Johns Hopkins Medical School is ranked #3 by US News for Research and #17 for Primary care. Last year, JHU received 6090 AMCAS applications and 4327 secondary applications, and interviewed 623 MD candidates and 63 MD/PHD applications. It accepted a total of 271 very lucky and happy candidates.

The gatekeeper and head of admissions at Johns Hopkins is Paul White, one of the most respected and experienced medical school admissions deans in the country. He became Assistant Dean for Admissions at Johns Hopkins first in 2000, went to the University of Minnesota for a few years and returned to JHU as Asst Dean for Admissions in 2012. Welcome, Paul!

What is one thing that you want applicants to know about Hopkins? [1:50]

People often think about us in terms of the amazing research at Hopkins. But we want people to know that we’re a phenomenal place for patient care.

What is JHU’s approach to physician training? [2:20]

It integrates all aspects. Right away when they get here, students learn how to do physical exams – their clinical exposure starts right after their orientation. (From Day 3.) Clinical rotations occur earlier than in other programs, so students get 2 ½ years of clinical rotations in addition to that early exposure. And we have world class hospitals – patients come from all over the world for care here.

What is the goal of the Genes to Society curriculum and approach to medical education pioneered by Johns Hopkins? [4:50]

We want students to approach health as a continuum – from the cellular level, to disease, to society. We approach health disparities as part of the continuum.

In terms of that social aspect of the continuum, are there classes or is it more experiential learning? [5:50]

Both. In addition to courses, there are intersession programs.

Turning to admissions now. How are you adapting to the new MCAT? Is it still a transitional phase? [6:50]

I think it will take a little time to complete the transition and get comfortable with the new exam. We’re still seeing people with scores from both the old and new tests.

We’re relying more on grades, looking at the rigor of the coursework, and recommendations. But we’ve always done admissions holistically, anyway.

The MSAR data shows that the average MCAT of your matriculated students is actually slightly lower than the average score for applicants. What would cause you to turn away an applicant with a higher MCAT score and admit someone with a lower score? [9:20]

(The MSAR data that Linda cites is from the 2014-15 application cycle. After the podcast, Paul White provided 2015-16 data, and we have his permission to share it here: 6,618 AMCAS and 4,799 secondary applications received. There were 569 applicants interviewed for the MD program and 66 for the MD/PhD program; 277 were admitted and 118 enrolled. )

Well, again, it’s a holistic process. Our average GPA is very high.

If a high MCAT score is all someone has, then that doesn’t inform the committee of anything other than that they test well.

We’ve always done holistic review: we’re looking for students with leadership, involvement, etc. We’d rather see someone who’s done well overall and has all the qualities we’re looking for in a student and who we think will make a good physician.

You mentioned leadership. What are some other things you’re looking for? [10:50]

People who are team players – who work well with others.