Medical School Acceptance Rates

The medical school admissions process is one of the most competitive in the world, and for good reason. The physicians we trust with our healthcare must demonstrate the academic ability, experience, and personal qualities needed to succeed in medicine.

Many prospective students wonder what percentage of medical school applicants get accepted each year. While acceptance rates fluctuate by application service and admissions cycle, fewer than half of medical school applicants typically matriculate into an incoming class.

In 2025, the overall acceptance rates for applicants were:

AMCAS (MD schools): 42%
AACOMAS (DO schools): 44.55%
TMDSAS (Texas medical schools): 32.58%

Compared to the previous year, acceptance rates moved in different directions. Acceptance rates for MD and Texas medical schools declined as applicant growth outpaced available seats, while DO programs saw acceptance rates increase thanks to continued enrollment growth.

Although overall acceptance rates fluctuate from year to year, acceptance rates at individual medical schools remain exceptionally low. On average, MD schools reported acceptance rates of about 3.1% in the 2025 admissions cycle. 10 MD schools had acceptance rates below 1%, and only 8 MD schools had acceptance rates above 7%.

Gaining admission to any individual medical school is far more competitive than overall acceptance rates suggest, making a strong application and balanced school list essential.

Use our free Med School Chance Predictor to calculate your odds of acceptance at MD and DO programs nationwide. Enter your GPA, MCAT, and other metrics to see your odds at each school.

Learn MoreSee Your Odds at Each Med School

Overall Med School Acceptance Rates (2020-2025)

The table below shows applicant, matriculant, and acceptance rate data from 2020 to 2025 for the AMCAS, AACOMAS, and TMDSAS application services.

Year	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024	2025
MD Applicants	53,369	53,030	62,443	55,189	51,946	54,699
MD Matriculants	21,869	22,239	22,666	22,710	23,156	23,440
MD Acceptance Rate	40.98%	41.94%	36.30%	41.15%	44.58%	42.85%
DO Applicants	21,668	22,708	27,277	23,488	22,810	23,114
DO Matriculants	8,283	8,523	8,668	8,949	9,644	10,297
DO Acceptance Rate	38.23%	37.53%	31.78%	38.10%	42.28%	44.55%
TX Applicants	6,093	7,362	6,833	6,484	6,472	6,890
TX Matriculants	1,820	1,854	2,142	2,229	2,230	2,245
TX Acceptance Rate	29.87%	25.18%	31.35%	34.38%	34.46%	32.58%
Total Applications*	81,130	83,100	96,553	85,161	81,859	84,703
Total Matriculants	31,972	32,616	33,476	33,888	34,854	35,982

Medical School Acceptance Rates by School (2025)

Below is the acceptance rate data for MD and DO medical programs throughout the United States for the 2025 admissions cycle. Texas medical schools using the TMDSAS application service are excluded from this list because they do not provide comparable public school-level acceptance data.

