How to Study Medical in USA After 12th in India? MBBS in USA for Indian Students Eligibility

Embarking on a medical career in the United States is a dream for many Indian students. The journey, while challenging, offers unparalleled opportunities and experiences. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps, eligibility criteria, admission process, scholarships, and considerations to pursue an MBBS degree in the USA after completing your 12th grade in India.

Pursuing medical education in the USA requires careful planning, as the admission process varies depending on the university. Understanding the basic eligibility requirements set by US universities will help you choose the right college or university to achieve your medical aspirations.

What is the Education Pathway for Indian Students to Study MBBS in the USA?

Unlike India, where students pursue an MBBS degree directly after 12th grade, the United States follows a different educational structure. Students who want to study in USA must first complete a bachelor’s degree before applying to medical school.

The process of becoming a doctor in the USA can vary based on university requirements, and those studying MBBS in USA for Indian students must also consider licensing exams if they wish to practice in places like India.

1. Undergraduate Education (Pre-Med): Aspiring students must first complete a 4-year bachelor’s degree before applying for an MBBS program in the USA.
2. Medical College Admission Test (MCAT): Students applying for MBBS in the USA must take the MCAT, an essential standardized examination.
3. Medical School (MD Program): After passing the MCAT, students can apply for admission in medical universities in the USA.
4. Residency Program in the USA: Post medical school, graduates undergo residency training for 3 to 7 years.
5. Licensing: To practice medicine in the USA, students need to take another entrance examination, the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).
6. Practice in India: Students who wish to take up their medical career in India after completing MBBS in the USA need to take the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE), as per the Medical Council of India.

Step 1: Completing Undergraduate Education Before MBBS Admission in the USA

After completing the 12th grade, students must enroll in a bachelor’s course in the USA before studying MBBS in America for Indian students. While there is no specific “pre-med” major, students must complete prerequisite courses required by medical schools.

Selecting a Suitable Major:

Students may choose a major that aligns with the MBBS program in the USA. Common choices include:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Physics

Prerequisite Courses for Medical Admission:

Medical schools require students to complete specific courses before applying for MBBS in the United States. Below is a table listing the required courses:

Subject	Courses Required
Biology	General Biology with lab (2 semesters)
Chemistry	General and Organic Chemistry with lab (4 semesters)
Physics	General Physics with lab (2 semesters)
Mathematics	Calculus or Statistics (1-2 semesters)
English	English Composition (2 semesters)

Eligibility Requirements for Undergraduate Programs

The eligibility criteria for MBBS in the USA include:

• Academic Records: Strong performance in the 12th grade, especially in science subjects.
• Standardized Tests: Indian students must take either the SAT or ACT.
• English Proficiency: International students must provide TOEFL or IELTS scores.
• Extracurricular Activities: Medical students are encouraged to have volunteering or research experience.

Step 2: Preparing for the MCAT to Study in USA

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized exam required for medical admission in the USA. It assesses knowledge in biological sciences, critical thinking, and reasoning skills.

MCAT Structure:

Section	Focus Areas
Biological and Biochemical Foundations	Biology, Biochemistry
Chemical and Physical Foundations	Chemistry, Physics
Psychological, Social, and Biological	Psychology, Sociology
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills	Reading Comprehension

Tips to Study for MCAT:

• Use MCAT preparation materials.
• Take regular practice tests.
• Develop a structured study schedule.

Step 3: Apply for MBBS in Medical Colleges and Universities in the USA

Medical students can apply for MBBS admission through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS).

Students applying for MBBS must submit:

• Transcripts from their undergraduate program.
• MCAT scores.
• Letters of recommendation.
• A compelling personal statement.

Students may be required to attend interviews as part of the admission process for MBBS in the USA. Preparing mock interviews and researching colleges in the USA can help students succeed.

