Transferring Medical Schools: Options For Aspiring Doctors

Transferring between medical schools is possible, but it is a long process with no guarantees. While it is ultimately up to each medical school to determine whether it will accept transfer students, many schools will only consider applicants from schools accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) and only for compelling reasons. Some schools require that a spouse is employed by the school, for example, while others may consider financial hardship or moving closer to family to be sufficient reasons.

In most cases, you need to be a third-year medical student in good academic standing, though some schools will consider applicants for the second year. You will also need the support of the dean of your current institution, and it is recommended that you have passed Step 1 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).

If you are considering transferring to another medical school, it is important to be aware of the challenges and low acceptance rates. It is recommended that you try to take advantage of all the opportunities at your current school and focus on matching at a residency spot at the institution you are interested in.

Do all medical schools accept transfer students?

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), each medical school has the ability to determine whether it will accept transfer students. While many medical schools will consider transfer applicants, it is ultimately up to the individual institution to make that decision. The institutions that do accept transfer students are required to publish the criteria for the acceptance of transfer applicants on their websites. Therefore, if you are considering transferring to a particular school, it is recommended to check their website for specific information.

It is important to note that transferring between medical schools is generally a difficult process, and it is expected that a student will complete their entire medical curriculum at the school they initially enrolled in. However, circumstances may arise that prompt someone to transfer to a different program, such as shifting medical career goals or personal reasons. Medical schools that accept transfer students should also publish the timetable for the availability of transfer application materials, deadline dates for applications, and the date for notification of acceptance.

In addition, there are specific requirements that transfer students must typically meet. For example, transfer students are expected to be in good academic standing, and their undergraduate GPA and MCAT scores will be considered. They must also provide transcripts, a school letter of evaluation, and faculty recommendations. Some schools may also require that transfer students have passed certain exams, such as Step 1 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), before they will be considered for transfer.

Overall, while it is possible to transfer between medical schools, it is a complex process that depends on various factors and the policies of the individual institutions involved.

Can you transfer at any time?

In general, you won't be allowed to transfer to a new medical school whenever you want. The nature of medical training means there will be points in your training that are ideal for transferring. Each institution will have its own guidelines, but there are some common trends.

Entry into Basic Sciences (Year 1)

Students who have completed a small portion of their pre-clinical coursework at another medical school and who have not yet passed the USMLE Step 1 can be considered for transfer into Basic Sciences Term 1.

Entry into Clinical Training (Year 3)

Students who are in the process of completing or have completed their pre-clinical coursework at another medical school and are eligible to take or have passed the USMLE Step 1 can be considered for transfer into the beginning of Clinical Training.

Other factors to consider

• Year of study: In most cases, you need to be a third-year medical student in good standing to transfer. A few schools will consider second-year applicants.
• Minimum study period: At least one year of studies is required to apply as a transfer student.
• GPA and MCAT scores: Your undergraduate GPA and MCAT scores will likely be taken into consideration.
• Transcript and letter of evaluation: Your current university has an obligation to provide a transcript and letter of evaluation to another institution upon your request.
• Academic standing: A transfer student will always be expected to be in good academic standing. You should have no record of failures, repeated courses, or academic/behaviour-related discipline at your current medical school.
• Available spaces: Transferring is challenging because of the limited number of spaces available.
• Application deadlines: The application process can take 3-6 months. Medical schools won't accept transfers after they have filled their quota, so early applications are better.
• Curriculum differences: You may have to take some extra courses not covered in your transfer transcripts.

Will transferring prolong my degree?

Transferring to another medical school is possible, but it is a long process with no guarantees. It is generally expected that a student will remain at their original school for the entire duration of their degree. However, circumstances may arise that cause a student to seek a transfer.

If you are considering transferring to another medical school, it is important to note that it may not be possible to transfer at any time. Because of the nature of medical training, there may be specific points in your training that are ideal for transferring. Transferring during these open windows will allow you to stay on track and complete your medical school curriculum within your expected timeframe.

Each medical school has its own guidelines and requirements for accepting transfer students. It is recommended to check the websites of the schools you are interested in for their specific criteria and entry options. Some schools may only allow transfers at the beginning of each academic year or after completing a certain number of years at your current school.

In most cases, you will need to be in good academic standing and have completed at least one academic year at your current school. Additionally, you may need to provide transcripts, letters of evaluation, and faculty recommendations as part of the transfer application process.

While transferring medical schools can provide certain advantages, such as financial savings or increased academic opportunities, there are also potential drawbacks to consider. Acceptance rates for transfers are typically low, and residency program directors may question your transfer during the application process. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider your reasons for transferring and ensure that you meet the requirements before initiating the transfer process.

Will transferring be viewed negatively?

While it is generally expected that a student will complete their entire MD curriculum at one school, it is understood that circumstances may arise that prompt someone to transfer to a different program. This could be due to a shift in your medical career goals or personal reasons. Ultimately, your medical degree will not be viewed negatively or hold any less value if you transfer between schools.

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), each medical school has the autonomy to determine whether it will accept transfer students. The institutions that do accept transfer students are required to publish the criteria for the acceptance of transfer students on their websites. Therefore, it is advisable to visit the website of the particular school you are interested in transferring to and look for this information.

It is important to note that medical schools should not actively recruit transfer applicants from other institutions. The acceptance of transfers should be limited to students who can demonstrate compelling circumstances as the reason for their request to transfer.

When applying for a transfer, you will need to submit your transcripts, a school letter of evaluation, and faculty recommendations. Additionally, you will be expected to be in good academic standing, and your undergraduate GPA and MCAT scores will be considered. The admissions team will also evaluate your record for any failures, repeated courses, or academic/behaviour-related discipline issues at your current medical school.

What do I need to transfer?

Transferring to another medical school is possible, but it is a long process with no guarantees. It is ultimately up to each medical school to determine whether it will accept transfer students. If you are considering transferring, you should be aware that not all universities accept transfer students, and there are limited windows of opportunity to transfer without prolonging your medical school curriculum.

If you are considering transferring, you should first identify your motivation for transferring and select the right universities. You should also be aware of the application deadlines, as the process can take 3 to 6 months, and medical schools will not accept transfers after they have filled their quota.

In terms of what you need to transfer, you will need to prepare transcripts, evaluations, and recommendations as required by your target institutions. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) indicates that transfer student applications should include the applicant's transcripts, a school letter of evaluation, and faculty recommendations. Beyond that, the specific criteria will vary from school to school. You will also need to be in good academic standing, and your undergraduate GPA and MCAT score(s) will likely be taken into consideration. Additionally, you should ensure that you have no record of failures, repeated courses, or academic or behaviour-related discipline at your current medical school.

It is important to note that transferring between medical schools is generally very difficult, and you will need compelling reasons for your transfer. These reasons can vary widely between schools, but may include financial hardship or moving closer to family. In most cases, you will need to be a third-year medical student in good standing and have the support of the dean of your current institution. You may also be required to pass Step 1 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) before being considered for transfer.

Frequently asked questions