Duke University School of Medicine: How to Get In

Duke University School of Medicine Mission Statement

Duke University School of Medicine “is a diverse and inclusive community of trainees devoted to understanding the causes, prevention and treatment of human disease. These endeavors are embraced by all students committed to the highest academic goals utilizing unparalleled resources in education, clinical care, and research. Our objective is to educate physicians with our innovative curricula and broad-based clinical and research training.”

Duke University School of Medicine Admissions Statistics and Eligibility

Acceptance Rate: 1.39%

In-state Acceptance Rate: 2.48%

Out-of-state Acceptance Rate: 1.33%

International Acceptance Rate: 0.87%

Median GPA: 3.92

Science GPA: 3.9

Median MCAT: 520

• Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems: 130
• Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills: 129
• Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems: 130
• Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior: 131

Duke University School of Medicine accepts applications from in and out-of-state students, as well as Canadian, International, and DACA Status applicants.

Prerequisites and Recommended Courses for Duke University School of Medicine

No prerequisites needed? Duke University School of Medicine prescribes a healthy dose of academic choice! The school encourages applicants to choose a challenging and diverse undergraduate curriculum that includes coursework in biomedical sciences to build a solid foundation for medical studies, as well as social sciences that provide a broader understanding of healthcare. Applicants must have a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited US institution.

Although specific courses aren't mandatory, Duke Medical School places importance on interdisciplinary academic expectations and strongly advises applicants to complete the following courses:

• Single course in Biochemistry, or principles covered in Cell/Molecular Biology or Genetics courses
• Single course in Cell/Molecular Biology or Genetics
• Statistics and Biostatistics (Understanding of statistical methods in biomedical and healthcare research)
• Basic physics related to human physiology and anatomy (with optional labs)
• Sociology (Principles of social organization, focusing on healthcare determinants)
• Psychology (Basic principles with emphasis on biological basis of behavior)
• Expository Writing (Experience across humanities, e.g., English, Philosophy, History)

Duke University School of Medicine accepts courses transferred from community colleges if approved by your undergraduate institution. Additionally, AP coursework, when approved by your undergraduate institution, will be considered.

Duke Medical School will accept courses graded on a Pass/Fail, Pass/No Pass, or Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis. Online courses are also accepted, but it is preferred that science and laboratory classes are completed in-person and graded with a letter grade.

Selection Factors at Duke University School of Medicine

The selection factors at Duke University School of Medicine reflect the school’s commitment to preparing true leaders in medicine, patient care, and research. According to their admissions website,

"We're interested in people who are well-rounded, who have taken time to venture outside their own comfort zones to see sides of life very different from what they're used to - people with a strong sense of humanism and service to others. We're interested in the smartest students, who are going to make the most of the resources Duke has to offer, who will be leaders in medicine, research and clinical care."

During the most recent admissions cycle, Duke Medical School had almost 8500 verified applications for a coveted 118 spots, making it an extremely competitive medical school. In addition to academic excellence, the school is looking for candidates with the following:

• Experience working or volunteering in patient-focused settings
• A demonstrated desire to provide care to anyone who needs it
• Leadership skills
• Team building skills

Prospective students must also have a proven track record of specific technical skills in order to be considered a competitive applicant. These technical skills include:

• Observation skills
• Written and verbal communication skills
• Motor and sensory functions
• Intellectual-conceptual, integrative, and quantitative abilities
• Behavioral and social skills

While shadowing a physician is not a requirement, it is strongly recommended. 

Wondering if this type of program is right for you? This video can help!

GPA and MCAT Scores for Duke University School of Medicine

Duke University School of Medicine will review applications with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and minimum MCAT score of 500. The current median GPA and MCAT score for accepted applicants is 3.92 and 520. Any scores above these amounts are sure to catch the attention of the admissions committee.

If your GPA is not as strong as you would like, there are a few things you can do to improve it:

• Retake courses to get a higher grade.
• Focus on getting as high of a mark as possible in courses from the list of suggested prerequisites.
• Enroll in courses you know you will do well in.
• Reach out to professors, teaching assistants, and tutoring services for support to improve grades in courses where you are struggling.

