Admissions Committee By-Laws
Review the details of the method by which admissions shall be determined.
Technical Standards
Review the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Technical Standards for the Doctor of Medicine Degree.
Professionalism & Criminal Background Checks
The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (UPSOM) has a commitment to train competent and caring physicians who behave in a professional and ethical manner. Therefore, UPSOM has developed a policy regarding behavior that impacts on professionalism of the candidates being considered and accepted for admission. Full and prompt disclosure of all information about the applicant that may have bearing on the ability to become a caring and compassionate professional is expected.
UPSOM Professionalism and Criminal Background Check Policy
Terms and Conditions for Matriculation
All accepted applicants must meet the following terms and conditions for matriculation into the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
UPSOM Terms and Conditions for Matriculation
Restricted Matriculation Deferral (Deferred Admissions)
The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine offers a restricted matriculation deferral for one year. (An additional one year restricted deferral can be granted in instances of a two-year service commitment.) Conferral of delayed matriculation to the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine means that the applicant will not be permitted to apply to another medical school during their deferral year. Violation of this agreement is considered to be a violation of the admissions process, will be reported to AMCAS, and will result in an investigation by AMCAS.
An applicant can change their mind about deferred matriculation until April 30. After that date, in accordance with the Traffic Rules of the American Association of Medical Colleges, the applicant must withdraw from all other schools at which they are holding a place. If the applicant is wait-listed at any other school, the applicant is not required to withdraw from that school until the official matriculation date of the incoming class.
Applicants seeking to defer their admissions must contact the Associate Dean of Admissions for approval by June 1 of their matriculation year. Typically requests for deferrals are approved for an opportunity that will enrich the student’s future career as a physician or for extenuating family circumstances.
Admission with Advanced Standing (Transfer Applications)
The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine offers limited opportunities for admissions with advanced standing as space in the third year class permits. This may range from 0-3 spots each year. Advanced-standing applications will be considered only for entry into the third-year class. Applications are reviewed individually, with a preference given to candidates who have a compelling need to transfer to the University of Pittsburgh. PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO SPACE CONSTRAINTS WE HAVE NOT ACCEPTED ANY ADVANCED STANDING (TRANSFER) STUDENTS IN OVER A DECADE.
Acceptance depends on the applicant’s special circumstances and qualifications as well as the availability of openings. Pre-medical school academic qualifications must be within the range of those of matriculated students. We cannot accept transfer applications from students of dental, osteopathic, chiropractic, or veterinary medicine or from non-U.S. medical schools. We consider only students who are currently enrolled in a medical school accredited by the Liaison Committee for Medical Education.
Advanced Standing Application Process:
- Request application: Application for advanced standing must be requested along with a written statement explaining the compelling need to transfer to the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
- Dean’s Letter of Recommendation: An applicant must request a letter from the Dean of Student Affairs at their current medical school. This letter must indicate that the applicant is in good standing at the institution and that the applicant has successfully completed the curriculum of the year just prior to the transfer year. This letter should be sent directly to the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine’s Office of Admissions and Financial Aid.
- United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 Scores: All transfer applicants must take Step 1 of the USMLE prior to matriculation as a third-year student.
- Personal Interview: The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine requires a personal interview with all applicants before an official acceptance can be extended. Once we determine the number of openings for transfer students, we will invite to interview a small number of applicants after reviewing all applications for transfer.
- A candidate for advanced standing must be a U.S. citizen or hold a Permanent Resident Visa (not conditional) or refugee/asylee status.
- If you meet the criteria outlined above and wish to apply for advance standing admission, please inquire for a Transfer Application from admissions@medschool.pitt.edu.
UPSOM Medical Student Transfer Policy
Non-Discrimination Policy
All applicants are considered without regard to race; color; religion; ethnicity; national origin; age; gender; sexual orientation; or marital, veteran, or handicap status.
COVID-19 Pandemic:
Effective December 6, 2021, all University of Pittsburgh students, faculty and staff on all campuses must be vaccinated against COVID-19 or have received an approved exemption to remain a community member. Please visit the following site about the requirement, providing proof of vaccination or to request an exemption: https://www.coronavirus.pitt.edu/covid-19-vaccines/vaccine-requirement.