Reviewed by:
Former Admissions Committee Member, NYU Grossman School of Medicine
Reviewed: 4/13/22
Historically, Michigan has been known as the center of the automotive industry in the United States. But those days are long gone. Michigan now has a diversified economy and a sizable and diverse population. There are people of all ethnicities, backgrounds, and socioeconomic statuses in the Great Lakes State. It also has large urban areas like Detroit along with suburban and rural areas.
Studying medicine in Michigan would give you exposure to all sorts of patients in a variety of settings. The goal of this article is to inform you of what you need to know about medical schools in Michigan. This article will go through every medical school in the state and provide you with some information about each school, including its mission statement, median GPA, median MCAT score, tuition cost, background information, and selection factors.
Michigan has seven medical schools:
At most of these schools, there is a focus on bringing more family physicians into the workforce as well as addressing the physician shortage in the state. Three of these schools are listed among the top 100 in the nation by the U.S. News and World Report: University of Michigan Medical School, Wayne State University School of Medicine, and Michigan State Medical School. Medical schools in Michigan are like most other medical schools in terms of competition. It is not easy to get accepted.
Out-of-state students face a greater challenge in getting accepted as some medical schools prefer in-state applicants.
"The Central Michigan University (CMU) College of Medicine educates diverse students and trains culturally competent physicians to provide comprehensive health care and services to underserved populations in Michigan and beyond. Our faculty, staff and graduates advance health and wellness through exceptional education, innovative research, quality patient care and strategic collaborations to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities.
CMU College of Medicine recruits and admits students from Michigan to care for Michigan - especially those who are committed to pursue a career in primary care and serve the medically underserved."
The Central Michigan University College of Medicine focuses on preparing physicians by focusing on improving access to high-quality health care in Michigan, especially in those underserved rural and urban areas. The curriculum covers health issues and concerns in central and northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. Clinical skills training begins in year one of the curriculum. It includes training in diagnosing and caring for patients in medical clinics, state-of-the-art simulations, and broad technology integration throughout the learning process.
3.7
509
1.4%
$43,055 In-state
$68,690 Out-of-state
Beyond your academic portfolio, the admissions committee is looking for critical thinking and logic skills, an understanding of the principles of ethics, personal values, and the qualities necessary for successful development into a compassionate, skilled physician able to serve the needs of a diverse and changing population.
Applicants are encouraged to review the AAMC Core Competencies for Entering Medical Students for additional information. The admissions process is also designed to identify applicants who will fulfill the mission of CMED, i.e., to provide healthcare to underserved populations in central and northern Michigan.
“The College of Human Medicine at Michigan State University is committed to educating exemplary physicians and scholars, discovering and disseminating new knowledge, and providing service at home and abroad. We enhance our communities by providing outstanding primary and specialty care, promoting the dignity and inclusion of all people, and responding to the needs of the medically underserved.”
Founded in response to Michigan’s need for primary care physicians, The College of Human Medicine has grown in mission and size to meet evolving needs of the region. Students begin at either the East Lansing campus or the Grand Rapids campus. Students complete their late clinical experience at one of the seven community campuses after two years of early and middle clinical experience within the Shared Discovery Curriculum.
3.71
508
2.4%
$31,358 In-state
$58,112 Out-of-state
The College of Human Medicine is seeking a class that is
Disadvantaged and minority students are encouraged to apply, and the ability to pay is not a factor through financial aid provided by the school such as the Loan For Disadvantaged Students (LDS).
Selection criteria are based on multiple factors that include:
The college considers citizens of the United States and Canada. Additionally, applicants with a US permanent resident visa (green card) or DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) are also considered.
“Our Mission: The Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine is a collaborative, diverse, inclusive, and technologically advanced learning community, dedicated to enabling students to become skillful, ethical, and compassionate physicians, inquisitive scientists who are invested in the scholarship of discovery, and dynamic and effective medical educators.”
Oakland University partnered with Beaumont Health System to establish the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine (OUWB). It is located at the heart of Oakland University’s campus, 40 minutes north of Detroit. The Kresge Library, the Oakland Center (student union), and Recreation Center are all accessible to OUWB students.
Beaumont's eight-hospital system, Southeast Michigan’s largest integrated health system, supports clinical instruction of OUWB students on three hospital campuses in Royal Oak, Troy, and Grosse Pointe. The Royal Oak campus is OUWB’s primary teaching hospital and is a major academic research center with Level 1 trauma status. There are ninety-one medical and surgical specialties represented on the Beaumont medical staff of nearly 5,000 physicians.
3.84
510
1.7%
$56,522 In-state
$56,522 Out-of-state
Proven completion of a comprehensive education that goes beyond the basic sciences to include the social sciences, history, and the arts.
Select applicants will be invited to submit a supplemental application based on the following criteria:
1. MCAT Score:
a. MCAT - 495 or higher, and
2. BCPM (Math and Science) GPA:
a. Cumulative undergraduate BCPM GPA of 3.0, OR
b. Cumulative post-baccalaureate GPA of 3.5 with at least 24 BCPM credit hours, OR
c. Cumulative graduate GPA of 3.5 with at least 24 BCPM credit hours
“To transform health through bold and innovative education, discovery and service. Strategic pillars for the school are focused on people, discovery, education, care and service.
The University of Michigan was founded in 1850. It quickly became a leader in American academic medicine. A pioneer in introducing the modern science-based curriculum, the school was among the first to change the role of the student from passive observer to active participant through lab instruction and clerkships.
