LSU New Orleans Medical School: Stand Out and Get Accepted

Hi premeds! This page serves as a high-yield resource for the MD programs for Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. The information from this page is a GOLDEN resource. We’ve compiled it from LSU New Orleans’s admissions statistics, the LSU New Orleans Meidcal School website, and most importantly, from LSU New Orleans Medical School students themselves! We’ll give you intel on LSU med admissions statistics, an insider perspective about the curriculum, and student life.

Whether you’re comparing medical schools that you’ve been accepted to, preparing for an interview, or wanting to learn more about LSU New Orleans Medical School, keep reading!

We help students each year with their LSU applications and interviews. Contact us today!

Why Choose LSU New Orleans SOM?

The most common reasons we’ve heard from students:

  • Focus on training primary-care physicians who are committed to serving the local Louisiana community for all medical students. For those who are particularly interesting in caring for the Louisiana community as primary care physicians, LSUSOM-NO offers opportunities for students to join the Primary Care Scholar Program or Rural Scholar Track! 
  • Located in New Orleans which is a big, but not a huge, city. NOLA is known for its rich culture, incredible music, and diverse range of cuisine!
  • Opportunity for collaboration with other LSU Health sites across the states to drive statewide initiatives, collaborate in research, and gain clinical exposure to different populations across clinical sites located in 8 cities across the state.

LSUSOM- New Orleans vs. LSUSOM- Shreveport

Given the shared mission of both LSUSOM branches to treat patients in the Louisiana community and address health disparities affecting the state, it is important to consider the key differences between the two medical campuses when making your final decision:

  • In comparison to LSU School of Medicine in Shreveport, LSUSOM-NO offers exposure to urban healthcare challenges with unique proximity to large teaching hospitals and research facilities!
  • LSUSOM-New Orleans may be a better fit for students interested in research given its larger research infrastructure and collaboration with broader LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans.
  • The class size at LSUSOM in New Orleans is larger.
  • The cost of living in New Orleans is generally higher than in Shreveport, though the tuition and fees are approximately equal.

Applications

The LSU New Orleans SOM Secondary Application consists of one, optional, mid-length essay. The LSU New Orleans SOM secondary essay prompt is different from other medical schools. Although the secondary question is optional, we recommend completing it to show the LSUSOM New Orleans admissions committee why you are a great fit! Though the prompt asks about your values broadly, we recommend using this secondary to share your values and explain how they align with those prioritized by LSU New Orleans! LSU New Orleans SOM is focused on serving members of its surrounding New Orleans and Louisiana communities and LSUSOM-NO wants to recruit like-minded students. It is important to read this blog post to gain more insight about LSU New Orleans SOM Med’s unique curriculum and opportunities. 

How to get into LSU New Orleans Medical School – We have an ENTIRE page dedicated to the LSU New Orleans Medical School secondary essay tips. Incorporate them into your essays and stand out!

Contact Dr. Rachel Rizal and Dr. Rishi Mediratta if you have any questions about LSUNO.

How to Get Into UNC Medical School

LSU New Orleans SOM University Secondary Application Essay Prompts:

LSU Medical School New Orleans MD Essay Prompts:

  1. (Optional) You may attach an essay of reasonable length (2,500 – 3,000 characters max) using the prompt “your values”. 

LSU Medical School New Orleans Primary Care Programs Essay Prompts:

  1. Please provide specific information about your immediate and extended family that live in rural or underserved communities in Louisiana. (i.e., relationship, community, occupation, etc.)
  2. List all extracurricular activities during college, e.g., volunteer work, clubs, etc. Please indicate the duration and nature of your participation.
  3. Describe your involvement in your home community prior to and since attending college, e.g., community groups, activities, or volunteer efforts, etc. Please indicate your length of time of involvement.
  4. What other career possibilities have you considered?
  5. List your hobbies and interests.
  6. Describe your personal experiences and knowledge of rural and/or community life.
  7. Based on your own personal experience, observations and insights, describe the roles and responsibilities of a rural or primary care physician.
  8. Why do you feel you are a suitable candidate for the Rural Scholar Track (RST), and/or the Patrick F. Taylor Primary Care Scholar Program (PFT)?
  9. You need three additional references – Instructions: These individuals should be different from those providing your letters of recommendation for medical school. Select individuals who can provide information about your involvement in your home community and your suitability for the Primary Care Program(s) you are applying to. 

Note: No word limits indicated on the application but there is a space for your answer. Estimated 2-3 paragraphs per question.

