Studying in Hawaii is a lifetime adventure because of its environment. The state attracts millions of visitors yearly for its beautiful scenery, climate, and way of life.
Only one medical school is located in Hawaii but the medical school located there gives attention to bringing more family physicians into the workforce along with addressing the physician shortage in the state.
Like all medical schools, the medical school in Hawaii is also competitive. Moreover, out-of-state students face a greater challenge because some medical schools in Hawaii admit a greater percentage of in-state students. See Best Nursing Schools in Georgia.
Studying at Hawaii medical schools has exceptional benefits that you will not find in any other state in the U.S. You will be on a tropical island and experience rich culture and climate as well as the privilege of enjoying island life.
Hawaii attracts millions of visitors every year for its breathtaking scenery, climate, and culture. It is also home to the only medical school in the state which is located in Honolulu. The University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine.
This guide will go over what you need to know about medical schools in Hawaii, what it’s like to live in Hawaii and attend the University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM), the school’s philosophy and goals, the admissions process and application guidelines, and steps for gaining Admission into the school.
List of All Medical Schools in Hawaii.
1. The University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine is a community-based medical school that encourages students to interact with diverse patient populations throughout its four-year MD program.
The University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine prioritizes various learning experiences, including international learning, traveling to neighboring islands, service-oriented outreach to underprivileged patient populations, and research.
The University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine accept that it is mandatory for physicians to first learn how to heal themselves before they can learn to heal others.
Philosophy of the University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM).
The University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine believes that a physician should be broadly educated; a physician should understand the physicality of the human body and its social, cultural, and psychological aspects.
Therefore, it is highly encouraged that undergraduate Scholars receive a well-rounded education in the liberal arts, social sciences, and humanities, in addition to completing 90 college-level credits in science coursework.
Goals of the school:
- Educating present and future healthcare professionals and leaders.
- Delivering high-quality healthcare.
- Conducting research and translating discoveries into practice.
- Establishing community partnerships and fostering multidisciplinary collaboration.
- Pursuing alliances unique to Hawaii and the Asia-Pacific region.
- Acting with forethought regarding right relationships, respect, and moral action.”
Admissions Process and Application
The University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine’s admissions process is outlined as the following six steps:
- Complete your primary American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) application.
- Pay the application processing fee of $150. The University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine will not waive this fee or accept the AMCAS Fee Waiver. University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM).
- will send the secondary application after the primary application and application processing fee are received by the admissions office. The secondary application will be sent via email to students who pass the initial review of their primary application. The secondary application consists of two letters of recommendation (to be uploaded in the AMCAS portal), supplementary essays, and prerequisite verification information.
- The admissions office will review your secondary application and supporting AMCAS materials.
- Prospective students who pass the second round of application screening will be invited for an interview.
- Applicants are notified of the school’s final admissions decisions.
Admission Requirement:
1. It is mandatory for Prospective The University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine students meet the following minimum admissions requirements:
- The MCAT exam must be taken within three years of the anticipated year of enrollment.
- Applicants must complete 90 credits of college-level science coursework (or 135 quarter hours).
- Must have taken, general biology with lab, general physics with lab, general chemistry with lab, organic chemistry with lab, and biochemistry (No Lab Required).
2. Apply early to stay ahead of important dates and deadlines.
It is strongly advised that you apply as early as possible to stay ahead of all the important dates and deadlines. This will ensure that you have ample time to obtain the required application materials, such as official school transcripts.
Applying early will also give you time to obtain strong letters of recommendation from professors, employers, and mentors.
3. Participate in the right extracurriculars that will set you apart from other candidates.
Participating in the right extracurriculars will help set you apart from other candidates. You will have the advantage of gaining hands-on medical training and experience in the field.
Participating in suitable extracurricular activities will also broaden your networking and professional contacts. This will definitely be beneficial for securing strong letters of recommendation. The following extracurriculars will help you on your path to medical school:
Medical Shadowing
Medical shadowing is one of the most essential extracurriculars in the eyes of admissions committees. Medical shadowing demonstrates your commitment to the study of medicine and your pursuit of getting into medical school.