Institution	State	Type	Applicants (2025)	Matriculants (2025)	Acceptance Rate
Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine	AL	DO	3,828	204	5.33%
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Auburn Campus	AL	DO	3,348	146	4.36%
Heersink School of Medicine	AL	MD	4,206	196	4.66%
University of South Alabama College of Medicine	AL	MD	1,906	79	4.14%
Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine	AR	DO	3,644	142	3.9%
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine	AR	MD	3,337	174	5.21%
A.T. Still University - School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona	AZ	DO	5,582	154	2.76%
Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine	AZ	DO	3,833	265	6.91%
University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix	AZ	MD	5,831	130	2.23%
University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson	AZ	MD	7,342	118	1.61%
California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine	CA	DO	3,277	182	5.55%
California Northstate University College of Medicine	CA	MD	3,412	118	3.46%
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science	CA	MD	6,639	60	0.90%
Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine	CA	MD	6,596	49	0.74%
Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California	CA	MD	9,612	120	1.25%
Loma Linda University School of Medicine	CA	MD	5,642	176	3.12%
Stanford University School of Medicine	CA	MD	9,793	90	0.92%
Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine	CA	DO	4,488	188	4.19%
UCSF School of Medicine	CA	MD	4,630	130	2.81%
University of California, Davis School of Medicine	CA	MD	8,294	139	1.68%
University of California, Irvine School of Medicine	CA	MD	7,440	114	1.53%
University of California, Riverside School of Medicine	CA	MD	6,508	90	1.38%
University of California, San Diego School of Medicine	CA	MD	10,400	140	1.35%
University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine	CA	MD	10,342	177	1.71%
Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific	CA	DO	5,435	225	4.14%
David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA	CO	MD	12,474	175	1.40%
Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine - Colorado/Utah	CO	DO	5,892	366	6.21%
University of Colorado School of Medicine	CO	MD	10,405	181	1.74%
Frank H. Netter M.D. School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University	CT	MD	9,426	95	1.01%
University of Connecticut School of Medicine	CT	MD	5,734	114	1.99%
Yale School of Medicine	CT	MD	7,352	104	1.41%
George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences	DC	MD	17,194	130	0.76%
Georgetown University School of Medicine	DC	MD	14,542	203	1.40%
Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine at Nova Southeastern University	FL	MD	5,790	65	1.12%
Florida State University College of Medicine	FL	MD	6,730	120	1.78%
Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine at Florida International University	FL	MD	6,013	121	2.01%
Howard University College of Medicine	FL	MD	8,908	128	1.44%
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine - Bradenton Campus	FL	DO	5,850	142	2.43%
Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami	FL	MD	9,912	202	2.04%
Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine	FL	DO	6,619	400	6.04%
Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine*	FL	DO	2,573	141	5.48%
Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University	FL	MD	4,165	78	1.87%
University of Central Florida College of Medicine	FL	MD	5,395	120	2.22%
University of Florida College of Medicine	FL	MD	5,612	136	2.42%
Emory University School of Medicine	GA	MD	12,671	136	1.07%
Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University	GA	MD	3,368	304	9.03%
Mercer University School of Medicine	GA	MD	1,246	176	14.13%
Morsani College of Medicine at the University of South Florida	GA	MD	5,677	131	2.31%
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine - Georgia Campus	GA	DO	3,132	135	4.31%
Morehouse School of Medicine	GA	MD	6,873	110	1.60%
University of Hawai'i John A. Burns School of Medicine	HI	MD	2,369	77	3.25%
Carver College of Medicine at the University of Iowa	IA	MD	4,527	153	3.38%
Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine	IA	DO	4,252	227	5.34%
Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine	ID	DO	2,332	244	10.5%
Carle Illinois College of Medicine	IL	MD	2,889	64	2.22%
Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University	IL	DO	5,101	210	4.12%
Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science	IL	MD	11,973	203	1.70%
Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University	IL	MD	8,610	140	1.63%
Pritzker School of Medicine at the University of Chicago	IL	MD	7,738	91	1.18%
Rush Medical College	IL	MD	13,237	144	1.09%
Southern Illinois University School of Medicine	IL	MD	1,218	80	6.57%
Stritch School of Medicine at Loyola University Chicago	IL	MD	13,289	175	1.32%
University of Illinois College of Medicine	IL	MD	11,273	302	2.68%
Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine	IN	DO	4,536	150	3.31%
Indiana University School of Medicine	IN	MD	7,822	366	4.68%
Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine	KS	DO	5,202	424	8.15%
Kansas Health Science University - Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine	KS	DO	2,290	176	7.69%
University of Kansas School of Medicine	KS	MD	4,978	211	4.24%
