What You Need To Know About Medical Schools In Georgia

September 10, 2024
6 min read
Contents

”Jonathan

Reviewed by:

Jonathan Preminger

Former Admissions Committee Member, Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine

Reviewed: 2/23/24

Considering attending medical school in Georgia? Read on for everything you need to know about applying! 

Georgia, known as “The Peach State,” is a unique region to attend medical school due to its many rural communities. The state needs exemplary physicians to provide affordable healthcare to diverse and underserved populations. Every medical school seeks candidates committed to serving local underrepresented areas.

We’ll review what you need to know about Georgia medical schools, including background information, admissions guidelines, application procedures, and more. Finally, we’ll discuss our top tips for getting accepted into medical schools in the state. 

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Attending Medical School in Georgia

Georgia is home to five medical schools, four allopathic and one osteopathic. Georgia is experiencing a shortage of doctors, especially within rural communities. The state plans to increase the number of medical school seats available to educate more physicians that can adequately serve its population. 

Georgia is a demographically diverse state; there are ample opportunities to serve uninsured, underinsured, and underrepresented individuals from all backgrounds. 

Best Medical Schools in Georgia

We’ll review everything you need to know about Georgia medical schools, including mission statements, acceptance rates, and more. Before we jump into specifics, here’s an overview of what you need to know about each school: 

Medical School (Location) Ranking Tuition Median GPA Median MCAT Score Acceptance Rate
Emory University School of Medicine (Atlanta) #23 $98,130
yearly
3.78 515.4 2.9%
The Medical College of Georgia (Augusta) #79 $62,749 3.81 512 11.1%
Mercer University School of Medicine (Macon) Unranked $71,948 3.70 504 9.97%
The Morehouse School of Medicine (Atlanta) Unranked $93,425 3.63 504 1.58%
The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine—Georgia (Suwanee) Unranked Varies depending on program N/A 500 6.4%

Sources: U.S. News, MSAR, Mercer University, AAMC, PCOM Georgia, Emory University

Emory University School of Medicine

The Emory University School of Medicine (EUSOM) is Atlanta’s first med school and was established about a decade before the Civil War. It was one of the first private institutions in the Southeast. Rich in culture and history, many EUSOM faculty members at the time served in WWI and WWII.

Today, EUSOM’s teaching hospitals see millions of patients annually; one-quarter of all practicing Georgia physicians are EUSOM alumni. 

Mission Statement

EUSOM’s mission statement reads: 

“The Emory University School of Medicine is a leading institution with the highest standards in education, biomedical research, and patient care.

We are committed to recruiting and developing a diverse group of students and innovative leaders in biomedical science, public health, medical education, and clinical care.

We foster a culture that integrates leading-edge basic, translational, and clinical research to further the ability to deliver quality health care, to predict illness and treat the sick, and to promote health of our patients and community.”

Emory Medical School Admissions Statistics

The Emory University School of Medicine’s acceptance rate is low, at 2.9%. Other admissions statistics include the following: 

Admissions Statistic Number/Percentage/Cost
Median Total GPA 3.78
Median Science GPA Unknown
Median MCAT 515.4
Acceptance Rate 2.9%
Tuition $98,130
yearly

Programs Offered & Application

EUSOM offers the following degree programs

  • Doctor of Medicine (MD)
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Biological and Biomedical Sciences (PHD)
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Master of Medical Science Anesthesiology (MMSC)
  • Master of Medical Science Genetic Counseling (MMSC)
  • Master of Medical Science Physician Assistant (MMSC-PA)
  • Bachelor of Medical Science Medical Imaging (BMSC)

You can also apply to the following MD dual degree programs:

To apply, you must submit your primary and secondary applications and supporting materials through the AMCAS. EUSOM is highly competitive, so carefully review the school’s complete application guidelines

Emory notes the importance of your: 

  • GPA
  • MCAT score
  • Foundation in the sciences
  • Community involvement
  • Clinical experience
  • Extracurricular activities
  • Leadership skills

You should tailor your application materials to showcase your strengths in these areas. These are important dates you should know: 

Date Deadline
October 15 AMCAS deadline
December 1 Emory Supplemental Application deadline
April 30 Final decision deadline
July 1 Deadline to enroll

Source: Emory University School of Medicin

The Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University

The Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University (MCG) was founded in 1828 and is one of the nation’s oldest medical schools. MCG is the state’s leading provider of physicians of all medical colleges in Georgia.

