Q: Is your admissions process rolling?
A: Yes, we begin reviewing applications in February and immediately begin accepting students. If you are not immediately accepted, you will be notified as to whether your application was put on hold or rejected.
Q: I have a GPA of 2.9 and an MCAT score of 500. What are my chances of getting in?
A: We cannot provide a "preview" of your credentials other than to reiterate the statement on our website:
Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of their undergraduate academic record and recommendations from two individuals knowledgeable about the student's academic potential. All applicants for admission are required to have a baccalaureate degree that includes the following courses: General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biology, and Physics. The majority of students accepted have a cumulative and science GPA of 3.0 or higher. However, students with lower GPAs may be accepted if their record shows marked improvement in the latter years of their undergraduate career. Keep in mind that we cannot evaluate a candidate without having the complete application in the context of the other applications submitted in the same cycle.
Q: What is the FAFSA code for Rutgers Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School?
A: 002629
Q: Is it possible to participate in the program as a non-matriculated student?
A: In general, no. This program is very popular, and it is rare that seats will be available. Please contact the program before applying.
Q: What is the ETS code for submission of GRE and TOEFL scores to Rutgers GSBS at RWJMS?
A: The ETS Code is 2786. There is no department code.
Q: How do I submit an MCAT score?
A: Use the AAMC THx score reporting system to have your score sent to “Rutgers School of Graduate Studies Piscataway & Newark.” We use a single reporting system for both campuses.
Q: Can I submit GRE scores or is an MCAT score required for the MBS program?
A: We recommend that if you haven’t taken the MCAT, you should consider postponing until after you’ve completed some of your post-bac courses. The course content will be of value for your MCAT prep. Your MCAT score is a VERY important part of your Med School application - do not rush to take it before you are 110% ready just to gain entrance to a post-bac program.
Q: Can I send in the application form without an MCAT/GRE score so that my recommendations and transcript can be sent in as soon as possible and remain on file?
A: Yes, but we must have all supporting items to review the application.
Q: Can I submit a Pre-Health Advisor’s committee letter that was prepared for Med School admissions in lieu of an individual's letters of recommendation?
A: Yes.
Q: Your application deadline is August 3, but I won't be taking the MCAT until mid-April. Will you accept scores after the deadline?
A: This year we are accepting MCAT scores through the mid-April test date, but your application won't be reviewed until we receive your scores and we must have all other materials in by August 3. Keep in mind that this will put you at a disadvantage since your application will be reviewed at the very end of the cycle when many of our seats will be filled. We highly recommend you take the GREs for entrance into a post-bac program and delay taking the MCAT until you are 110% ready.
Q: I already have letters filed in Interfolio. Can I send them using this letter service?
Yes, we accept letters of recommendation from Interfolio.
Q: Who should my letters of reference be from?
A: Your letters of recommendation should come from individuals that know how you are likely to cope with graduate and/or medical education. Ideally, the letters you submit should be from faculty or clinical mentors who know you well and evaluate your level of professionalism and maturity.
Q: Do you offer individual tutoring if needed?
A: Yes, our Cognitive Skills program offers exam review and individualized tutoring. In addition, most courses have several review sessions prior to exams.
Q: What will my schedule look like?
A: Most of our classes are held during daytime hours, generally in the afternoon and some in the evenings.
Q: For the Gross Anatomy course, do the students conduct dissections, or do they review previously dissected cadavers?
A: Our Gross Anatomy course is a dissection course. You, along with about five other students, will have your own cadaver to dissect.
Q: Do students have access to MCAT Prep?
A: We do not offer a prep course that would provide the same service as private review programs. We do, however, have a Cognitive Skills program that can help you with MCAT prep strategies such as honing test-taking skills, assessments of verbal reasoning ability, and help determining which strategy might be best for you.
Q: What do I do if I need reasonable accomodations?
A: Rutgers Biomedical Health Sciences(RBHS) has a very well established Office of Disability Services (ODS) that assists students with any concerns. Here is the link to an informational video.
Q: What are the beginning and end dates for the MSBS program?
A: Our program follows the Rutgers SGS academic calendar. Although individual courses may vary, in general classes begin in early September and end by mid-May.
Q: Do students have access to Medical School Pre-Admission Counseling Services?
A: Yes, we have a member of the RWJMS admissions team helping us with your Med School admissions questions.
Q: Does the program provide a committee letter for medical school applications?
A: Yes.
Q: What is the typical class size?
A: Our entering class is between 80 - 90 students.
Q: I have already applied to the Newark Program. Can I transfer my application to the Piscataway Program?
A: No. You must apply separately to each program.
Q: Is it possible to transfer credits from the Master's degree program to medical school?
A: No.
Q: What would you say are the major differences between the MBS and MSBS Programs?
A: In a word, research. The MSBS program is a research program that will put you in a lab full-time for at least two years. The MBS program can be completed in one year if you choose, and only requires one research-based course, the Capstone Project.
Each program was developed independently to meet the needs at each campus. We encourage you to study each to learn more about the details and find the programs that best match your career plans and educational needs.
Q: I’ve been accepted into the Newark MBS program. Can I transfer this acceptance into the Piscataway program?
A: No. You must apply separately to each program.
Q: Is there funding available in the form of scholarships for MSBS or MBS students?
A: Unfortunately at this time, we do not have any funds available for scholarships or grants. Please visit the Financial Aid Office for more information.
Q: How do I get information about housing and life in Piscataway/New Brunswick?
A: You can visit the Life at Rutgers of the GSBS website.
Q: Do you offer the Masters in Biomedical Science/Masters in Public Health (dual degree) as is the case for the Newark program?
A: Not at this time. We are currently in the process of exploring the feasibility of this option. Depending on the program, you may be able to transfer up to 12 credits of M.B.S. work toward your M.P.H. degree. Please contact the School of Public Health program that you are interested in for more information.
Q: Are there any links between the Masters in Biomedical Sciences and Robert Wood Johnson Medical School?
A: Yes. The highest performing students in the MBS program are eligible for consideration for the Accelerated Application Program (AAP)at RWJMS. See this website for details.
Q: Is it necessary to apply to the "Accelerated Application Program" or are all students automatically eligible?
A: If you meet the eligibility requirements after completing your first 14 credits in the MBS program and if you meet all other requirements, you may be asked to apply to the program office.
Q: Are students guaranteed admission to Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School?
A: No, the accelerated application program provides the possibility of avoiding a ”glide” year. Students who qualify for and are selected to apply to the accelerated application program are guaranteed an interview with RWJMS. The number of RWJMS slots available through this program is limited since these interviews are held in late spring.
Q: Can I apply to RWJMS during the regular cycle and then apply to the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS) Accelerated Application Program if I were to meet the requirements?
A: No, you can only submit one application per year. If you apply to Rutgers RWJMS during the regular cycle, you will NOT be eligible for the Accelerated Application Program in the same year.