While the students admitted to HMS reflect an extraordinary diversity of accomplishments, talents, interests, and backgrounds, they also share many things in common. They are self-motivated, visionary in their ambition, and compassionate in their approach to the art of healing.
Our Committee on Admissions evaluates applications based on a variety of criteria that range from students’ academic records and MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) scores to their extracurricular activities, research, and community-service experiences in the field of health care. And, while we expect students to demonstrate an aptitude for the biological and physical sciences, our ideal candidates are those with a well-balanced academic background that includes the humanities and social sciences.
A Harvard doctor is someone for whom the pursuit of excellence — both professional and personal — is a way of life. If this describes you, we encourage you to apply to Harvard Medical School.
To ensure timely receipt of all communications from the Harvard Medical School Admissions Office, applicants should add Admissions_Office@hms.harvard.edu to their email contacts or safe sender list.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility Questions
- Are international students eligible to apply to HMS?
- Are DACA students eligible to apply to HMS?
- How many times can I apply to HMS?
- What are the required prerequisite courses for admission to HMS?
- Must I have all prerequisite courses completed prior to submitting my medical school application to HMS?
- Does HMS accept AP credit?
- Is online coursework accepted toward prerequisite requirements?
- Does Harvard accept the most recent, best score, or average of all attempts for the MCAT?
- Does HMS have specific eligibility restrictions?
Application Questions
- Where can I find details about Harvard Medical School’s required letters of evaluation?
- What is Harvard Medical School’s policy on providing application updates?
- Where it asks on Harvard Medical School’s secondary application to list any online coursework taken, should I include online coursework I took due to the COVID-19 pandemic?