Mission Statement

MCG’s mission statement reads:

“Our mission is to provide leadership and excellence in teaching, discovery, clinical care, and service as a student-centered comprehensive research university and academic health center with a wide range of programs from learning assistance through postdoctoral studies.”

Medical College of Georgia Admissions Statistics

These are some key Medical College of Georgia admissions statistics: 

Admissions Statistic Number/Percentage/Cost
Median Total GPA 3.81
Median Science GPA 3.7
Median MCAT 512
Acceptance Rate 11.1%
Tuition $62,749

The 11.1% acceptance rate at the Medical College of Georgia is much higher than Emory’s but still reflects the school’s selectivity. 

Programs Offered & Application

MCG offers the traditional MD program and the dual MD/PhD program. The MD/Ph.D. program prepares students for careers in biomedical research or academic medicine.

Additionally, there’s the MCG 3+ program, which allows students to complete the core MD curriculum in three years. After completing the core curriculum, students have three pathways to choose from:

  • MCG 3+ Primary Care
  • MCG 3+ Dual Degree
  • MCG 3+ Advanced Residency Preparation

MCG participates in the AMCAS, and you should aim to submit your application materials early in the cycle. The MCAT and CASPer test are required. Ensure you familiarize yourself with MCG’s complete application procedures

Important MCG dates and deadlines include the following: 

Date Deadline
August 1 Early Decision Program (EDP) AMCAS deadline
August 15 EDP Supplement deadline
October 1 EDP decision notification
November 1 Regular Decision (RD) AMCAS deadline
December 1 RD Supplement deadline

Source: Medical College of Georgia

Mercer University School of Medicine

The Mercer University School of Medicine (MUSM) was established in 1982 to meet the healthcare needs of Georgia’s underserved rural communities. Nearly 80% of MUSM’s alumni practice in the state’s rural areas.

Mission Statement

MUSM’s mission statement reads: 

“To educate physicians and health professionals to meet the primary care and healthcare needs of rural and medically underserved areas in Georgia.”

Mercer School of Medicine Admissions Statistics

Some key Mercer School of Medicine admissions stats you should know include the following: 

Admissions Statistic Number/Percentage/Cost
Median Total GPA 3.79
Median Science GPA 3.71
Median MCAT 505
Acceptance Rate 11.3%
Tuition $43,856 In-state

Source: Medical College of Georgia

MUSM only accepts Georgia residents. The Mercer medical school acceptance rate is 9.97%

Programs Offered & Application

MUSM offers the following degree programs:

  • MD
  • MFT in Family Therapy
  • MS in Preclinical Sciences
  • PHD in Rural Health Sciences 

Mercer eligibility criteria mandate students must have established residency in Georgia for at least twelve months before enrolling. 

MUSM participates in the AMCAS, and applicants must take the MCAT and the AAMC PREview. Be sure to read the school’s specialized application requirements, which detail its eligibility criteria and screening process. These are MUSM’s application deadlines for early decision, early assurance, and regular decision: 

Date Early Decision Deadlines
July 13 Last chance to take the AAMC PREview Exam
July 31 AMCAS deadline
September 4 Secondary Application deadline
August 17 Interviews begin
Late September Interviews end
Decision notifications

Date Early Assurance Deadline
August 14 AMCAS deadline
September 29 Secondary Application deadline
October 12 Interviews
November 17 Decision notifications

Date Regular Decision Deadline
September 26 Interviews begin
October 31 Last chance to take AAMC PREview
November 1 AMCAS deadline
January 12 Secondary Application deadline
February 1 Interviews end

Source: MUSM

The Morehouse School of Medicine

The Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) was founded in 1975. It was recently recognized as one of the nation’s top med schools for its social mission to serve rural areas and inner cities. 

Mission Statement

MSM’s mission statement reads:

“We exist to:
  • Improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities.
  • Increase the diversity of the health professional and scientific workforce.
  • Address primary health care through programs in education, research, and service.
With emphasis on people of color and the underserved urban and rural populations in Georgia, the nation, and the world.”

