Guide for International Students

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A Guide to Medical School as a SLU International Student:

As an international student at St. Lawrence University, pursuing a career in medicine can feel like an exciting yet daunting path. This guide has been created to help you navigate the complexities of applying to medical school in the United States. From meeting the necessary academic requirements to understanding the admissions process for international applicants, we’ve compiled key information and resources to support you every step of the way. Whether you're at the beginning of your pre-med journey or preparing to apply, this guide will serve as your go-to source for all things related to medical school admissions.

The SLU Biology Department website has a comprehensive list of: 

  • Pre-med coursework requirements, specific classes available at SLU, 
  • Pre-med application time-line,
  • FAQs, and information about successful SLU pre-med alumni.

You can find further information on Medical School admission requirements from the following Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) compiled documents and web pages below.

 

The MCAT (Medical Colleges Admissions Test)

The MCAT is a standardized exam required by most U.S. medical schools for admission. It tests your knowledge and critical thinking skills in the following areas:

  • Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
  • Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
  • Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)
  • Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior


For more information on the MCAT, here is the AAMC's Taking the MCAT® Exam page (prep resources on Resources page)

There are around 200 medical schools in the United States, and approximately 46 of them accept applications from international students. You can explore more about each school’s international application process by filtering for "International" applicants on the AAMC Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR) page.

Medical school applications are competitive, with only 48% of all applicants—domestic and international—being admitted as of 2024. According to the AAMC, during the 2019 application cycle, 1,890 international applicants applied to MD-granting programs in the United States, and 325 were accepted. Of those accepted, 272 ultimately matriculated. In the 2023-2024 cycle, 1,297 international applicants applied, and 143 matriculated, which is roughly 11% of applicants.

However, being competitive does not mean it is impossible. If other people have been able to do it before you, so can you. 

Of the 46 schools that accept international students, how many of them offer financial aid opportunities to foreign applicants?

School-Specific Financial Aid Policies:

When you apply to medical school, especially as an international student, it is about filling multiple “buckets” that together demonstrate your readiness, commitment, and qualifications for medical school. Think of each bucket as representing a different aspect of your journey. Your goal is to fill them all as best as you can.

  1. Academics
  2. MCAT Performance
  3. Clinical Experience
  4. Extracurricular Involvement
  5. Shadowing Experience
  6. Research Experience
  7. Networking 
  8. Visa and Legal Considerations
  9. Financial Planning

Filling all of these buckets doesn’t happen overnight. Small, incremental progress in each area will add up over time, and every bucket you fill will contribute to a stronger application. Each step you take in filling these buckets brings you closer to your goal

SLU Resources

  • Pre-Health Mentoring Program (For first year students)
  • Center for Career Excellence 
    • Interview Skills, Resume, Internships, LinkedIn & Other Networking Skills
  • Connections = Networking
    • LINC Mentorship 
    • Great Alumni Network
  • Volunteering Opportunities
  • Clinical Experiences
    • SLU EMS
  • Professors at SLU that have worked with international pre-meds 
    • Pre-Health Advisors, Dr. Jane Kring and Dr. Karin Heckman
  • Professors on the Health Committee (List)

 

External Resources 

https://www.clinicalshadowing.com/courses/clinical-shadowing-101-february-2025