Service to the State and the World

The goal of the UNC School of Medicine is to produce outstanding physicians who are well-prepared to meet society’s rapidly evolving health care needs. Our Admissions Committee seeks to find students who will thrive in our rigorous educational setting, and who demonstrate the altruism, integrity, leadership, communication skills, motivation, and passion for service that set Tar Heel Doctors apart.

Our Ideal Candidate

A Tar Heel Doctor is something special, and while we evaluate each of our applicants based on selection criteria, we are also looking for that indelible extra element that tells us that you connect with our mission. Smart is easy. Being a great doctor goes far beyond that. Our ideal candidate is...

More than a good student.

Our ideal candidate has not just taken the hardest classes, they have also sought out experiences that enrich their education and give them opportunities for real-life application of the concepts learned in the classroom.

More than a volunteer.

Our ideal candidate has not just participated in volunteer activities, they have found a passion for giving back and creating change in a specific way, and have fed that passion regularly over time, resulting in a genuine journey of service.

More than interested in medicine.

Our ideal candidate doesn’t just think they are interested in a career in medicine — they have sought out experiences in healthcare settings, worked directly with patients, and developed a complex understanding of the healthcare system and its current challenges.

More than good on paper.

Our ideal candidate is able to work with diverse groups of people and excel at finding and building connections with people.