Admissions Process

Welcome to the Feinberg School of Medicine

We are pleased that you are interested in the opportunities Feinberg offers. As one of the top medical schools in the United States, the Feinberg School of Medicine prides itself on preparing our students today for the challenges facing medicine tomorrow.  Some of the best minds in the profession share the Northwestern tradition.

These Web pages are intended to help answer your questions about the Feinberg School and the admissions process. If you are in the process of applying to our medical school, we encourage your application and, if it has been submitted, we  recommend you regularly check your status at our secure applicant web site, available about July 15. If you have questions, do not hesitate to e-mail us at: med-admissions@northwestern.edu, or call, 312/503-8206.  Thank you for your interest.

2009 Admissions Timeline

January, April, May, June 2008

Preferred months to sit for the MCAT examination.

June 2008

Have official transcripts sent to AMCAS for verification.
Complete, submit, and certify AMCAS application, as of June 4. 
June/July application submission is encouraged.
Designate the Feinberg School to receive your application.

July through late October 2008

The Office of Admissions receives AMCAS applications by electronic transmission.

July through early November 2008

Applicants are invited to complete Feinberg’s secondary application, pay the application fee, and have Letters of Recommendation sent (application file becomes complete).

August 25, 2008

The first-year class of Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine is welcomed for Orientation Week.

 August 29, 2008

The first-year class of Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine participates in Founders' Day and the White Coat Ceremony.

August through mid December 2008

The Committee on Admissions reviews completed application files and makes interview invitation decisions.

Late August 2008 through mid January 2009 

Selected applicants who have completed their Feinberg application file are invited to participate in an on-campus interview day.

September 2008

Last MCAT test dates for 2009 applicants.  July, August, or September MCAT scores will be considered only if FSM is informed that an applicant is taking the MCAT during those months at the time the Supplemental application is submitted.

Late September 2008 through February 2009  

Applicants participate in an on-campus interview day.
The Committee on Admissions reviews application files of interviewed applicants and recommends final admission actions.

October 15, 2008

At midnight EDT is the date and time by which the AMCAS application must be final submitted if an applicant wishes to designate the Feinberg School for receipt.  

Late November 2008 and late February 2009

Applicants who have participated in an interview receive a final admission decision.

April 30-May 1, 2009

Applicants who have received and accepted an offer to matriculate at the Feinberg School participate in an on-campus Second Look Weekend.

May 15, 2009

Date by which applicants who have received and accepted multiple matriculation offers are required to make a final decision and thenceforth hold only one offer.

June 2009 through mid August 2009

Selected Alternate (wait list) applicants receive offers to matriculate.