Reviewed by:
Former Admissions Committee Member, Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine
Reviewed: 10/11/23
Wisconsin, fondly known as America’s Dairyland, is also home to two sought-after and prestigious medical schools: The Medical College of Wisconsin and The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.
Wisconsin, fondly known as America’s Dairyland, is also home to two sought-after and prestigious medical schools: The Medical College of Wisconsin and The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.
In this blog, we will discuss what you need to know about medical schools in Wisconsin, including background information, mission statements, application procedures, and admission statistics.
Attending medical school in Wisconsin has its perks. Wisconsin is known for its indoor activities and outdoor adventures. Wisconsin also has an abundance of natural attractions to explore, from sweeping waterfalls to deep caves and breathtaking overlooks.
There are two medical schools in Wisconsin: The Medical College of Wisconsin which is a private institution with a suburban campus and The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health which is a public institution with an urban campus. Both medical schools are highly competitive, so let’s go over some key information about their MD programs.
The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It was founded in 1893 and has since served as a major national research center and is Wisconsin’s largest private research institution. The Medical College of Wisconsin is the third largest private medical school in the United States. MCW is ranked in the top 5% nationally in number of residents trained each year, and its physician practice group sees 4 million patient visits annually.
“We are a distinguished leader and innovator in the education and development of the next generation of physicians, scientists, pharmacists and health professionals; we discover and translate new knowledge in the biomedical and health sciences; we provide cutting-edge, collaborative patient care of the highest quality; and we improve the health of the communities we serve.”
The Medical College of Wisconsin offers different program options, allowing students flexibility in their education before committing to their career path. There is a focused program that will enable students to graduate in three years (the Discovery curriculum), or there is the traditional four-year program that gives students more experience in areas of medicine. Students can choose their class size (large or small) as well as setting (larger urban campus or smaller community campus).
The Medical College of Wisconsin offers three dual degree programs:
This program track is for students who wish to become physician scientists. Students will receive medical and research training to obtain both an MD and a PhD, and MCW-MSTP will assist to reduce the cost of student training in the MD/PhD program.
This program track is for students who wish to pursue a medical career with a research focus. During the first two years, students complete basic science coursework for the MD degree. Throughout all four years, students will complete coursework that fulfills the MS degree requirements. MS degree coursework includes clinical study design, biostatistics, and research methods. Students are also required to conduct a mentored research project.
This program track is for students who wish to advance the health of the public. Combining medical and public health education allows students to acquire the interdisciplinary skills needed to address global health issues and prevent human disease and suffering.
Please remember to follow the specific admissions and application requirements for each program track. Submission procedures may vary.
The Medical College of Wisconsin recommends that you submit primary and secondary applications early. Primary applications must be sent through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). Secondary applications will be sent to eligible candidates upon MCW’s receipt of your verified AMCAS application.
Students who wish to apply to the Medical College of Wisconsin should consider the following factors:
Source: Medical College of Wisconsin
All applicants should carefully review MCW’s full application requirements to ensure that all required materials are submitted following the school’s specific application procedures. The Medical College of Wisconsin will move forward with applicants based on the following selection factors:
The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (UW SoMPH) is located in Madison, Wisconsin. It was the first medical school in the nation to integrate medicine and public health. As such, UW consistently produces some of the finest physicians in public health research and service.
“Together, we are advancing health and health equity through remarkable service to patients and communities, outstanding education, and innovative research.”
The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health offers students various program tracks and areas of focus in their education. There are three degree programs and four focus areas (or concentrations) within the MD program.
The three degree programs are as follows:
This program track is for students who wish to obtain a traditional MD degree. UW has implemented a three-phase approach in the MD curriculum, called “ForWard Curriculum.” In Phase 1, the first three semesters incorporate basic and clinical science and early clinical medicine experiences.
In Phase 2, students complete a year of clinical rotations that consist of four 12-week thematic science blocks. In Phase 3, the last 16 months are dedicated to career exploration including internship preparation, required internships, public health and science electives, and individualized career opportunities.
This dual degree program track, also known as the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), is for students who wish to become physician scientists. The curriculum combines training in clinical medicine and scientific research.
This dual degree program track is for students who wish to combine a traditional MD degree with an MPH and is designed to equip students with knowledge and training in public health. Students can expect to obtain their MD/MPH in five years upon successful completion of the MPH coursework, fieldwork, and capstone.
The four focus areas (concentrations) within the MD program are as follows:
This focus area is for students who wish to address pressing health issues in rural communities.
This focus area is for students who wish to address pressing health issues in medically underserved urban communities.
This focus area is for students who wish to integrate medicine and public health.
This focus area is for students who wish to engage in mentored research as an integral part of their education, medical training, and career.
Please remember to follow the specific admissions and application requirements for each program track. Submission procedures may vary.
The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health recommends that you submit primary and secondary applications early. Primary and secondary applications must be sent through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS).
Students who wish to apply to the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health should keep the following statistics in mind:
Source: UW, UW Tuition Rates, US News
UW has provided a list of fast facts and statistics of the current entering class:
Total number of applications: 5,075
Total number of interviews: 612
Number in entering class: 176
Most common undergraduate majors: Biology, Biochemistry, Neuroscience
All applicants should carefully review the University of Wisconsin’s full application requirements to ensure that all required materials are submitted following the school’s specific application procedures. The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health will move forward with applicants based on the following selection factors:
(At least 70% of the student body is comprised of Wisconsin residents. Non-resident admission is far more competitive. Wisconsin residency is not a factor for the MD/PhD program. Admission to WARM is limited to applicants whose legal state of residence is Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, or Minnesota.)
