Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine: Admission Requirements and Application Process

Are you searching for a top-tier medical school that offers outstanding education and research opportunities? Look no further than the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine (MCASOM), one of the nation’s most prestigious medical schools. Known for its pioneering medical education and research, MCASOM is part of the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, offering students a unique blend of professionalism, mentorship, and patient-centered care. With a history of innovation and a focus on interprofessional collaboration, Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine provides the perfect environment for anyone looking to excel in the field of medicine.

Brief History of the Mayo Clinic Alix School

Established by the Mayo Foundation in 1972, the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine is known for its distinct culture of professionalism and mentorship and emphasizes patient-centered care and interprofessional collaboration in its medical education. With its exceptional education, groundbreaking research, and commitment to improving healthcare, the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine is an excellent choice for anyone pursuing a career in medicine.

Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine (2024) – Acceptance Rate, MCAT Scores, Class Profile

• Applicants: 5,591
• Interviews Offered: 717
• Class Size: 108 (57 in Rochester, 51 in Scottsdale/Phoenix)
• Acceptance Rate: 4.2%
• Median GPA: 3.94
• Median MCAT: 521
• Underrepresented in Medicine: 23%
• First-Generation College Students: 11
• MD-PhD Students: 8
• Acceptances into the MD/PhD program: 26

For more information, visit the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine Class Profile

Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine – Application Process

As a top-ranked medical school, the application process for the Mayo Clinic is highly competitive, with less than five percent of applicants being offered admission to its prestigious MD and MD-PhD programs. Like most medical schools, the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine requires students to submit a primary application through AMCAS.

The Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine is looking for students who are not just academically talented but also committed to transforming health care, changing lives, and transforming the future of medicine as the next generation of physicians, so it’s important to have a well-rounded application.

Academic Prerequisites

To be eligible to apply, students need to hold a bachelor’s degree or Pharm.D. from an accredited US or Canadian institution and have a 508 or higher on the MCAT. The Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine does not have specific course requirements, but the admissions committee is looking for aspiring physicians with a strong understanding of the life sciences and social sciences, as well as non-academic experiences such as community service, research, or work experience.

Mayo Clinic School of Medicine Application Deadlines (2025)

AMCAS Application

• Identifying Information: You’ll submit your biographic information here.
• Schools Attended: You’ll need to enter all high schools, colleges, and universities attended, as well as official college and university transcripts.
• Biographic Information: Here, you’ll enter additional personal information, such as language proficiency, residency, and any challenges you have faced.
• Coursework: Enter all postsecondary courses you took. These will be used to determine your AMCAS GPA.
• Work/Activities: You’ll enter up to 15 experiences here, such as employment, extracurriculars, honors and awards, and publications.
• Letters of Evaluation: You’ll need to submit one committee letter or three individual letters of evaluation.
• Essays: You’ll need to submit a personal comments essay of 5,300 characters or less explaining why you are pursuing medicine. This essay is sent to all medical programs you apply for.
  • If you’re applying for the Medical Scientist Training Program, the MD/PhD program offered in partnership with the Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, you’ll need to submit two additional essays, the MD/PhD essay and the Significant Research Experience essay. If your work was published, you should include the full citation in the Work/Activities section.
• Standardized Tests: In this section, you’ll submit your MCAT scores from a test within three years of your expected matriculation. You can also submit scores from any AAMC Preview, LSAT, GRE, GMAT, or MAT exams.
• Fees: Finally, you’ll need to pay a $175 application for the first medical school you apply for and $45 for additional schools.

Read: Crafting a Powerful AMCAS Most Meaningful Experience Essay

Mayo Clinic School of Medicine Secondary Application

Campus Preferences

After submitting the AMCAS application, you will need to submit a secondary application, which includes a $120 fee. You will also need to rank your preferences for the Mayo Clinic campuses:

• Arizona 4-Year Track: You’ll spend all four years at the Arizona campuses, Arizona 4-Year Track: Students will spend all four years at the Arizona campuses, completing preclinical classes in Scottsdale and clerkships in Phoenix.
• Minnesota 4-Year Track: Students will spend all four years at the main Mayo Clinic campus in downtown Rochester, Minnesota.
• Arizona/Florida Track: Students will complete preclinical classes at the Arizona campus and clinical clerkships on the Florida campus in Jacksonville.
• Minnesota/Florida Track: Students will complete preclinical classes at the Rochester campus and clinical clerkships on the Jacksonville campus.

Mayo Clinic School of Medicine Secondary Essays

Finally, you will need to answer the following questions:

• Why are you specifically interested in pursuing your medical education at Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine? Please tell us in a few sentences why you are interested in the top track choice you indicated. (500 words)
• Each of us relates to others through characteristics that make up our individual diversity. Tell us how your diversity is reflected not only in your personal and professional activities but also in your relationship with others, particularly in diverse learning environments. (500 words)

Mayo Clinic Medical School Interviews

Around fifteen percent of candidates are invited by the school to interview with the campus of their choice. If you select multiple campuses, you’ll interview with your top-ranked campus. The virtual interview process consists of a welcome session, two one-on-one interviews of about 30 minutes each, a virtual campus tour, opportunities to connect with current medical students, and a Q&A session.

Here are some of our tips for acing the interview:

• The interviewer will most likely have reviewed one’s application in depth, so try emphasizing experiences and qualities that are not already listed in one’s application. Also, make sure to fully review your application beforehand so you know what potential topics they may bring up.
• Come with questions. This is also an opportunity to learn more about patient care, the learning environment, and outreach efforts at MCASOM. Thoughtful questions can show genuine interest in the school.
• Practice, practice, practice! An experienced admissions coach can support students through the application and interview and help them determine which personal qualities will make them stand out.

