Best Medical Schools in Hawaii

Hawaii is home to a prestigious MD program in the U.S, and also where you can find the best medical schools in Hawaii to pursue a medical degree.

The University of Hawai’i boasts of an outstanding medical program that would be second to none if there were other schools in Hawaii to compare it to. We’ve detailed everything you need to know about Hawaii medical school, as well as reasons why you should choose Hawaii as your study abroad destination. You will also be enlightened with information on how to get accepted into this medical school.  

Best Medical Schools in Hawaii

Why Study in Hawaii

Studying in Hawaii provides International students with lots of unique study abroad opportunities in the United States, especially in research. This includes academic and professional opportunities that abound in various parts of Hawaii. 

There are available surrounding oceans and fisheries, and local plants and animals for research purposes. Students who love ocean life will be impressed with the world’s largest marine wildlife reserve in Hawaii, located just off the coast (Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument),

There are various outdoor recreational activities including mountains, cliffs, rich forests, beautiful beaches, a diverse range of ecosystems, as well as the.

International students involved in the natural sciences will find a wide variety of endangered species in the islands and their surrounding waters. Hawaii has the longest average human lifespan compared to other U.S. states:  for men 79.8 years–77.1, and 82.5 for women. This lifespan may be attributed to the beautiful and natural surroundings, and a slow-paced Hawaii lifestyle. 

The rich cultural diversity is another noteworthy reason why you should make the decision to study in Hawaii. Hawaiians are committed to preserving the many native Hawaiian cultures, and representing those cultures so they will continue to thrive on the islands. The US Census Bureau notes that Hawaii has the highest number of mixed-race individuals and is one of two “majority-minority states” (where non-Hispanic whites are the minority). The largest demographic population in Hawaii is Asian Americans and their cultural influence is obvious from the state’s architecture to the cuisine. 

Additionally, there are groups committed to creating and building a community of international students in Hawaii. They also provide a medium of communication and other forms of assistance through discussion forums for international students coming to study in Hawaii.

The cost of living is another reason International students chose to study in  Hawaii. Numerous universities in Hawaii are constantly offering many scholarships, financial aid opportunities, and internships to increase the number of international students who come to study in Hawaii. Though these financial aid options are always competitive, they are still worth applying for. 

The state of Ohio has one of the top average costs of living in the United States. International students at most Hawaii colleges and universities have many options to either absorb or offset the cost of living, and these options are available on the institutions’ websites.

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How to Get Accepted into Medical Schools in Hawaii

1. Meet the minimum academic requirements

Students applying to medical schools in Hawaii must meet or exceed the minimum academic requirements. Ensure you review the academic statistics of the medical school you are applying to and state your exact academic scores and standings doing your application.

2. MCAT and GPA Required for Admission

Evaluate the school’s GPA and MCAT score requirements to know if you meet or exceed the averages scores

Despite the number of other educational institutions in Hawaii, the University of Hawaii medical school has high standards and expects impressive credentials from exceptional students. Most medical schools in Hawaii have a very competitive admission process. 

Hawaii med school has a 3.5% acceptance rate. The school received 300 applications in 2020 from incoming students with 1,876 applications being from out-of-state, making it a total of 2,176 applications to enter the program. After 306 applicants were interviewed, admission was offered to only 67 in-state students and ten out-of-state students. Except for Harvard university, the 3.5% acceptance rate of Hawaii med school means it is more selective than all the Ivy League schools, which have a 3.4% acceptance rate of applicants. 

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Considering such acceptance rates, incoming students must plan well before applying and when completing their applications. Earning high grades in your required courses and reaching the minimum overall MCAT is very important. Students accepted into medical programs in Hawaii have an average undergraduate MCAT score of 512. You can practice with sample previous exams or take exam prep courses to help one achieve a higher grade score on the MCAT examination and reach those basic minimum scores. The Admissions counselors or committee have an eye out to select well-rounded and exceptional students for their program, and not just students who can pass exams. 

