How to Get Into Howard University College of Medicine: Requirements, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Tips

Howard University College of Medicine is one of the nation’s most prestigious medical schools, known for training physicians who are committed to healthcare equity and service to underserved communities. Beyond its reputation for academic rigor, Howard also stands as a leading research institution, providing students with extensive opportunities for discovery, innovation, and hands-on learning.

If your values align with Howard’s mission of service and excellence, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know: admissions requirements, acceptance rates, deadlines, and strategies to strengthen your application.

Looking for a premed internship or medical elective abroad? Inquire here.

Programs at Howard University College of Medicine

Howard offers a range of programs designed to prepare students for impactful careers in medicine:

1. Doctor of Medicine (MD): 

A traditional four-year medical degree with a strong focus on clinical excellence.

2. Graduate Programs: 

Master’s and PhD degrees in fields such as Anatomy, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Physiology, and Public Health.

3. Pipeline Programs: 

Designed for incoming freshmen, these programs build academic orientation, critical thinking, problem-solving, and study skills to prepare students for the MD track.

Acceptance Rate and Admissions Competitiveness

Howard is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of approximately 1.5%. This means only a small fraction of the thousands of applicants secure a spot each year.

• Average GPA (recent cycle): 3.63
• Minimum science GPA required: 3.25
• Average MCAT score: 507.3
• Number of applications (recent cycle): 8,331

To stand out, applicants must combine strong academics with a demonstrated commitment to service and leadership in healthcare.

Coursework Prerequisites

Howard requires applicants to complete an undergraduate degree and specific science courses. Regardless of major, students must have:

• 8 semester hours each of biology, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics (with labs)
• 6 semester hours of mathematics or statistics
• 3 semester hours of biochemistry
• 6 semester hours of English
• 6 semester hours in the humanities

Recommended courses include anatomy, physiology, cell biology, genetics, neuroscience, and microbiology. These strengthen preparation for medical training and give candidates a competitive edge.

GPA and MCAT Expectations

Howard’s admissions committee places strong weight on academic performance. While the minimum science GPA is 3.25, most admitted students exceed a 3.65 GPA. Similarly, the average MCAT score is around 507, though applicants should aim higher to remain competitive.

Application Components

Applicants must submit the following through the AMCAS system:

• Personal Statement (5,300 characters): 

A narrative highlighting your journey into medicine, personal growth, and motivation to serve.

• Letters of Recommendation: 

At least two letters are required. Options include a committee letter, a packet with science faculty references, or individual letters (two from science faculty are mandatory).

• Secondary Essays: 

Howard’s supplemental essays focus on experience with underserved communities, cultural competency, and long-term commitment to service.

• Competencies: 

Applicants are expected to demonstrate resilience, teamwork, social skills, reliability, adaptability, cultural competence, and ethical responsibility.

Secondary Essay Prompts (Examples)

• Have you lived or worked in medically underserved or disadvantaged communities?
• Do you plan to practice medicine in underserved communities after residency?
• Why Howard University College of Medicine?

Applicants should use these essays to demonstrate alignment with Howard’s mission and provide concrete examples of service and advocacy.

Interview Process

Howard invites around 300 applicants to interview each year. Interviews last about 35–40 minutes with faculty and are conducted as part of a full-day experience, including campus tours, presentations on financial aid, and introductions to the curriculum.

Preparation is key: review your application thoroughly, practice answering behavioral and mission-based questions, and prepare thoughtful questions for your interviewers.

Tuition and Cost of Attendance

A typical Howard medical student can expect the following approximate yearly expenses:

• Tuition: $58,608
• Fees: $2,316
• Housing & Living Expenses: $19,000–26,000 depending on the year
• Other Costs (books, transportation, supplies): $10,000–15,000

The total estimated annual cost of attendance is between $99,000 and $109,000. Students should research scholarships, grants, and loan options early in the process to ensure financial readiness.

Application Timeline

Howard follows a rolling admissions process, so applying early is recommended. Key dates include:

• AMCAS opens: May
• Secondary application invitations: August–January
• Interviews: September–April
• First acceptances released: Mid-October
• Primary application deadline: December 15
• Secondary deadline: Mid-January
  
  

Tips for Strengthening Your Application

#1. Gain hands-on clinical experience: 

Howard values applicants who have demonstrated service and direct patient exposure. Consider pursuing clinical internships abroad to expand your skills and show commitment to global and underserved healthcare. Go Elective offers pre-med internships and medical electives in Kenya and Tanzania that give students real-world experience in resource-limited settings.

#2. Demonstrate cultural competence: 

Highlight experiences that reflect your ability to work with diverse populations and address healthcare disparities.

#3. Craft a compelling personal statement: 

Use your statement to share your unique motivations and the values that align with Howard’s mission.

#4. Show dedication to underserved communities: 

Volunteer work, internships, and clinical exposure with disadvantaged populations can set you apart.

Final Thoughts

Getting into Howard University College of Medicine is an ambitious goal, but for those committed to service, diversity, and advancing healthcare equity, it’s a rewarding path. With thorough preparation, strong academics, and meaningful experience, you can build a compelling application that reflects Howard’s values and your vision for the future of medicine.

For applicants seeking additional clinical exposure before applying, Go Elective provides structured clinical internships abroad that enhance medical school applications and prepare students for the rigors of training at institutions like Howard.

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, Med Schools,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Sep 12, 2025