How to Get into Harvard Medical School

In this guide, we’ll go over how to get into Harvard Medical School (HMS), its acceptance rate, key admissions requirements and deadlines, and tips on how to stand out.

If you’re just here for the requirements, click here.

Harvard Medical School Acceptance Rate: 2.09%

Harvard Medical School’s acceptance rate is approximately 2.09%. According to the Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR) database, an official AAMC resource that reports GPA, MCAT medians, and admissions data, there were 7,890 verified applications in the 2025 admissions cycle. Of these applicants, only 165 students matriculated.

Here’s a closer look at Harvard Medical School’s acceptance rate over the past five years, as reported by AAMC:

Over the past five years, the HMS has remained highly competitive, with an average acceptance of 2.09%. On average, about 8,046 students applied each year for roughly 168 seats. These averages show students that HMS’s selectivity is long-standing, so success depends on building a strong, well-rounded application every year.

How Hard Is It to Get Into Harvard Medical School?

It is extremely difficult to get into Harvard Medical School. In the 2025 admissions cycle, HMS had an acceptance rate of just 2.09%. That means only about 2 out of every 100 applicants were admitted, while roughly 98 were rejected. To put it in perspective, HMS received 7,890 applications for just 165 seats. That means the school could have filled its entire incoming class more than 48 times over with the number of students who applied.

The Harvard Medical School Admissions Difficulty Scale was created by comparing acceptance rates and overall selectivity across all accredited US medical schools.

What is Harvard Medical School's Acceptance Rate for In-State Applicants?

Harvard Medical School’s acceptance rate for in-state applicants is approximately 3.8%. The MSAR reports that 605 in-state applicants applied during the 2024 admissions cycle and only 23 applicants matriculated.

These 605 in-state HMS applicants made up 7.67% of all 7,890 applicants in the 2024 admissions cycle.

What is Harvard Medical School's Acceptance Rate for Out-of-State Applicants?

Harvard Medical School’s acceptance rate for out-of-state applicants is approximately 1.94%. According to MSAR, 6,787 out-of-state applicants applied to HMS’ 2024 application cycle and only 132 students matriculated.

Out-of-state students made up 86.02% of Harvard Medical School’s 2024 applicant pool. This large percentage is likely because HMS attracts a disproportionately high number of out-of-state and international applicants due to its global reputation, extensive research opportunities, and generous financial aid.

What is Harvard Medical School's Acceptance Rate for International Students?

Harvard Medical School’s acceptance rate for international students is approximately 2.01%. The MSAR reports that 498 international students applied to Harvard’s 2024 application cycle, of which only 10 matriculated.

International students accounted for only 6.31% of Harvard Medical School’s 2024 applicant pool, likely due to the selectivity of HMS and the challenge of applying to US medical schools.

How Many People Apply to Harvard Medical School Every Year?

An average of 8,046 students applied to Harvard Medical School over the past five years, according to AAMC reports. However, there was a significant spike in applicants in 2021, when 9,195 students applied, compared to around 7,800 to 7,900 in the other years. This suggests that the number of applicants each year is typically closer to 7,800, with 2021 being an outlier likely influenced by pandemic-related factors.

Harvard Medical School Secondary Application Essays Prompts + Examples

Before giving you a few examples of a 2025 Harvard SDN essay, we will go through each prompt and give you tips on how to answer the questions. Though some of the essays are considered optional, you might want to write them all so that Harvard has more than enough to assess your readiness for medical school.

Two prompts require you to write a response no longer than 4,000 characters, so make sure to get as close to the limit as you can without going over. It’s important to be concise and to the point when answering each question, but remember to follow a general essay format. Each essay should have an introduction, several body paragraphs, and a conclusion. 

When talking about your experiences, there should be a logical flow from one to the next. Choose experiences that can be tied back to your decision to become a doctor. By doing this, you will be showcasing your passion for medicine and will be able to demonstrate why going to medical school is so important to you.

