These programs are only open to incoming first-year students. International students may apply to the BS/DO program but are not eligible to apply to the BS/MD program. Academic eligibility and the application process are discussed below. The programs are not open to currently enrolled students, transfer students, or any student who is not making the direct transition from high school to first year of college.

The following requirements must be met to be considered for these programs and receive a supplemental application:

• A minimum GPA of 3.5 (4.0 scale)
• SAT of 1350 SAT (Math & Critical Reading sections) or equivalent ACT composite score. Superscores are accepted. Scores must be verified by the deadline.
• Select an eligible major (see “How do I apply to one of these programs?” below)

Step 1: Submit your completed general application to Rowan University as early as possible, but no later than November 1st, 2024.  See the full application process below, including eligible majors.

Step 2: If you meet the eligibility requirements (see “Who can apply…” above), you will be sent a supplemental application after your general application is reviewed and you have been accepted into your selected major.

Step 3: Complete the supplemental application (see directions below) and submit no later than December 1st, 2024.  This is where you will indicate if you are applying to the MD program with Cooper Medical School of Rowan University or the DO program with Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine.

Step 4: If selected for an interview, you will receive an invitation to attend an interview day in January or February.

Step 5: Decisions will go out in late-February 2025 to March 2025.

Step 6: If accepted into the accelerated program, confirm your enrollment (instructions will be provided) to secure your spot!  If waitlisted, we will communicate if a position opens.  If you are not successful, we highly recommend working with our Office of Pre-Health Programs which supports all students in developing successful, strong medical school applications!

Students interested in the 3+4 accelerated medical program need to have a completed application and verified SAT/ACT scores submitted to the university by November 1, 2024. Students will first be reviewed for admission to the university, and then reviewed for the accelerated program once they receive their admissions decision. 

Students who meet the eligibility criteria stated above will move forward in the accelerated medical program review process (outlined below) after receiving an acceptance to the university and their selected major.  Admission decisions for the university typically start being released in mid-October.  

• Rowan University application must be completed and submitted by November 1st, 2024
  • Once accepted into the university and major, eligible students receive a Supplemental Application (more information below)
• Supplemental application must be submitted by December 1st, 2024

Primary Application (Step 1):

Before November 1st (but as early as possible) complete your general application to Rowan University and follow these steps: 

• Select one of the eligible majors:
  • Biochemistry
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Biophysics
  • Molecular & Cellular Biology
• Select an interest in Health Professions, with a Health Study Area of “Medicine”
• Select “Yes” for 3+4 Medical Program Interest when prompted.

Note: you will select your intended program (MD or DO) in your supplemental application

Supplemental Application (Step 2):

If you complete the steps above, submit your general application to Rowan University by November 1st, 2024 and you meet the eligibility requirements listed above, then you will receive a supplemental application. It will automatically be sent after your general application has been reviewed and you have been accepted into the major selected (usually mid-October if you submitted your primary application early in the fall).

To complete the supplemental application you will do the following by December 1st, 2024:

• Select which program you are applying to:
  • Cooper Medical School of Rowan University - MD
  • Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine - DO
• Upload an updated resume with relevant experiences - remember that your experiences should help reflect your alignment and commitment to the medical school and its mission
• Complete the following two prompts:
  • Please explain how your experiences have contributed to your motivation and preparation to become a physician (Maximum of 400 words)
  • Please explain how your interests, values, and experiences align with the medical school you selected (Maximum of 300 words)

Tips for Applying:

• Acceptance into the selected major usually occurs in mid to late-October if your primary application is received in early October 2024. We encourage you to submit your Rowan University application early in the fall.
• The most successful applicants are those that demonstrate through their experiences and activities a strong alignment to the mission of their intended medical school and a strong desire to attend Rowan University. 
• While the Supplemental Application will contain the most pertinent information for the Medical Schools regarding your eligibility and fit for the program, the reviewers may also gather information from your primary application such as your high school transcript, GPA, SAT/ACT scores, Common Application essay, Activities, and letter(s) of recommendation.

Experiences that align to the mission of the medical school chosen (Cooper Medical School or Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine) help demonstrate a candidate’s strong fit for the program. Some important areas to consider are how you demonstrate exposure and commitment to healthcare as well as providing service to your community, especially those served by our medical schools. 

Yes, accepted students to the BS/DO or BS/MD program must maintain a 3.6 or higher semester and cumulative GPA, with one exception – Biomedical Engineering majors in the BS/MD program must maintain a 3.4 or higher. The MCAT is required for matriculation to the medical school program and must be taken no later than January of the third (junior) year at Rowan. Minimum MCAT scores are determined by the Medical School Admissions Committees and communicated to accelerated program students no later than spring of their second (sophomore) year.

No. Although we offer these accelerated programs and other medical school programs, you can prepare for medical school by working with the Office of Pre-Health Programs to apply through a traditional route as a highly competitive applicant! You can apply to a medical or other health professional program as long as you complete the necessary prerequisite coursework. Students are encouraged to explore majors that they will enjoy and that will provide them with the best chance for academic success. In addition to the majors eligible for the accelerated programs, students in majors such as Philosophy, English, and Psychology have been accepted to medical, dental and other health professional schools. Our university offers minors to assist in developing all of the necessary prerequisites no matter your major! Rowan University’s Office of Pre-Health Programs is available to provide individualized advising to all undergraduate students interested in medical programs.

In addition to CMSRU and SOM, Rowan also partners with other institutions that lead to degrees in podiatric medicine, dental medicine, and optometry. 

All updates on the status are communicated both through email and the Applicant Status Portal (Slate).  When you apply to Rowan University, you will receive a username, PIN, and URL to log into that system. 

We do ask you to review the eligibility requirements and the deadlines above as those who do not meet these criteria will not move forward for consideration. Below is some general guidance of what to expect:

If you meet the eligibility requirements, you should receive your supplemental (within a few days) of receiving your general acceptance to Rowan University and your major. We do not send out information or updates before that general application decision.

If you have submitted a supplemental application, you will likely not receive any updates until early to mid-January as we review applications throughout December. Once all supplemental applications have been reviewed, interview decisions are made and communicated in January. 

If you were selected for and completed your interview, you will likely receive a decision within 2-3 weeks of the interview.

For any additional questions or updates, please contact the Office of Pre-Health Programs at healthadvising@rowan.edu.