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

Program Overview & Institution Identity

Official Program Name and Recognition

Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine (OHSU School of Medicine) stands as Oregon’s only public academic medical center and one of the oldest medical schools in the western United States. Established in 1887, OHSU has celebrated over 135 years of excellence in medical education, making it a cornerstone institution in Pacific Northwest healthcare education.

Program Duration and Structure

OHSU offers a traditional 4-year MD program designed to prepare physicians for the evolving healthcare landscape of the 21st century. The school has implemented its innovative “YOUR M.D.” curriculum, which emphasizes competency-based learning and early clinical experiences.

Location and Campus Details

Located in Portland, Oregon, OHSU’s main campus sits prominently on Marquam Hill, offering spectacular views of the Willamette River and South Waterfront Campus. The urban campus provides students access to all the resources of Oregon’s only public academic medical center, including state-of-the-art facilities like the 320,000 square foot Knight Cancer Research Building and the Robertson Life Sciences Building.

Accreditation Status

OHSU School of Medicine maintains full accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). As of 2023, OHSU achieved full compliance with all LCME accreditation standards, earning satisfactory performance in all 93 elements across 12 standards. The next full LCME survey and site visit is scheduled for the 2027-2028 academic year.

Rankings and Recognition

While specific US News rankings weren’t definitively established in recent search results, OHSU is nationally recognized for several key areas:

• Primary Care: Ranked #7 nationally by US News & World Report
• Family Medicine: Consistently ranked in the top 10 nationally
• Hospital System: OHSU Hospital is routinely named #1 hospital in Oregon by US News & World Report
• Research Excellence: Strong research rankings with generous NIH funding

Admission Requirements

Academic Prerequisites

Minimum Degree Requirements

OHSU requires applicants to have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution before matriculation. The school welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds and does not require specific undergraduate majors.

Required Courses

While specific prerequisite course requirements weren’t detailed in the search results, OHSU follows standard medical school prerequisites typically including:

• Biology courses (with laboratory)
• Chemistry courses (general and organic, with laboratory)
• Physics courses (with laboratory)
• Mathematics courses
• English composition

GPA Requirements

• Median GPA: 3.77 (based on provided data)
• Average GPA: 3.74 (recent class statistics)
• While no minimum GPA is explicitly stated, competitive applicants typically maintain GPAs above 3.7
• Both cumulative and science GPAs are considered in the holistic review process

Standardized Testing

MCAT Requirements

• Median MCAT: 510 (based on provided data)
• Average MCAT: 511 (recent class statistics)
• National Context: OHSU’s average scores are slightly below national averages (3.84 GPA, 513 MCAT), making it relatively competitive but accessible
• Score Validity: MCAT scores must be current and valid according to AAMC guidelines
• Retake Policy: OHSU considers multiple MCAT attempts as part of their holistic review

Additional Testing

OHSU does not require CASPer testing or other additional standardized assessments beyond the MCAT.

Extracurricular Activities & Experience Requirements

OHSU employs a holistic evaluation system that considers:

• Clinical Experience: Valued highly, with emphasis on patient interaction and understanding healthcare delivery
• Research Experience: Appreciated but not mandatory; both basic science and clinical research are valued
• Community Service: Particularly service to underserved populations
• Leadership Experience: Demonstrated through various activities and organizations
• Cultural Competence: Experiences showing understanding of diverse communities

Application Process & Timeline

Application System

OHSU participates in the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) for primary applications.

Key Deadlines

• Primary Application Deadline: October 15, 2025
• Secondary Application: Rolling deadline, typically 4 weeks after notification
• Secondary Application Fee: $200 (fee assistance available through FAP)

Required Documents

• Transcripts: All undergraduate and graduate coursework through AMCAS
• Letters of Recommendation: Standard AMCAS requirements
• MCAT Scores: Current valid scores
• Personal Statement: AMCAS personal statement
• Work and Activities: Detailed descriptions through AMCAS

Secondary Applications

OHSU does not screen applications before sending secondary applications. All applicants who submit primary applications typically receive secondary invitations.

2025-2026 Secondary Essay Prompts:

1. Tell of a patient experience that influenced your perspective on becoming a physician. (1550 characters)
2. Describe the effect of an endeavor that didn’t go according to your plan. (1550 characters)
3. Discuss a time in your life that demonstrated your resilience and ability to overcome adversity. How did this change you? (1550 characters)
4. How does intellectual and academic struggle fit into your identity as a future physician? (2050 characters)
5. Discuss your experience of recent personal feedback that was difficult to receive. (1550 characters)
6. Describe a time when you had to reconsider or change a deeply held belief or perspective. What prompted this change? (1550 characters)
7. Describe a time personal obligations had to be prioritized over school/work. What did it teach you about managing competing priorities? (1550 characters)
8. Optional: Additional ties to Oregon
9. Optional: Disclosure of family relationships with OHSU personnel

Interview Process

• Format: Multiple Mini Interview (MMI)
• Timeline: Interview invitations typically sent during fall/winter months
• Location: OHSU campus in Portland
• Virtual Options: May be available depending on circumstances

Admission Statistics & Success Rates

Overall Acceptance Rate

OHSU maintains a competitive acceptance rate of approximately 2.28-2.65%, making it moderately competitive among medical schools nationwide.

