How to Get Into Johns Hopkins Medical School

Our guide will tell you everything you need to know about how to get into Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (JHUSOM).

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

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Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Acceptance Rate: 2.07%

The acceptance rate at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in the 2024-2025 admissions cycle was 2.07%. According to the Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR) database, an official AAMC resource that reports GPA, MCAT medians, and admissions data, JHUSOM received 6,240 applications, and 129 students matriculated. That means your odds of getting into JHUSOM are slightly higher than 2 in 100.

The table below shows Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine’s acceptance rate over the past four admissions cycles.

Over the past four admissions cycles, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine has maintained an exceptionally competitive admissions process, with an average acceptance rate of just 1.91%. This translates to an average rejection rate of 98.09%, meaning fewer than 2 out of 100 applicants matriculate.

Compared to the national medical school acceptance rate of 44.58%, JHUSOM is almost twice as selective.

On average, JHUSOM receives approximately 52 applications for every available seat, making it one of the most sought-after and competitive medical schools in the USA.

How Hard Is It to Get Into Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine?

Getting into Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is extremely difficult. In the 2024-2025 admission cycle, JHUSOM’s acceptance rate was 2.07%, which means that 97.93% of applicants were rejected. JHUSOM receives enough qualified applications to fill its incoming class 68 times over.

We created the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Admissions Difficulty Scale by comparing acceptance rates and overall selectivity across all accredited US medical schools.

What is Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine’s Acceptance Rate for In-State Applicants?

The approximate acceptance rate for in-state applicants at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is 3.85%. Out of 416 verified in-state applications, 16 students matriculated. That means your odds of matriculating as an in-state applicant are fewer than 4 in 100. In-state applicants made up approximately 6.67% of the total applicant pool, likely because JHUSOM is a private institution that does not offer a significant admissions advantage for Maryland residents.

What is Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine’s Acceptance Rate for Out-of-State Applicants?

The approximate acceptance rate for out-of-state applicants at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is 2.03%. Out of 5,421 verified out-of-state applications, 110 students matriculated. That means your odds of matriculating as an out-of-state applicant are slightly higher than 2 in 100. Out-of-state applicants accounted for about 86.88% of the total applicant pool, which is common for prestigious private medical schools that attract a national applicant base.

What is Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine’s Acceptance Rate for International Students?

The approximate acceptance rate for international applicants at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is 0.74%. Out of 403 verified international applications, 3 students matriculated. That means your odds of matriculating as an international applicant are fewer than 1 in 100. International applicants represented roughly 6.46% of the total applicant pool, likely due to the school’s highly selective admissions process, limited available seats for non-U.S. citizens, and financial aid restrictions for international students.

How Many People Apply to Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Every Year?

The average number of applications Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine received in the past four admissions cycles is 6,398, which is enough to fill its incoming class more than 49 times over.

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Into Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Watch our video below to find the best tips on improving your chances of getting into Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Here are even more expert tips on how to get you accepted to JHUSOM.

1. Build Your Application Around a Scholarly Concentration at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

JHUSOM requires every MD student to complete a faculty-mentored Scholarly Concentration (SC) in one of five areas (Basic & Preclinical Science, Clinical Research, History of Medicine, HEART, or Public Health Research). This requirement signals how deeply JHUSOM values students who are prepared to integrate research and scholarship into their medical training from the beginning.

In a recent webinar with Inspira Advantage, Dr. Aryman Gupta, a JHUSOM graduate and admissions officer at Inspira Advantage, spoke about the value of a personalized application. He said:

“Create an application that is unapologetically you … it doesn’t have to be perfect. Quality over quantity, starting early, and making sure it’s unapologetically you.”

Dr. Gupta emphasized that JHUSOM is less concerned with applicants having a list of generic experiences and more focused on whether you can articulate a cohesive scholarly identity. Your application should demonstrate not only your interests but also how you translated them into meaningful research experience.

In your secondary essays and interviews, consider naming the Scholarly Concentration you’d pursue and sketching out a 1–2 year project idea you could realistically execute. Be specific about its aim, methods, and potential deliverables. This doesn’t need to be a polished research proposal, but it should show that you’ve thought critically about how your interests intersect with Hopkins’s resources.