LSU Medical School New Orleans Rural Track Essay Prompts:

  1. Please provide specific information about your immediate and extended family that live in rural or underserved communities in Louisiana. (i.e., relationship, community, occupation, etc.)
  2. List all extracurricular activities during college, e.g., volunteer work, clubs, etc. Please indicate the duration and nature of your participation.
  3. Describe your involvement in your home community prior to and since applying to medical school, e.g., community groups, activities, or volunteer efforts, etc.
  4. List your hobbies and interests.
  5. What medical specialty possibilities have you considered?
  6. Based on your own personal experience, observations and insights, describe the roles and responsibilities of a rural primary care physician.
  7. Why do you feel you are a suitable candidate for the Rural Scholar Track (RST)?

Note: No word limits indicated on the application but there is a space for your answer. Estimated 1-2 paragraphs per question.

Need Help With Your LSU New Orleans SOM Secondary Essays?

Get the Cracking Med School Admissions team’s expertise through our secondary essay editing packages. If you have questions, email us at info@crackingmedadmissions.com or contact us.

LSU New Orleans SOM
Interview Format

To ace your traditional interview, you need to know how to answer common medical school interview questions. It’s important to practice, practice, practice.

Cracking Med Resources for Interviews:

Contact us if you want to schedule a mock interview with our Cracking Med School Admissions team! Take a look at our interview packages.

download your interview guide

If you are prepared, the interview gives you the perfect opportunity to standout and shine by sharing with people what you are passionate about.

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LSU New Orleans SOM Acceptance Rate

Applied
7221
Accepted
0
Admit Rate
0

LSU New Orleans SOM Admissions Statistics:

  • LSU New Orleans SOM Average GPA: 3.73
  • LSU New Orleans SOM Average MCAT: 510

How Did LSU New Orleans SOM Students Do On Their USMLE Step Exams?

  • Average LSU New Orleans SOM Step 1 Percentage Passing Rate: 89%
  • Average LSU New Orleans SOM USMLE Step 2 Score: Not publicly available

Your medical school application Coaches, Mentors, & Cheerleaders

We Personally Advise Every Student We Work With

Dr. Rachel Rizal

Rachel Rizal, M.D.

Changing the trajectory of people's lives

Undergraduate
Princeton University

Medical School
Stanford School of Medicine

Residency
Harvard, Emergency Medicine

Awards & Scholarships
Fulbright Scholar
USA Today Academic First Team
Tylenol Scholarship

Rishi Mediratta, MD, MSc, MA

Rishi Mediratta, M.D., M.Sc., M.A.

Advising students to attend their dream schools

Undergraduate
Johns Hopkins University

Medical School
Stanford School of Medicine

Residency
Stanford, Pediatrics

Awards & Scholarships
Marshall Scholar
Tylenol Scholarship
Global Health Scholar

Each year, the Cracking Med School Admissions team
helps students get accepted to top medical schools.
We can help you get accepted!

Contact us today.

The Insider's View on LSU New Orleans SOM's
Pre-clinical years

Curriculum Overview:

As a LSU New Orleans med student, your first 21 months are spent as a pre-clinical student at LSUSOM’s campus in New Orleans. LSU New Orleans SOM’s pre-clinical phase starts with a year of basic science review followed by a year of organ-systems based learning. Longitudinal classes focused on clinical skill development and health equity are integrated throughout both years. During the pre-clerkship phase, students are graded on a grading scale of Honors, High Pass, Pass, or Fail. LSUSOM-NO also offers an Honors Program, which requires the completion of an independent research project in partnership with a faculty advisor, for students who excel during their first semester! 

The blocks during the first 2 years of medical school are:

  • Year 1:
    • Gross Anatomy
    • Biochemistry
    • Human Behavior and Development
    • Human Physiology
    • Introduction to Medical Genetics
    • Cell Biology and Microanatomy
    • Introduction to Medical Immunology
    • Clinical Skills Integration
    • Health Equity Leadership for Physicians
    • Foundations of Population Medicine and Health Systems
  • Year 2:
    • Foundations of Disease and Therapy
    • Neuroscience and Diseases and Therapy of the Neuro-psychiatric Systems
    • Diseases and Therapy of the Renal System
    • Diseases and Therapy of the Cardiovascular System
    • Diseases and Therapy of the Pulmonary System
    • Diseases and Therapy of the Reproductive and Endocrine Systems
    • Diseases and Therapy of the Hematology System
    • Diseases and Therapy of the Gastrointestinal System
    • Diseases and Therapy of the Musculoskeletal and Dermatologic Systems
    • Clinical Skills Integration
    • Health Equity Leadership for Physicians
  • Note: Clinical Skills Integration and Health Equity Leadership for Physicians are longitudinal courses conducted continuously throughout the pre-clerkship phase!

Unique highlights about pre-clinical year:

  • Two-year pre-clinical phase offers extended time for in-depth learning.
  • Opportunity to engage in independent research through the Honors Program.
  • All students complete the pre-clinical phase together at the New Orleans campus before 25 students are relocated to the Baton Rouge for clerkships!