Step 4: Completing the MD Program in US Universities

The MBBS degree in the USA is divided into two phases for students pursuing USA after 12th for Indian students or USA after 12th grade. To enroll, candidates must hold an Indian passport and discover the fees associated with medical schools. The journey to becoming a doctor in USA involves comprehensive education and training, and the America for Indian students fees can vary based on the institution and residency status.

1. Pre-Clinical Years (Years 1-2): Focus on classroom-based learning in medical sciences.
2. Clinical Years (Years 3-4): Hands-on training through clinical rotations.

Step 5: Residency Program in the USA

After completing MBBS courses in the USA, medical students must apply for a residency program in USA to specialize in a medical field. The process involves:

• Submitting applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).
• Attending interviews with medical schools in the USA.
• Getting matched through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP).

Step 6: Licensing and Practice

To practice medicine in the USA, students must take the Medical College Admission Test, secure admission in USA through colleges in USA, and complete the required training. Unlike Indian NEET exams, the process in the USA is that students don’t need to take a single entrance test for medical school but must meet eligibility criteria. The cost of colleges in the USA can range widely, but students get paid during their residency, making the investment worthwhile.

• Pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).
• Obtain state licensure as per the requirements of the respective state.

If Indian students studying MBBS wish to return to India, they need to take another entrance examination to practice in India, which is the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE). The Medical Council of India recognizes and approves certain MBBS courses in USA.

Top 25 Universities to Study MBBS in USA Along with the Eligibility Criteria

​Embarking on a medical career in the United States is a prestigious and rewarding endeavor. For Indian students aiming to pursue an MBBS degree after completing their 12th grade, understanding the top medical schools, associated costs, potential earnings, and admission criteria is crucial.

Below is a comprehensive table detailing the top 25 medical universities in the USA, including their rankings, tuition fees, average graduate salaries, courses offered, eligibility criteria, and GPA requirements.

