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

Program Overview & Institution Identity

About Indiana University School of Medicine

Indiana University School of Medicine stands as one of the largest and most prestigious medical schools in the United States, established in 1903. The school operates across nine campuses throughout Indiana, with its principal campus located in Indianapolis, IN. As a public institution, IU School of Medicine serves as the sole medical school in Indiana, offering comprehensive medical education in an urban campus setting.

Program Duration: The school offers a traditional 4-year MD program that follows a fully accredited curriculum designed to prepare students for successful medical careers.

Accreditation Status: Indiana University School of Medicine is fully accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), ensuring that graduates are eligible to practice medicine in the United States. The school was last recognized with full reaccreditation status in 2017 and undergoes LCME evaluation on an 8-year cycle.

Unique Features:

• Largest medical school in the United States with nine campuses across Indiana
• Innovative, competency-based curriculum with integrated clinical experiences
• Extensive network of affiliated hospitals including IU Health Methodist Hospital, IU Health University Hospital, and Riley Hospital for Children
• Strong emphasis on team-based learning and inter-professional education
• 365 students in each first-year class, providing diverse learning opportunities

Combined Degree Programs:

• BS/MD (accelerated program)
• MD/PhD (research focus)
• MD/JD (law and medicine)
• MD/MBA (business administration)
• MD/MPH (public health)

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Admission Requirements

Academic Prerequisites

Minimum Degree Requirements:

• Medical school matriculants must have been awarded a baccalaureate degree unless applying through an IU School of Medicine program that has waived this requirement.
• To apply, candidates must have completed a minimum of 90 credit hours from an accredited U.S. or Canadian institution.

Required Prerequisite Coursework:

• One year each of general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and biology (minimum 2-hour laboratory component required)
• One semester of biochemistry
• One social science course
• One behavioral science course

Important Notes:

• Prerequisites may be in progress at the time of application
• Online coursework is accepted, but preference given to classroom-based science courses at 4-year institutions
• The MD Admissions Committee reserves the right to determine which courses fulfill requirements
• Advanced Placement (AP) credits are accepted for some prerequisites

Standardized Testing Requirements

MCAT Requirements:

• Median MCAT Score: 513 (competitive range)
• All applicants must complete the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
• The school evaluates MCAT scores holistically as part of comprehensive application review

CASPer Test:

• Recommended but not required — CASPer test scores submission is recommended to assess personal/professional characteristics

GPA Requirements

• Median GPA: 3.92 for admitted students
• Competitive Range: While specific minimums aren’t published, successful applicants typically maintain GPAs well above 3.5
• Both overall GPA and science GPA are considered in holistic review

Additional Requirements

Experience Requirements:

• Applicants should have a general understanding of medical settings
• Some level of patient and physician interactions required
• Clinical exposure and healthcare experience highly valued
• Variety of medical and service-learning activities strongly recommended before applying

Citizenship Requirements:

• U.S. citizens and permanent residents only
• Indiana University School of Medicine does not accept international students for the MD program
• Applicants must have permanent resident visa at time of application

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Application Process & Timeline

Application System and Deadlines

Application Platform: AMCAS (American Medical College Application Service)

Key Deadlines:

• AMCAS Application Deadline: November 15, 2025
• AMCAS Transcript Deadline: November 15, 2025

Secondary Application:

• Indiana University School of Medicine does not use a secondary application — all required information is collected through AMCAS and supplemental processes for interviewed candidates.

Required Documents

AMCAS Application Components:

• Completed AMCAS application
• Official transcripts (verified through AMCAS)
• MCAT scores
• Letters of recommendation (number determined by AMCAS requirements)
• Personal statement
• Work and activities descriptions

Post-Interview Requirements:

• Selected applicants receive supplemental instructions
• IU Indianapolis Graduate Program application (for interviewed candidates only)

Early Decision Program

The Early Decision Program offers applicants the opportunity to secure acceptance by October 1. This exclusive program is for applicants committed to attending IU School of Medicine.

Program Benefits:

• Early acceptance decision by October 1
• Demonstrates strong commitment to the school
• Applicants not accepted are placed in the regular applicant pool after October 1

Interview Process

• Interview Format: Wednesdays online
• Invitation Process: Only applicants selected for interview receive supplemental application instructions
• Timeline: Interview invitations sent after application review

Interview Preparation:

• Check email and Applicant Portal regularly for details
• Holistic evaluation includes academic and non-academic criteria
• Assessment of fitness for medical school through comprehensive review

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Admission Statistics & Success Rates

Class Size and Competitiveness

• First Year Class Size: 365 students annually
• Overall Program Size: One of the largest medical schools in the United States

Match Day Results (2025)

Outstanding Residency Placement:

• 341 fourth-year students successfully matched to residency programs
• Students matched across 38 states nationwide
• 90 students stayed at IU for residency training
• 109 total students remained in Indiana for residency
• 42.8% entered primary care residency programs

Match Success Rate: Near 100% match rate for graduating students.

