University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM): Complete Admissions Guide

Last updated on January 9th, 2026 at 06:28 am

Program Overview & Institution Identity

The University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) is the premier medical education institution serving Hawaii and the Pacific region. Located in Honolulu, HI, this public medical school operates on an urban campus and has been training physicians since 1965.

Program Structure and Duration

JABSOM offers a traditional 4-year MD program consisting of:

2 years of pre-clinical education featuring problem-based learning (PBL)
2 years of clinical training in hospitals and clinical sites throughout Hawaii and the Pacific

Accreditation and Recognition

JABSOM earned full LCME (Liaison Committee on Medical Education) accreditation for eight years in 2025, representing the maximum accreditation period possible. This distinction confirms the school’s high-quality education and strong institutional infrastructure.

The school has achieved significant recognition, being ranked as a Tier One medical school for primary care by U.S. News & World Report in 2025 – marking the sixth time in eight years that JABSOM has placed in the top 25 for primary care education.

Unique Features

Problem-based learning curriculum emphasizing collaborative learning
Community-based medicine program with extensive neighbor island clinical rotations
Cultural integration with deep connections to Hawaiian culture and Pacific Island healthcare needs
SimTiki Simulation Center for hands-on clinical skills training
Longitudinal Integrated Clerkships available on neighbor islands (Hilo, Kona, Maui, Kauai)

Admission Requirements

Academic Prerequisites

Degree Requirements

90 semester credit hours (135 quarter hours) from a regionally accredited U.S. or Canadian institution
Credits from institutions outside the U.S. and Canada are not accepted
No specific undergraduate major required – JABSOM encourages broad education in humanities and social sciences

Science Prerequisites

All prerequisite courses must be completed by July 1 of matriculation year:

Biology: 1 academic year (8 semester hours) with laboratory
General Chemistry: 1 academic year (8 semester hours) with laboratory
Organic Chemistry: 1 academic year (8 semester hours) with laboratory
Physics: 1 academic year (8 semester hours) with laboratory
Mathematics: 1 academic year including statistics and calculus

Additional Requirements:

Biochemistry: 1 semester (highly recommended)
English: 1 academic year
Social Sciences/Humanities: Strongly encouraged for well-rounded education

Academic Performance Standards

Median GPA: 3.88 (2025 entering class)
No minimum GPA specified, but successful applicants typically exceed 3.8
Both science GPA and overall GPA are considered in holistic evaluation

Standardized Testing Requirements

MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)

Required within 3 years of anticipated matriculation
Median MCAT Score: 513 (2025 entering class)
For 2026 cycle: Tests taken January 2023 to September 30, 2025 accepted
No minimum MCAT score specified, but competitive applicants typically score 510+

AAMC PREview Professional Readiness Exam

Required within 3 years of anticipated matriculation
Measures professional readiness and situational judgment
Must be taken by specific deadlines (check current cycle requirements)

Extracurricular Requirements

JABSOM employs holistic admissions evaluation considering:

Clinical experience – Direct patient care and healthcare exposure valued
Research experience – Basic science, clinical, or public health research
Community service – Volunteer work demonstrating commitment to service
Leadership experience – Demonstrated leadership in various capacities
Cultural competency – Understanding of diverse populations and healthcare disparities

Application Process & Timeline

Application System

AMCAS (American Medical College Application Service) – Primary application
Secondary application required after primary review
Application opens: Early June
Primary deadline: November 3, 2025 (for 2026 matriculation)

Required Application Components

Primary Application (AMCAS)

Official transcripts from all institutions
MCAT scores and AAMC PREview results
Personal statement (5,300 character limit)
Work and activities descriptions (15 entries maximum)
Letters of recommendation (minimum requirements vary)

Secondary Application

School-specific essays and questions
Additional information about experiences and motivations
Typically sent 2-4 weeks after primary application submission

Interview Process

Interview Format: Multiple Mini-Interview (MMI)

Interview invitations: Typically sent fall through winter
Interview seasons: October through March
Virtual and in-person options available
Approximately 286 applicants interviewed from 2,368 total applicants (2025 cycle)

Timeline Overview

June: AMCAS application opens
November 3: Primary application deadline
December-February: Secondary applications and interviews
March: Acceptance decisions released
April 30: Final decision deadline
July: Matriculation begins

