Program in Liberal Medical Education
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? We're here to help. Answers to some of the most common queries can be found here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? We're here to help. Answers to some of the most common queries can be found here.
All applicants to Brown use the Common Application; there is not a separate PLME application. If you are interested in applying to the PLME, there is a relevant section in the Common Application for the PLME containing three (3) essay questions. You do not need to apply separately to The Warren Alpert Medical School at the same time.
The PLME does not have specific high school prerequisites beyond those required by the College. However, PLME applicants are encouraged to take advantage of honors or advanced placement offerings available to them in high school.
- The Office of College Admission recommends that applicants have pursued the following:
- four years of English, with significant emphasis on writing;
- three years of college preparatory mathematics;
- three years of foreign language;
- two years of laboratory science above the freshman level;
- two years of history, including American history;
- at least one year of elective academic subjects.
Prospective science or engineering majors should have taken physics, chemistry, and advanced mathematics. Also, students should demonstrate a good command of writing and verbal skills.
As part of Brown's commitment to address the unique challenges to college applicants due to COVID-19, Brown Undergraduate Admissions has implemented a policy for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle that Brown is test optional for first-year students. Students who are unable to submit SAT or ACT scores this year will not be disadvantaged in the admissions process. The PLME's admissions practices are consistent with this policy. Please review the Testing Requirements for 2023-2024 for full details.
You can visit the Office of College Admission's Standardized Tests page for more information.
Due to the ongoing challenges presented by COVID-19, interviews are not part of the application process for the current application cycle. In lieu of interviews, PLME applicants are very strongly encouraged to submit a video portfolio as part of the application process. The video portfolio provides a wonderful opportunity for us to learn more about you.
PLME students in good academic standing do not need to take the Medical College Admission Test MCAT to matriculate to The Warren Alpert Medical School.
International students may apply to the PLME by completing The Common Application to the college. More information for international students is available at the Office of College Admission.
Early Decision is designed for students who have placed Brown University as their first-choice school and acceptance into Brown during Early Decision is binding, regardless of whether you are also accepted to the PLME. Therefore, if you are applying to multiple medical or pre-medical programs, you are advised to apply during Regular Decision.
Yes! The PLME sponsors several international summer travel programs to China, Taiwan and Germany. In addition, many PLME undergraduates elect to take leave for a semester abroad, usually during junior year.
Yes! Brown University sponsors a variety of research grants and fellowships open to undergraduate students. In addition, the PLME administers the Summer Research Assistantship (SRA), Summer Research Assistantship in Emergency Medicine (SRA-EM) and Summer Research Assistantship - Emerging Infectious Disease Scholars (SRA-EIDS) programs exclusively for PLME students.
Every incoming PLME student is assigned a PLME advising Dean, who will serve as their advisor during the undergraduate years prior to entering medical school. PLME students are also assigned a dedicated PLME Meiklejohn peer advisor for their first year.