University of Kentucky College of Medicine	KY	MD	5,766	208	3.61%
University of Louisville School of Medicine	KY	MD	5,317	168	3.16%
University of Pikeville - Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine	KY	DO	3,442	133	3.86%
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Louisiana Campus	LA	DO	2,545	122	4.79%
Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans	LA	MD	3,865	195	5.05%
Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport	LA	MD	3,201	150	4.69%
Tulane University School of Medicine	LA	MD	13,814	190	1.38%
Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine at Boston University	MA	MD	11,429	138	1.21%
Harvard Medical School	MA	MD	8,275	165	1.99%
University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School	MA	MD	5,630	233	4.14%
F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine at Uniformed Services University	MD	MD	2,238	177	7.91%
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine	MD	MD	8,057	118	1.46%
Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine*	MD	DO	1,183	97	8.2%
Tufts University School of Medicine	MD	MD	15,455	204	1.32%
University of Maryland School of Medicine	MD	MD	7,186	171	2.38%
University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine	ME	DO	4,752	200	4.21%
Central Michigan University College of Medicine	MI	MD	8,513	104	1.22%
Michigan State University College of Human Medicine	MI	MD	8,296	193	2.33%
Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine	MI	DO	7,716	281	3.64%
Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine	MI	MD	7,492	124	1.66%
University of Michigan Medical School	MI	MD	10,277	168	1.63%
Wayne State University School of Medicine	MI	MD	10,438	299	2.86%
Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine	MI	MD	5,897	86	1.46%
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine	MN	MD	5,920	109	1.84%
University of Minnesota Medical School	MN	MD	6,843	264	3.86%
A.T. Still University - Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine	MO	DO	4,060	167	4.11%
Saint Louis University School of Medicine	MO	MD	6,672	174	2.61%
University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine	MO	MD	3,677	136	3.70%
University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine	MO	MD	1,589	134	8.43%
Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine	MO	MD	6,138	123	2.00%
University of Mississippi School of Medicine	MS	MD	326	170	52.15%
William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine	MS	DO	3,068	175	5.7%
Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine - Montana*	MT	DO	2,403	171	7.12%
Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University	NC	MD	2,267	91	4.01%
Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine	NC	DO	4,585	162	3.53%
Duke University School of Medicine	NC	MD	9,234	123	1.33%
University of North Carolina School of Medicine	NC	MD	6,264	229	3.66%
Wake Forest University School of Medicine	NC	MD	12,800	194	1.52%
University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences	ND	MD	1,864	75	4.02%
Creighton University School of Medicine	NE	MD	6,162	250	4.06%
University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine	NE	MD	2,311	142	6.14%
Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth	NH	MD	10,330	96	0.93%
Cooper Medical School of Rowan University	NJ	MD	4,619	118	2.55%
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine	NJ	MD	5,708	166	2.91%
Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine	NJ	DO	6,049	269	4.45%
Rutgers New Jersey Medical School	NJ	MD	6,479	174	2.69%
Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine	NM	DO	5,014	295	5.88%
Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School	NM	MD	5,112	165	3.23%
Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine	NV	DO	2,950	200	6.78%
University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine	NV	MD	2,382	72	3.02%
University of New Mexico School of Medicine	NV	MD	1,719	103	5.99%
Albany Medical College	NY	MD	14,157	141	1.00%
Albert Einstein College of Medicine	NY	MD	14,035	148	1.05%
CUNY School of Medicine	NY	MD	59	59	100%
Grossman School of Medicine at New York University	NY	MD	8,385	99	1.18%
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai	NY	MD	9,551	128	1.34%
Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo	NY	MD	6,264	186	2.97%
Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV	NV	MD	2,375	66	2.78%
New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine - Long Island	NY	DO	8,697	417	4.79%
New York Medical College	NY	MD	9,525	233	2.45%
NYU Long Island School of Medicine	NY	MD	4,738	24	0.51%
Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University	NY	MD	5,689	141	2.48%
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University College of Medicine	NY	MD	7,490	197	2.63%
SUNY Upstate Medical University Norton College of Medicine	NY	MD	6,198	182	2.94%
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine - Harlem Campus	NY	DO	5,163	355	6.88%
University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry	NY	MD	5,891	103	1.75%
Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University	NY	MD	7,677	138	1.80%
Weill Cornell Medicine	NY	MD	8,599	106	1.23%
Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell	NY	MD	5,368	104	1.94%
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine	OH	MD	9,454	216	2.28%
