What are the average GPAs and MCAT scores of the first‐year class?
The average overall GPA for the Class of 2027 was 3.8 with an average science GPA of 3.7. The average MCAT score was 512.
How do Medical College of Georgia students do in the Match?
The Match is the annual process where fourth‐year medical students are matched through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) to residency programs across the nation. In the 2024 , 100% of MCG's graduates matched in a residency position! This year, 136 students matched into primary care residency programs, 33 in internal medicine, 26 in pediatrics, 13 in family medicine, 17 in general surgery, 14 in emergency medicine, 17 in OB/GYN, 1 in internal medicine/pediatrics and 2 in pediatrics/psych/child psychology.
How do the Medical College of Georgia students perform on the Boards?
MCG students perform very well on the United States Medical Licensing Examinations (USMLE). MCG students’ first‐time taker pass rate and mean scores for Step 1 and Step 2 of the USMLE are consistently at or above the national average.
Does Augusta University offer any programs to prepare me for medical school?
Yes. The Student Educational Enrichment Program (SEEP) is a seven week, academic enrichment program for Pre‐College and College students who are underrepresented in the health professions. Please visit the Office of Belonging and Inclusivity website for application information or contact the office at 706-721‐1260.
How do you decide who to interview?
The Medical College of Georgia Admissions Committee uses a Holistic Review Process. Applicants are screened for interview based on academic metrics (MCAT, GPA and grade trends), attributes (CASPer, intellectual curiosity, leadership, maturity, perspectives, and etcetera), experiences (research, community service, life experiences, health care experience, and etcetera) and other compelling personal and experiential factors.
How many applicants are invited for interviews?
Typically, we interview around 640 applicants depending on the competitiveness of the application pool.
What is an interview like?
Interview sessions typically are scheduled from August to February. Applicants interviewing at the Medical College of Georgia will be asked to participate in a multiple-mini interview (MMI) process. We encourage applicants to use their interview experiences to inquire and form opinions about the strengths of, and opportunities available, at the Medical College of Georgia.
The Admissions Committee understands that there are qualities in addition to intellectual ability and record of academic achievement that are important elements necessary to foster the development of a competent, compassionate and responsible physician. Ability to communicate and interact, learning skills and attitude toward education, social consciousness, maturity, integrity of character, tolerance, and motivation for a career in medicine are among the characteristics sought.
On what basis are applicants invited to matriculate?
As the state of Georgia’s only public medical school, the Medical College of Georgia is explicit about its commitment to excellence in improving the health needs of Georgians and the nation, particularly rural and under-served populations, through the education of highly skilled physician‐leaders. Augusta University’s mission and vision are the philosophy by which the Medical College of Georgia guides itself and the admissions process. Therefore, applicants must demonstrate exceptional ability to thrive in a challenging, rigorous educational environment. In addition to academic ability, successful applicants must exhibit the personal qualities necessary to interact with others in an effective and personable manner.
How old can the courses be?
There is not an expiration date on courses and grades earned. You may want to consider your level of comfort with required course work. While it is not required for you to retake courses due to expiration, you should ensure you are familiar with and can perform proficiently in the sciences.
How old can the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) be?
The MCAT must not be more than 3 years old from the date of matriculation. For example, if you are applying for Fall entry, you should have taken the MCAT no earlier than January 2022. The last MCAT exam date for Early Decision applicants is June 27, 2024. The last MCAT exam date for Regular Decision applicants is September 14, 2024.
After my interview, how long will it be before I will hear from the Admissions Office?
The Admissions Office strives to process applications as quickly as possible while thoroughly evaluating application files. You will be contacted via email once a status change has taken place with your application file. We will be offering interview invitations beginning in August through January of each interview cycle.
Do I need to be a resident of Georgia to be accepted to the Medical College of Georgia? Do you accept international students?
You do not have to be a resident of Georgia to be accepted into the program. You must be either a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident of the U.S. with a valid permanent resident (“green”) card to be offered acceptance. Visit the International Applicants section of our website for detailed information.
Can I upload an expired driver’s license or U.S. Passport as my lawful presence document?