Geographic Distribution

In-State vs. Out-of-State:

• Strong preference for Indiana residents
• Out-of-state applicants considered on a case-by-case basis
• Canadian applicants considered on a case-by-case basis
• International students not accepted

Academic Statistics of Admitted Students

Median (Admitted Students):

• MCAT: 513
• GPA: 3.92

Competitive Ranges:

• Aim for MCAT 510+ and GPA 3.8+ to be competitive
• Holistic review can offset lower stats with exceptional experiences

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Tuition & Financial Information

Tuition Rates (2025–2026)

• Indiana Residents: $40,116 per year
• Out-of-State Students: $66,855 per year

4-Year Total (tuition only):

• In-State: ≈ $160,464
• Out-of-State: ≈ $267,420

Total Cost of Attendance

Includes tuition, fees, and living expenses:

• Tuition and fees (as listed above)
• Books and supplies
• Living allowance (housing, transportation, personal expenses)
• Health insurance (can be added to cost of attendance)

Additional Costs:

• Technology fees
• Student services fees
• Clinical rotation expenses
• Fourth-year costs: Residency applications, interview travel, away rotations

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Scholarship Availability:

• Over $8 million annually awarded in scholarships
• Awards range from hundreds to full tuition
• No separate scholarship application required — FAFSA & Financial Assistance Application trigger consideration

Types of Financial Aid:

• Merit-based scholarships (Admissions Office)
• Need-based aid (federal and institutional)
• Federal loans (Direct, Grad PLUS)
• Special programs: Indiana Primary Care Scholarship, Armed Forces HPSP

External Opportunities:

• Business/civic/community/religious organization scholarships
• Military scholarships (HPSP, NHSC)

Financial Aid Application:

• Complete FAFSA annually
• Submit school Application for Financial Assistance
• Need-based aid considers parental contribution

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Curriculum & Program Structure

Program Structure (4-Year MD)

• Years 1–2: Pre-clinical education with integrated clinical experiences
• Years 3–4: Clinical rotations and advanced training
• Competency-based curriculum emphasizing real-world application

Educational Philosophy

Integrated Learning Approach:

• Clinical experiences integrated throughout all four years
• Foundational sciences maintained and applied to patient care
• Team-based and problem-based learning methodologies

Innovative Features:

• Inter-professional education
• Small-group discussions & collaborative learning
• Technology & simulation integration
• Nine-campus system enabling diverse clinical experiences

Pre-Clinical Years (Years 1–2)

Structure:

• Classroom + clinical experiences
• Avg 27 hrs/week instruction (Year 1); 26 hrs/week (Year 2)
• Problem-based learning linking basic to clinical science

Assessment:

• Competency-based evaluations
• Comprehensive examinations
• Clinical skills assessments

Clinical Training (Years 3–4)

Clinical Sites:

• Tertiary care centers
• Community hospitals
• Ambulatory care settings
• Student-outreach clinics
• Physician offices

Rotation Structure:

• Core clinical rotations in major specialties
• Electives for specialty exploration
• Research & scholarly projects
• Away rotations (Year 4)

Special Programs & Opportunities

• Scholarly Concentrations with focused research/academic projects
• Research (basic, clinical, community-based)
• MD/PhD pathway for physician-scientists
• Support systems: Four-year advising & mentoring, transitions courses, learning communities, career development, USMLE prep & residency advising

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Pre-Medical Preparation

Undergraduate Planning

Recommended Academic Approach:

• Complete bachelor’s degree (minimum 90 credits to apply)
• Strong performance in prerequisites
• Maintain competitive GPA (target 3.8+)
• Choose any major you enjoy; no preference

Course Sequencing:

• Prioritize prerequisites at 4-year institutions
• Take rigorous coursework
• Consider early biochemistry
• Study abroad OK with careful planning

Clinical Experience

Essential Components:

• Direct patient interaction
• Exposure across varied clinical settings
• Demonstrated understanding of the healthcare system
• Quality over quantity

Recommended Activities:

• Hospital volunteering • Clinical research • Physician shadowing • Community health programs

Research Experience

Opportunities:

• Basic science, clinical, public health, community studies
• Publications valued but not required

Evaluation Focus:

• Depth/quality of involvement
• Understanding and communication of research process/impact
• Long-term commitment

7.4 MCAT Preparation

• Target Score: 513+
• Timeline: Begin 6–12 months prior
• Use multiple full-lengths, content review, strategy
• Consider retake if below competitive range

Test Timing:

• Spring of junior year (traditional)
• Allow buffer for retake or a gap year if helpful

Application Timeline

Junior Year: Prereqs • MCAT prep • Clinical experience • Research
Senior/Gap Year: Submit AMCAS by Nov deadline • Finish prerequisites • Continue activities • Prepare for interviews

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Frequently Asked Questions