Do you have cut-off scores for GPA or MCAT?

No, we practice holistic admissions, so we look at all aspects of an application before deciding if we want to move forward with an applicant. We review candidates across many domains of interest, which include academic achievement. We consider all and ignore none of the information we receive. It is important to consider that the MCAT is just a test, but it has further implications when a holistic consideration of the test and test behavior is applied in consideration of each candidate.

Do you have a supplemental application?

Yes, we send supplemental applications to all candidates who send us a primary AMCAS application.

When is your supplemental application available?

July 7, 2025

What is the supplemental application fee?

$115

Is there a supplemental fee waiver?

We provided supplemental application fee waivers for those experiencing financial hardship. Please contact our office at ssom-admissions@luc.edu to request a waiver.

What is the deadline for the primary AMCAS application?

November 3, 2025
Although this is the latest date we will accept primary applications, we utilize a rolling-admissions process, so early submission of the application and prompt return of all supporting material will enhance an applicant's chance of being considered for a place in the class.

What is the deadline for the supplemental application?

December 12, 2025
Although this is the latest date we will accept secondary applications, we utilize a rolling-admissions process, so early submission of the application and prompt return of all supporting material will enhance an applicant's chance of being considered for a place in the class.

What is your application and selection criteria?

• Applicants must have:
  • A bachelor's degree - any undergraduate major is acceptable
  • MCAT score taken within the past 3 years
  • U.S. citizenship, hold a permanent resident visa, or be eligible for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) at the time of application
  • A minimum of 3 and a maximum of 6 letters of recommendation
• What's important in an application:
  • Academic credentials that indicate a candidate is capable of succeeding in a rigorous medical education program
  • Interest in learning, integrity, compassion, empathy, service, and the ability to assume responsibility
  • Exploration of the field of medicine and an applicant's motivation to enter this profession
• As a rule, applicants are limited to applying no more than twice. However, third-time applicants can submit a request for consideration.
• Applicants enrolled in advanced degree programs must complete their degrees prior to matriculation.
• Loyola University does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

Course Prerequisites

• Total of 30 BCMP semester credits
• At least 8 credits in a chemistry-based discipline 
• At least 3 credits in organic chemistry 
• At least 8 credits in a biology-based discipline 
• At least 1 lab course credit in biology 
• At least 1 lab course credit in chemistry 
• Remaining credits may be any combination of courses in biology, chemistry, physics, or math. No more than 6 AP credits will be accepted toward the remaining total credit requirement 

Does Stritch accept online courses?

All prerequisite courses must be taken in person, but other coursework may be taken online.

Do you need a Bachelor's degree to apply?

Yes, 100% of our matriculants have completed a bachelor's degree prior to matriculating to medical school.

What is the latest date I can take the MCAT for the 2026 application cycle?

October 31, 2025

What is the oldest MCAT considered for the 2026 application cycle?

January 1, 2023

Do you accept international students?

No, we are currently only able to admit students who are U.S. citizens, hold a permanent resident visa, or have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status. For more information about DACA, click HERE. 

Do you accept applications from Canadian students?

No, unless the student has U.S. citizenship, holds a permanent resident visa, or has Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status. For more information about DACA, click HERE.

Do you accept DACA students? Are they funded?

Yes, we accept DACA students and determine funding resources once they have completed the financial aid processLearn more.   

Do most of your students attend Loyola undergrad?

On average, around 7% of our admitted medical students per cycle attended Loyola undergrad.

Do you participate in a letter service?

Yes, AMCAS letters.

How many letters are required?

We require a minimum of three (3) letters OR a pre-health committee packet. A maximum of six (6) letters will be accepted. 

Do you enroll out-of-state applicants?

Yes, we are a private institution and give the same consideration to both in-state and out-of-state applicants.

How do I check the status of my application?

You may check your application status at any time through your supplemental portal. 

How do I submit application updates to your office?

You may update your application at any time during the cycle through your supplemental portal. Updates can be uploaded as a PDF through the "Submit Update Document" button on your supplemental portal home page.
Please do not mail/email updates to our office.

Do you accept external letters of recommendation? 

Yes, we do accept external letters of recommendation; they can be submitted by the letter writer using this link, or they can be sent by email as a PDF. 

