Photo: Ted Eytan · CC BY-SA 2.0
Step-by-step: entry requirements, MCAT prep, personal statement, interview format and the key deadlines.
Open the guide →Format breakdown, school-specific sample questions, FAQs and prep tips from tutors who interviewed here.
Read the guide →Howard University College of Medicine, founded in 1868, is one of the most historically significant medical schools in the United States. As a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) medical school, Howard has produced more Black physicians and specialists than any other institution in the country over its 150-year history. The school's mission is centered on training physicians committed to serving underserved and underrepresented communities, eliminating health disparities, and advancing health equity. Howard is located on the historic Howard University campus in Washington, DC.
Howard College of Medicine is the largest and most historically significant HBCU medical school in the United States. It has trained the majority of the Black surgeons, physicians, and specialists in the country — including Charles Drew (blood banking pioneer) and many other historically significant figures. The school's patient population at Howard University Hospital is among the most underserved in the DC metropolitan area, providing training that directly confronts health equity challenges. Howard welcomes applicants of all backgrounds who are committed to its mission.
Integrated curriculum. 4-year MD. Curriculum integrates basic science, clinical skills, and health equity content throughout training. Clinical rotations at Howard University Hospital and affiliated DC-area hospitals serving predominantly Black and underserved patient populations. Students receive extensive exposure to the health consequences of structural racism, poverty, and historic disinvestment in urban communities.
Howard University College of Medicine (MD) has notable research strength in Health disparities, Cardiovascular disease in Black Americans, Sickle cell disease, HIV/AIDS, Cancer equity.
Howard University College of Medicine (MD) interviews via Traditional interview (faculty, physician, and/or student interviewers). Howard College of Medicine uses a traditional interview format, typically consisting of one or two one-on-one sessions of approximately 30–40 minutes each with faculty and/or current students. Interviews are conversational and probe motivation for medicine, commitment to health equity and the care of underserved communities, and understanding of the structural and historical factors driving health disparities faced by Black Americans and other marginalised communities. The interview day includes a campus tour at the Howard University campus in Northeast DC, an informational session, and time with current students.
Approximately 130 students per year.
Founded in 1868, based in Washington, DC. Programmes offered: Health Equity, Internal Medicine, Community Medicine, Surgery, Paediatrics.
Howard College of Medicine is a mission-driven institution — if your primary motivation is academic prestige or research at a major academic center, Howard may not be the best fit. If you are genuinely committed to health equity, underserved community medicine, and the historical legacy of Howard, this school offers training that no other institution can replicate. Howard actively recruits students from all racial backgrounds who share its mission. In your interview, demonstrate specific knowledge of health disparities affecting Black Americans and other underserved communities, and articulate a concrete vision for your career in community medicine.
Two questions our tutors flagged as a strong fit for Howard University College of Medicine (MD)’s interview style. Try answering them out loud, then open Prometheus for the model answers and follow-up tips.
The MCAT's Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations section asks applicants to understand the biopsychosocial model as an alternative to a purely biomedical model of disease. Using the example of Type 2 diabetes, explain how the biopsychosocial model changes both the explanation and the treatment approach.
Likely follow-up · What are the limitations of the biopsychosocial model in clinical practice?
An 82-year-old patient with advanced heart failure and mild cognitive decline has completed a POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) form indicating she does not want CPR or mechanical ventilation. She is brought to the emergency department by her adult son, who insists the team 'do everything.' The patient is conscious enough to confirm she remembers signing the POLST but seems uncertain and frightened. The son says his mother did not understand what she was signing. What ethical principles are in tension here, and how should the care team proceed?
Likely follow-up · How does a POLST differ from an advance directive, and which takes legal precedence in most US states?
We've helped students into Howard University College of Medicine (MD) and other US medicine schools — get tailored support for each stage of the application.
Build an MCAT prep plan that hits the median score profile for Howard University College of Medicine (MD).
Learn morePractise the Traditional interview format with students who interviewed at Howard University College of Medicine (MD).
Learn moreGet your personal statement reviewed by successful applicants.
Learn moreWe've helped students turn their MCAT, personal statement and interview prep into offers from Howard University College of Medicine (MD) and other US medicine schools.