Admission Statistics & Success Rates

Competitiveness Overview

Overall acceptance rate: Approximately 3.3% (77 accepted from 2,368 applicants in 2025)
Class size: 77 students per year
Highly competitive among public medical schools

2025 Applicant Statistics

Category	In-State	Out-of-State	Total
Total Applicants	239	2,129	2,368
Interviewed	162	124	286
Matriculated	67	10	77

Geographic Distribution

87% Hawaii residents (67 of 77 students)
13% out-of-state students (10 of 77 students)
Strong preference for Hawaii residents due to public mission
Accepts out-of-state, Canadian, and international applicants

Academic Profile of Admitted Students

Median GPA: 3.88
Median MCAT: 513
Diverse undergraduate backgrounds represented
Range of ages and experiences in each cohort

Tuition & Financial Information

Tuition Rates (2024-2027)

Hawaii Residents: $36,672 per year
Non-Residents: $71,328 per year
Student Fees: $772 per year (subject to change)

Total Program Cost Estimate

4-Year Cost (Hawaii Residents): ~$150,000 (tuition + fees)
4-Year Cost (Non-Residents): ~$290,000 (tuition + fees)
Living expenses in Honolulu: Additional $25,000-$30,000 annually

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Merit-Based Scholarships

Range: Up to full tuition + living stipend for 4 years
Selection: Based on admissions committee ratings
No separate application required for merit scholarships
Notification: Shortly after acceptance letters in March

Need-Based Financial Aid

Hawaii residents: Additional need-based scholarships available
FAFSA required for all financial aid consideration
Federal loan programs available
Work-study opportunities limited but available

Ongoing Scholarship Opportunities

First-year exclusive scholarships: $1,000-$5,000 range
Current student scholarships: Available November-March annually
External scholarships: Various Pacific and Hawaii-specific opportunities

Cost of Living Considerations

Honolulu housing: $1,500-$2,500+ monthly for apartments
Transportation: Public transit available, parking on campus limited
Unique island costs: Higher prices for goods and services due to location

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Curriculum & Program Structure

Educational Philosophy

JABSOM employs problem-based learning (PBL) as its primary educational methodology, emphasizing:

Collaborative small-group learning
Case-based clinical reasoning
Self-directed learning skills
Integration of basic sciences with clinical applications

Pre-Clinical Years (Years 1-2)

Curriculum Structure

Integrated organ-system based approach
Problem-based learning sessions
Community health experiences
Clinical skills training at the Center for Clinical Skills
Early clinical exposure in community settings

Assessment Methods

Pass/fail grading for most coursework
OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examinations)
NBME subject exams
Continuous assessment through PBL participation

Clinical Years (Years 3-4)

Core Clerkships (Year 3)

Internal Medicine: 8 weeks
Surgery: 8 weeks
Pediatrics: 6 weeks
Obstetrics & Gynecology: 6 weeks
Psychiatry: 6 weeks
Family Medicine: 6 weeks

Unique Clinical Opportunities

Longitudinal Integrated Clerkships on neighbor islands
Available locations: Hilo, Kona, Maui, Kauai, Waimea
Rural medicine exposure with community integration
Mentorship opportunities with island physicians

Elective Year (Year 4)

Flexible elective rotations
Specialty exploration opportunities
Research electives available
International rotation options
Residency preparation activities

Special Programs and Tracks

Combined Degree Options

While not extensively detailed in available information, JABSOM may offer research opportunities and combined degree pathways.

Rural Health Education

Pre-clinical programs introducing students to rural healthcare
Community-based rotations throughout the Pacific
Kauai Medical Training Track – specialized rural medicine program

Graduation Outcomes

USMLE pass rates: Information not publicly detailed but expected to meet national standards
Residency match rates: Strong placement in primary care and other specialties
Geographic distribution: Many graduates remain in Hawaii and Pacific region

Pre-Medical Preparation

Academic Planning Strategy

Undergraduate Major Selection

No preferred major – JABSOM values academic diversity
Science majors: Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry commonly chosen
Non-science majors: Psychology, Public Health, Anthropology also successful
Recommendation: Choose major aligning with interests while completing prerequisites

Course Sequencing Recommendations

Freshman Year: General Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics
Sophomore Year: Organic Chemistry, Physics, continue prerequisites
Junior Year: Complete remaining prerequisites, MCAT preparation
Senior Year: MCAT (if not taken junior year), application preparation