Northeast Ohio Medical University	OH	MD	4,883	197	4.03%
Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine	OH	DO	4,564	240	5.26%
The Ohio State University College of Medicine	OH	MD	8,685	211	2.43%
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine	OH	MD	6,636	175	2.64%
University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences	OH	MD	6,637	175	2.64%
Boonshoft School of Medicine at Wright State University	OK	MD	5,986	128	2.14%
Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine	OK	DO	4,788	141	2.94%
Heatherington College of Osteopathic Medicine	OR	DO	3,359	93	2.77%
Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine	OR	MD	7,114	150	2.11%
University of Oklahoma College of Medicine	OR	MD	2,590	202	7.80%
Drexel University College of Medicine	PA	MD	16,547	305	1.84%
Duquesne University College of Osteopathic Medicine	PA	DO	3,476	135	3.88%
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine	PA	MD	6,964	124	1.78%
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine	PA	DO	7,516	328	4.36%
Penn State College of Medicine	PA	MD	14,288	150	1.05%
Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania	PA	MD	7,097	153	2.16%
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine - Philadelphia/South Georgia	PA	DO	7,612	365	4.8%
Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University	PA	MD	12,033	286	2.38%
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine	PA	MD	11,887	151	1.27%
Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University	PA	MD	14,278	227	1.59%
Ponce Health Sciences University School of Medicine	PR	MD	2,255	194	8.60%
San Juan Bautista School of Medicine	PR	MD	1,553	69	4.44%
Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine	PR	MD	1,204	75	6.23%
University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine	PR	MD	801	105	13.11%
Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University	RI	MD	9,186	144	1.57%
Baptist University College of Osteopathic Medicine	SC	DO	2,420	101	4.17%
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Carolinas Campus	SC	DO	4,233	142	3.35%
Medical University of South Carolina	SC	MD	3,413	179	5.24%
University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia	SC	MD	3,011	99	3.29%
University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville	SC	MD	4,157	110	2.65%
Sanford School of Medicine at the University of South Dakota	SD	MD	1,076	71	6.60%
Belmont University Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine	TN	MD	2,831	54	1.91%
Lincoln Memorial University - DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine	TN	DO	5,621	566	10.07%
Meharry Medical College School of Medicine	TN	MD	7,949	115	1.45%
Quillen College of Medicine at East Tennessee State University	TN	MD	4,009	78	1.95%
University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine	TN	MD	2,744	174	6.34%
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine	TN	MD	7,685	95	1.24%
Baylor College of Medicine	TX	MD	6,073	224	3.69%
Burnett School of Medicine at Texas Christian University	TX	MD	6,273	60	0.96%
Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin	TX	MD	5,684	50	0.80%
McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston	TX	MD	6,104	240	3.93%
Paul L. Foster School of Medicine at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center	TX	MD	4,811	130	2.70%
Texas A&M University College of Medicine	TX	MD	6,086	200	3.29%
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine	TX	MD	5,348	182	3.4%
Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine at University of Houston	TX	MD	5,247	60	1.14%
University of Texas Health San Antonio Long School of Medicine	TX	MD	5,774	232	4.02%
University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston	TX	MD	5,450	230	4.22%
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine	TX	MD	4,789	55	1.15%
University of Texas Southwestern Medical School	TX	MD	6,025	229	3.80%
University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine	TX	DO	3,517	161	4.58%
Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine	UT	DO	2,782	193	6.94%
University of Texas at Tyler School of Medicine	UT	MD	4,990	40	0.81%
Eastern Virginia Medical School	VA	MD	7,613	151	1.98%
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Virginia Campus	VA	DO	5,525	168	3.04%
Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine	VA	DO	1,433	159	11.1%
Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah	VA	MD	5,525	168	3.04%
University of Virginia School of Medicine	VA	MD	7,148	156	2.82%
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine	VA	MD	8,306	184	2.22%
Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine	VA	MD	6,370	55	0.86%
Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont	VT	MD	10,377	122	1.18%
Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine	WA	DO	3,155	145	4.6%
University of Washington School of Medicine	WA	MD	5,275	280	5.31%
Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine at Washington State University	WA	MD	1,574	80	5.08%
Medical College of Wisconsin	WI	MD	10,711	274	2.56%
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health	WI	MD	7,744	171	2.21%
Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University	WV	MD	3,026	82	2.71%
West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine	WV	DO	4,863	208	4.28%
West Virginia University School of Medicine	WV	MD	6,314	115	1.82%