The admissions committee will be able to see all your previous MCAT scores, and will take into account your highest score. It may be worth retaking the MCAT if your previous score is less than 520. If you are going to retake the MCAT, make sure you do it in a smart and strategic way.

• Take an MCAT diagnostic test to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
• Put together and follow an MCAT study schedule.
• Work with an MCAT prep service to get personalized support and guidance.

Duke University School of Medicine Extracurriculars

Duke University School of Medicine is interested in applicants with extracurricular activities that reflect a commitment to the school’s values and they will be scrutinizing your AMCAS Work and Activities section to see what you have done to date. Extracurricular activities that align with selection factors that are important to the admissions committee will help you stand out. You should, at minimum, have experience with shadowing a physician, being involved in patient-focused settings, and conducting research. 

Here is a summary of the extracurricular activities of the most recent matriculants:

Duke University School of Medicine Personal Statement

Your Duke University School of Medicine personal statement is an opportunity to show the admissions committee who you are and why you would be a great fit for their program.

You have a maximum of 5300 characters to share:

• Experiences that have prepared you for medical school
• Personal qualities that will help you be an excellent physician
• Competencies that will allow you to excel in medical school

But it isn’t enough to just list these things. You need to write a compelling story that incorporates this information, provide a few impactful objective examples that prove what you are saying, and draw the reader into your story so deeply that they want to invite you for an interview to learn even more.

Starting to write your personal essay can feel daunting, but Duke Medical School has left a trail of clues to help you. As you begin brainstorming for your personal essay, think about experiences that align with the school’s mission and values. For example, we know that Duke University School of Medicine values things like diversity and inclusion, access to care for all who need it, and patient-centered care. We also know they are interested in well-rounded applicants with a strong sense of service to others.

You don’t have to struggle through the essay writing process on your own. With a combination of understanding what Duke Medical School is looking for in a candidate and expert support, you can write a memorable personal essay. One of our students recently reached out for help and she found the experience to be very worthwhile!

“The document review for my personal statement was really helpful and gave great advice. I can tell they've done this for a while and feel that it's hitting a lot of what the admissions people would want to learn about me.” – Melody, BeMo student 

Duke University School of Medicine Secondary Essays

Brace yourself for the Duke University School of Medicine secondary essays because everyone receives a secondary application once their AMCAS application has been verified. The deadline for secondary essays is November 15.

Medical school secondary essays vary by school and take a significant amount of time to write. You should start your secondary essays as soon as you have the prompts.

The prompts for Duke Medical School secondary essays are updated annually. The essays are usually required to be 500 words or less. The prompts will be looking for specific information about you as a candidate and will pull from the mission and values of the school. Some of the themes you will likely see include:

• Collaboration
• Advocacy
• Health inequality
• Coping with adversity
• Leadership
• Critical thinking
• Communication

Start brainstorming examples from your own experiences in each of these areas. Choose examples that deeply affected you or that demonstrate significant personal growth and progression. Avoid repeating what you’ve already covered in your primary application. Instead, take this opportunity to elaborate on topics you want to address, but weren’t able to in your primary application.

There are a few things you can do when writing your secondary essays that will help you stand out to the admissions committee:

• Answer the question that is being asked.
• Keep your answer within the required word count.
• Structure each essay as you would a regular essay, with a compelling introduction, body, and conclusion.
• When possible, relate your responses back to the mission and values of the school in a natural and meaningful way.
• Highlight your unique experiences and qualifications by providing specific examples and personal stories.
• Proofread meticulously to ensure your essays are free of spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.
• Seek feedback to ensure your essays are clear, cohesive, and impactful. Consider consulting with an admissions expert for a secondary application essay review.

Letters of Recommendation for Duke University School of Medicine

Duke University School of Medicine requires a minimum of four letters of recommendation and will accept up to six. Committee letters, letter packets, and individual letters are all considered acceptable. The school does not specify minimum qualifications for letter writers and provides the following guidance to help students submit impactful letters:

• The referee should have an established relationship with the applicant and be able to speak to their skills and abilities.
• Referees can be from academic, research, clinical, or community service settings.
• Letters must expand on information already provided, like achievements or grades, not simply reiterate it.
• All letters must be on official letterhead, signed, and dated.

