Admissions prerequisites and requirements

Applicants must take the MCAT no later than September 30 of the year in which they apply.

We accept all eligible scores from the new version of the MCAT offered after 2015. However, it is strongly recommended that applicants take the MCAT within three years prior to their application date.

All applicants, including those reapplying, are required to complete the Casper and Duet Assessments by October 26. Due to the limited number of available testing dates, we advise scheduling these assessments as early as possible.

If you have any questions while taking these assessments, please reach out directly to the Casper and Duet support team.

Applicants approved for the AMCAS Fee Assistance Program will have the Casper and Duet fees waived.

Applicants must submit three (3) letters of evaluation as part of their application. The specific requirements are as follows:

For M.D. applicants:

• One (1) clinical letter
• One (1) academic letter
• One (1) additional letter

For M.D./Ph.D. combined program applicants:

• One (1) clinical letter
• One (1) academic letter
• One (1) research letter

For reapplicants:

• Two (2) letters of evaluation from the previous application cycle may be used if they were written no more than one year prior to your original application and meet all current requirements. The third letter must be new and dated for the current admission cycle year.

Submission guidelines:

• UNR Med prefers individual letters be submitted directly by the writer to AMCAS or via Interfolio. However, we will also accept Committee (or Composite) letters or packets that include all required letters.
• Letters should be written by individuals who have a professional or academic relationship with the applicant. Letters from family, friends or parents' colleagues are not acceptable.
• Letters should be written during the year immediately preceding the application deadline.
• All letters must be signed and submitted on official letterhead.
• Applicants are encouraged to provide their letter writers with a copy of their personal statement, resume, and the AAMC Guidelines for Writing a Letter of Evaluation.

Types of letters:

• Clinical letter of evaluation: Preferred from a practicing physician but can be from other health care professionals who can assess the applicant’s interactions with patients, understanding of medical roles, and professional competencies such as communication and teamwork.
• Academic letter of evaluation: Should be written by a faculty member or instructor who has observed the applicant’s commitment to academic excellence and learning. The letter should address the applicant’s performance in the classroom, research lab or as a teaching assistant, and evaluate competencies such as dedication, resilience and adaptability.
• Other letter of evaluation: This letter can be a second clinical or academic letter or from someone who can evaluate the applicant’s communication skills, personal attributes, and how their experiences have prepared them for medical school.
• Research letter of evaluation (for Ph.D. applicants only): Should be written by a faculty member or research supervisor who can evaluate the applicant’s research skills, role in research projects, and contributions as a team member. The letter should also address the applicant’s readiness for a Ph.D. program and potential as a physician scientist.

UNR Med does not accept letters of intent. However, there are opportunities within the Secondary Application to discuss your interest in UNR Med and your commitment to attending medical school in Nevada.