Application Process
Your Specialized Practice
This isn’t a one-year head start. It’s a challenging four year series of academic experiences that supports your growth as a future physician.
While the Academy is not a direct path to medical school, this selective program features advanced lab sections, specialized research opportunities, and deeper engagement with faculty and leaders in the field. Beyond checking off requirements, you gain expanded perspective that matters not just to medical schools but to the future of medicine.
When to Apply
Students are able to apply to the Dornsife Pre-Med Academy after they have been admitted to the University. To be eligible to apply, you must be a first-year student entering in the fall semester with a Dornsife major and a pre-medical pre-professional emphasis. Because this program that begins in the fall of freshman year, transfer students and spring admitted freshmen are unfortunately not eligible to apply.
Students admitted to the fall semester as first-year students with a Dornsife major will be able to access the application for the Dornsife Pre-Med Academy through their USC admission portal.
Requirements
Students in the Dornsife Pre-Med Academy have typically done well in high school, especially in their science and math coursework. SAT/ACT scores are not required for admission to the program. A strong background in chemistry and math is highly recommended.
Students who are admitted to the program will be required to complete both the online USC math placement exam and USC chemistry placement exam during the summer as part of their pre-orientation tasks and attain a minimum score of 20 on the chemistry placement exam. Students will receive further information about orientation and the math and chemistry placement exams after submitting their enrollment commitment deposit to USC.
A physics course of any level is required for admission to the Dornsife Pre-Med Academy.
Deadlines
Students who apply by Monday, April 13, 2026, will be notified of their status by Thursday, April 30.
Students who apply after April 13 will receive notification of their status after April 30, and may be considered for the waitlist for the program.
Contact Us
USC Dornsife Pre-Med Academy
If you have additional questions, please contact our office. We’re happy to help!