (Choose Your Medical School) Dates:

• April 30, 2026: All accepted students must indicate “plan to enroll”
• July 1, 2026: All accepted students must indicate “commit to enroll”

Admission Statistics & Success Rates

Application Volume & Acceptance Rates

• 2024 entering class: 203 students
• AMCAS applicants: 11,120
• Calculated acceptance rate: Approximately 1.8% (203/11,120)
• Overall institutional acceptance rate: Approximately 33% (varies by program)

Class Demographics & Statistics

2024 Entering Class Profile:

• Class size: 203 students
• Average age at matriculation: 25 years
• Age range: 20-35 years
• Geographic distribution: 47% Illinois residents, 53% out-of-state
• Midwest representation: Approximately 50% of class

Academic Statistics:

• Median cumulative GPA: 3.76
• Median science GPA: 3.54
• Median MCAT score: 509 (note: some sources report 511-513)

Residency Match Performance

Exceptional Match Results:

• 2025 Match Rate: 97%
• 2024 Match Rate: 98%
• Historical performance: Consistently 96-98% match rates
• Performance vs. National Average: Consistently exceeds national average (94%)

Prestigious Residency Placements:
Recent graduates have matched at top institutions including:

• Mayo Clinic
• Brigham and Women’s Hospital
• UCLA
• Yale-New Haven
• Johns Hopkins
• Stanford
• Cleveland Clinic
• University of Chicago
• Northwestern
• Rush University

Tuition & Financial Information

Tuition Rates (2025-2026)

Annual Tuition: $71,757

• In-state residents: $71,757
• Out-of-state residents: $71,757
• International students: $71,757

As a private institution, CMS charges the same tuition regardless of residency status.

Additional Fees & Costs

• Supplemental application fee: $125
• Technology and student services fees: Estimated $960 annually
• Health insurance: Required (cost varies)
• Laboratory and equipment fees: Included in tuition
• Clinical rotation fees: May apply for certain rotations

Total Cost of Attendance

4-Year Program Estimated Total Cost:

• Tuition only: ~$287,028 (4 years × $71,757)
• Living expenses: Approximately $16,800/year for on-campus housing
• Total estimated cost: ~$350,000+ including living expenses over 4 years

Cost of Living in North Chicago

Housing Options:

• On-campus dormitory: Room charge ~$16,800/year
• Off-campus housing: Varies, suburban Chicago rates
• Dormitory capacity: 582 beds available

Financial Aid Opportunities

While specific scholarship details weren’t found in the research, as a private institution, CMS typically offers:

• Merit-based scholarships
• Need-based financial aid
• Federal loan programs
• Work-study opportunities
• External scholarship opportunities

Contact the financial aid office for specific scholarship information and application procedures.

Click To See Hundreds Of Consultants Who Can Mentor You:

Curriculum & Program Structure

Educational Philosophy & Approach

CMS emphasizes an integrated, patient-centered curriculum that combines:

• Basic science and clinical integration
• Active learning methodologies
• Early clinical exposure
• Interprofessional education
• Community-based learning experiences

Three-Phase Curriculum Structure

Phase I (Pre-Clinical Years 1-2)

M1 Year Curriculum:

• Scientific Foundations of Medicine
• Clinical Foundations of Medicine
• Clinical Anatomy
• Essentials of Clinical Reasoning
• Foundations of Interprofessional Practice
• System-based blocks: Infection-Immunology-Hematology, Gastroenterology, Cardiovascular-Pulmonary-Renal
• Bioethics and Professionalism courses

M2 Year Curriculum:

• Neurobehavioral Health
• Patient Safety training
• Musculoskeletal system
• Endocrine-Reproductive system
• Multisystem integration
• Clinical Skills development
• M2 Elective opportunity

Assessment: Pass/Fail grading system for first two years

Phase II (Clinical Year 3)

Seven Core Clerkships:

• Internal Medicine
• Surgery
• Pediatrics
• Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Psychiatry
• Family Medicine
• Neurology or other specialty

Plus: One elective for career exploration

Phase III (Clinical Year 4)

Residency Preparation Focus:

• One required sub-internship (4 weeks)
• 31 weeks of electives (intramural and extramural options)
• Transition to Internship course (final week)
• Extensive flexibility for specialty exploration

Clinical Training Sites

CMS provides diverse clinical experiences through partnerships with over 20 healthcare systems, including:

Major Teaching Hospitals:

• Advocate Health System hospitals (Christ, Lutheran General, Illinois Masonic)
• Cook County Stroger Hospital
• Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center
• Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital
• Edward Hospital
• Mount Sinai Hospital

Unique Clinical Opportunities:

• Federal Health Care Center serving military personnel
• Inner-city hospitals serving underserved populations
• Suburban private practices
• Rural healthcare settings (including Montana rotations)

Special Programs & Opportunities

Combined Degree Programs:

• MD/PhD programs available
• Research opportunities throughout curriculum
• Interprofessional education with other health sciences programs

Community Engagement:

• Free clinic located across from campus
• Community service opportunities
• Health equity focus integrated throughout curriculum

Pre-Medical Preparation

Undergraduate Program Recommendations

Academic Preparation

Recommended Majors:

• Any major accepted – CMS values diverse academic backgrounds
• Science majors: Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry provide strong foundation
• Non-science majors: Psychology, Public Health, Liberal Arts welcomed
• Interdisciplinary programs: Encourage well-rounded preparation

Academic Planning Strategy:

• Complete prerequisite courses early to allow for advanced coursework
• Maintain strong GPA (target 3.5+ cumulative and science)
• Consider advanced science courses beyond minimum requirements
• Develop strong study skills and time management

Clinical Experience Development

Types of Clinical Exposure:

• Hospital volunteering in various departments
• Shadowing physicians in multiple specialties
• Clinical research participation
• Emergency medical services (EMT, paramedic)
• Healthcare employment (medical assistant, scribe)

Quality over Quantity:

• Focus on meaningful, long-term commitments
• Demonstrate genuine interest in healthcare
• Show understanding of physician responsibilities
• Document learning outcomes and reflections

Research Experience Building

Research Opportunities:

• Basic science research in university laboratories
• Clinical research at hospitals and medical centers
• Public health research and epidemiological studies
• Biomedical engineering and medical device development
• Healthcare policy and health services research

Research Goals:

• Develop scientific thinking and analytical skills
• Learn research methodology and statistical analysis
• Consider publication opportunities (not required but beneficial)
• Present findings at undergraduate research symposiums

Extracurricular & Leadership Development

Leadership Opportunities:

• Student government and campus organizations
• Community service leadership roles
• Healthcare-related organizations (Pre-Med Society, etc.)
• Teaching and tutoring experiences
• Cultural and diversity organizations

Community Service:

• Healthcare-focused volunteering (free clinics, health fairs)
• Community outreach programs
• International service experiences
• Social justice and health equity initiatives

Standardized Test Preparation

MCAT Preparation Strategy

Timeline:

• Begin preparation: 3-6 months before test date
• Target score: 510+ for competitive consideration
• Retake policy: Consider if initial score below 508

Preparation Resources:

• AAMC official materials (essential)
• Commercial prep courses (Kaplan, Princeton Review, etc.)
• Study groups and tutoring
• Practice exams and timed sections

CASPer Preparation

Test Overview:

• Computer-based assessment of personal characteristics
• Scenario-based questions requiring written responses
• Professional behavior evaluation

Preparation Tips:

• Review sample questions on CASPer website
• Practice typing skills for timed responses
• Consider ethical frameworks for healthcare situations

Gap Year Considerations

When Gap Years Are Beneficial

• MCAT score improvement needed
• Clinical experience development required
• Research experience completion
• Personal growth and maturity development
• Financial preparation for medical school

Productive Gap Year Activities

Full-time Employment:

• Clinical research coordinator positions
• Medical assistant or healthcare roles
• Teaching (especially science education)
• AmeriCorps or public service programs

Continued Learning:

• Post-baccalaureate programs if GPA improvement needed
• Master’s degree in biomedical sciences or related field
• Additional coursework to strengthen academic record

Frequently Asked Questions