(UW defines “unique and outstanding characteristics” as applicants who have demonstrated AAMC’s Core Competencies for Entering Medical Students.)
(Achievements and experiences can include awards, honors, scholarships, medical or non-medical jobs, activities that fostered leadership, student/community organizations, research, and etc.)
(Some examples include physician shadowing, working as an EMT, any patient-facing or clinical settings, medical scribing, volunteering in an assisted living facility or free clinic, and etc.)
Getting accepted into medical school is challenging, and medical schools in Wisconsin are competitive. There are five areas of the medical school application process that you should pay particular attention to because they will maximize your chances of getting accepted into medical school:
Although many medical schools are adopting a holistic approach in reviewing applicants, your academic achievement is the most crucial factor in getting accepted into medical school. Medical schools have minimum requirements for GPA (total and science) and MCAT score.
Generally, entering medical school students have GPAs and MCAT scores that exceed the minimum requirements, so the median GPA and MCAT of medical schools are also higher than the minimum requirements. It is vital to maximize your total GPA, science GPA, and get the best possible score on your MCAT.
Participating in the right extracurriculars will set you up for success as a physician. The right extracurriculars will provide you with real-world experience in the medical field. Some examples of extracurriculars include medical shadowing, volunteering, research, and clinical experience.
The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) has a list of core competencies that entering medical school students should possess and demonstrate. AAMC’s core competencies fall under three categories: pre-professional, thinking and reasoning, and science. Please review AAMC’s core competencies and think about the areas in your application that demonstrate these various competencies. For example, you can demonstrate your proficiency in teamwork by writing a section in your personal statement about a specific goal you reached with your team at your workplace.
Because medical schools are highly competitive, and many students are competing with one another with similar GPAs and MCAT scores, it is important to showcase your individuality. Your individuality is what will set you apart from all the other candidates, and there are key areas in your application where you can demonstrate your individuality: the personal statement, letters of recommendation, and the AMCAS work and activities section.
Finally, you can maximize your chances of getting into medical school in Wisconsin by following two simple rules: Apply early. Apply broadly. It is important to stay well ahead of all important dates and deadlines; don’t apply at the last minute! Many medical schools employ rolling admissions which means that applications are reviewed in the order in which they are received, and requests for secondary applications and invitations for interviews are also sent in a timely manner.
It is in your best interest to follow the best application timeline so that you can also ensure that you have ample time to secure and submit all necessary application materials such as your letters of recommendation and official school transcripts. You should also apply broadly to multiple suitable medical schools, which will increase your chances of acceptance.
Currently, the Medical College of Wisconsin is unranked. More information can be found here.
The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health is ranked #27 in research and #18 in primary care.
Early Decision Program:
Regular MD and Dual Degree Programs:
Please remember to be mindful of the current year’s important dates and deadlines, and always check MCW’s website for the latest information regarding admissions procedures and application requirements.
Last MCAT date: Late September
AMCAS opens: Early May
Earliest AMCAS submission date: Late May
AMCAS deadline: Mid October
Secondary deadline: Early December
Interviews: September-February
Please remember to be mindful of the current year’s important dates and deadlines, and always check the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health’s website for the latest information regarding admissions procedures and application requirements.
You can review financial aid and scholarship opportunities for the Medical College of Wisconsin here and the University of Wisconsin here.
There are actually three campuses at the Medical College of Wisconsin: Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Central Wisconsin. The Milwaukee campus is the main campus and offers the widest variety of education options.
The Green Bay and Central Wisconsin campuses are for the Discovery curriculum which is an intensive, accelerated program which allows students to complete their medical school experience in three years.
You can read more about campus life at the Medical College of Wisconsin here.
The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health is a hub for classes, research, and studying. Additionally, there are student activities and organizations that foster personal growth and leadership. You can read more about campus life here.
The Medical College of Wisconsin offers the Discovery curriculum which allows students to complete their medical school requirements in three years rather than the traditional four years. Whether this concentrated program track is right for you is a personal decision that should be carefully considered.
Successful completion of your MD degree in three years entails following a concentrated education path. This is achieved by reducing the number of electives you can take and shortening the length of traditional medical school breaks. This allows you to graduate one year earlier and begin practicing medicine sooner.
Applicants who are interested in the Discovery curriculum are encouraged to carefully examine the program overview as well as curriculum schedule and course descriptions. We recommend that you are honest with yourself in assessing whether the Discovery curriculum is right for you. If you would prefer to take more electives in medical school and enjoy the conventional medical school breaks, then opt for the traditional four year program.
You can explore the many activities and natural beauty of Milwaukee, Wisconsin here.
You can explore everything that Madison, Wisconsin has to offer here.
Medical schools in Wisconsin are competitive, but following the tips and insights in this blog will help increase your chances of getting accepted. Remember to maximize your total GPA, science GPA, and MCAT score.
Participate in the extracurriculars that will cultivate your experiences in medicine. Exhibit the desirable qualities and core competencies of a leading physician. Strengthen areas in your application that allow you to showcase your individuality. Lastly, strengthen time management skills and stay ahead of medical school deadlines
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