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Mayo Clinic School of Medicine MD Curriculum

As a student at the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, you will learn and train alongside some of the most talented medical professionals at the highest-ranked hospital in the world report. The medical field curriculum at the Mayo Clinic School is undoubtedly unique, with an emphasis on clinical training, biomedical research opportunities, academic enrichment opportunities, and a distinct culture.

The Mayo Clinic Model of Care & School Culture

The Mayo Clinic Model of Care is a unique approach to health care and medicine Mayo Clinic utilizes, with a focus on multispecialty, integrated patient care, professionalism, and relationship-building with patients, including the belief that white coats may prevent physicians and patients from forming strong relationships. As such, first-year students participate in a Stethoscope Ceremony rather than the traditional White Coat Ceremony. Each student is also assigned a MedSib family, consisting of a faculty member and a student from each year, to provide mentorship and support.

Pre-Clerkship Phase (18 Months)

Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine medical students will begin science courses about the principles of disease and human structure, then move on to specific organ systems and a transition to clerkship course preparing them to interact with patients in various practice settings. In this phase, students also develop teamwork and clinical skills through patient evaluations and understand the social determinants of health, earning a certificate in Health Systems Sciences. Students will also prepare to take the USMLE Step I in this phase.

Clerkship Phase (18 Months)

Medical students gain hands-on experience through core clerkships in emergency medicine, family medicine, internal medicine, neurology, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry, and surgery.

Post-Clerkship Phase (12 Months)

In the final phase of the MD program, medical students will complete a sub-internship, social medicine rotation, and clinical elective rotations. Students will also prepare for their future residencies with the Transition to Residency and Internship Bootcamp.

Clinical rotations take place at a variety of locations, including national and international locations, giving students the opportunity to customize their education and explore the specialized areas of medicine Mayo Clinic offers, such as pediatric gastroenterology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, and cardiovascular surgery. Students interested in rural primary care can also participate in the Community Physician Apprenticeship Program, offered by the Department of Family Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Rochester and Mayo Clinic Health System and focused on continuity care in outpatient and hospital environments.

Read: How Long is Medical School – A Year-by-Year Breakdown

Academic Enrichments

Throughout the MD program, students have dozens of academic enrichment opportunities to pursue dual degrees, selectives, and global health and research experiences. The Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine partners with other excellent institutions like ASU, Carnegie Mellon, and Northeastern to offer a dual degree and certificates in 3D bioprinting and bio-fabrication, law, health informatics, and more. Global experiences like the Mayo International Health Program and Global Surgery Selective give students the opportunity to learn about healthcare delivery for underserved international populations.

As a top-ranked research institution, MCASOM’s parent institution, the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, provides an extensive network of research opportunities, and more than 80% of Mayo Clinic school students publish a research article by the time they graduate. As a Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine student, you can take advantage of electives throughout the MD program to pursue a broad range of research topics, including biomedical ethics, nephrology, health care in global settings, and diversity in clinical trials.

Cost of Attending the Mayo Clinic School of Medicine

As a private medical school, the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine has a fairly high tuition. However, MCASOM is committed to providing financial aid and ensuring low student debt among its graduates; graduates from the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine owe about $134,500 in medical school debt on average compared to the national average of $202,000. All students are automatically considered for scholarships, but many supplement institutional scholarships with external loans, grants, and scholarships. Check the Office of Student Financial Aid and Registrar page for more information.

The Bottom Line

Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine stands as one of the most prestigious and competitive medical schools globally, known for its commitment to research, patient-centered care, and innovative curriculum. With a highly selective acceptance rate and a focus on fostering leadership in healthcare, the school provides exceptional opportunities for students to excel in their medical careers. Whether you’re interested in groundbreaking research, hands-on clinical experience, or preparing for leadership roles in medicine, Mayo Clinic Alix offers a top-tier education that positions graduates for success in various medical fields. If you’re aiming for a career in healthcare with the backing of a globally respected institution, Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine is an excellent choice.

For more helpful resources as you apply to medical school, check out these articles:

• The Ultimate Guide to the Medical School Application Process
• UCSF School of Medicine: Admissions, Programs, and Tuition Costs
• A Guide to the T20 Medical Schools in the U.S.
• The Different Types of Medical Careers – and Which One is Right for You

Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine FAQs

Is the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine good?

• Yes, the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine is widely regarded as one of the top medical schools in the United States. It consistently ranks among the top medical schools for research and offers a unique curriculum that emphasizes patient-centered care, early clinical exposure, and a strong focus on student well-being.

What is the acceptance rate for the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine?

• The acceptance rate is highly competitive. For the Class of 2024, the school received 5,591 applications and offered acceptance to 233 applicants, resulting in an acceptance rate of approximately 4.2%.

What is the ranking of Alix Medical School?

• Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine is consistently ranked among the top medical schools in the United States. In the 2023 U.S. News & World Report rankings, it was tied for 14th place in the "Best Medical Schools: Research" category.

What is the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine known for?

• The school is known for its rigorous academic programs, exceptional clinical training, and commitment to research. It boasts a 3:1 faculty-to-student ratio, ensuring personalized attention for students. Additionally, over 80% of students graduate with a published research article in a peer-reviewed journal.