Below are the five essay prompts, followed by an explanation of what they are looking for. Read through these explanations and then read through the example essays following.

Harvard Medical School Secondary Essay Prompt #1

“If you have already graduated, briefly summarize your activities since graduation. (4000 characters)”

For this secondary essay prompt, it's important to concisely convey your post-graduation activities while providing insight into your current commitments. You don't need to delve into extensive specifics, but rather offer a glimpse of your typical weekly routine. 

Feel free to include a list of your weekly activities, along with the corresponding time commitments for easy reference.

Harvard Medical School Secondary Essay Prompt #2

“If there is an important aspect of your personal background or identity, not addressed elsewhere in the application, that you would like to share with the Committee, we invite you to do so here. Many applicants will not need to answer this question. Examples might include significant challenges in access to education, unusual socioeconomic factors, or other aspects of your personal or family background to place your prior academic achievements in context or provide further information about your motivation for a career in medicine or the perspectives you might bring to the medical school community. Many applicants will not need to answer this question. (4000 characters)”

For this prompt, try to be as honest as possible, while still connecting your experiences to how they influenced your decision to apply to medical school. The admissions committee is specifically interested in candidates who have a true passion for the field of medicine. 

As you compose your response, emphasize the link between your personal background or identity and your motivation to pursue a medical career. Demonstrating this passion and its impact on your decision to enter the medical field is pivotal for a compelling essay.

Harvard Medical School Secondary Essay Prompt #3

“The Committee on Admissions understands that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted applicants in various ways. If you wish to inform the Committee as to how these events have affected you and have not already done so elsewhere in your application, please use this space to do so. (; the Committee on Admissions will make no judgment based on your decision to provide a statement or not.)”

Though this is an optional essay, you should answer the prompt to the best of your ability. Again, the admissions committee will be looking for you to be as honest as possible, even if that means you have to be a bit vulnerable. 

This question is less about your path toward medical school and more about how you deal with adversity. Everyone was affected by COVID-19 in some way, so even though they say the essay is optional, they are expecting an answer.

That being said, you do not have a character limit for this Harvard secondary essay, but make sure to keep your answer short and sweet.

Harvard Medical School Secondary Essay Prompt #4

“The interview season for the 2025-2026 cycle will be held virtually and is anticipated to run from mid-September through January 2026. Please indicate any significant (three or more weeks) restriction on your availability for interviews during this period. If none, please leave this section blank.”

This last prompt is similar to the first one in that it is a straightforward question with a straightforward answer. If you have certain commitments that you would not be able to get out of, simply state them here with dates and what they are. Good examples would be if you have exams during this period or if you will be out of the country. 

Harvard Medical School Secondary Essay Examples

Read through the following Harvard Medical School secondary essay examples to have an understanding of what a good 2026 Harvard SDN essay would look like.

Plus, if you want to see more examples beyond what’s in this article, check out our database! It contains tons of secondary essays written by successful applicants. Try reading through these sample essays to find inspiration and write incredible secondary essays! 

Example One

This example essay is in response to prompt number one.

After graduating, I decided to get some real-life experience before going to medical school. I was lucky to have a job lined up after graduation, working in a medical laboratory. I volunteered as I pursued my undergraduate degree and gained professional experience as an office assistant.

The medical laboratory was in a research facility that tested new drugs at various stages of development. I was able to observe how the researchers started their experimental drug trials and shared their disappointment if something had an unexpected result. It felt as though I was on the cutting edge of medical research, and that perhaps one day, I would be prescribing these drugs to my patients.

Though my job was mainly assisting the researchers, I was able to learn a lot about the importance of medical research and how certain drugs, when made available to the public, could change lives. I loved hearing about the different studies that were going on in the laboratory, and it inspired me to do my best.

When I wasn’t working, I was able to volunteer at a local children’s hospital. I spent a lot of time with the patients and gave their parents a much needed break. This volunteer opportunity allowed me to learn a lot about what it is like to be a patient and how difficult it can be when a loved one is in the hospital. 