Students have access to an array of research opportunities. The U.S. News and World Report consistently rank this medical school as among the best in the country.
3.85
517
2.2%
$39,744 In-state
$59,062 Out-of-state
Students must demonstrate a strong foundation of knowledge across core scientific subjects as well as the inter/intrapersonal skills needed to navigate a changing healthcare environment as a physician.
Each applicant will be assessed on essential skills, intelligence, and personal attributes:
“We will educate a diverse student body in an urban setting and within a culture of inclusion, through high-quality education, clinical excellence, pioneering research, local investment in our community and innovative technology, to prepare physician and biomedical scientific leaders to achieve health and wellness for our society.”
With over a thousand medical students, Wayne State University School of Medicine was founded in 1868 and is located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan. Along with its undergraduate medical education, the school offers master's degree, Ph.D. and M.D.-Ph.D. programs in 14 areas of basic science to about 400 students annually. The faculty consists of many local physicians. They provide care at eleven affiliated hospitals, clinics and training sites throughout the area.
3.74
509
2.9%
$36,597 In-state
$63,972 Out-of-state
A holistic review process is used for selection of applicants.
Consideration is given to the:
As a state-supported school, preference is given to Michigan residents. Applicants whose educational backgrounds include academic work outside the United States must have completed two years of coursework at a U.S. or Canadian college, including the prerequisite courses. Interviews are required, but scheduled only with those applicants who are given serious consideration. Students are urged to apply by November 1.
“To educate and inspire lifelong learners to be exceptional clinicians, leaders, educators, advocates, and researchers for tomorrow.”
Created through the partnership of Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo's two teaching hospitals, Ascension Borgess Health and Bronson Healthcare. Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine (WMed) is a private medical school. WMed was established in 2012. It offers the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree, a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences degree and the Master of Science in Medical Engineering degree.
3.66
515
2%
$60,500 In-state
$60,500 Out-of-state
Applicants that meet the minimum academic criteria are asked to complete the supplemental application, which includes an online assessment focused on the candidate's personal attributes and fit with WMed. Based on these results and the AMCAS application, selected candidates will be invited to participate in a telephone interview designed to further assess the applicant's attributes. The next step is an on-campus interview where applicants participate in both a structured interview and a traditional one-on-one interview.
students with the following qualities are desired:
“Providing world-class, osteopathic, student-centered graduate and medical education and research in order to foster community access to patient-centered medical care.”
The Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM) is the osteopathic medical school of Michigan State University. It is located in East Lansing. The school offers the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree, as well as a combined DO-PhD degree for students seeking training as physician-scientists.
3.7
507
N/A
$45,074 In-state
$87,177 Out-of-state
These are the school’s selection factors:
“The admissions team will evaluate applications based on several criteria deemed important to the mission of the college, including but not limited to: academic success, MCAT performance, exposure to the osteopathic profession, professional and community service experience, personal testimony, interview performance and letters of evaluation.”
Getting accepted into medical schools in Michigan is similar to getting accepted into medical schools in other states. It’s a competitive process but, these tips can help guide you:
Michigan doesn’t have as many medical schools as a state like California. If you want to get accepted to a Michigan school then it makes sense to apply to multiple schools in the state to maximize your odds. Do your research in finding out what makes each school unique. Read their mission statement and pin down what organizations, personality traits, and academic qualities they value. Tailor your application to each school.
Medical schools won’t expect you to have real experience treating patients. However, you can gain some medical experience by shadowing physicians and other healthcare professionals in the state. Shadowing allows you to see the nuances of healthcare practice in Michigan. This will leave you better prepared to treat patients in future and meet their specific needs.
Community service comes in many forms and shows a willingness to give back. Michigan schools want to graduate students that are altruistic and have the drive to contribute to the greater good. Find volunteering opportunities on your campus or in your community that can include food banks, homeless or domestic violence shelters and get involved.
Michigan has a diverse population with many languages being spoken. Focusing on language, culture, and people can challenge you in a way that technical classes can’t. Communication and an understanding of different cultures are vital skills for anyone entering the medical field.
Medical schools are looking for applicants who are making the effort to culturally broaden their horizons. Some programs will allow you to volunteer abroad. Students are placed in hospitals and clinics in both rural and urban areas where they are understaffed. Having this experience on your application will help you stand out and demonstrate that you are willing to work with underserved communities.
No. Although you have a greater chance of being accepted, all else equal, than someone out-of-state you should not limit your application to Michigan. It is a good idea, however, to prioritize in-state schools.
It is best to apply to schools within your range, otherwise, you will have a lower chance of being accepted.
Based on median GPA and MCAT scores: Central Michigan University College of Medicine.
The University of Michigan is the highest-ranked school according to U.S. News.
Wayne State University School of Medicine, with a 2.9%.
It has a population of just under 10 million. The Great Lakes State has a lot to offer, from affordable housing to stunning landscapes. The state’s economy has had its ups and downs and the winters are cold, but Michigan is still drawing in new residents. Michigan is great for nature and outdoor enthusiasts as more than half of the state is covered in forests. The state also has a thriving craft beer scene which also draws tourists, while its charming cities attract many new residents.
Michigan has a diverse population and a range of environments from rural to urban. Hopefully, you now know what you need to know about medical schools in Michigan. Getting accepted to a Michigan medical school is similar to getting accepted in many other parts of the country.
Besides having the academic qualifications, you must demonstrate a willingness to give back and work with a diverse population to meet their specific needs. By taking time to serve your community, learn new cultures and new languages, you solidify your application and increase the odds of impressing the admissions committee.
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