These medical school admissions statistics were aggregated from AAMC FACTS data and AACOM’s Applicants and Matriculants by College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM) reports.

*Some newer osteopathic medical schools included in this table currently hold pre-accreditation status through the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA). Pre-accreditation is part of the standard accreditation pathway for new colleges of osteopathic medicine before they receive full accreditation.

Overall Acceptance Rates vs. Institution-Level Rates

It’s important to understand the difference between the overall medical school acceptance rate and acceptance rates at individual institutions. While the percentage of pre-med students who receive at least one acceptance has been around the 40% range in recent cycles, acceptance rates at individual programs can be significantly lower.

This difference exists because medical school applicants typically apply to multiple schools. In the 2025-2026 application cycle, the AAMC reported that applicants submitted an average of more than 19 applications through AMCAS. As a result, an applicant’s chance of receiving at least one acceptance is not the same as their chance of being accepted at any single medical school.

Acceptance rates can vary widely between programs due to factors such as class size, applicant pool, mission, and state residency preferences. While these numbers provide helpful context when building a school list, they should not be the only factor applicants consider. I recommend that students apply to 25-30 medical programs, if possible, and create a balanced school list based on their academic profile, goals, and fit.

Recent Trends in Admissions

Medical school admissions have changed significantly in recent years, with shifts in applicant numbers, enrollment growth, and the overall composition of incoming classes. Here are a few key trends shaping the current admissions landscape:

Medical school enrollment has hit historic highs. The number of students enrolled in U.S. medical schools has surpassed 100,000 for the first time, following years of growth in class sizes and the expansion of new medical schools. These changes have increased the number of medical training positions available nationwide.
Applicant numbers continue to fluctuate. After a surge in applications during the COVID-19 pandemic, applicant numbers declined closer to pre-pandemic levels before rising again. Recent data shows renewed growth, with the number of medical school applicants increasing by 5.3% in the latest cycle.
Admissions policies continue to evolve. Following the 2023 Supreme Court decision limiting race-conscious admissions, medical schools have shifted their approaches to diversity and holistic review. Early AAMC data show declines in representation among some historically underrepresented groups, though changes in race and ethnicity reporting methods complicate comparisons across cycles.
Technology is reshaping the admissions process. Artificial intelligence is becoming part of both sides of the admissions process. Applicants are using AI tools for research, writing, and interview prep while schools explore AI-assisted screening and communication tools. This has increased the focus on authenticity in applications.
The public perception of medicine is changing. Social media has increased visibility into physician burnout, administrative burdens, and challenges within health care. These conversations may be influencing how prospective students evaluate medicine as a career, with some weighing alternative paths that offer different work-life balance or fewer systemic barriers.

