Last updated on January 9th, 2026 at 06:30 am

Program Overview & Institution Identity

Meharry Medical College School of Medicine stands as one of four historically Black medical schools in the United States, proudly serving Nashville, Tennessee since 1876. Located on an urban campus in Nashville, TN, this private institution is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and has built a distinguished reputation for training healthcare professionals committed to eliminating healthcare disparities in underserved communities.

Program Duration & Structure

Meharry Medical College offers a traditional 4-year MD program with a clear two-phase structure: two years of preclinical education focused on basic sciences principles, followed by two years of clinical rotations where students gain hands-on patient care experience across various medical specialties.

Accreditation Status

The School of Medicine maintains full accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), ensuring that graduates are eligible to take the USMLE Step examinations and apply for residency programs. While the school is currently working through some facility improvements and funding enhancements under LCME guidance, the accreditation status remains fully intact, with no impact on students’ educational experience or career prospects.

Combined Degree Programs

Meharry offers several combined degree options for students seeking additional expertise:

• MD/PhD program for those interested in research careers
• MD/MPH program for students focused on public health
• BS/MD program through partnerships with ten historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs)

Location and Campus

The medical school is situated in Nashville, Tennessee, a cultural epicenter that offers students diverse clinical experiences. The campus provides access to state-of-the-art facilities and partnerships with major medical centers including Metropolitan Nashville General Hospital, Elam Mental Health Center, and Vanderbilt Medical Center.

Admission Requirements

Academic Prerequisites

Bachelor’s Degree Requirement: All applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in the United States or Canada before matriculation.

Required Coursework: To be competitive at Meharry Medical College, students should achieve a GPA of 3.5-4.0 in the following prerequisite courses:

Course	Semester Hours	Quarter Hours
General Biology or Zoology with Laboratory	8	12
Inorganic Chemistry with Quantitative Analysis with Laboratory	8	12
Organic Chemistry with Laboratory	8	12
General Physics with Laboratory	8	12
English Composition	6	9
Biochemistry	3	5

GPA Requirements

• Minimum competitive GPA: 3.5-4.0 in prerequisite courses
• Median GPA of admitted students: 3.65
• The school uses a holistic evaluation process, considering both science and overall GPA

Standardized Testing Requirements

MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test):

• Required for all applicants
• Score validity: Only scores from the last 3 years are accepted
• Median MCAT score: 506
• Competitive range: Successful applicants typically score around 504-506

CASPer Test: In addition to the MCAT, Meharry requires applicants to take the CASPer (Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics) test, which evaluates situational judgment and personal characteristics important for healthcare professionals.

Letters of Recommendation

• Institutional letter preferred: Students should obtain a letter from their Health Professional Advisor or Advisory Committee
• Alternative option: If no institutional letter is available, submit a minimum of 3 individual letters, including 2 from science professors
• All letters must be submitted through AMCAS

Application Process & Timeline

Application System

Meharry Medical College uses the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) for primary applications.

Key Deadlines

• Application period: June 1 – December 15
• Application review begins: July 1
• Secondary application deadline: January 15
• Recommended timeline: Apply as early as possible after June 1

Application Components

Primary Application (AMCAS):

• Complete online application through AMCAS
• Official transcripts
• MCAT scores
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• Work and activities section

Secondary Application:

• Fee: $65 (non-refundable)
• Deadline: January 15
• Recommendation: Complete before interview
• Allows applicants to further describe activities related to Meharry’s mission

Interview Process

• Interview invitations: Sent based on completed applications
• Format: Multiple mini-interviews (MMI) or panel interviews with faculty
• Timeline: Interviews typically occur after secondary application review
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the class is filled

Early Decision Program

Meharry offers an Early Decision Program for students who have identified the school as their top choice and commit to attending if accepted.

Admission Statistics & Success Rates

Competitiveness Overview

Meharry Medical College is highly competitive, with admission statistics reflecting its selective nature:

• Acceptance Rate: Approximately 1.5-10% (varies by source and year)
• Applications received: Over 7,600 annually
• Class size: 113 students (recently increased from 115)
• Matriculants: 113 students per incoming class

Academic Profile of Admitted Students

• Median MCAT: 506
• Median GPA: 3.65
• Typical range: Successful applicants generally score 504-506 on MCAT

Geographic Distribution

• Tennessee residents: Approximately 18%
• Out-of-state students: 82%
• International students: Accepted, including Canadian students

Diversity Statistics

Meharry maintains its commitment to diversity with enrollment reflecting:

• African American students: Approximately 87%
• Asian students: 6%
• White students: 4%
• Hispanic students: 3%

Tuition & Financial Information

Tuition Rates (2024-2025)

• Annual tuition: $55,822 (same for in-state and out-of-state residents)
• Additional fees: $8,848 – $9,350 depending on year
• Private institution: No difference in tuition between state residents and non-residents

Total Cost of Attendance (2025-26 Academic Year)

Year	Tuition	Fees	Books & Supplies	Living Expenses	Total COA
First Year	$55,822	$8,848	$1,500	~$35,000	~$106,566
Second Year	$55,822	$9,350	$2,000	~$33,000	~$105,488
Third Year	$55,822	$9,350	$2,000	~$44,000	~$111,572
Fourth Year	$55,822	$7,872	$1,600	~$52,000	~$117,758

Living Expenses Include:

• Housing (rent, utilities, insurance): ~$1,975/month
• Food allowance: ~$475/month
• Transportation: ~$507/month
• Personal expenses: ~$300/month
• Medical/health insurance
• USMLE exam fees
• Residency application costs (fourth year)

Financial Aid Options

• Federal financial aid: Available through FAFSA completion (School Code: G03506)
• Merit-based scholarships: Available based on academic achievement
• Need-based aid: Through federal and institutional programs
• Work-study opportunities: Limited availability
• External scholarships: Students encouraged to seek outside funding

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Curriculum & Program Structure

Educational Philosophy

Meharry Medical College emphasizes a holistic approach to medical education, combining traditional learning methods with innovative educational strategies. The curriculum is designed to prepare future physicians who are committed to serving diverse populations and addressing healthcare disparities.

Pre-Clinical Years (Years 1-2)

• Focus: Basic science foundations
• Teaching methods: Combination of lectures, problem-based learning, and small group discussions
• Assessment: Mix of traditional examinations and competency-based evaluations
• Research opportunities: Available throughout pre-clinical years

Clinical Training (Years 3-4)

• Clinical sites: Multiple partnerships including:
  • Metropolitan Nashville General Hospital
  • Elam Mental Health Center
  • Vanderbilt Medical Center
  • Various community health centers
• Core rotations: Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Psychiatry, Family Medicine
• Elective opportunities: Specialty rotations, research electives, international opportunities

USMLE Performance

• Students are prepared for USMLE Step 1 (typically taken after second year)
• USMLE Step 2 CK preparation integrated into clinical years
• Strong support system for exam preparation

Residency Preparation

• Match rates: Graduates successfully match into residency programs across various specialties
• Primary care emphasis: Strong track record in placing graduates in family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics
• Specialty diversity: Graduates pursue careers across medical specialties
• Support services: Career counseling and residency application assistance

Pre-Medical Preparation

Academic Planning

Undergraduate Major Recommendations:

• Any major is acceptable as long as prerequisites are completed
• Science majors (biology, chemistry, biochemistry) provide strong foundation
• Non-science majors are welcomed and bring diverse perspectives

Course Sequencing:

• Complete prerequisites early to allow time for MCAT preparation
• Maintain strong GPA throughout undergraduate career
• Consider taking biochemistry and additional upper-level science courses

Clinical Experience

Types of Clinical Exposure Valued:

• Hospital volunteering
• Clinical shadowing with physicians
• Medical missions or community health work
• Patient care experience in various settings
• Mental health and substance abuse program involvement

Quality vs. Quantity: Meharry values meaningful, long-term commitments over extensive hour counts

Research Experience

Research Opportunities:

• Basic science research preferred but not required
• Clinical research experience valuable
• Public health and health disparities research particularly relevant
• Publication experience advantageous but not mandatory

Extracurricular Activities

Holistic Evaluation Criteria:

• Leadership roles in student organizations
• Community service, especially in underserved communities
• Cultural competency and diversity experiences
• Commitment to addressing healthcare disparities
• Long-term volunteer commitments

Standardized Test Preparation

MCAT Preparation Timeline:

• Begin preparation 3-6 months before test date
• Consider preparatory courses or self-study programs
• Take practice exams to assess readiness
• Retake if necessary (scores valid for 3 years)

CASPer Preparation:

• Practice situational judgment scenarios
• Review ethical principles in healthcare
• Prepare for timed response format

Frequently Asked Questions

Meharry Medical College continues to fulfill its historic mission of training diverse healthcare professionals committed to serving all communities, particularly those that have been medically underserved. The school’s comprehensive approach to medical education, combined with its supportive community environment, makes it an excellent choice for students dedicated to making a meaningful impact in healthcare.