Medical Schools in Hawaii: How to Get Into JABSOM

Hawaii may be best known for its beaches, volcanoes, and unique island culture, but it also offers an exceptional place to study medicine. The state’s only medical school, the University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM), provides a distinctive community-based medical education with a focus on service, diversity, and research.

This guide covers JABSOM’s mission, admissions process, requirements, and tips for getting accepted.

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

Attending Medical School in Hawaii

Choosing Hawaii for medical school comes with benefits you won’t find anywhere else. Students experience island life while engaging with diverse patient populations across urban, rural, and neighbor island settings.

JABSOM emphasizes:

• International and cross-cultural learning opportunities
• Community outreach to underserved populations
• Research and innovation in the Asia-Pacific context
• Student well-being, including a dedicated wellness handbook provided to all matriculants
  
  

The University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM):

Key Info

• Ranking: #74 Research, #24 Primary Care (U.S. News)
• Estimated Acceptance Rate: ~3.5%
• Average GPA: 3.76 (cumulative); 3.70 (science)
• Average MCAT: 513
• Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
  
  

JABSOM Philosophy and Mission

JABSOM emphasizes the importance of broad education, encouraging applicants to pursue not only the biomedical sciences but also the humanities, liberal arts, and social sciences.

Its mission is to educate future healthcare professionals and leaders, advance research, strengthen community partnerships, and serve Hawaii and the Asia-Pacific region through culturally respectful and collaborative care.

JABSOM Admissions Process

The admissions process follows six main steps:

1. Submit the AMCAS primary application.
2. Pay the $150 JABSOM processing fee.
3. Receive and complete the secondary application (includes essays, prerequisites, and letters).
4. Admissions review of secondary and AMCAS materials.
5. Interview invitation for selected applicants.
6. Final admissions decisions released.
   
   

JABSOM Admissions Requirements

Applicants must meet the following:

• Bachelor’s degree with at least 90 credit hours (or 135 quarter hours)
• Valid MCAT score (within 3 years of expected matriculation)
• AAMC PREview Professional Readiness Exam
• Prerequisite coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and related sciences
  
  

Recommended Courses

Though not required, courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, genetics, immunology, statistics, and humanities are strongly encouraged. AP credits may count if documented on transcripts.

Letters of Recommendation

Applicants submit two to five letters: ideally from professors, employers, or healthcare professionals who know the candidate well.

Secondary Application

Includes a required essay on JABSOM’s core pillars—Leadership, Curiosity, and Commitment—as well as CASPer and Duet assessment results.

Interview

Candidates undergo a holistic interview process designed to evaluate interpersonal skills, teamwork, and readiness for medical training. Formats may include both traditional and small-group components.

Tips for Getting Accepted into JABSOM

• Exceed academic averages: Successful applicants often surpass the average GPA (3.76) and MCAT (513).
• Apply early: Stay ahead of deadlines and give yourself time to gather strong recommendation letters.
• Pursue meaningful extracurriculars: Shadowing, clinical volunteering, research, and community service—especially with underserved populations—help demonstrate fit with JABSOM’s mission.
• Highlight individuality: Use your AMCAS Work & Activities, personal statement, and essays to show your story beyond academics.
• Secure strong letters: Recommendations should reflect both your academic ability and your dedication to service.

For students seeking to strengthen their applications, opportunities like Go Elective’s pre-med internships abroad provide hands-on patient exposure and global health perspectives valued by admissions committees.

FAQs: Medical Schools in Hawaii

#1. How many medical schools are in Hawaii?

Only one: the University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM).

#2, Is JABSOM a good medical school?

Yes. JABSOM is nationally ranked for both research and primary care, with a strong emphasis on serving Hawaii’s diverse and underserved communities.

#3. What is JABSOM’s acceptance rate?

The estimated acceptance rate is around 3.5%, making it highly competitive.

#4. What is the average GPA and MCAT for admitted students?

The average cumulative GPA is 3.76, and the average MCAT is 513.

#5. Where is JABSOM located?

The campus is at 651 Ilalo Street, Honolulu, Hawaii, on the island of Oahu.

#6. Does JABSOM have unique training opportunities?

Yes. Students complete rotations across neighbor islands, participate in community outreach, and can pursue certificates in areas like rural health and Asia-Pacific medicine.

Final Thoughts

Hawaii offers a one-of-a-kind medical school experience. At JABSOM, students are trained in a setting that blends high academic standards with cultural diversity and service-oriented care.

For aspiring physicians, success at JABSOM requires more than strong grades and MCAT scores. It calls for a commitment to service, leadership, and holistic care. Pairing strong academics with experiences like Go Elective’s medical internships abroad can help you become a standout candidate.

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives, MCAT/MSAR/USMLE, Med Schools,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Sep 13, 2025