During my time as a volunteer, I got to know some of the children who were there receiving cancer treatments. One of these patients had a huge impact on my perspective on medical care, including the difficulties our system is currently facing. 

This child was often left alone in the hospital, as their parents both had to work in order to pay for the treatments. I was at the hospital once a week and would always check in on my little friend during their six-week stay. 

Though we mainly played video games, I knew my visits had a great impact on their mental health; they were often left alone for long periods of time. Their parents did  everything they could to get them excellent care, but the hardship of their condition was still palpable.

Having the time to see what patients and their families go through when disease strikes made my resolve to become the best doctor I can even stronger. I don’t think I will ever forget the children I met during this experience. It will always remind me to put the care of the patient at the forefront of everything I do. 

As a medical school hopeful, I was also able to spend some time shadowing a local family doctor, Dr. Alice Richardson. Dr. Richardson was a friend of my parents and offered me this opportunity when she found out I was applying to medical school. 

The clinic she works in is located in the suburbs and is multidisciplinary; she works with other general practitioners, as well as two chiropractors and an osteopath. They try to work as a team and often refer clients to each other, if there is a need for consultation.

Dr. Richardson was very patient with me. I asked many questions about her experience and passion for medicine. I learned that working in a multidisciplinary practice can be both challenging and rewarding. I could see that she worked hard at making sure that her patients got the best care, no matter what type of specialist they may need. She always went the extra mile to make sure her patients were healthy.

My time between graduating and today has been very valuable. I have learned a lot about the medical profession, and I look forward to continuing to learn and grow within medical school and beyond.

Why Was This Essay Successful?

This essay was successful because the writer talked about the experiences that influenced their decision to attend medical school. They clearly convey their passion for medicine and their intention for their future career, while answering the question. 

Example Two

This example essay is in response to prompt number three.

Growing up in a rural community, it was not hard to tell my family didn’t fit in. Almost all of my peers came from farming families that had lived in the area for hundreds of years. Most considered the high school diploma was the pinnacle of higher education. 

Many of them were cousins or their parents had been playing Euchre together since they were teenagers. My family was the first of South Asian descent to settle in this small town. It was as if everyone was part of a secret group that I knew nothing about, except that I knew I did not belong.

Being the only non-white family also didn’t help. Though they would never mention the difference in the color of our skin and insults were not said to my face, I knew they judged me for it. Whispers were common, and people constantly stared.

The differences first became apparent to me on the playground. No one wanted to play with me; I spent most of my time on my own. I was lucky to have learned to read at a very young age, I was able to find solace in books. The library became my favorite spot. I would spend hours a day reading, and during most recesses, I would sneak off to look for something new to read.

Mrs. Caldwell, the librarian, was very sweet to me. She knew that I didn’t quite fit in with my peers and she let me browse the shelves almost every day. She would even suggest new books for me to try from time to time.

By the time I was in middle school, my fascination with science, in particular biology, had become my new obsession. Mrs. Caldwell brought out a book on human anatomy. It had colorful illustrations and in-depth descriptions that I read over and over again until I could recite the entire book by heart. With Mrs. Caldwell’s encouragement, I studied human biology. I knew in my gut that one day, I would become a doctor. 

Despite this solace, school was still very difficult. Sure, I was very popular in the teacher’s lounge, but my fellow students didn’t give me time of day. I had no friends, was always picked last in gym class, and people only seemed to acknowledge my existence when they wanted to copy my notes from class.

It is through this experience, though, that I learned just how strong I am. Growing up may not always be easy, but if you can find something to hold on to, something you’re passionate about, then you can make it through anything. I didn’t feel all that lonely when I had my books at my side.

When it came time to apply for college, my teachers helped me every step of the way. They believed in me wholeheartedly, and that allowed me to push through. Finding a good academic reference for my applications was easy, and I was able to get into a very prestigious undergraduate program.