No. Only unexpired licenses/state-issued IDs with the REAL ID symbol or valid U.S. passports may be accepted. Information on the REAL ID symbol and information are provided here.
How do I prove that I am a Georgia resident?
In order to prove Georgia residency, you will need to provide documentation. These documents generally include a current, valid Georgia driver’s license and a copy of the most recent year’s Georgia tax forms. If you are a dependent student (under the age of 24), copies of your parents’ current, valid Georgia driver’s licenses and a copy of their most recent year’s Georgia tax forms will be required, as well.
What are the pre‐required courses?
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My university uses a different course structure (ex: General chemistry is only offered as a one semester course). What should I do?
Request a letter from your pre‐health advisor, course director, or department chair describing the course and its fundamental objectives. You may upload the document to your file by logging into your online MCG account.
Do you require official transcripts?
Official transcripts should be sent directly to the AMCAS application service. Official transcripts are not to be sent to the Medical College of Georgia Admissions Office unless you are offered and accept admission to our medical program or accept a position as an alternate. Once you accept a position, we require that you have all final, official (degree posted) transcripts from all colleges/universities attended submitted to our office directly from your college’s/university’s Registrar’s Office prior to matriculation at MCG.
When is orientation / matriculation?
The Medical College of Georgia matriculates students once per year and mandatory orientation events generally begin in late July.
What can I do to make my file stronger while awaiting a decision?
You are encouraged to continue activities to maintain your competitiveness during the application process including maintaining strong grades, gaining additional clinical shadowing experience, and continuing volunteer/extracurricular activities. You are also encouraged to provide application updates up to the December 1st application deadline. You may upload these updates by logging into your online MCG account.
Does the Medical College of Georgia accept applicants based on the undergraduate institution they attended and earned their degree(s) from? Are GPAs and majors from different colleges/universities weighted differently?
The Medical College of Georgia Admissions Office does not rate, or favor, select undergraduate institutions. The GPAs are not weighted differently based on the college/university attended. Regardless of the undergraduate institution attended, applicants should work hard and perform well in their courses to maintain a strong GPA.
What are the deadlines for the Regular Decision Program?
Applicants must submit their primary applications for admission with AMCAS between May 30, 2024 and November 1, 2024. All applications must be received in the AMCAS office by November 1, 2024 to be considered for the Regular Decision Program. Official transcripts must be received by the AMCAS office by November 15, 2024. You should submit your Secondary Application within two weeks of receiving it from the Admissions Office. The last MCAT exam date for Regular Decision applicants is September 14, 2024 and the last CASPer exam date is September 29, 2024. Please note that CASPer test results are valid for one admissions cycle. Applicants who have already taken the test in previous years will therefore be expected to re-take it.
Is there an Early Decision Program?
Yes. Only Georgia residents will be considered for MCG’S Early Decision Program (EDP). Applicants must submit their AMCAS applications between May 30, 2024 and August 1, 2024. All applications must be received in the AMCAS office by August 1, 2024 and all transcripts must be received by AMCAS by August 15, 2024. Transcripts must arrive to the AMCAS office directly from the college’s/university’s Registrar’s Office. All application supplemental documents, which are items required in addition to the AMCAS application, should be returned one week after receipt and must be in the application file by August 1, 2024. Supplemental documents include all residency documentation, required course listings, and other specifically requested documents.
Applicants competitive for the Early Decision program will have an MCAT score of 509 and above and will have a total GPA of 3.7* and above (*total GPAs between 3.65 and 3.69 will be rounded to 3.7).
The last MCAT exam date for Early Decision applicants is June 27, 2024 and the last CASPer exam date is July 9, 2024.
How many students matriculate into the program each year?
The Medical College of Georgia matriculates 304 students into the M.D. program each year in August. 204 students are based at the main Augusta campus, 60 students attend the Augusta University/University of Georgia Medical Partnership campus in Athens, Georgia and 40 students attend the Augusta University/Georgia Southern University Medical Partnership campus in Savannah, Georgia.