We appreciate your interest in our institution. Seats for transfer students are based on availability. Some years, there are no seats available. When a request to transfer is made, the Office of Admissions will refer to institutional resources to determine if there is capacity on required rotations to accommodate an accepted transfer student. Admissions will refer the request to the Executive Committee on Admissions if a position is available. The committee favors applicants who demonstrate qualities, achievements, and characteristics in keeping with Jesuit values of care for the whole person, social justice, and service.

I. ELIGIBILITY to submit an application

U.S. Citizens and U.S. Permanent Residents are eligible to apply.

• Students eligible are enrolled in accredited U.S. schools of allopathic medicine.
• Students from foreign schools of medicine are not eligible.
• Students in other health-related programs, including physician assistant, chiropractic, dental, podiatric programs, or doctoral programs, are not eligible.

MD degree holders are not eligible.
All applicants must be in good standing and/or be eligible to re-enter medical school if their education has been interrupted. If you do not meet this requirement, we will not consider your application for transfer.

II. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

• • Successful completion of a bachelor’s degree at an accredited U.S. with a year of courses in each of the following, preferably with labs: biology, general (inorganic) chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics.
  • Competitive GPAs and MCATs are expected.

US Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)

• USMLE Step 1 must be taken no later than April 30th in the year you are applying or entering.
• Please note we cannot act as a sponsor for the USMLE. Students can register for the test through their dean’s office.
• Successful completion of M2 coursework is required.
• Transfer admissions offers are contingent upon passing scores for USMLE, Step 1.
• As soon as you receive your scores, please submit them to ssom-admissions@luc.edu.
• Applicants must convey their scores and arrange for formal confirmation of these self-reported results.

Curriculum 

The applicant must have completed a course of study at least equivalent to the credit hours indicated for each course listed in The Stritch School of Medicine curriculum.

• The student must have completed work in Gross Anatomy, Biochemistry, Physiology, Neurobiology, Immunology and Psychopathology, Pathology, Practice of Medicine, Pharmacology, and Introduction to Clinical Medicine.
• Students should know about Epidemiology, Statistics, Genetics, and normal psychological development.
• Furthermore, students must have completed coursework relating to the natural history and pathophysiology of disease and clinical assessment.
• The applicant should have completed a course of study which is similar in content to Stritch’s Patient-Centered Medicine (PCM).

III. APPLICATION DOCUMENTS

Deadline – All documentation will be accepted between February 1 and April 1. All applicants must submit:

• Application for Admission with Advanced Standing - Recheck your application to see that all information is complete and correct.
• Please retain a copy of this completed application for your records. All questions must be answered.
• Nonrefundable $125 application fee payable to Stritch School of Medicine.
• Letters of evaluation are required (3 minimum):
  • Dean’s Letter of good standing (required)- The Dean of the medical school at which the student is enrolled must state that the applicant is eligible to continue in that program, give the reasons for the transfer, and provide an overall evaluation of the student.
  • Basic Science Professors (required) - This letter should be from a basic science faculty member who taught the student at the medical school where the student is enrolled.
  • Additional letter (required) - preferably from a clinical faculty member, but any basic science professor, clinical professor, dean, or faculty member is acceptable, from the school in which the student is currently enrolled
  • Optional letters (up to three): These letters may be from mentors, undergraduate (or premed) advisors, clinical professors, or additional deans who know the student well.
• Official transcripts: Submit official transcripts from your medical school (directly to the Admissions Office). At a later point, the committee may request official transcripts from any colleges/universities you have attended since graduation from high school.
• MCAT and USMLE Step 1 scores
• Copy of AMCAS application
• Current CV/Resume

IV. REVIEW PROCESS

• The Stritch School of Medicine transfer student candidate process is adjudicated solely by the Executive Committee on Admissions and follows the formal review and admissions process referred to below.
• The Stritch School of Medicine does not assume an obligation to report missing or erroneous credentials.
• We will try to contact the applicant if any of the necessary materials are missing from the application file.
• Applicants meeting eligibility criteria will be reviewed when their files are complete.
• All questions must be answered directly on the application. (Incomplete applications will not be reviewed).
• The Committee on Admissions is particularly interested in the personal and narrative statements and experiences included on the application and in individual/family reasons for requesting transfer.
• Academic Performance Before Medical School
  • Competitive undergraduate GPA is expected.
  • Competitive Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores are expected.
• Interview Process - The Committee may request an interview with applicants.
• The Executive Committee will convene to vote to ratify a decision to accept or not accept the candidate’s request for transfer