When I think back on my childhood, I actually think I am rather lucky. I had a loving family and a great education from people who actually cared. They encouraged me to just be myself, which has led me to medical school, where I can finally put all that knowledge of human biology to good use.

As a step into this next adventure, I hope to learn and grow in ways I cannot even begin to expect. I will always have a passion for knowledge and attending this school will serve me well on my path to becoming a doctor.

Why Was This Essay Successful?

This essay is successful as the writer skillfully ties their experiences back to their love of science. Their response shows just how dedicated the student is to becoming a doctor and their ability to thrive in the face of adversity.

The above examples should give you a good idea of what a successful essay looks like. Make sure to always get a trusted friend or family member to edit your essay before submitting it as a small mistake or unclear sentence can make a huge difference. 

Still need help with getting into Harvard? Our MCAT tutoring in Boston services will ensure you have everything you need to succeed.

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Into Harvard Medical School

Here are some tips to get into Harvard Medical School.

Understand What Harvard Medical School’s Admissions Committee Is Looking For and Show It Thoughtfully

To craft a strong application, you must understand what Harvard Medical School is looking for in competitive applicants. HMS says its most successful applicants: 

“reflect an extraordinary diversity of accomplishments, talents, interests, and backgrounds.” 

But beyond that, they share a common core: purpose, intrinsic motivation, and a commitment to medicine as a form of service. Here’s exactly what Harvard Medical School is looking for, what these traits mean, and examples of how to best show them:

Go Beyond the Sciences and Excel Across Disciplines

Many applicants believe that excelling in biology, chemistry, and physics is enough for top medical schools. While these are essential, Harvard Medical School is explicit about wanting students with a broader academic foundation. 

The HMS Committee on Admissions has emphasized that while students must demonstrate strong aptitude in the biological and physical sciences, Harvard’s ideal candidates also possess:

“A well-balanced academic background that includes the humanities and social sciences.” 

Many pre-med students assume that excelling in chemistry or biology is enough, but at HMS, your intellectual range matters. Majoring in the humanities or taking courses in philosophy, literature, ethics, and sociology helps develop the kind of nuanced thinking, empathy, and communication skills that world-class physicians need. A strong GPA in these areas signals that you’re a holistic thinker who is capable of understanding patients as whole people.

If you’ve engaged deeply with the humanities in college, be sure to make that clear in your application. Use your personal statement and secondary essays to reflect on how your academic diversity has shaped your approach to medicine. HMS is not only looking for students who can master science. HMS is looking for thinkers who can connect knowledge across disciplines to care for people in all their complexity.

Lead with Impact, Not Just Titles

Leadership at HMS is about substance, not status. What matters most is the initiative you took, the responsibility you carried, and the difference you made.

HMS’s Dean, Bernard Chang, underscores the importance of purpose-driven leadership in an admissions blog titled “Applying to Harvard Medical School? Here’s What To Expect if You Get In.”

“We are looking for students who have the potential to be the future ‘physician leaders’ in society… the emphasis is on ‘physician’ above all else. Having the impact on human health that we hope for begins with our students learning to be the most outstanding doctors they can possibly be for their patients.”

This statement reflects Harvard's deep belief that leadership is about serving others through clinical excellence, innovation, and community engagement.

To stand out, applicants should share examples of leadership driven by purpose, like organizing health initiatives in underserved areas or mentoring at-risk youth. The strongest applicants show that their leadership is rooted in compassion, action, and a clear commitment to advancing human health.

These values are echoed in the extracurricular profiles of students admitted to Harvard’s 2025 class:

• 86% engaged in community service or volunteer work
• 94% completed medical or clinical volunteer service

With so many matriculants engaged in community service and clinical volunteering, it’s clear that HMS values leadership rooted in real-world impact. Applicants who can link their own initiatives to measurable benefits in health and well-being will align strongly with the school’s mission.