One committee letter satisfies the four-letter requirement and applicants are not required to submit additional letters.

Asking for recommendation letters from individuals or a committee involves more than just a quick email request, especially if you want a letter that wows the admissions committee. We have three strategies to ensure your recommendation letters stand out from the competition.

1. Get to Know the Process - Attend information sessions offered by your current school, complete required essays, register for interviews, and fulfill other requirements for individual or committee letters.
2. Highlight Your Uniqueness - Share your personal story and significant experiences with your advisor or referees so they can highlight your outstanding qualities compared to the rest of the applicants.
3. Align Skills with School Mission - Provide your letter writers with Duke Medical School’s mission and values, and give them examples of how your experiences are aligned so they can focus on those connections in their letters.

Duke University School of Medicine Interviews

Duke University School of Medicine interviews are conducted virtually and include an orientation and a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI). Those invited for an interview will also interact with current students to learn about the curriculum and life in Durham.

The MMI focuses on evaluating applicants' thought processes rather than specific medical knowledge. The MMI involves 8 to 10 interview stations, each lasting around 10 minutes which includes two minutes of prep time and five to eight minutes to answer the question. The stations historically include five ethical scenarios, two traditional interviews, team stations, and one video station. The stations are based on scenarios designed to assess qualities like empathy, resilience, communication, problem-solving, teamwork, insight, integrity, and cultural competence.

During the interview process, applicants attend virtual events the evening before their interview and must be available online from 12:15pm to 3:45pm EST on their interview day. We’ve put together an ultimate guide to video interviews to help you prepare for your virtual interview with Duke Medical School.

Our admissions experts unanimously agree that the best medical school interview prep is effective practice. In fact, practicing with the support of proven experts can help you take your interviewing skills from mediocre to medical school worthy! With the right guidance, you can replace poor interview habits with effective communication skills that set you apart from the competition. Here is what one BeMo student had to say about getting MMI interview coaching:

“Joseph from BeMo was fantastic in helping me with going through my stations to not just see what I need to do, but what I can add to my skill set to improve my interview experiences. He even provided very helpful and easy-to-remember techniques to make my answers seem stronger and myself more confident.” – Former BeMo student

Acceptance and Waitlist Information for Duke University School of Medicine

Duke University School of Medicine starts sending out acceptance notices in late February and continues until early May. Students have up to seven days to respond to their acceptance letter. A $100 deposit is due upon acceptance to the programs.

Duke Medical School does have a waitlist of between 100 and 125 positions per admissions cycle. The school grants acceptances to 30 of these positions.

The school will accept additional information to supplement your application. Applicants are welcome to submit letters of interest to express their desire to attend if accepted. Notices of significant updates or achievements, such as published research, significant honors, or grants awarded, are also encouraged.

Check out even more tips and strategies on how to get off a medical school waitlist.

Application Timeline for Duke University School of Medicine

Duke University School of Medicine utilizes AMCAS for its application process, and so follows a similar timeline to most medical schools:

Residency Match Rate

For the most recent admissions cycle, students from Duke Medical School had a residency match rate of 97.6%.

Duke University School of Medicine Tuition Costs and Debt

• Tuition and Fees: $70,347
• Other: $30, 968
• Health Insurance: $3,282
• Total Cost of Attendance: $104,597

At Duke University School of Medicine, tuition costs are the same for in- and out-of-state students. The average amount of debt at graduation is $159,635.

Funding Opportunities for Duke University School of Medicine

According to Duke University School of Medicine, 89% of medical students receive financial aid.

Students are required to submit the FAFSA application, CSS profile, as well as personal, spousal, or parental tax returns. Applications for financial aid should be submitted as soon as possible after being accepted.

The amount of financial aid received varies by applicant as it depends on family contributions, assets, income, family size, and the number of students currently in college. The aid package is the difference between the cost of attending school minus the amount expected to be contributed by family.

Duke Medical School has a vetted list of private loan options. This list includes private lenders, state agencies, and outside programs.