V. ADMISSION PROCESS

At the time of Conditional Acceptance

• Official confirmation of the self-reported MCAT and USMLE Step I score will be required.
• Initial decisions may be based on the self-reported data on the application form, but students must have all final grades reported on an official transcript for subsequent matriculation at SSOM.
• While the Committee on Admissions may take final action before receipt of USMLE scores, this school must receive official confirmation of the scores before matriculation.
• Students who are offered conditional acceptance but cannot corroborate self-reported data from the application or who submit inaccurate information will be denied admission, dismissed from the school, or, if discovered after
  graduation from this institution, have their degree(s) revoked.
• Criminal Background Check - Accepted students will undergo background checks and are subject to a drug screen.
• Accepted students are expected to follow policies and procedures outlined in the SSOM student handbook.
• NOTIFICATIONS 
  • Your patience in awaiting notification is appreciated.
  • Acceptances are announced as seats become available.

Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine retains the right to modify courses, programs, policies, procedures, and fees, or to implement other changes considered necessary or beneficial, providing advance notice of changes when feasible.

What is student life like at Stritch?

At the Stritch School of Medicine, we want our students to have a life beyond the classroom, so that their educational experience includes personal as well as academic growth. That's why we encourage participation in campus organizations, medical school committees, community service opportunities, faith-building activities and other extracurricular pursuits.

Perhaps the most visible medical student organization on campus is the Medical Student Union (MSU), the student government, which touches many areas of the educational experience. Stritch students are enriched by their involvement in other organizations as well, including an interest group in most specialties, the American Medical Association, the Latino Medical Student Association, Student National Medical Association, Hillel and the Christian Medical and Dental Society.

One of the hallmarks of a Stritch education is that students are encouraged to use their gifts and talents to serve others, particularly the poor and disadvantaged. They can participate in a variety of extracurricular community service opportunities sponsored by Student Affairs, University Ministry, the academic deans' offices and student organizations.

Students enjoy spending some relaxation time at the Loyola University Center for Fitness, a 62,000- square-foot facility located adjacent to the medical school. The center offers exceptional amenities and Medical students are automatic members, through payment of their student fees.

Where is the campus located?

We are located directly west of Chicago in Maywood, IL. Our campus is adjacent to Hines Veteran's Administration Hospital, one of the largest VA Medical Centers in the United States.

Where do students live?

Nearby city and suburb areas provide plenty of housing options for students. There is no campus housing.

Is tutoring or office hours with professors something that students can access at Stritch?

The Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) is a learner-centered service designed to support the ongoing academic development and life-long learning of the adult learner in medical school. ACE offers Peer Tutoring Services to individual and small groups for the Basic Science courses. Tutoring services are free of charge to Stritch School of Medicine students. ACE also offers individual and group sessions on a variety of topics including, but not limited to: Advanced Study Strategies, Memory Improvement, Test-taking Strategies, Time Management, Team Learning, CV Preparation, USMLE Exam Preparation, etc. Learn more about ACE.   

If I have a need to take a leave of absence, what is your policy?

Students may be approved for a leave of absence (LOA) due to documented health problems, personal tragedy, or to pursue an educational or research experience outside of the standard medical school curriculum. LOA's for other purposes are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. LOA's should be approved in advance of the starting date and typically may not exceed one calendar year in length. Successive one-year leaves may be granted to permit completion of educational requirements, such as the MD/PhD degree program.

What percent of your students participate in global health experiences?

Nearly 55% of graduating seniors reported participation in a global health experience during medical school.

How many students are in your first year class?

175

What is the mean GPA for your first year class?

Mean overall GPA: 3.8
Mean science GPA: 3.7

What is the mean MCAT for your first year class?

512

What is your total enrollment?

About 650

When do classes begin?

For first and second year students, orientations usually begin the last week of July and classes begin the first week of August.
For third and four year students, orientations and classes typically begin in June.