For example, you could highlight a project idea tied to one of JHUSOM’s research centers, labs, or faculty mentors, and describe a poster, publication, or manuscript you might reasonably produce by the end of your second year. Doing so illustrates that you understand the structure of JHUSOM’s curriculum and are ready to thrive within it.

2. Write Essays That Reflect JHUSOM’s Genes-To-Society Values

One of the defining features of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is its Genes-to-Society curriculum, which emphasizes connecting the smallest units of biology (genotype and phenotype) to the broader layers of patient care, family dynamics, community influences, and societal structures. This model trains physicians to think across multiple levels of health and disease, rather than viewing medicine in isolation.

When crafting your secondary essays, make your reasoning explicitly multi-layered to demonstrate alignment with this philosophy. For example, discuss a health issue through three lenses:

• The biological mechanism at play
• The patient-level behavior or context surrounding it
• The structural or community factor that shapes outcomes

This kind of integrated thinking mirrors JHUSOM’s approach to medicine and signals that you’re ready to thrive in its distinctive academic environment.

3. Write Your Essays Authentically

While alignment with JHUSOM’s academic values is critical, what truly makes an application memorable is authenticity. Dr. Gupta emphasized that standing out is less about perfection and more about showing who you genuinely are to admissions committees:

“Standing out doesn’t mean being the greatest applicant to ever grace the face of this planet. It means being unique and finding your own niche … that one thing that’s so unique and special about you that makes you stand out in their eyes and in their memory.”

Applicants should approach their essays by using their own stories, perspectives, and motivations to bring dimension to their application. By leaning into your individuality, you not only strengthen your personal narrative but also give admissions committees a reason to remember who you are beyond statistics.

4. Prepare for Your Interview With Two Specific Project Pitches

JHUSOM interviews are conducted virtually, usually on Thursdays and Fridays. To stand out, it helps to come prepared with two polished elements you can adapt to different interviewers:

1. A one-page Scholarly Concentration (SC) pitch that outlines your project’s aim, methodology, and potential mentor targets.
2. A concise 90-second “genes-to-society vignette” that demonstrates how you think across multiple levels of health, from biology to patient experience to structural and community context.

Dr. Gupta also shared insight into what the admissions committee prioritizes in these conversations:

“Medicine is all about growth—reflection and growth. Those are the types of qualities they are looking for in an applicant.”

In practice, this means your interview responses should highlight not just your accomplishments, but how you’ve reflected on them, learned from setbacks, and used those lessons to grow. Show that you can adapt and iterate on your ideas in the same way you would adapt patient care to new evidence or community needs.

For example, if your SC pitch focuses on a public health project addressing asthma triggers in Baltimore row homes, you could explain how your initial interest came from housing advocacy work, how you refined your approach after speaking directly with residents, and how those conversations taught you to integrate community voices into your project design. 

By connecting past experiences to future goals, you illustrate a genuine capacity for reflection, growth, and resilience, the exact mindset JHUSOM values in its future physician-leaders.

6. Work With a JHUSOM Admissions Expert

Inspira Advantage has more than 15 years of experience helping thousands of students gain admission to elite medical programs like JHUSOM. Our team includes former admissions officers and physicians from top medical schools who know how committees make decisions and how to ensure your application stands out in a pool of thousands.

Working with a JHUSOM admissions expert means you won’t be navigating the process alone. From brainstorming a Scholarly Concentration pitch to writing essays that sound like a JHUSOM student, to mock interviews that simulate the real experience, you’ll have personalized guidance tailored to the school’s expectations.

If you’re serious about overcoming the 2.07% acceptance rate and want to join the ranks of future physician-leaders at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, partnering with an admissions expert can be the most strategic investment you make this cycle.

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine MD Programs Offered

Here are the five MD programs offered at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Tuition and Scholarships

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine’s tuition is $66,580, bringing total direct costs to $72,448. Indirect costs are estimated at $33,340, for an overall total of $105,788.