The Duke School of Medicine Admission office also administers several merit scholarships. Every student who is admitted is automatically considered for these scholarships. These scholarships include:

• Rauch Family Leadership Scholarship
• Dean’s Tuition Scholarship
• Fullerton Medical Scholarships
• Medical Scientist Training Program

Funding is also available for international and DACA-eligible medical school students. The amount received varies annually as it is dependent on the number of applicants and amount of available funding. These students will need to submit a CSS profile, a student non-filing statement, the international business supplement, and an income statement for parents living abroad.

Available Programs at Duke University School of Medicine

Duke University School of Medicine has a diverse range of medical education programs. Whether you're "scrubbing in" with the Doctor of Medicine program or "charting" new paths in Clinical Research, there are generous opportunities for every medical student’s interest and aptitude.

Health Professions Education Programs at Duke University School of Medicine

• Doctor of Medicine (MD)
• Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP)
• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program
• Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD)
• Physician Assistant Program (MHS, PA)
• Clinical Leadership (MHS)
• Clinical Research Training Program (CRTP)
• Master of Biomedical Sciences (MBS)
• Master of Biostatistics
• Master of Management in Clinical Informatics
• Medical Physics Graduate Program
• Master of Science in Population Health Sciences
• Pathologists’ Assistant Training Program (MHS)

Biomedical PhD Programs at Duke University School of Medicine

• Biochemistry
• Biostatistics
• Cell & Molecular Biology
• Cell Biology 
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Computational Biology & Bioinformatics
• Developmental & Stem Cell Biology
• Immunology
• Integrated Toxicology & Environmental Health Program
• Medical Physics
• Medical Scientist Training Program 
• Molecular Cancer Biology
• Molecular Genetics & Microbiology
• Neurobiology
• Pathology
• Pharmacology
• Population Health Sciences
• University Program in Genetics & Genomics

Allied Health Certificate Programs at Duke University School of Medicine

• Clinical Informatics Certificate Program
• Duke Cardiac Ultrasound Certificate Program
• Ophthalmic Technician Program
• Professional Certificate in Population Health Sciences Research

Graduate Certificate Programs at Duke University School of Medicine

• Biomolecular & Tissue Engineering Certificate Program
• Cell & Molecular Biology
• Certificate in College Teaching
• Computational Biology & Bioinformatics Certificate Program
• Developmental & Stem Cell Biology
• Duke Scholars in Molecular Medicine
• Feagin Leadership Program
• Health Care Transformation
• Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health
• Nanoscience Certificate Program
• Structural Biology & Biophysics
• UPGG - University Program in Genetics and Genomics

Dual Degree Programs at Duke University School of Medicine

The Duke University School of Medicine offers students the opportunity to combine their MD program with a master's program, allowing them to complete a dual degree. In fact, approximately 40% of medical students at Duke graduate with two degrees!

Due to Duke's unique curriculum structure, students can complete their dual degree in five years. This is possible because Duke allows dual degree students to use the third year of medical school to pursue coursework for their dual degree. As part of the "study away" program, students can also choose to complete their second degree at an affiliated institution.

Students interested in a second degree program at Duke apply after enrolling in medical school, typically during their second year, so they can begin their dual degree coursework in the third year. Acceptance into the second degree program is required separately, and each dual degree program has its own admission requirements and process.

Duke University School of Medicine offers the following dual degrees:

• MD/MPH
• MD/MHSC (CRTP) or CTSA
• MD/MBA
• MD/MPP
• MD/MMCi
• MD/MHS
• MD/MA (Bioethics & Science Policy)
• MD/MA (Clinical Psychology)
• MD/MALS
• MD/JD
• MD/MEng

Primary Care Leadership Track at Duke University School of Medicine

Duke University School of Medicine gives students the option to specialize in primary care via the Primary Care Leadership Track (PCLT). As part of this program, students complete a primary care focused Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship lasting 7 months during their second year. In addition to the clinical skills, coursework, and requirements for their MD program, they also complete primary care related seminars and coursework. In their third year, students are expected to complete a population health improvement research project.

PCLT prepares students for primary care residencies such as Family Medicine, Primary Care Pediatrics, General Internal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and combined specialties like Medicine/Pediatrics. Post-residency, fellows can specialize in Adolescent Medicine, Preventive Medicine, Geriatric Medicine, or Palliative Care. Duke Medical School reports that PCLT graduates achieve high success in residency placements, supported by their unique clerkship model which is increasingly valued by residency programs.

