Applying to NJMS

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

We do not require the PREview or CASPer tests

AMCAS Applications are reviewed 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 required to complete and submit the NJMS Secondary Application, along with the $95 fee, by December 15 in order to be considered for review by the screening committee. The fee is waived for applicants who have been approved for the AMCAS Fee Assistance Program (FAP).

The NJMS Secondary Application offers applicants the opportunity to provide additional context and insight into their experiences, interests, and motivations—beyond what is captured in the primary application. It includes questions about special program interests and past participation in NJMS-sponsored pipeline initiatives.

Applicants are also asked to respond to reflective essay prompts that explore themes central to our school’s mission, such as resilience, integrity, collaboration, humanism in medicine, and the ability to engage with individuals from varied backgrounds and perspectives.

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.

Applicants must take the MCAT no later than October of the year of their application. We will consider requests to take the MCAT in January on a case-by-case basis, providing there are extenuating circumstances. Applicants seeking approval for a January MCAT to be considered should make a formal request by email explaining the circumstances for the request. This request should be emailed to: njmsapplicant@njms.rutgers.edu.

At NJMS, we take a holistic and mission-driven approach to admissions. We consider a broad range of factors—including academic performance, attributes, and life experiences—to identify applicants who will thrive in our community and contribute meaningfully to the field of medicine.

Our screening process is rolling and begins once applications are complete. Each application is evaluated in the context of our Mission, Vision, and Values, with thoughtful attention to the unique strengths and perspectives each applicant brings.

Factors considered include, but are not limited to:

• Academic record (GPA, course rigor, academic load, grade trends, and MCAT scores)
• Interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence
• Clarity and validation of the decision to pursue medicine
• Self-awareness, leadership, integrity, and resilience
• Compassion, service to others, and meaningful extracurricular involvement
• Motivation, maturity, and capacity to navigate challenges

All complete applications remain under active consideration for interview through mid-March. By that time, any applicant selected to interview will receive an invitation to interview via email.

If you are a current applicant with questions, please contact us at: NJMSapplicant@njms.rutgers.edu

NJMS is committed to full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). For information about Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences Disability Services, please visit:
https://oasa.rbhs.rutgers.edu/office-of-disability-services/