I am a receptionist in a healthcare environment (ex. doctor’s office, clinic, hospital). Can I count these hours as clinical shadowing hours?
Working in a clinical setting offers a great opportunity to interact with patients and sharpen valuable attributes such as communication skills. Though your experience working in a clinical setting is valuable, you are encouraged to gain shadowing experiences where you have the opportunity to observe, and perhaps participate in, the patient‐doctor interaction more closely and discuss these interactions with the doctor. Working in this setting, may afford you an opportunity to develop relationships with the doctors you work with and set up shadowing opportunities.
I am a healthcare provider (ex. nurse, physician assistant, lab tech) and work closely with doctors. Can I count these hours as clinical shadowing hours?
Your experiences as a healthcare provider are valued and give you a unique perspective on patient needs and healthcare as a whole. Though there are many similarities in healthcare careers and your experience working in a clinical setting is valuable, you are encouraged to gain shadowing experiences where you have the opportunity to observe the patient‐doctor interaction more closely and discuss these interactions with the doctor.
My clinical shadowing experiences have been with surgeons, and my shadowing experiences mostly have been watching surgical procedures. Are these experiences what the Admissions Committee is looking for?
The chance to view surgical procedures is definitely an exciting and valuable opportunity! The Admissions Committee feels that exposure to all aspects of a physician’s role are important. The Admissions Committee encourages applicants to experience the doctor‐patient relationship in other contexts, as well. Seeing the rapport between a doctor and patient, the way the doctor asks questions, and discussing the doctor’s methods and thought‐process in handling patients are all desired observations.
I have not shadowed a doctor, but I have shadowed a different healthcare provider (ex. physician assistant, nurse, occupational therapist). Can I count these hours as clinical shadowing?
These experiences are all wonderful and help you to see the partnership and collaboration between different healthcare careers for the well‐being of the patient. Though these experiences are valuable, you are encouraged to gain shadowing experiences where you have the opportunity to observe the patient‐doctor interaction more closely and discuss these interactions with the doctor.
I volunteer in a clinical setting (ex: hospital, clinic, doctor’s office). Do I still need clinical shadowing hours?
Volunteering in a clinical setting offers a great opportunity to interact with patients and sharpen interpersonal skills. Though your experience volunteering in a clinical setting is valuable, you are encouraged to gain shadowing experiences where you have the opportunity to observe, and perhaps participate in, the patient‐doctor interaction and discuss these interactions with the doctor. Volunteering may afford you an opportunity to develop relationships with the doctors you interact with and set up shadowing opportunities.
I have tried but have been unable to obtain a direct MD shadowing experience. What should I do?
The committee recognizes that due to healthcare regulations, such as HIPAA, many hospitals and clinics are limiting the availability of opportunities for pre‐medical clinical exposure. We encourage applicants to be creative and tenacious in gaining clinical exposure. Pre‐health advisors, other pre‐health students, and even your own person physician can be good sources of information in finding these opportunities. In addition, volunteering in a clinical setting in a different context (ex: patient transport) can often allow you to build relationships that can lead to shadowing opportunities.
When are Secondary Applications sent to applicants?
Once AMCAS has released your application information, usually beginning in late June, the Admissions Office will send you a Secondary Application via email. Generally, applicants will receive a Secondary Application within a couple of days of the Admissions Office’s receipt of your AMCAS application information. Your AMCAS application does not have to be verified to receive a Secondary Application.
Who receives a Secondary Application?
All applicants who are U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents with a valid permanent residency (green) card are sent Secondary Applications.
I have not received my Secondary Application. What should I do?
First, check your junk mail/spam folder. If you do not find it, please contact the Admissions Office by email at mcgadmissions@augusta.edu. Applicants are encouraged to add this email to their safe senders list so email correspondence from the MCG Admissions Office will not go to your junk mail / spam folder.
How can I tell that you have received my Secondary Application and other required documents?
You may review your application status and your received/uploaded documents by logging into your online MCG account. Once you are logged in, click on the App Status tab then click the Document Status tab to review your received documents. You will see all documents we have received including the Secondary Application and letters of reference.
Is my file complete?