Increase Your Competitiveness as an Applicant

Meeting the minimum requirements for medical school admission is only the first step. To stand out in a competitive applicant pool, focus on the key components of your application:

Strengthen your MCAT score. A strong MCAT score can help show that you’re ready for the academic demands of medical school. MD matriculants had an average MCAT score of 512.1, while DO matriculants averaged 503 in the most recent available data. Preparing strategically and giving yourself enough time to study for the MCAT can help you perform at your highest level.
Improve your GPA. While a GPA around 3.6-3.8 is often considered competitive, admissions committees also evaluate your BCPM GPA and the rigor of your coursework. For applicants who need to strengthen their academic record, a post-baccalaureate program can help. Some students also choose to take a gap year to strengthen other areas of their application, such as gaining clinical experience or conducting research.
Craft a compelling personal statement. Your personal statement is one of the few parts of your application that is completely unique to you. Use it to tell an authentic story about your motivation for medicine, experiences that shaped your goals, and the qualities you would bring to the profession. Reviewing examples from successful applicants can help you understand how to develop a strong narrative.
Prioritize meaningful extracurricular experiences. Medical schools look beyond numbers to understand how you have explored medicine, served others, and developed skills relevant to patient care. Focus on quality over quantity by choosing experiences that reflect your interests, values, and commitment to the field.
Secure strong letters of recommendation. Thoughtful letters from professors, physicians, research mentors, or supervisors who know you well can provide valuable insight into your abilities and character. Choose recommenders who can speak specifically about your strengths and potential as a future physician.
Build a strategic school list. You should apply to schools where your academic profile and goals align with the program. It’s fine to include a few reach schools, but your list should also include programs where you’re a realistic candidate. Applicants with lower-than-average MCAT scores or GPAs may benefit from focusing less on highly selective programs and more on schools where they’re a strong fit.

FAQs

Medical schools with higher acceptance rates or lower average GPA and MCAT metrics can offer additional opportunities for applicants, but no medical school is truly easy to get into. Schools with less competitive admissions profiles often include programs that prioritize factors like state residency, service to underserved communities, or specific missions.

Applicants should consider schools where their academic background, experiences, and goals align with the program rather than simply targeting schools based on acceptance rates. A balanced school list should include a mix of programs where you are a strong fit, along with more competitive options.

MD matriculants had an average overall GPA of 3.81 in the 2025-2026 application cycle, and median GPA numbers have continued to rise over time. While highly selective medical schools often look for applicants with exceptional academic records, there is no single GPA that guarantees acceptance. Admissions committees also consider factors like your science GPA, MCAT score, clinical experience, research, secondary essays, and overall application.

A competitive MCAT score depends on the medical schools you’re targeting and the strength of the rest of your application. In general, a score around 511-512 or higher is considered competitive for many MD programs. DO matriculants have recently averaged around 503.

Applicants aiming for highly selective medical schools often need scores in the mid-to-high 510s, with some top-tier programs reporting averages in the 518-520 range. However, admissions committees evaluate the full application, including GPA, clinicals, research, extracurricular activities, and personal statements. There is no single MCAT score that guarantees acceptance.

There is no official minimum number of clinical experience hours required for medical school, but meaningful patient-facing experience is an important part of a strong application. As a general guideline, 150 hours is considered a baseline, 150-300 hours is often considered competitive, and 300+ hours can strengthen an application for top-tier programs.

The quality of your experiences matters just as much as the number of hours, so focus on opportunities that demonstrate your understanding of patient care and commitment to medicine.

Double Your Chances of Med School Acceptance

Medical school admissions remain as competitive as ever, but the right guidance can make a big difference in helping you stand out. An experienced med school admissions advisor can help you develop a stronger application strategy, craft a compelling personal statement, prepare for interviews, and navigate every step of the process.

Build your application alongside a doctor with admissions experience, and join the 95% of clients who get into medical school.

Book a Consultation

Medical School Acceptance Rates (Plus, What to Expect This Cycle)

Overall Med School Acceptance Rates (2020-2025)

Medical School Acceptance Rates by School (2025)

Overall Acceptance Rates vs. Institution-Level Rates

Recent Trends in Admissions

Increase Your Competitiveness as an Applicant

FAQs

Which medical schools have the highest acceptance rates?

What GPA do you need to be competitive for the best medical schools in the United States?

What MCAT score do you need to get into medical school?

How many clinical experience hours are recommended for a strong medical school application?

Double Your Chances of Med School Acceptance

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