The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine’s Guaranteed Admission Program (GAP) is for outstanding high school seniors who have been admitted to the University of Pittsburgh as undergraduates and are interested in attending the University’s medical school after completing their undergraduate degree(s).
The undergraduate Office of Admissions provides information for students who meet the required criteria for the Medicine Guarantee.
Applying for the Guaranteed Admission Program
Applying for the GAP is a multi-step process. To be considered, the undergraduate application to the University of Pittsburgh is due by October 15 via the Common App or Pitt’s application. Additionally, the required undergraduate webform MUST be submitted along with all other application materials by November 1. This includes test scores (if choosing to submit) and the required Self-Reported Academic Record. Any undergraduate applications that remain incomplete after November 1 will not be reviewed for the guarantee. Applicants must be a US Citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident (not pending or conditional) or have Asylee Status. International students as well as applicants to the regional campuses of the University of Pittsburgh are not eligible for this program.
Applicants must earn the highest grade point average available at their high school in the context of a curriculum showing the greatest academic rigor possible. In addition, achieve a minimum SAT score of 1490 (combined Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math) or 34 ACT composite score. With the University expanding the test-optional policy through fall of 2025, the MCAT will be required prior to matriculation to the medical school only for test-optional candidates entering Pitt as first-year guaranteed admits starting in 2021. However, the earned score will only be used for advising purposes following matriculation to medical school. The MCAT requirement does not apply to students admitted with SAT/ACT scores.
After the initial review described above, students selected to continue in the process will be notified by the School of Medicine of their eligibility to apply for the Medicine GAP. An email containing the applicant's personal login information for our database will be sent out the evening of December 6, 2023. Those selected will be asked to submit a supplemental application in support of their candidacy, which is DUE: TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2024 (11:59 PM EST - NO extensions will be granted). The supplemental application will be reviewed by the School of Medicine’s Admission Committee. Selected students will be invited for an interview to the School of Medicine in March (no one is admitted to the medical school without an interview).
Helpful Tips to Completing Your Application
Selection for the interview is based on:
- Academic performance
- Medically related experiences
- Research Experience, if available
- Community Service
- Leadership activities
- Two letters of recommendation (1 from either a school counselor or and teacher and the other from a person who knows the applicant through their participation in the activities above) - this information is only requested if a student is selected for nomination to complete the supplemental application to the School of Medicine
- An essay (250 word limit)
While in-person experiences are encouraged, virtual or remote experiences will be considered when evaluating the applicant.
Requirements
If accepted into the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine’s Guaranteed Admission Program, students must:
- Maintain an overall GPA of 3.75 with a Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics (BCPM) GPA of 3.75 as an undergraduate
- Complete the undergraduate degree within four years
- Continue to gain medically related experiences* during their undergraduate years
- Seek research opportunities in a medically related field
- Seek opportunities for community service
- Meet with the Director of the Guaranteed Admit program once every semester to discuss their progress in terms of medically related activities, research and community service.
- Meet with the University Pre-Medical Advisor at the start of each semester in order to confirm that they are fulfilling the academic pre-requisites for admission to the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. In addition, students will be given information regarding various research** and volunteering opportunities.
- Provide the Office of Admissions with an official transcript at the completion of their junior year
Please keep in mind, students must also meet with the advisor who was assigned to them by the University of Pittsburgh at matriculation.
*Students need to be HIPAA certified before they can be permitted to volunteer in any UPMC-affiliated hospital. The certification can be done online by:
- Visiting http://cme.hs.pitt.edu
- Clicking on “Internet Based Studies in Education and Research” and then
- Clicking on “HIPAA Privacy Awareness for Faculty, Students, Health Professionals and Trainees.”
**For those interested in Neuroscience Research visit the website of The Center for Neuroscience for the University of Pittsburgh.
Procedures for Matriculation into the School of Medicine
At the end of the undergraduate junior year, students who meet the requirements listed above will be emailed detailed instructions on completing the application and matriculation process for the medical school. Students will be granted pre-approval status to submit the medical school application through AMCAS. In addition, students will be required to provide AMCAS and the medical school Office of Admissions and Financial Aid with official transcript(s).