Skip to main content
US Medicine · 2027 Entry

University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (MD) Medical School2027 Entry Requirements & Interview Format

Location Madison, WI, United StatesEstablished 1907Interviews September–JanuaryDecisions March 30

Photo: w_lemay · CC BY-SA 2.0

Start here
Overview

About University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (MD)

The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, uniquely integrated with UW's School of Public Health, is a leading public medical school in Madison, Wisconsin. The school strongly emphasizes primary care, rural medicine, and population health — reflecting Wisconsin's diverse geography and the needs of both urban and rural communities. UW-SMPH has one of the highest proportions of graduates entering primary care of any medical school nationally.

What makes it different

UW-SMPH is the only major US medical school fully integrated with a School of Public Health, enabling easy dual-degree MD-MPH completion. The rural medicine curriculum and TRIUMPH primary care track are nationally recognized pathways. The school actively produces primary care physicians for Wisconsin's underserved rural communities.

Course & teaching

Integrated curriculum. 4-year MD. The curriculum integrates public health and population health perspectives throughout all four years — reflecting the dual identity as a school of medicine AND public health. Rural Wisconsin Initiative provides clinical placements in rural communities. TRIUMPH longitudinal primary care track available.

Research strengths

University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (MD) has notable research strength in Population health, Primary care research, Rural health, Cancer epidemiology, Cardiovascular disease.

Interview

University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (MD) interviews via Traditional interviews (typically two one-on-one sessions with faculty and/or a student).

Intake

Approximately 175 students per year.

At a glance

Founded in 1907, based in Madison, WI. Programmes offered: Primary Care, Rural Medicine, Population Health, Public Health, Research.

Entry requirements

What you need to apply to University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (MD)

Admission overview
Bachelor's degree and MCAT required. Wisconsin residents receive strong preference as a public state medical school. Research, clinical experience, and community service expected. No situational-judgment test (CASPer/PREview) is required.
MCAT median
511 (range 508–518)
GPA median
3.78 overall / 3.75 science (BCPM)
Acceptance rate
5.0%
Class size
175
In-state preference
Strong — primarily in-state
In-state matriculants
77%
CASPer
Not required
AAMC PREview
Not required
Holistic review emphasis
Primary care commitment, rural medicine, public health, and Wisconsin community service.
Notes
Strong in-state preference — OOS acceptance rate significantly lower than the overall figure. MCAT/GPA from UW-SMPH class profile.
Specialities offered
Primary Care, Rural Medicine, Population Health, Public Health, Research
Interview

How University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (MD) interviews applicants

Format
Traditional interviews (typically two one-on-one sessions with faculty and/or a student)
Interview window
September–January
Decision date
March 30
Tutor insight
Wisconsin has a very strong in-state preference — out-of-state applicants face significant headwinds and need to demonstrate exceptional commitment to Wisconsin communities or align strongly with the school's primary care/rural medicine mission. No situational-judgment test (CASPer or PREview) is required, so you can focus your preparation on the MMI and secondary essays. The MMI reflects the school's collaborative, community-oriented values — demonstrate genuine interest in primary care and population health, not just subspecialty research. If you are a Wisconsin resident considering primary care or rural medicine, UW-SMPH is one of the best value medical school choices in the country.
Practice

Practise for your University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (MD) interview

PrometheusQuestion Bank621 medicine questions inside

Interview questions matched to University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (MD)

Two questions our tutors flagged as a strong fit for University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (MD)’s interview style. Try answering them out loud, then open Prometheus for the model answers and follow-up tips.

MediumPanelQ1

Holistic Review: Gap Year Research That Produced Null Results

You spent your gap year as a research assistant on a study examining a novel biomarker for early Alzheimer's detection. The study found no statistically significant association. The paper was not published. You are proud of the work but worry that a null result with no publication looks weak on your application. How do you present this experience?

Likely follow-up · What is publication bias and why does it matter for the scientific literature?

3 expert tips in Prometheus
HardPanel · MMIQ2

AAMC Core Competency: Resilience and Adaptability Under Failure

You were waitlisted at every medical school you applied to in your first cycle and received no acceptances. In your gap year you completed additional clinical hours, addressed a weakness in biochemistry, and reapplied. You are now being interviewed. An interviewer asks: 'Tell me about what happened in your first cycle and what you did about it.' How do you respond?

Likely follow-up · How did you identify the specific weaknesses in your first application, and who helped you diagnose them?

3 expert tips in Prometheus
Get support

Apply to University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (MD) with confidence

We've helped students into University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (MD) and other US medicine schools — get tailored support for each stage of the application.

FAQ

University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (MD) — frequently asked questions

Apply to University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (MD) with confidence

We've helped students turn their MCAT, personal statement and interview prep into offers from University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (MD) and other US medicine schools.