Medical shadowing will also help you determine whether a career in medicine is a good fit for you.
Clinical Experience
Clinical experience is also significant because it will allow you engage with patients. Admissions committees want to see that you are capable of compassionate interactions with patients from diverse populations.
Additionally, clinical experience will help you determine if a career as a physician is right for you or if you would instead pursue another track like research.
Research
Research is also attractive to admissions officers. Having research experience will allow you to further study topics that interest you.
Approximately 60% of medical school applicants have some type of research experience, so it will be beneficial for you to take advantage of research opportunities before applying to medical school.
Volunteering
Volunteering shows admissions committees that you are altruistic, which is a massive advantage if you decide to apply to JABSOM because of their commitment to service to others.
Volunteering will give you new skills and knowledge, and it is a rewarding experience that will foster the desirable qualities of a compassionate and skilled physician.
4. Focus on areas in your application where you can showcase your individuality.
Generally, medical school applicants have similar total and science GPAs as well as MCAT scores. Admissions committees often look at other areas in your application to evaluate your excellence outside of academic achievement. You should focus on the following sections to showcase your individuality:
The AMCAS work and activities section.
The AMCAS work and activities section is one of nine sections in the AMCAS application. It is an excellent opportunity to show admissions committees who you are through clinical and volunteer experiences, research experience, employment, awards and recognition, extracurricular activities, and hobbies.
Crafting a powerful AMCAS work and activities section will increase your chances of acceptance.
The personal statement.
The personal statement for medical school is vital for your success. A personal statement that does not stand out will often result in applicants not making it past the first round of application reviews.
A strong personal statement highlights your qualities, uses rich storytelling to engage the admissions committee and explains why you want to pursue medicine.
To maximize your chances of acceptance, compose a personal statement that is memorable and well-written. See University of Hawaii Acceptance Rate.
The letters of recommendation.
Letters of recommendation are important because they vouch for you, your candidacy as a medical student, and your unique skill-sets.
Strong letters of recommendation should be obtained from people who thoroughly know you and the quality of your work, whether it is academic, professional, extracurricular, or in mentorship.
Letters of recommendation will also back up what you say about yourself within the application, lending you credibility and value in the eyes of admissions officers.
University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) FAQs
1. How does the US News & World report rate the University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine?
The John A. Burns School of Medicine is ranked #62 in best medical schools for research and #56 in primary care.
2. Is there a preferred or required undergraduate major for application to University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM)?
No. University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) has no preference or requirement for undergraduate majors, degrees, or colleges.
The only undergraduate requirements are that applicants fulfill the school’s minimum admissions requirements and all science prerequisites.
3. Will online courses and community college courses fulfill science prerequisites?
Yes. Online courses from an accredited US or Canadian institution will fulfill science prerequisites. However, online labs will not; all science labs must be completed in person.
Community college courses from an accredited US or Canadian school will fulfill science prerequisites. If you are unsure whether your coursework will be accepted, please email the school to review your undergraduate syllabus.
Moreover, courses taken outside of the US or Canada will not be accepted.
4. What is the deadline to complete the required prerequisites?
You do not have to finish all required prerequisites at the time of application. However, they must be completed by early July of the year of matriculation.
5. Do AP credits count toward the science prerequisite requirements?
Yes. University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) accepts AP (Advanced Placement) credits to fulfill prerequisite requirements.
AP credits must be documented on official college transcripts and verified on the AMCAS application.
6. Does University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) offer to counsel or advising for prospective applicants?
Yes. Future applicants are encouraged to undergo premed advising from their health careers advisor before applying.
Conclusion
Hawaii is a beautiful place to explore and commence your medical school journey. The University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine is a great institution to study medicine and earn your MD degree.
University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine values rendering services to others and getting medical students ready for a wonderful career in healthcare.
By studying in Hawaii, you will increase your opportunity of being admitted if you pass the lowest academic requirements, stay ahead of the University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine’s important dates and deadlines, take part in the right extracurricular activities, and excel in the areas of your application where you can showcase your creativity. Feel free to send in your questions about this article to us via the comment section
Last Updated on July 13, 2023 by Admin