Academic Curriculum at Duke University School of Medicine

Students who are excited by innovation will enjoy the unique features of the academic curriculum at Duke University School of Medicine. This curriculum is at the forefront of medical education, pioneering new approaches to training future physician leaders. There is a strong focus on academic excellence and an emphasis on professionalism, health equity, and lifelong learning—essential qualities for effective healthcare leadership. 

Key Features of Duke Medical School’s MD Curriculum

Duke University School of Medicine First and Second Year: Foundation and Integration

The curriculum begins with a condensed, intensive one-year basic science program that integrates core biomedical knowledge with clinical patient care—a unique approach that accelerates learning. This foundational phase is followed by core clinical clerkships in the second year, where students gain hands-on experience across various medical specialties.

Duke University School of Medicine Third Year: Scholarly Exploration

A pivotal aspect of Duke's program is the third year, dedicated to scholarly exploration. Students delve deep into areas of interest through biomedical research, clinical investigations, or humanities studies. This year-long immersion enhances their understanding of medicine and prepares students to lead advancements in healthcare and address critical societal health issues.

Duke University School of Medicine Fourth Year: Tailored Preparation

In the final year, students transition towards residency or other career paths with a tailored curriculum that includes a sub-internship, acute care training, and a comprehensive Capstone course. The Capstone course prepares them for residency with training in clinical skills, bioethics, professionalism, communication, legal issues, health systems, and self-care. Electives play an important role, allowing students to customize their learning experience according to their career aspirations and personal interests.

Duke University School of Medicine Campus Life

Duke University School of Medicine is located in Durham, North Carolina. The city is part of the Research Triangle Park, a group of communities known for its robust research environment and rich cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities. Duke University and the Duke University Health System are the city’s largest employers. 

The cost of living in Durham and its neighboring communities is notably affordable compared to other metropolitan areas. There is a variety of housing options and easy access to cultural and recreational amenities.

There is something for everyone to enjoy in Durham! Arts and culture enthusiasts can check out music festivals, film festivals, a history museum, and art exhibitions. Sports fans can cheer on the Duke University basketball team and Durham Bulls International League baseball team. Outdoor adventurers can explore the hiking trails, enjoy a round of golf, or explore the area on an electric bike.

Check out the Duke University School of Medicine virtual tour to learn even more!

Housing

Medical students have access to affordable on- and off-campus housing units. Students who would like to live on-campus should contact the Housing Department as soon as possible after being accepted. 

There are many affordable off-campus housing options that are accessible to the School of Medicine, the hospitals and clinical practices. According to information provided by Duke University School of Medicine, monthly rent ranges from $400 to $600 for a single bedroom apartment, and up to $1500 per month for 3 bedrooms.

Student Life

Duke Medical School offers plenty of activities, groups, and support for students.

Duke University School of Medicine Highlights

Teaching Hospitals

• Duke University Hospital
• Duke Regional Hospital
• Duke Raleigh Hospital

Research Fields

• Data Science
• Disparities Studies
• Education
• Health services delivery and comparative effectiveness outcomes studies
• Health, wellness, and chronic illness
• Medical ethics and the physician-patient relationship
• Patient-centered intervention development and assessment
• Population health and health policy
• Primary care research
• Quality, safety, and implementation
• Hospital-Based Research

Fun Facts about Duke University School of Medicine

• Duke University School of Medicine opened in 1930 and was made possible when James Buchanan Duke bequeathed $4 M to start the school. 
• The school was one of the first to offer a Medical Scientist (MD/PhD) training program.
• A collaboration between Duke University School of Medicine and the National University of Singapore provides students with opportunities for global learning experiences.
• The Duke Clinical Research Institute is the world’s largest academic clinical research organization.

Contact Information for Duke University School of Medicine

Duke University School of Medicine Admissions Website

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (919) 684-2985 

FAQs

To your success,

Your friends at BeMo

BeMo Academic Consulting

Disclaimer: BeMo does not endorse or affiliate with any universities, colleges, or official test administrators. The content has been developed based on the most recent publicly available data pro-vided from the official university website. However, you should always check the statistics/requirements with the official school website for the most up to date information. You are responsible for your own results.

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