Morehouse School of Medicine Admissions Statistics

Key Morehouse admissions statistics include: 

Admissions Statistic Number/Percentage/Cost
Median Total GPA 3.63
Median Science GPA 3.55
Median MCAT 504
Acceptance Rate 1.58%
Tuition $93,425

Source: MSAR 

Morehouse Medical School’s acceptance rate is 1.58%

Programs Offered & Application

Besides the traditional MD program, MSM offers the following dual degrees:

  • MD/PHD in Biomedical Sciences
  • MD/MPH
  • MD/MSCR and MSCR/PHD

MSM is a member of the AMCAS. The admissions committee actively seeks candidates with demonstrated academic achievement and service to underrepresented communities. Be sure to read the full application and acceptance protocols and admissions requirements

These are some key MSM deadlines you should know: 

Date Deadline
August to March Interview season
December 1 AMCAS deadline
January 5 Supplemental Application deadline
November to June Admissions decisions notifications

Source: MSM

The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine—Georgia 

The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine—Georgia (PCOM) was founded in the 1890s in Philadelphia. Since then, it has expanded to numerous locations to provide education and training for those seeking to become Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine. PCOM is Georgia’s only osteopathic medical school. 

Mission Statement

PCOM’s mission statement reads:

“Educating health professionals to care for the whole person and advance the health of diverse communities.”

PCOM Admissions Statistics

PCOM doesn’t release GPA information, but the average MCAT score of admitted students is 500, and their acceptance rate is 6.4%. PCOM’s tuition rates vary depending on the program. 

Programs Offered & Application

PCOM actively seeks diverse students, including underrepresented minorities, non-traditional applicants, and veterans. The admissions committee wants to see candidates who have: 

  • Research experience
  • Clinical exposure
  • Leadership skills
  • Been involved in extracurricular activities
  • Demonstrated community involvement

PCOM is an AACOMAS participant. Please review the school’s comprehensive application requirements for the DO program. The PCOM AACOMAS deadline is March 1st. 

Tips for Getting Accepted into Medical Schools in Georgia

These are our top tips for getting accepted into Georgia’s medical schools. 

Show Your Commitment to Serving Georgia’s Underserved, Underrepresented, and Rural Populations

Georgia needs leading physicians to practice in underserved rural communities where healthcare isn’t easily accessible. Because of the state’s shortage of doctors, Georgia’s medical schools are committed to educating and training graduates that serve local, diverse patient populations.

Ensure your application materials show your commitment to these communities (and your desire to practice in Georgia after graduation).

Strive for Academic Excellence 

Being a well-rounded candidate maximizes your chances of acceptance, but a high GPA or MCAT score can help you become a frontrunner. Based on the above admissions data, an MCAT score of 515 and a GPA of 3.8 would make you a competitive candidate at any Georgia med school. 

Emphasize Your Community Spirit Through Meaningful Extracurriculars

Participating in the right extracurriculars gives you a competitive edge over applicants who don’t have similar experiences. Specifically, community service and volunteering will go a long way to make you a strong candidate for medical school. 

Remember, Georgia’s med schools want to admit students who will contribute to the state’s communities. 

Georgia Med Schools FAQs

Still have questions about med schools in Georgia? Then check out these FAQs!

1. How Many Medical Schools Are in Georgia? 

There are four medical schools in Georgia. 

2. Which Medical College is Best in Georgia? 

The best medical school is the one that aligns best with your interests and passions. However, Emory University School of Medicine is the top-ranked school in Georgia. 

3. Is It Hard to Get Into Medical School in Georgia? 

Acceptance rates at Georgia medical schools range from approximately 2.9% to 11%. While getting into a Georgia med school may be challenging, it’s possible with a strong application!

4. Are There Good Medical Schools in Georgia? 

Yes, all medical schools in Georgia are “good” schools, depending on what you’re looking for. In particular, Emory is ranked among the nation’s top med schools. 

5. Are There Public Med Schools in Georgia? 

The only public med school in Georgia is the Augusta University Medical College. 

6. Should I Attend an Osteopathic or Allopathic Georgia Med School? 

Whether you attend an allopathic or an osteopathic medical school is entirely up to you and your specific career goals.

Final Thoughts

Georgia is a great place to attend medical school, especially if you’re committed to providing accessible healthcare to underserved rural communities. Medical schools value this vision, so ensure you tailor your application to each school’s mission statement. 

With the information in this guide, you’re on your way to your dream medical school. Good luck! 

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