International Med School Applicant from U.S Undergrad School

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

Tejan

New Member
Joined
Mar 26, 2020
Messages
6
Reaction score
1
Hey, so I am in an interesting predicament. I've grown up in the U.S but my family never filed for citizenship because they weren't sure they wanted to stay here. I am attending a U.S public school for undergrad but I am not sure whether I will receive my permanent resident status by the time I start applying for med schools. I've also heard that medical schools are biased against international applicants partly because they are unsure about the reliability of the international school's curriculum. Will, it make a difference for me someone who is technically on paper "an international student" but has had a U.S education their entire life? I am just not sure whether adcoms will take the time to really look into that?
 
To answer your question, I can tell you that everything makes a difference. Looking at the stats published by amcas, there are a few of us internationals that manage to make it into med schools every year.

The hurdle for us is that a good chunk of schools—mostly public state schools—do not consider applications from international applicants. So yes, we are at a disadvantage. But most of the private institutions do. And as long as you’ve got the numbers and a coherent/compelling narrative on why medicine, you will be fine.

BTW, I don’t believe what I say regarding the school restrictions applies to DACA applicants.
 
I just stumbled upon this thread. To even be considered for US medical schools, you need to have a bachelors degree from a US institution or have completing a couple of years taking pre reqs at a US institution if you went to a foreign institution. So for private schools it really won't make a difference as you will be treated as the same as any other international applicant who went to school in the US. However, for those state schools that take internationals, I am not sure how you will be treated if you have strong ties to the state. I'm in a similar situation. I went to elementary, middle, and high school in the US, but probably will not be receiving my green card before applying to med school. I would reach out to your state schools, and inform them about your unique circumstances to see how you would be treated.
 
I'm in a similar situation. I went to elementary, middle, and high school in the US, but probably will not be receiving my green card before applying to med school. I would reach out to your state schools, and inform them about your unique circumstances to see how you would be treated.

Regardless, thanks for the reply. I currently attend a State school in New Jersey for my undergrad. I'm on the same boat regarding green card but I am considering my options in terms of applying to schools. So private schools are our best bet? I am assuming these same guidelines apply for DO schools? Obviously as a international applicant we will have to shatter the MCAT and GPA aspects.
 
Regardless, thanks for the reply. I currently attend a State school in New Jersey for my undergrad. I'm on the same boat regarding green card but I am considering my options in terms of applying to schools. So private schools are our best bet? I am assuming these same guidelines apply for DO schools? Obviously as a international applicant we will have to shatter the MCAT and GPA aspects.

Additionally, just want to add that without citizenship you are not eligible for federal loans, which is how most students fund medical education. Pay close attention to school policies - some may require you to pay for 1 year (or 4 years!) of medical education upfront.
 
I've been on the receiving end of applications. Your undergrad doesn't matter. If you're not a citizen and are coming out of an international medical school, you are the same as every other IMG. There's just too many applications to split hairs over undergrad
 
I've been on the receiving end of applications. Your undergrad doesn't matter. If you're not a citizen and are coming out of an international medical school, you are the same as every other IMG. There's just too many applications to split hairs over undergrad
I think you're jumping the gun -- OP is asking about admission to US med school without a green card, not applying for residency!! 🙂

People like @chaim123 touched on it, and OP didn't specifically ask about it, but, in addition to some schools just not considering anyone who is not a legal resident, the biggest hurdle is going to be money, unless his family is wealthy.

No federal money is available, many schools do not make institutional money available either, and there is intense competition for the little money that is available at the limited number of schools. OP will not be eligible for any federal loans, and most private lenders will not lend to non-citizens without a US citizen co-signer. These are insurmountable hurdles for most who require financial assistance, and OP needs to be aware of it, if it's an issue for him, before he dives in too deep. Just my 2 cents.
 
Last edited:
Regardless, thanks for the reply. I currently attend a State school in New Jersey for my undergrad. I'm on the same boat regarding green card but I am considering my options in terms of applying to schools. So private schools are our best bet? I am assuming these same guidelines apply for DO schools? Obviously as a international applicant we will have to shatter the MCAT and GPA aspects.

Also attending a state school in NJ lol, but yeah, I've spoken to our state schools that claim to accept applications from internationals. Both Rutgers and NJMS have told me that they look at international student applications towards the end of MSAR regardless of our unique situation, and if you take a look at MSAR, they literally haven't taken any internationals. Apparently they have in the past. I think DO schools are more friendly towards internationals, but I think non-Canadians have a tough time applying to more competitive residency programs.
 
Without a green card or DACA status, it is very hard for an international student who is a graduate of a US university to gain admission to medical school.

1) you need to have the medical school sponsor you for an F1 visa.
2) you need to be able to fund your education without reliance on federal loans
3) to get a residency you may again face a stumbling block with regard to qualifying for and being sponsored for a visa
4) some schools want to educate physicians who will serve the people of their state/region and therefore prefer locals

I'd strongly recommend waiting until you have a green card. The application cycle may otherwise be an exercise in frustration.
 
Last edited:
No federal money is available, many schools do not make institutional money available either, and there is intense competition for the little money that is available at the limited number of schools. OP will not be eligible for any federal loans, and most private lenders will not lend to non-citizens without a US citizen co-signer

Thankfully money is not an issue for me. I have been given the go ahead to throw as much money into the application cycle as needed with a citizen sponsor if that is necessary. I think my question really would be that (if I do not receive my green card in time) when I apply for medical schools how will this citizenship situation affect me? I understand I will need superb stats but will applying to private medical schools make a difference? I'll have completed all 4 years of undergrad in an accredited U.S university.
 
I'd strongly recommend waiting until you have a green card. The application cycle may otherwise be an exercise in frustration.
Understandable. I think it's more frustrating than rewarding at the end of the day. I'm in weird predicament where there is a chance I receive the green card before my undergraduate education ends but I will keep this in mind. As part of academic administration do you see the medical school sponsoring F1 as a real obstacle? Regardless of the financial aspect, will getting them to sign off on that be a real issue?
 
First expense you should make is access to MSAR. As mentioned, look at the section on international students and determine which schools have admitted international students. That will tell you who is willing to sponsor a student with an F1 visa and who is not.
 
Top