The School of Medicine: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the admission requirements to the M.D. program at LAU?

For the class beginning Medicine I in September 2009 (M.D. expected in 2013):

Admission to the LAU School of Medicine will be based upon completion of a bachelor’s degree (B.S. or B.A.), in addition to a composite evaluation of the following:

Overall grade average and GPA score on graduation (bachelor’s degree in Science or Art, B.S./B.A.).
A competitive overall average on the required core courses in science (38 credits) (see below)
A competitive MCAT score
Performance on the admission interview.

Required science core courses (or approved equivalents) for premedical students:

Number	Course	Cr
BIO201	General Biology I	4
BIO202	General Biology II Prerequisite: BIO201	4
CHM201	Chemical Principles Prerequisite: CHM101 or equivalent	3
BIO321	Genetics - Prerequisites: BIO201 and BIO202	3
BCH301	Biochemistry Prerequisite: BIO201	4
BIO345	Cell and Molecular Biology Prerequisites: BIO202, and CHM312, or consent of instructor	4
CHM311	Organic Chemistry I Prerequisite: CHM201	3
CHM312	Organic chemistry II Prerequisite: CHM311	3
CHM313	Organic Chemistry I Lab Pre-or co-requisite: CHM311	1
CHM314	Organic Chemistry II Lab Prerequisite: CHM311 and Lab. Pre-or co-requisite: CHM312.	1
PHY301	Classical Physics for Life Sciences Prerequisite: MTH 200.	3
PHY302	Classical Physics for Life Sciences Lab Pre-or co-requisite: PHY301	1
PHY305	Modern Physics for Life Sciences Prerequisite: MTH 200	3
PHY306	Modern Physics for Life Sciences Lab Pre- or co-requisite: PHY305	1

Strongly recommended courses for premedical students:

Number	Course	Cr
MTH200	Mathematics for Life Sciences	3
STA205	Biostatistics	3
BIO343	Anatomy and Physiology Prerequisite: BIO201	3
BIO344	Anatomy and Physiology Lab Prerequisite: BIO201 , Pre or co-requisite BIO343	1
BIO401	Developmental Biology Prerequisites: BCH301 and BIO321	4
BIO311	Microbiology Prerequisite: BIO201	3
BIO312	Microbiology Lab	1
BIO420	Virology and Immunology Prerequisite: BIO201	3
BIO322	Genetics Lab (pre-or co-requisite: BIO321)	1

Recommended courses for premedical students:

Number	Course	Cr
CHM202	Analytical Chemistry Prerequisites: CHM201	3
BIO410	Biotechnology Prerequisite: BIO201	3
BIO331	Ecology Prerequisites: BIO201 and BIO202	4

2. What is the MCAT?

MCAT stands for the Medical College Admission Test. It is an entrance exam for medical school. The test has three subject areas: Verbal, Biological Sciences and Physical Sciences, and one writing section. For more information on registration and test dates, refer to the Association of American Medical Colleges website and contact the AMIDEAST office.

3. What are the average GPA and MCAT scores for a student to be considered for medical school?

Admission to the medical school will be on a competitive basis. The higher your GPA and MCAT scores are, the more competitive you are as an applicant.

4. Where will clinical practice take place?

Clinical practice will take place in part at the Clemençeau Medical Center (CMC), located in the Clemençeau area, Beirut. Additional training sites will be announced.

5. How long is the M.D. program?

It is a four-year program, following which the student receives the degree of Doctor of Medicine.

6. When should I apply?

Students must apply to the medical school by February 15 of their senior year after completing all premed required courses. Early acceptance will be issued by the end of March and is finalized upon completion of the B.S., B.A., M.S., or M.A.

7. How soon after I apply can I expect to hear from LAUMS?

Early acceptance will be issued by the end of March and is finalized upon completion of the B.S., B.A., M.S., or M.A.

8. How do I schedule an interview?

You do not have to do so. Appointments for interviews are given after members of the LAUMS Admissions Committee review all completed applications, and based on the review result, an applicant may be invited to the school for an interview.

9. If I hold a B.S. from a university other than LAU (local or abroad), can I still apply to the School of Medicine?

Yes, provided that you have met all LAU premed requirements or their LAU approved equivalents, in addition to meeting the English Language Proficiency requirement.

10. How many students do you accept every year?

For 2009, the number of students admitted to the medical school will be 24. In 2010, 32 students; in 2011, 48 students; in 2012 and onward, 64 students.

11. If I am not accepted the first year, can I apply the second year?

Yes.

12. How much is the tuition fee and does it increase yearly?

For 2009–2010, the yearly tuition fee is USD$ 22,000. Students enrolled in a certain academic year, will pay the same yearly tuition fee for the four years of medical studies. * Final tuition figures will be posted in March 2009.

13. Any scholarship, financial aid?

A financial aid program is available for students including scholarships and loans. Announcements regarding those programs will be made shortly.

14. Important dates to remember:

Med School Applications: By February 15, 2009
Interview (Essay): February 16–March 15, 2009
Early Acceptance: March 20, 2009
First Day of Classes: September 1, 2009.