Prioritize Your Interest in Patient Care, Not the Prestige of HMS

Harvard Medical School carries immense prestige, and many applicants are drawn to it for that reason. But, you should avoid referencing the school’s ranking, name recognition, or status in your personal statement, secondary essays, or interview. 

Harvard’s mission is patient-centered. As Chang puts it:

“For us, the ultimate stakeholder in our medical education program is not the student but the patient, and we emphasize that from day one.”

This means your application should reflect a commitment to service, care, and clinical impact, not a desire for status. Admissions officers are looking for students who are driven by responsibility, not recognition, and they tend to admit those who demonstrate this clearly.  In fact, 96% of admitted students in the 2025 cycle had physician shadowing or clinical observation experience, and 100% had research or lab experience. 

These numbers tell a story: successful applicants are the ones who sought out hands-on opportunities to better understand patient care and the scientific foundations of medicine. They’re not just chasing a name; they’re pursuing a calling.

Your application should reflect that your desire to study medicine is anchored in responsibility and purpose. Rather than focusing solely on your ambitions or personal goals, center your narrative around the people you hope to serve. Talk about the real-world problems that drive you, the healthcare issues that move you, and the kind of doctor you want to be for your patients.

Harvard Medical School MD Programs Offered 

Harvard Medical School offers three MD programs:

Harvard Medical School Tuition and Scholarships

Harvard Medical School’s tuition for the 2025-2026 year is $73,874. Fees for the school year come up to an additional $6,855 a year. However, the total cost to attend Harvard Medical School as a first-year student is estimated to be $117,351.

Here’s a breakdown of the total cost of attending HMS as a first-year student:

How Much Is Harvard Medical School For 4 Years?

Harvard Medical School is estimated to cost $476,264 over the four-year MD program. Here’s a breakdown of the total cost of attendance each year. 

• $117,351 for year 1
• $119,985 for year 2
• $119,980 for year 3
• $118,948 for year 4

Scholarships

Harvard Medical School offers generous need-based scholarships, with 50% of MD students benefiting annually from its Middle Income Initiative, which reduces the expected contribution from middle-income families.

For students with full financial need, HMS scholarships can cover the entire cost of tuition and mandatory fees. Select incoming students may also be nominated for the Dean’s REACH Scholarship, a four-year award recognizing resilience, compassion, and a commitment to underserved communities.

Harvard Medical School Application Timeline

Here are the HMS application deadlines to keep in mind:

FAQs

1. How Can I Get Into Harvard Medical School With a Scholarship?

To get into Harvard Medical School (HMS) with a scholarship, you must first gain admission and then qualify for need-based financial aid, which is the only type of scholarship HMS offers. HMS does not offer merit-based scholarships. All scholarship funding is determined solely by financial need, based on your family’s income and assets.

Once admitted, students must submit detailed financial information through the HMS Financial Aid application. Students from families earning under $100,000 typically receive substantial aid, and 1 in 5 aid recipients come from families earning under $50,000. HMS offers multiple scholarship opportunities.

2. Can International Students Get Scholarships at HMS?

Yes, international students are eligible for the same need-based aid as US students. Harvard Medical School does not differentiate by citizenship when awarding financial aid. International students can apply for the full range of HMS scholarships, including those that may cover tuition and fees entirely based on demonstrated financial need.

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Final Thoughts

With an acceptance rate of just 2.7%, every part of your application must be strategically crafted to meet HMS’s high standards. Our Harvard Medical School admissions counselors offer expert advice to boost your application. They specialize in helping applicants build data-driven, school-specific strategies that highlight their strengths and align with what HMS values most. 

From selecting the right experiences to emphasize to navigating HMS’s rigorous financial aid and scholarship process, our experts provide step-by-step support rooted in firsthand experience.

Book a free consultation today to learn more about how our experts can maximize your chances of acceptance to HMS!

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Dr. Jonathan Preminger was the original author of this article. Snippets of his work may remain.