Application Volume and Class Size

• Applications Received: Approximately 5,655 applications for recent entering class
• Class Size: 150 students per year
• Interview Invitations: Limited number based on holistic review of applications

Demographics and Geographic Distribution

OHSU gives strong preference to:

• Oregon Residents: Approximately 73% of incoming class
• Oregon Heritage: Students with documented Oregon connections
• WICHE-Certified Students: From participating Western states
• Outstanding Non-residents: With exceptional achievements

Academic Statistics of Admitted Students

• GPA Range: Competitive applicants typically above 3.7
• MCAT Range: Competitive scores around 510-512
• Diverse Backgrounds: Students from various undergraduate majors and life experiences

Post-Graduation Success

• Match Rate: 100% match rate for the Class of 2025
• Residency Placement: Over one-third of graduates remain in Oregon for residency
• USMLE Performance: 99% first-try pass rate for senior-level credentialing exams

Tuition & Financial Information

Current Tuition Rates

• In-State Tuition: $50,412 per year
• Out-of-State Tuition: $76,204 per year
• Tuition Stability: OHSU promises that tuition rates remain constant throughout the 4-year program

Total Cost of Attendance

Students should budget for additional expenses including:

• Living expenses in Portland
• Health insurance
• Technology fees
• Laboratory and equipment fees
• Clinical rotation expenses
• Books and educational materials

Financial Aid Options

Merit-Based Scholarships

• OHSU President’s Fund: Full tuition coverage for qualified students from disadvantaged backgrounds
• Scholars for a Healthy Oregon Initiative (SHOI): State-funded program covering tuition and fees for students committed to serving Oregon

Need-Based Financial Aid

• Federal financial aid programs
• Institutional grants and scholarships
• Work-study opportunities
• Financial Support: OHSU awarded $21.5 million in grants and scholarships in recent years

Additional Support

• Educational debt counseling services
• Financial management programs
• One-on-one financial planning consultations

Click To See Hundreds Of Consultants Who Can Mentor You:

Curriculum & Program Structure

Educational Philosophy

OHSU’s “YOUR M.D.” curriculum emphasizes:

• Competency-Based Learning: Focus on demonstrable skills and knowledge
• Early Clinical Experience: Progressive patient care responsibilities
• Interdisciplinary Approach: Integration of basic sciences with clinical medicine
• Innovation and Technology: Preparing physicians for 21st-century healthcare

Program Structure

The 4-year program is organized around key educational threads:

• Scientific basis of medicine
• Early clinical experiences
• Progressive responsibility in patient care
• Individual educational customization
• Lifelong learning and problem-solving skills

Pre-Clinical Years

• Curriculum Integration: Interdisciplinary format focusing on scientific principles
• Assessment Methods: Competency-based evaluations
• Research Opportunities: Available throughout pre-clinical training

Clinical Training

• Clinical Sites: Partnerships with hospitals and clinics throughout Oregon
• Rural Training: Required participation in rural training sites
• Core Rotations: Comprehensive clinical experiences in major specialties
• Elective Opportunities: Flexibility for specialty exploration

Special Programs and Opportunities

• Combined Degree Programs: MD/PhD, MD/MPH options available
• Rural Medicine Track: Specialized training for rural healthcare
• Research Programs: Extensive opportunities in biomedical research
• International Opportunities: Global health experiences available

Pre-Medical Preparation

Undergraduate Program Recommendations

OHSU welcomes students from all academic backgrounds. Strong preparation includes:

• Solid foundation in required prerequisite courses
• Development of critical thinking skills
• Exposure to diverse perspectives and experiences
• Leadership development opportunities

Clinical Experience Requirements

While no minimum requirements are specified, competitive applicants demonstrate:

• Direct patient care experiences
• Understanding of healthcare delivery systems
• Exposure to different medical specialties
• Insight into physician roles and responsibilities

Research Experience

Research experience is valued but not required. OHSU appreciates:

• Basic science research
• Clinical research projects
• Public health initiatives
• Quality improvement projects
• Community-based research

Extracurricular Planning

Strong applicants demonstrate:

• Community Service: Particularly to underserved populations
• Leadership: In various capacities and organizations
• Cultural Competence: Understanding of diverse communities
• Resilience: Ability to overcome challenges and adversity

MCAT Preparation

Successful applicants typically:

• Achieve scores around 510-512
• Demonstrate balanced performance across sections
• Take the MCAT when fully prepared
• Consider retaking if initial scores don’t reflect capabilities

Frequently Asked Questions

This comprehensive guide provides prospective applicants with detailed information about OHSU School of Medicine’s admission process, requirements, and opportunities. The school’s commitment to preparing physicians for underserved populations, combined with its innovative curriculum and strong clinical training, makes it an excellent choice for students seeking a meaningful medical education in the Pacific Northwest.