Unique dual degree programs offered at LSU New Orleans SOM:

  • MD/MPH
  • Primary Care Programs (the Rural Scholars Track and Primary Care Scholar Program require a contractual commitment to practice primary care in Louisiana after graduation from residency in exchange for a full or partial tuition waiver!)

What students are saying about LSU New Orleans SOM

The Insider's View on LSU New Orleans SOM's
clinical years

Clinical Curriculum: 

During the 3rd and 4th years of medical school, 25 medical students per class are assigned to complete their clinical rotations at the Baton Rouge campus. This offers a fantastic opportunity to treat populations different from those students engage with in New Orleans throughout their first two years! These students will also have the opportunity to complete some rotations in New Orleans during their fourth year. Students who remain at the primary New Orleans campus can also opt to complete some of their clinical rotations at regional sites. Like the pre-clinical phase, all clerkship rotations are graded Honors, High Pass, Pass, or Fail.

The third-year curriculum consists of:

    • Pediatrics Clerkship
    • Family Medicine Clerkship
    • Internal Medicine Clerkship
    • Surgery Clerkship
    • Neurology Clerkship
    • Obstetrics and Gynecology Clerkship
    • Psychiatry Clerkship
    • Career Planning Elective

LSUSOM-NO offers a flexible fourth year structure to allow students to pursue experiences related to their field of specialty and other interests within medicine. Each student will have three months of “flex” time during which they can conduct research, prepare for residency interviews, and take up to four electives. Additionally, all students will take USMLE Step 2 during their fourth year alongside other requirements including:

  • Critical Concepts
  • Primary Acting Internship
  • Secondary Acting Internship
  • Special Topics

Main clinical rotation sites:

  • University Medical Center New Orleans
  • Ochsner Medical Center
  • Children’s Hospital of New Orleans
  • VA Medical Center
  • Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center (the state’s #1 birthing hospital located in Baton Rouge!)
  • Woman’s Hospital (Baton Rouge)
  • Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital (Baton Rouge)

Unique highlights about clinical years:

  • Diversity of clinical settings within New Orleans and throughout the state.
  • “Flex” time during the fourth year allows students to pursue research, electives, and other experiences related to their passions!
  • LSUSOM-NO students learn to care for diverse patient populations and gain exposure to urban healthcare challenges, public health issues, and more specialized care.

What students are saying about clinical rotations at LSU New Orleans SOM

Housing & Social

Social Life:

LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans (LSUHSC-NO) offers a dynamic social environment where medical students can balance rigorous academics with the city’s vibrant culture. Situated in downtown New Orleans, the medical school is just minutes from world-class music on Frenchmen Street, historic cafes like Café du Monde, and famous restaurants such as Cochon and Commander’s Palace. Students often gather in the Garden District or Bywater for weekend brunches or unwind with beignets and coffee after exams. The proximity to the Superdome makes catching a Saints or Pelicans game an easy group outing. Outdoor lovers can take a break from studying with a run along the Mississippi River, kayaking in Bayou St. John, or exploring the sprawling trails of City Park. On campus, the free wellness center, intramural sports, and student organizations foster a strong sense of community, while the Office of Student Affairs provides support for both academic and personal well-being. At LSUHSC-NO, students don’t just study medicine—they experience the heart of New Orleans.

Housing:

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans (LSUHSC-NO) provides medical students with convenient housing options to support their academic journey. The on-campus Residence Hall, located at 1900 Perdido Street, is a coeducational facility offering economical accommodations. Connected to the Medical Education Building via a covered bridge, this eleven-story building features 208 living units and amenities such as secured off-street parking, a weight room, cardiovascular workout room, and a basketball court with night lighting.

For those preferring off-campus living, the surrounding New Orleans area offers a variety of rental options. Resources such as the New Orleans Times-Picayune, Gambit Weekly, and Tulane Classifieds can assist in finding suitable accommodations.

These housing options aim to provide LSUHSC-NO medical students with comfortable and accessible living environments, allowing them to focus on their studies while enjoying the vibrant culture of New Orleans.

How to get into LSU New Orleans Medical School Tip – know what the culture and environment is like in the medical school. Incorporate that into your LSUNO interview!

financing

Cost of Attendance:

LSU New Orleans Tuition:

  • $32,937 for Louisiana residents
  • $61,114 for out-of-state residents

Cracking Med School Admissions Resources

 

Here are useful Lousiana State University Resources:

  • Read more about the Louisiana State University School of Medicine New Orleans Primary Care Track here.
  • Read more about the Louisiana State University School of Medicine New Orleans Rural Care Track here.

Here are useful Cracking Med School Admissions resources:

Read our other popular school blogs here:

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