Admission FAQs

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science Medical Degree Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

General Information

1. What is the class size?
   • The class size is 60 students.

Application Process

1. How do I apply to the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science Medical Degree Program?
   • Candidates can apply by completing the AMCAS application.
2. Does the new CDU medical school require a supplemental application?
   • Yes, a supplemental application is required.
3. Is there a fee for the supplemental application?
   • No, there is no fee for the supplemental application.
4. How will I know that CDU has received my AMCAS application?
   • Candidates will receive an email confirmation upon receipt of their AMCAS application.
5. Is an interview required for admission?
   • Yes, a virtual interview is required.
6. Is a bachelor’s degree required?
   • Yes, a bachelor’s degree is required.
7. Do you accept transfer students?
   • No, we do not accept transfer students.

Financial Information

1. Do you offer internal scholarships?
   • Yes, CDU offers internal scholarships. Once admitted, all applications are sent to the scholarship committee for evaluation.
   • Students can also apply for external scholarships throughout the year.

Health Requirements

1. Are COVID-19 vaccines required?
   • Yes, COVID-19 vaccines and all other CDC-recommended vaccinations are required to work in clinical settings.
   • All other CDC-recommended vaccinations are required to work in clinical settings.

Admission Requirements

1. What are the required courses for admission?
   • Biology with in-person lab in-person lab (8 credits/6 semester hours/1 year)
   • General Chemistry with in-person lab (8 credits/6 semester hours/1 year)
   • Organic Chemistry with in-person lab (8 credits/6 semester hours/1 year)
   • Biochemistry (3 credits/3 semester hours/1 semester/ 1 quarter)
   • Physics with in-person lab (8 credits/6 semester hours/1 year)
   • Calculus (3 credits/3 semester hours/1 semester/ 1 quarter), AP calculus accepted
   • English (6 credits/6 semester hours/1 year), AP not accepted

Program Information

1. Is the new CDU Medical Degree Program affiliated with any other university?
   • No, this program is solely accredited at CDU.
   • CDU has received preliminary accreditation from LCME for this program, and the charter class started on July 10, 2023.
2. Is there a joint baccalaureate-MD program or dual degree program (e.g., MD-PhD)?
   • No, there is no joint baccalaureate-MD or dual degree program currently.
   • However, CDU offers a bachelor’s degree in the College of Science and Health, and there are discussions about a future joint baccalaureate-MD program.
3. What is the status of the CDU medical education track at UCLA?
   • The partnership between CDU and UCLA continues through the historic program now known as the Partnership Health Equity Pathway at DGSOM. More information can be found on the CDU/UCLA Medical Education page.

Letters of Recommendation

1. How many letters of recommendation should I submit?
   • You should submit a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5 letters of recommendation.
2. Do you accept a committee letter or individual letters of recommendation?
   • We accept both individual and committee letters.

Testing Requirements

1. Is the Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics (CASPer) required for admission?
   • No, the CASPer test is not required.
2. Is the AAMC PREview™ Professional Readiness Exam required for admission?
   • No, the PREview exam is not required for admission.
3. Is the MCAT required?
   • We require all candidates to take the MCAT, and it must be taken no later than September of the year preceding admission to the School of Medicine. If there is more than one MCAT attempt, all test scores must be included on the application.
   • The test must be repeated if, at the time of matriculation, more than six years have elapsed since it was taken. For 2026 matriculation, the oldest acceptable MCAT score date is July 2022.

Application Updates

1. How can I update my application?
   • Applicants can send updates (e.g., grades) to medschool@cdrewu.edu in PDF format. These updates will be added to their file.
2. Do you accept letters of Interest, update Letters, or letters of intent?
   • Yes. Applicants can send updates (e.g., grades) to medschool@cdrewu.edu in PDF format. These updates will be added to their file.