Here’s a complete breakdown of the total cost of attendance at JHUSOM.

How Much Does Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Cost for 4 Years?

The total cost to attend Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine for four years is approximately $430,736. This figure is based on the estimated total cost of attendance for each year: 

• First year (M1): $105,788
• Second year (M2): $111,910
• Third year (M3): $111,710
• Fourth year (M4): $101,328

Actual expenses may vary depending on personal living costs and annual fee adjustments.

Scholarships

Most students at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine now qualify for free tuition or full cost-of-attendance coverage. 

Due to a $1 billion Bloomberg Philanthropies gift, students from families earning under $300,000 receive free tuition, while those with incomes below $175,000 have all expenses, including tuition, fees, and living costs, fully covered. 

Additional need-based scholarships and select merit awards can further reduce costs for students above these thresholds.

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Application Timeline

Here is the 2025-2026 application timeline for Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Your application won’t be processed until you submit your secondary application; the deadline is October 22 for MD applicants (and November 1 for MD/PhD applicants).

FAQs

1. Can I Apply to Both the MD and MD/PhD Programs at JHUSOM?

Yes, you can apply to both the MD and MD/PhD programs at JHUSOM. However, you must choose one primary program when submitting your AMCAS application. If you apply to the MD/PhD program and are not accepted into the PhD portion, you may still be considered for the MD program. Your secondary application responses and letters should reflect your primary choice.

2. Does JHUSOM Accept Transfer Students From Other Medical Schools?

No, JHUSOM does not accept transfer students from other medical schools. The only exception is in rare, case-by-case circumstances, such as when a student’s spouse or partner accepts a faculty or residency position. Even then, space must be available in the desired class year.

3. How Important is Research Experience for JHUSOM Admissions?

Research experience is extremely important for JHUSOM admissions. According to the AAMC, 100% of admitted students had significant research experience in the past four admissions cycles, and many have authored or co-authored publications or presented at national conferences.

4. Does JHUSOM Offer Combined or Accelerated Degree Options?

Yes, JHUSOM offers combined and accelerated degree options. Beyond the MD/PhD program, JHUSOM offers MD/MBA, MD/MPH, and MD/MSHCM options, as well as opportunities to integrate an additional year of research or study into the standard curriculum. Some students also take advantage of the school’s flexibility to “pause” their MD program for special studies or fellowships.

5. Are International Clinical or Research Opportunities Available at JHUSOM?

Yes, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine offers international clinical and research opportunities through its Center for Global Health and partnerships with institutions in multiple countries. Students can complete international research projects, public health initiatives, or clinical electives during their medical education.

6. How to Succeed as a Johns Hopkins Premed

To succeed as a Johns Hopkins pre-med, maintain a high GPA, complete prerequisite science courses, and use campus resources like the Pre-Professional Advising Office for guidance. Gain experience through research, clinical volunteering, and physician shadowing, and plan to take the MCAT by junior year. Strong academics, diverse healthcare exposure, and compelling recommendation letters will position you competitively for Johns Hopkins Medical School.

Final Thoughts

With an acceptance rate of just 2.07%, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine demands academic excellence paired with research, community engagement, and a clear long-term plan. Successful applicants show how their experiences align with its Genes-to-Society curriculum and commitment to patient-centered care.

Book a free consultation with Inspira Advantage today to work with a former admissions officer. Our counselors have helped thousands of applicants get accepted to JHUSOM on their first attempt.

Getting Into Johns Hopkins Medical School With Inspira Advantage

Each year, Johns Hopkins Medical School searches for exceptional candidates for their medical education programs. If you’re an ambitious, driven individual who not only excels in their academics but also offers holistic skills in teamwork and leadership, it could be the institution for you!

Inspira Advantage can help you get into the school of your dreams, even highly competitive ones such as JHU SOM. With the support of Inspira, you can polish your application, stand out from the crowd, and make your dreams come true!

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Dr. Akhil Katakam was the original author of this article. Snippets of his work may remain.