Applying to NJMS

The NJMS Admissions Committee understands and is very sensitive to the challenges applicants are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic. We understand the need to be flexible in our admissions process. NJMS has a very long history of evaluating applicants holistically, the COVID-19 pandemic is no exception. Most importantly is that we hope you are well and safe!

Clinical Experiences – We are aware of the abrupt discontinuation of some activities and clinical experiences as a result of the current pandemic. Our committee is sensitive to these unusual circumstances and will take this into consideration. If an applicant is impacted by the current crisis, we urge them to consider writing a short explanation in the primary or secondary applications.

MCAT – In consideration of exam cancellations, we will accept scores through October 2020. January scores may be considered on a case by case basis upon prior written request from an applicant and approval from our committee. Before making interview and admissions decisions, we will require an MCAT score. However, this MCAT delay will not be viewed negatively during the admissions process.

Online Coursework – NJMS will accept online courses for as long as distance learning is required and/or strongly recommended by colleges/universities as a result of the national public health crises.

Pass/Fail Grades – NJMS will accept "Pass" (P/F) grades without prejudice, for courses taken in the Spring and Summer 2020 semesters during the COVID-19 pandemic. These students will be evaluated equally with those that opted for letter grades.

Secondary Application – All applicants will receive the NJMS secondary applications shortly after we receive notification of AMCAS application submission. Our secondary deadline is December 15 but we will consider later submissions on a case by case basis upon prior written notification and explanation of late submission from an applicant.

Due to our rolling admissions process, we encourage applicants to have all requirements submitted as soon as possible, but no later than the following dates:

• Early Decision: August 1
  (supporting materials are due by 9/1 and decisions begin in July)
• Regular MD: December 1
  (this includes all joint degree applications)
• Secondary Application: December 15
• Letters of Recommendation: December 15
• MCAT Scores: Applicants must take the MCAT by October

Application screening commences as soon as applicants have a completed application file. A completed file includes:

• Verified AMCAS Application
• Secondary Application (along with the paid fee or fee waiver)
• Letters of Recommendation
• Most recent MCAT results
• CASPer test results (We only require the CASPer exam. We do not require you to take the SnapShot and/or the Duet)

AMCAS Applications are received from July through March.  Due to our rolling admissions process, we encourage applicants to have all requirements submitted as soon as possible.

All applicants are sent the link to the NJMS Secondary Application and are required to submit their secondary along with the $95 fee no later than December 15 in order for an application to be reviewed by the screening committee. The Secondary Application fee is waived only for applicants who have received approval for the AMCAS Fee Assistance Program (FAP).

The NJMS Secondary provides applicants with an opportunity to expand on topics in support of their candidacy beyond what is included on the primary application. It includes questions addressing special program interests and their participation in NJMS pipeline programs. The secondary also includes reflective writing essays where applicants are able to share their thoughts on topics that are critical to NJMS such as adversity, integrity, collaboration, diversity, humanism in medicine, etc.

We encourage applicants to have letters of recommendation submitted via the AMCAS Letter Service as soon as possible. Our preferences are as follows:

• A pre-medical committee packet is preferred by the NJMS Admissions Committee
• If a pre-medical committee packet is not possible, we require a minimum of (2) science and (1) non-science letters from individuals able to assess the applicant's candidacy
• All applicants are required to submit academic letters of recommendation
• Applicants may submit supplemental letters beyond the requirements stated above
• Letters from principle investigators and/or employers may be submitted as supplemental letters

Exceptions to the above stated requirements can be made at the discretion of the Admissions Committee. In the event you are unable to submit the required letters, please email the admissions committee at: njmsapplicant@njms.rutgers.edu requesting approval for the letters you intend to submit.
For additional information on the AMCAS Letter Service, please visit: http://www.aamc.org/students/amcas/faq/amcasletters.htm.

We will accept scores through October 2021. Before making interview and admissions decisions, we require an MCAT score.

CASPer is an online test which assesses non-cognitive skills and interpersonal characteristics that we believe are important for successful students and graduates of our program. We use these results along with various other factors for applicant screening. Test results are valid for one admissions cycle. Applicants who have already taken the test in previous years will need to re-take it. For more information visit: www.TakeAltus.com

NJMS only requires the CASPer exam. We do not require you to take the SnapShot and/or the Duet.

Our admissions criteria places value on a broad range of factors such as experiences, attributes, and academic factors when assessing candidates. Screening is on a rolling process as applications are completed. Applicants are reviewed holistically and our screening process is guided by the Mission, Vision and Values of NJMS.  Screening factors considered include, but are not limited to; academic performance (GPA, difficulty level of coursework, academic load, trend in grades, MCAT scores), interpersonal characteristics including CASPer test results, validation of decision to pursue medicine, self-awareness, leadership qualities, integrity, demonstrated compassion for others, ability to navigate challenges, broad extracurricular experiences and motivation for medicine.

All complete applications remain under active consideration for an interview until mid-March. By this time all applicants receive either an invitation to interview or an email of regret.
If you are a current NJMS applicant and have questions, please feel free to contact us at: NJMSapplicant@njms.rutgers.edu
NJMS is committed to complying with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. For information about Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences Disability Services please visit:  http://ods.rbhs.rutgers.edu/