GPA Optimization Strategies

Focus on science GPA while maintaining overall academic excellence
Demonstrate upward trend if early academic challenges
Post-baccalaureate programs available if academic enhancement needed

Clinical Experience Development

Types of Clinical Exposure Valued

Direct patient care: Hospital volunteering, clinical assistant roles
Healthcare shadowing: Observe various medical specialties
Community health: Public health initiatives, health screenings
International healthcare: Medical missions, global health experiences

Quality vs. Quantity

Depth of involvement more valuable than extensive hours
Consistent, long-term commitments preferred
Reflective experiences that demonstrate learning and growth
Leadership roles within healthcare settings

Research Experience Recommendations

Types of Research Valued

Basic science research: Laboratory-based investigations
Clinical research: Patient-oriented studies
Public health research: Community health and epidemiology
Health disparities research: Particularly relevant to Pacific populations

Research Development Timeline

Start early: Sophomore or junior year
Build relationships with faculty mentors
Consider publications but not required for strong application
Present findings at conferences when possible

Extracurricular Development

Leadership Opportunities

Student government positions
Community organization leadership
Healthcare initiative development
Mentoring programs for younger students

Community Service Focus Areas

Healthcare-related service preferred but not exclusive
Underserved populations particularly relevant
Cultural competency development through diverse experiences
Long-term commitments demonstrating sustained dedication

MCAT Preparation Strategy

Timing Recommendations

Junior year: Most common timing for first attempt
Gap year consideration: If additional preparation needed
Retake policy: JABSOM accepts multiple attempts, considers all scores

Preparation Resources

Commercial prep courses: Kaplan, Princeton Review, others
Self-study materials: AAMC official materials essential
Practice tests: Full-length practice exams crucial
Content review: Ensure strong foundation in prerequisite courses

Gap Year Considerations

Beneficial Gap Year Activities

Research positions: Full-time research experience
Clinical work: Scribe, EMT, clinical assistant roles
Public health initiatives: Community health programs
International experiences: Global health, Peace Corps
Graduate coursework: Academic enhancement if needed

Application Timeline with Gap Year

Application during senior year for gap year matriculation
Continued activities during gap year to strengthen profile
Stay engaged with pre-medical activities and experiences

Frequently Asked Questions

Does JABSOM have a minimum GPA requirement?

JABSOM does not specify a minimum GPA, but successful applicants typically have GPAs of 3.8 or higher. The median GPA for the 2025 entering class was 3.88.

What is JABSOM’s average MCAT score?

The median MCAT score for admitted students in 2025 was 513. While no minimum score is required, competitive applicants typically score 510 or above.

Are online courses acceptable for prerequisites?

Yes, JABSOM accepts online lecture courses from accredited U.S. or Canadian institutions. Laboratory components must be completed in-person.

Does JABSOM accept AP or IB credit?

Yes, Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) credits documented on official college transcripts may satisfy prerequisites.

When should I apply to JABSOM?

The application opens in June, with a primary deadline of November 3. Early submission is recommended as JABSOM reviews applications on a rolling basis.

What letters of recommendation does JABSOM require?

Specific letter requirements vary, but typically include science faculty, physicians, and others who can speak to academic ability and personal character.

Does JABSOM require the CASPer test?

No, JABSOM requires the AAMC PREview Professional Readiness Exam instead of CASPer for assessing professional readiness.

Does JABSOM prefer Hawaii residents?

Yes, as a public institution, JABSOM has a strong preference for Hawaii residents. In 2025, 87% of matriculants were Hawaii residents (67 of 77 students).

Does JABSOM accept international students?

Yes, JABSOM accepts international students, though competition is extremely high due to limited seats available for non-residents.

Can I establish Hawaii residency for tuition purposes?

Residency requirements are strict and must be established independently of attending school. Review UH Mānoa residency requirements for specific criteria.

What clinical experience do I need for JABSOM?

JABSOM values diverse clinical experiences including patient care, healthcare volunteering, and physician shadowing. Quality and reflection on experiences are more important than quantity of hours.

Does JABSOM require research experience?

Research experience is not required but is valued, particularly research addressing health disparities or issues relevant to Pacific populations.

Where do JABSOM graduates match for residency?

JABSOM graduates successfully match in various specialties, with many remaining in Hawaii and the Pacific region. The school has a strong focus on primary care training.