On the other hand, the GPA requirements of Hawaii med school are also very demanding based on its academic standards. Students accepted into medical programs in Hawaii have an average undergraduate GPA of 3.76. 

It’s not surprising because the stats are the same with most medical schools in the United States. The GPA and MCAT score requirement is because there is only one institution in Hawaii. The MCAT must be taken by applicants within three years of matriculation from undergraduate studies, and a total of 90 credit hours must have been earned from an accredited institution. 

The undergraduate studies will involve lab-based courses such as general biology, general chemistry, general physics, and organic chemistry. Though biochemistry is sometimes needed, the lab component is not required. Other courses recommended by the admissions guide include anatomy, calculus, cell and molecular biology, genetics, etc. 

Early application is very necessary so as to stay ahead of important dates and deadlines.‍ Incoming students are advised to apply as early as possible to be ahead of important dates and deadlines. This will give you more time to get every required application material, such as official school transcripts, and strong letters of recommendation from employers, professors, 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:

Clinical Experience

You should also have completed internships, and/or had job experiences in the medical field, to increase your chances of getting accepted. You can choose to volunteer at a free clinic, or with a hospital service, as it is one of the best ways to show your commitment and passion for medicine.

For some medical work experiences, You can also be Paid while working with professors in reputable medical colleges in research. lab internships and assistantships vacancies may also be available to collaborate with other researchers on their projects or even do research on your own project

Medical Shadowing

Medical shadowing is a good option for extracurriculars that admissions committees are impressed with. Medical shadowing shows that you’re committed to the study of medicine and passionate about getting into medical school. It also helps you determine whether a career in medicine is the right fit for you.

Research

Admissions officers at Hawaii med school are also impressed with applicants’ research activities. With research experience, you can be able to further study topics that you like. About 60% of medical school applicants have participated in research activities. Therefore, it is very beneficial to collaborate with other researchers on their projects or even do research on your own project by taking up either lab internships or assistantships jobs. You might also get paid while working with some professors on research. 

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Volunteering

Volunteering shows admissions committees that you have an altruistic quality. You will gain new skills and knowledge and have a pleasant experience that will further improve the interpersonal qualities of a compassionate and skilled physician. 

Extracurricular activities provide medical schools with information about the real you. It tells the admissions committees l who you are, not just as a potential student or applicant, but as a person.

Most medical school applicants have comparable science and total GPAs, as well as similar MCAT scores. In order to assess your academic achievements, admissions committees may look at other areas of your application. These sections will highlight your individuality.

AMCAS work activities are one section of the AMCAS application. It’s a great opportunity to show admissions officers who you are by demonstrating your clinical and volunteer experience, research, employment, awards, recognition, extracurricular activities, or hobbies. Your chances of getting accepted are increased by creating a compelling AMCAS work and activities section.

The personal statement for medical school will be crucial. If your personal statement is not well written, you will likely not get through the first round. Strong personal statements are a way to highlight your talents and engage admissions officers. They also explain why you choose to study medicine. Make sure your personal statement is memorable and well-written to increase your chances of acceptance.

The importance of letters of recommendation is that they can vouch for your candidacy and unique skill-sets. Strong letters should be requested from people who have a deep understanding of you and the quality of your work. Letters will be used to support your application and give you credibility.

Particularly, the second application asks for letters of reference. Although most people are aware that a strong recommendation should come from a respected professor in their area, this isn’t all. You should have a recommender who can speak to your strengths, abilities, and knowledge.

You should begin early to ensure a positive letter of recommendation. Take the time to research which professors are well-respected in your chosen field, and to make contact with them. It is a good idea to take classes with them and to build a relationship with them, you can volunteer. Make sure you get high grades in all classes.

Letters of recommendation are more important than any other component of an application because they speak volumes about your character and abilities. You’ll be the most likely to get accepted if you have strong grades and a letter.

Hawaii’s medical school requires more than just GPA and MCAT scores to ensure they are able to admit these students. The American Medical College Application Service application (AMCAS), which provides vital information to potential schools around the country, is required for future students. The application process starts on June 1. The early decision deadline for the program is August 1st. The regular deadline is November 1st. Students must submit an application and pay $150. This fee cannot be negotiable so make sure you include it in your application.

