How to Get Admission in MBBS in USA?

Studying MBBS in the USA is a dream for many aspiring students. Securing admission to an MBBS (equivalent to the MD course) in the USA is a difficult but rewarding journey. Unlike in many countries, Admission to an MBBS in USA requires students to first complete a four-year bachelor's degree, typically in pre-medical sciences in biology, with a strong GPA (a minimum of 3.5+ is recommended). 

Aspiring candidates must also required to clear the MCAT exam, an important component for medical school applications, and demonstrate English proficiency via TOEFL/IELTS (for international students). Indian students must qualify for NEET to meet eligibility criteria. Beyond academics, extracurricular activities like research, and internship work are important to stand out. This guide lets you know the process, from choosing the right pre-med courses to preparing for interviews and securing available scholarships.

Eligibility Criteria

If you dream of studying for an MBBS in the USA, you must meet specific eligibility criteria before applying. Only qualified candidates who fulfill these requirements are considered for admission. This includes completing a 4-year bachelor’s degree (preferably in science), achieving a strong GPA, clearing the MCAT exam, and demonstrating English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS for international students). Indian students must also qualify for NEET to be eligible. The main qualifying requirements for admission to MBBS in America are listed in the table below.:

Age Limit

Candidates must be at least 17 years old by December 31 of the year they are applying for MBBS, There is no official upper age limit for admission. 

Educational Qualifications

The Basic Eligibility to Apply for MBBS in the USA, Candidate must score 60% in 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English and have scored good marks in the MCAT examination with proficiency in English. The table below represents the educational qualification required for MBBS in the USA. 

Entrance Exam (MCAT)

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is the entrance exam for MBBS in the United States. It is a standardized, computer-based test that evaluates a student's critical thinking, problem-solving, and knowledge of physical and biological sciences. However, some colleges in the USA require pre-medical courses to get admission to MBBS. Those who have already taken the MCAT exam in previous years can check their score validity based on the US university they are applying to for MBBS admissions.

MCAT Exam Pattern

The MCAT exam pattern consists of four sections and 230 multiple-choice questions. The exam is designed to assess a candidate's knowledge of the sciences, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. 

• Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems: Tests knowledge of living systems 
• Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems: Tests knowledge of biological systems from a chemical and physical perspective 
• Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior: Tests knowledge of behavior from a psychological, social, and biological perspective 
• Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS): Tests critical thinking and reasoning skills.

Question breakdown

• 10 passages with 4–7 questions each in the science sections
• 9 passages with 5–7 questions each in the CARS section
• 15 stand-alone questions in each of the science sections

MCAT Syllabus

The test has 4 sections in total, 3 of which test your scientific understanding, and 1 test your critical thinking and reasoning. The 3 science-based sections cover a gamut of subjects: physics, biology, chemistry, sociology, and psychology. The table below represents the MCAT exam syllabus.

Adding all sections together, the total is 6 hours and 15 minutes for the examination. However, Some breaks make it to a total “seated time” of around 7 and 30 minutes.

Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems

This section test requires knowledge related to living organisms: growth and reproduction systems in micro-organisms, It also includes knowledge of cell/organ reproductive systems present in living organisms.

The following content categories are included in this section:

• Amino acids and protein structures present in the body
• Genetic DNA transformation 
• Heredity and diversity process in living organization
• Fuel metabolism
• Bio-energy in a living cell
• A single and multi-cell living organization
• cell division 
• The human body organ system

Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems

This section tests candidate knowledge related to the chemical functions of human organs/tissues/cells. It also tests the knowledge related to the chemical and physical changes in the human body.

The following content categories are included in this section:

• Work, Force, energy, motion in the human body and its change effects
• Role of various fluids like CO2, and o2 in blood process.
• Electrochemistry
• Blood Purification process
• Kinetic and thermodynamical energy in living cells.
• function and structure of biological molecules

Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior

This section tests students' knowledge of the effect of social, and biological factors on living organisms, behavioral changes, and the connections among social hierarchy and well-being.

The following content categories are included in this section:

• Behaviour Change in the human body
• Effects of social activity on the human body
• Behavior Change in the human body
• Social activity behaviour Change in the human body
• Social imbalance behaviour in the human body
• Demographic change

Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills

This section is focused on testing students' understanding of the written text, and reasoning skills in medical care.  Students must read a passage of about 500-800 words and understand the situation, mostly it is related to a medical situation.

The following content categories are included in this section:

• Religion
• Culture
• anthropology
• archaeology
• political science

Admission Process

The admission process for MBBS in the USA requires an MCAT examination this examination is a computer-based test that assesses your scientific, reasoning, and writing abilities. The admission process for an MBBS degree in the USA involves the following step

Step 1 - Preparing application materials: The candidate needs to gather documents like transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation.

Step 2 - Taking the MCAT: The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) assesses candidates critical thinking, problem-solving, and scientific knowledge. It's best to take the MCAT in the spring before you plan to start medical school. 

Step 3 - Obtaining a student visa: The candidate needs an F-class student visa to study in the US. 

Step 4 - Applying for ECFMG certification: The candidate needs this certification to apply for a residency program in the US. 

Step 5 - Taking the USMLE: The candidate needs to pass the USMLE Step 1 and Step 2, and then take the final step, USMLE Step 3. 

Step 6 - Preparing for an interview: Some universities may require a personal interview with shortlisted candidates. 

Read More :How to Get Admission in Abroad for MBBS

Top Medical Schools in USA

Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Stanford, and UPenn are among the best for MD programs. The table below represents the top medical schools in America 

Cost of Studying in the USA

The cost of studying MBBS in the United States can range from $200,000 to $300,000 for the entire program, with average annual tuition fees between $58,000 and $65,000, depending on the institution and state of residence, making it a very expensive option due to high tuition fees and living costs. 

Conclusion

Securing admission to an MBBS program (or its equivalent, the MD program) in America is challenging but can be easily achievable with focused planning, determination, and proper guidance. Start early: complete your bachelor’s degree with a strong GPA in science subjects, clear the MCAT exam, and gain hands-on experience through volunteering, internships, or research in the medical sector. 

U.S. medical colleges consider hands-on experience with a good academic profile with extracurriculars like community service or leadership roles. Apply via the AMCAS portal, prepare thoroughly for interviews and all its related questions, and ensure your summary highlights your passion for medical science. While the costs of MBBS in America are high, explore scholarships, loans, or partnership programs with institutions like WHO. Stay updated, seek mentorship, and keep updating your application, every setback is a step closer. With clear understanding and plans, your dream of studying MBBS in America. is possible.