What is the curriculum like?

The first year of the curriculum concentrates on the basic scientific principles and processes related to the normal structure, function, and regulation of the human body. In addition, first year students also receive instruction in human behavioral science, communication and medical interviewing skills, the doctor/patient relationship, health promotion/disease prevention, professionalism, medical ethics and the social and community context of healthcare.

The second year focuses on basic science principles related to the mechanisms of human disease, pharmacology and the therapeutic approach to disease. Additionally, students continue to develop their basic clinical skills by gaining experience in the physical examination, effective history-taking and evidence-based clinical decision-making. Students also gain early clinical exposure through physician- and peer-mentor programs.

The third and fourth years are organized into eight required clinical clerkships, two medicine sub-internship experiences and up to 34 weeks of elective time chosen from a catalog of over 100 clinical electives. Students also receive instruction in topics such as business and leadership skills, inter-professional interactions, justice in health care, disaster preparedness, nutrition, end-of-life issues, patient safety, global health, and healthcare delivery. Special curricular features include an emphasis on bioethics, professionalism and communication, as well as intensive training in history-taking and the physical examination. Students also benefit from the availability of advanced medical simulation models located in the Clinical Skills and Human Simulation Centers that provide the latest in educational and simulation technology and offer ample opportunities to further develop clinical skills.

What kind of grading system is used?

Pre-clinical years are pass/fail.
Clerkships are pass/fail/honors/high honors.

What is the instructional style?

Stritch's instructional style is lecture based with small groups and experiential learning in simulation and standardized patient environments. Many lectures are also recorded and available for students online.

What dual degree programs are offered?

• MD/Master of Arts in Bioethics and Health Policy
• MD/Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management
• MD/Master of Public Health
• MD/PhD Program in Neuroscience; Molecular Biology; Cell Biology/Neurobiology/Antaomy; Microbiology and Immunology; Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, or Cell and Molecular Physiology.  

Where do clerkship rotations take place?

• Alexian Brothers Medical Group-Schaumburg Immediate Care
• Almost Home Kids Clinic
• Chicago Medical Group-Berwyn
• Downers Grove Family Practice
• Downers Grove Pediatrics
• Englewood Health Clinic
• Family Medicine Care
• Gottlieb Memorial Hospital
• Hines VA
• Hinsdale FMRP
• LaGrange FMRP
• La Rabida Children’s Hospital
• Loyola Center for Health at Elmhurst
• Loyola Center for Health at Orland Park
• Loyola Family Health Center at North Riverside
• Loyola-Elmwood Park
• Loyola OutPatient Clinic
• Loyola Primary Care Center at Burr Ridge
• Loyola Primary Care Center at Oakbrook Terrace
• Loyola River Forest Immediate Care Center
• Loyola University Medical Center
• Lutheran General FMRP
• MacNeal FMRP
• Madden Mental Health Center
• Mercy Hospital
• Near South Health Clinic
• Palos Hospital
• PCC Austin
• PCC Lake
• PCC Salud
• PEDIA Group Associates
• Porter Regional Hospital, Indiana
• Presence Resurrection Medical Center
• Prieto Health Clinic
• Resurrection FMRP
• St. Alexius Medical Inpatient
• St. Alexius Medical Nursery
• St. Joseph Hospital/Resurrection Healthcare
• St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Indiana
• VNA of Fox Valley Health Center
• West Suburban Hospital

What percent of last year’s graduates matched?

Check out our Match Day 2025 results.  

How do I apply for financial aid at Stritch?

All financial assistance available is determined by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once the FAFSA data has been received by the school (from the Department of Education), you will be awarded aid in the form of Direct Federal Stafford Loans. Institutional scholarships and grants may also be available. This aid is based on financial need and is determined by the financial data entered on the FAFSA (by both students and parents). Applicants typically receive an estimated award letter in early April, before the start of the fall semester.

How much is tuition at Stritch?

Total cost of attendance, including tuition and fees, living expenses, and health insurance is around $88,000 per year.

What percent of Stritch students receive financial aid support?

About 82% of enrolled students receive aid.

What is the average indebtedness of your students?

The average graduate indebtedness is around $205,400.

How do I obtain more information about financial aid?

Learn more.