After applicants submit the AMCAS, they will need to submit a second application specific to their program. Although this may seem redundant, most students find the secondary application beneficial. The secondary application gives students more opportunities to stand out and show schools that they are the best students possible.

Best Medical Schools in Hawaii

1. University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine (Honolulu, HI)

The John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) is a public medical school established in 1907 as part of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and is located on the island of Oahu, about three miles west of the university’s Mānoa campus.  In 1965, the school was named after former Hawaiian Governor John A. Burns. 

The University of Hawaii – Manoa – the flagship school of the state’s universities, is located in Honolulu. The university boasts a sprawling campus covering 320 acres and a $327 billion endowment. This makes it an ideal place to study. UH has produced high achievers over its 100+-year history. These include Senator Tammy Duckworth as well as Time Warner CEO Richard Parsons. The school offers all the amenities a student could need, such as first-rate support staff, state-of-the-art laboratories, and a dedication to serving its diverse student body.

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John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) has helped the University of Hawaii grow into a tier-one research university. There is a $57million endowment that allows the school of medicine to lead the region in the research and training of doctors. U.S. News & World Report ranks the school 24th for primary care (tied to the University of Vermont, Dartmouth College, and Ivy League schools Penn State) and 64th in the U.S for research (tied to Chicago’s Rush University).

The most striking aspect of JABSOM’s commitment to diversity is the acronym ALOHA, Attain Long-Term Optimal Health For All. JABSOM’s vision is to foster a learning community that reflects all the diversity of the island it is located. This mission encompasses multidisciplinary education as well as pursuing “alliances that are unique to Hawai’i” and the Asia-Pacific region. It also requires “forethought regarding right relations, respect, and moral actions.”

JABSOM uses a problem-based learning approach to achieve its goals. It also values community-based medicine. Students receive practical training through internships and clinical rotations at partner hospitals. These include Wahiawa General Hospital and Straub Clinic and Hospital. The Kapi’olani Health Center for Women and Children and the U.S. Army and Veterans Affairs Clinics. Affiliate institutions like the Asia-Pacific Basin Health Education Center and the Asia-Pacific Institute of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases and the Center for Native and Pacific Health Disparities Research can help students advance their research agendas.

The success stories of JABSOM alumni and students show that these resources are well-spent. Two Ph.D. students received $5000 Achievement Rewards grants for college scientists to help them advance their research just a week ago. Jess Owens, a faculty member, received a $2.3million award from the National Institutes of Health for her research on gene delivery to the human genome.

Visit School Website

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Conclusion

That’s everything about the best medical schools in Hawaii. 

The University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine offers various M.D programs, doctoral programs, and residency training opportunities. Medical students get to start their clinical rotations before their fourth year at affiliated hospitals and medical centers.

FAQs on the Best Medical Schools in Hawai

What is the number 1 medical school in Hawaii?

The John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) is a public medical school established in 1907 as part of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. It is located on the island of Oahu, about three miles west of the university’s Mānoa campus. 
JABSOM uses a problem-based learning approach to achieve its goals. It also values community-based medicine. Students receive practical training through internships and clinical rotations at partner hospitals. These include Wahiawa General Hospital and Straub Clinic and Hospital. The Kapi’olani Health Center for Women and Children and the U.S. Army and Veterans Affairs Clinics. U.S. News & World Report ranks the school 24th for primary care (tied to the University of Vermont, Dartmouth College, and Ivy League schools Penn State) and 64th in the U.S for research (tied to Chicago’s Rush University)

How many medical schools are in Hawaii?

There is just one accredited medical school in Hawaii.

How long does it take to graduate from a medical school in Hawaii?

The Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) program in Hawaii lasts 4 years.

How hard is it to get into medical school in Hawaii?

The acceptance rate into medical school in Hawaii is 4.53%. The average GPA and MCAT score of enrolled students is 3.74 and 511.

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