Sl. No.	University Name	Ranking	Tuition Fees (USD/year)	Average Graduate Salary (USD/year)	Courses Offered	Eligibility Criteria	GPA Requirements
1	Harvard University	1	64,984	200,000	MD, MD-PhD	Bachelor’s degree, MCAT, TOEFL/IELTS, prerequisites in sciences	3.9
2	Johns Hopkins University	2	58,000	190,000	MD, MD-PhD	Bachelor’s degree, MCAT, TOEFL/IELTS, prerequisites in sciences	3.94
3	University of Pennsylvania (Perelman)	3	63,137	185,000	MD, MD-PhD	Bachelor’s degree, MCAT, TOEFL/IELTS, prerequisites in sciences	3.91
4	Stanford University	4	62,193	195,000	MD, MD-PhD	Bachelor’s degree, MCAT, TOEFL/IELTS, prerequisites in sciences	3.89
5	Columbia University	5	66,816	180,000	MD, MD-PhD	Bachelor’s degree, MCAT, TOEFL/IELTS, prerequisites in sciences	3.87
6	Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine	6	59,500	185,000	MD, MD-PhD	Bachelor’s degree, MCAT, TOEFL/IELTS, prerequisites in sciences	3.92
7	University of California–San Francisco	7	55,036	175,000	MD, MD-PhD	Bachelor’s degree, MCAT, TOEFL/IELTS, prerequisites in sciences	3.85
8	University of California–Los Angeles (Geffen)	8	52,899	170,000	MD, MD-PhD	Bachelor’s degree, MCAT, TOEFL/IELTS, prerequisites in sciences	3.82
9	Washington University in St. Louis	9	65,001	180,000	MD, MD-PhD	Bachelor’s degree, MCAT, TOEFL/IELTS, prerequisites in sciences	3.93
10	Cornell University (Weill)	10	62,650	185,000	MD, MD-PhD	Bachelor’s degree, MCAT, TOEFL/IELTS, prerequisites in sciences	3.86
11	Duke University	11	61,170	180,000	MD, MD-PhD	Bachelor’s degree, MCAT, TOEFL/IELTS, prerequisites in sciences	3.88
12	University of Chicago (Pritzker)	12	57,798	175,000	MD, MD-PhD	Bachelor’s degree, MCAT, TOEFL/IELTS, prerequisites in sciences	3.89
13	University of Michigan–Ann Arbor	13	59,062	170,000	MD, MD-PhD	Bachelor’s degree, MCAT, TOEFL/IELTS, prerequisites in sciences	3.84
14	New York University (Grossman)	14	0 (Full tuition scholarship)	190,000	MD, MD-PhD	Bachelor’s degree, MCAT, TOEFL/IELTS, prerequisites in sciences	3.96
15	University of Pittsburgh	15	58,634	175,000	MD, MD-PhD	Bachelor’s degree, MCAT, TOEFL/IELTS, prerequisites in sciences	3.83
16	Northwestern University (Feinberg)	16	62,088	180,000	MD, MD-PhD	Bachelor’s degree, MCAT, TOEFL/IELTS, prerequisites in sciences	3.89
17	Vanderbilt University	17	56,232	175,000	MD, MD-PhD	Bachelor’s degree, MCAT, TOEFL/IELTS, prerequisites in sciences	3.86
18	Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai	18	56,964	170,000	MD, MD-PhD	Bachelor’s degree, MCAT, TOEFL/IELTS, prerequisites in sciences	3.82
19	University of Washington	19	52,673	165,000	MD, MD-PhD	Bachelor’s degree, MCAT, TOEFL/IELTS, prerequisites in sciences	3.78
20	Emory University	20	54,600	170,000	MD, MD-PhD	Bachelor’s degree, MCAT, TOEFL/IELTS, prerequisites in sciences	3.81
21	University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill	21	47,919	160,000	MD, MD-PhD	Bachelor’s degree, MCAT, TOEFL/IELTS, prerequisites in sciences	3.79
22	University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center	22	33,553	165,000	MD, MD-PhD	Bachelor’s degree, MCAT, TOEFL/IELTS, prerequisites in sciences	3.83
23	University of Virginia	23	52,868	170,000	MD, MD-PhD	Bachelor’s degree, MCAT, TOEFL/IELTS, prerequisites in sciences	3.85
24	Baylor College of Medicine	24	43,790	175,000	MD, MD-PhD	Bachelor’s degree, MCAT, TOEFL/IELTS, prerequisites in sciences	3.88
25	Case Western Reserve University	25	61,793	172,000	MD, MD-PhD	Bachelor’s degree, MCAT, TOEFL/IELTS, prerequisites in sciences	3.84

What are the Scholarships to Study Abroad During Your Admission Process for MBBS in USA After 12th?

Studying for an MBBS in the USA is expensive, but various scholarships to study abroad help students cover tuition fees and living expenses. Many students who study MBBS in America may seek financial aid or grants. Additionally, those planning to return to India if they wish need to consider additional certification costs.

Estimated Costs:

Expense Category	Estimated Cost (USD) per Year
Undergraduate Tuition Fee	$20,000 – $50,000
Medical School Tuition Fee	$40,000 – $70,000
Living Expenses	$10,000 – $20,000
Health Insurance	$1,500 – $3,000

Scholarships for MBBS in the USA

Several universities in USA provide scholarships for Indian students pursuing MBBS.

Some options include:

• Fulbright-Nehru Scholarship
• Hubert Humphrey Fellowship
• Harvard Medical School Scholarships
• Stanford Medical School Aid

Conclusion

MBBS in the USA for Indian students is a rewarding journey that requires careful planning, financial investment, and dedication. The procedure for MBBS admission in the USA typically involves completing an undergraduate course, taking the MCAT, and applying to medical colleges in the USA. The duration of MBBS in the USA is longer compared to India, but the education in the USA is highly regarded worldwide.

Aspiring students who apply for MBBS in the USA must consider eligibility, tuition fees, and scholarship opportunities. Studying MBBS abroad in an American medical institution opens doors to advanced education, research, and a fulfilling career.

Do you want to study in the USA? Connect with the study abroad experts at Ambitio to help you dreams come true!

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