If you have submitted your Secondary Application and all supporting documentation including all letters of recommendation, we most likely have what we need. Generally, our office will contact you if additional information is needed for your file; however, you are responsible for supplying the Admissions Office with required documents.
I uploaded documents to my file. How can I be sure you can see them?
If your uploaded documents are visible when you log in to your online MCG account, they should be visible to the Admissions Office staff as well.
Can I send my documents to the Admissions Office by postal mail?
You are strongly encouraged to upload required documents to your application file in PDF or Word format. You can access your application file by logging in to your online MCG account. Once logged in, you can use the document upload feature to add scanned documents to your file.
AMCAS has sent an email that they have received all of my LORs, but I do not see them when I check the status online?
Our office will not receive your letters of recommendation until your AMCAS application has been verified. You may check with AMCAS to be sure your application has been verified. Remember, there may be a delay in the time AMCAS verifies your application and documents before we receive them.
What is Augusta like?
Augusta, Georgia is the second‐largest metropolitan area in Georgia with a population of more than 620,000. Augusta is located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Appalachian Mountains. Cultural life in Augusta includes a professional symphony orchestra, an opera company, and a national honor ballet company. There is easy access to a number of outdoor activities, including fishing, hunting, hiking, sailing, and river rafting. Major cities including Atlanta, GA, Charlotte, NC and Savannah, GA are only a 2 1/2‐hour drive away from Augusta. Augusta is the home of the world‐renowned Masters Tournament.
What kind of housing is available?
Completed in 2016, Elm Hall is a unique mix of studio and one-bedroom apartments. The facility is a convenient, five-minute walk to the J. Harold Harrison, M.D, Education Commons building. Elm Hall offers housing for medical, dental and graduate students in addition to residents and visiting scholars. Apartment features include: high speed Wi-Fi, deluxe digital cable, full kitchens, and individual heating/cooling units. Each floor has an expanded laundry room with lounge space, and seminar rooms for study groups and social programs. For more information regarding housing, please visit the Housing & Residence Life webpage.
What kind of activities do students participate in?
There is a wide variety of activities for students including social, cultural, and athletic clubs and organizations. Augusta University is the home of the Jaguars collegiate sports teams, which include our championship men’s and women’s basketball teams and men’s golf team. Our Student Campus Recreation Center offers intramural sports, group exercise classes, as well as personal training sessions.
When are applicants notified of an admissions decision?
The Committee aims to notify applicants as quickly as possible after admissions decisions are made. It is not possible to provide verbal status reports to the several thousand applicants to the Medical College of Georgia. Hence, the Committee notifies applicants by email when the statuses of their applications change. Please realize that after your application is complete, it may remain under consideration for a number of months. However, by April 15th, every applicant should have an admission decision: accepted, not accepted or alternate list.
I am accepted! Now what?
Acceptance students must sign and return their Acceptance Agreement within one week if you applied to the Early Decision Program and two weeks if you applied to the Regular Decision Program. Accepted students must also request final, official copies of all transcripts from your university’s Registrar’s Office be sent to the MCG Admissions Office. Be sure that your final grades and degree(s) earned are listed on your final transcript(s).
When will I receive my Pounce ID?
You will receive your Pounce ID after you are offered acceptance and your signed acceptance contract are received in the Admissions Office.
What if I don't get in the first time I apply?
If you are not offered acceptance, please talk to your advisor about how to improve your application for the next year, and then reapply. Your advisor knows what is required for you to be competitive as a medical school applicant. We do not hold multiple years of applying against you.
Also, be sure to check out the Applicant Counseling Checklist for areas to consider as you prepare to submit another application to the Medical College of Georgia. Our checklist can be printed for your convenience, used in evaluating yourself, and taken along when visiting your Pre-Health advisor for application evaluation before reapplication.
Individual, applicant counseling sessions can be scheduled in the New Year by contacting the MCG Office of Admissions via email to request an appointment. No appointments can be made after the new cycle begins on June 1st. Applicants who are placed on the MCG alternate list and have an active application, cannot receive applicant counseling until a final admission determination has been made.
