Doctor of Medicine - Ponce, MD, Ponce Health Sciences University

Applications are submitted through American Medical College Applications Service (AMCAS), followed by a secondary application specific to the chosen PHSU campus. Each applicant is subject to a holistic review process that emphasizes academic achievement, clinical exposure, and relevant experience in healthcare or community service.

Selected candidates are invited for an interview, conducted virtually in a Multiple Mini Interview format to evaluate skills and qualities aligned with PHSU's mission. Interviews for the Ponce campus will be in both Spanish and English; the St. Louis campus conducts interviews in English only.

Once accepted, all students must confirm their seat with a deposit and provide proof of required immunizations before classes start.

Bachelor's Degree

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

Undergraduate GPA & MCAT Score

A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA and a Science GPA of 2.7 is required. A minimum MCAT score of 494, within first three (3) MCAT attempts taken within the last five years, is required.

Official Transcripts

All official transcripts must be sent directly from the institutions you attended to PHSU. Transcripts forwarded by the applicant will not be accepted and will be considered unofficial.

Letters of Recommendation

Have three letters of recommendation ready—two from previous professors and one from a professional who can speak to your capabilities and character relevant to medical training.

Personal Statement/ Essay

Craft a personal statement that highlights your goals in healthcare or a related field. Be sure to emphasize relevant academic and professional experiences that support your application.

Resume or CV

Submit a detailed resume or curriculum vitae outlining your skills, achievements, and any exposure to the healthcare field.

Language Requirements

All applicants to the Main Campus (Ponce) must be bilingual in English and Spanish to be eligible for admission to the MD Program, given that PHSU's partner hospitals and clinics in Ponce serve a predominantly Spanish speaking population. A Language Assessment Evaluation may be required.

Interviews

Interviews are conducted virtually in the Multiple Mini Interview format to support a holistic admissions process and evaluate premedical competencies that align with PHSU-SOM's mission to train ethical professionals who provide compassionate, culturally competent health care and generate high impact research to reduce health disparities in the populations we serve in Puerto Rico and the US. Interviews will be conducted in Spanish and English for applicants applying to the Main Campus in Ponce.