An Applicant’s Guide to the Top Medical Schools in the United States

September 5, 2023
Contents

”Rohan

Reviewed by:

Rohan Jotwani

Former Chief Resident in Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, & Admissions Officer, Columbia University

Reviewed: 7/29/22

Graphic with "Top Medical School in the US" written in large letters

You know you want to go to one of the top-ranking schools in the United States, but you aren’t sure which one specifically. There are many factors to consider, and researching each medical school can take weeks, even months, before you come to a decision. 

Thankfully, we are here to make your life a little easier. With this guide, we’ll illustrate how to get into a top medical school, help you decide which schools are best suited for you, and tell you exactly what you’ll need to apply to one of the top med schools in the USA.


image of dots background

Top 10 Med Schools in the US

Before choosing a medical school, you should know which schools made it into the top 10 rankings. Here is a list of the top 10 medical school in the US:

  1. Harvard Medical School
  2. Perelman School of Medicine
  3. Grossman School of Medicine (NYU)
  4. Johns Hopkins University
  5. Stanford University
  6. Columbia University
  7. Mayo Clinic School of Medicine
  8. David Geffen School of Medicine
  9. Washington University
  10. Cornell University

Due to their top-ranking status and intense competition, getting admitted to one of these medical schools will be challenging. However, once you understand each school’s admission process and review our top tips for getting accepted, you’ll feel a lot more confident in your abilities. Let’s dive right in!

Let’s look at what the top medical school in the US is and take a more in-depth look at each of the top 10 medical schools in the US. 

1. Harvard Medical School

Located in Boston, Massachusetts, Harvard Medical School has been the school of “firsts” since the 18th Century. 

Faculty members and alumni of Harvard have made significant contributions to medicine since 1799; introducing the smallpox vaccine is just one example of their many achievements. In fact, over 15 researchers have won nine Nobel prizes for work conducted at this school. 

As one of the top medical schools in the US, Harvard Medical School has imprinted itself on the world of science and health care advancement, making it one of the most desirable medical schools in which to get admitted. 

In a recent report directly from Harvard Medical School, there were 6,815 MD applicants, and only 227 were offered admission. That is a 3.3% acceptance rate. 

With high admission standards and low acceptance rates, Harvard requires you to submit a top-notch application. 

How to Apply to Harvard Medical School

If you decide to apply to Harvard Medical School, you will need the following materials in your application:

  • Academic records showing completion of prerequisite coursework
  • Applicant essay(s)
  • MCAT scores
  • Letters of evaluation
  • Extracurricular activities
  • Summer occupations
  • Life experiences
  • Experience in the health field, including research or community work

As with all of the top medical schools in the United States, you will apply through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). When you apply, you will designate Harvard Medical School as the school to which you are applying. 

Applicants are ineligible if they are already enrolled in medical school or have previously applied to Harvard Medical School two times. Transfer students are also not accepted. 

The admissions committee does not pre-screen applications. All applicants that apply to Harvard Medical School through AMCAS will automatically receive a secondary application. You will need to complete it and return it to the admissions committee to move forward in the application process. 

If your application is selected, the committee will invite you to interview for a spot at Harvard Medical School. Successful completion of the primary application, secondary application, and interview is required before an offer of admission will be extended.

When to Apply to Harvard Medical School

Unlike most medical schools, Harvard Medical School does not have a rolling admissions policy; you must submit all application materials before the final deadline. Therefore, it is crucial to know the following deadlines for Harvard Medical School: 

deadlines for Harvard Medical School
Source: Harvard 

Helpful Tips for Applying to Harvard Medical School

Harvard Medical School will review your application to see if you are a good fit for their community. The admissions committee bases its evaluation on the materials you provide, focusing on academics and extracurricular activities. 

Here are a few key features to include in your application:  

Educational Background  

Harvard Medical School does not explicitly give preference to applicants who majored in science over applicants with a non-science degree. 

The school prefers that students pursue a balanced, liberal education rather than specialized training in just the sciences. As long as you have an adequate science background, Harvard Medical School believes you can succeed in medical studies.

Master a Foreign Language 

While it is not required, mastery of a foreign language is a valuable skill that enhances your application. It reinforces your preparation for patient care in a multicultural society.

Go Beyond the Sciences 

As previously stated, Harvard Medical School encourages applicants to have a balanced, liberal education. The school recommends courses and extracurricular activities that pertain to literature, the arts, social sciences, and humanities as great additions to your arsenal.  

These helpful tips are great elements to include in your application because Harvard Medical School likes applicants to have a well-ranged background. By including the items on the list above, your application has a stronger chance of getting you into Harvard Medical School.

2. Perelman School of Medicine

The University of Pennsylvania is the oldest school in the United States, so the fact that the Perelman School of Medicine is one of the top medical schools in the country is no surprise. 

The school prides itself on creating leaders in patient care, biomedical research, and medical education. Some of the most important medical advancements have spawned from Perelman School of Medicine or were developed by a Penn Medicine alumni. 

These achievements have placed the Perelman School of Medicine in the top three medical schools in the country. Similar to Harvard, Perelman has a low acceptance rate of 4%. Perelman accepts fewer than 150 applicants out of the thousands they receive. 

How to Apply to the Perelman School of Medicine

When applying to Perelman School of Medicine, you will follow a similar process as you would with Harvard Medical School. A complete medical school application for Perelman needs to include the requirements on its website.

Apply through the AMCAS application and designate Perelman School of Medicine as the medical school to which you apply. Once your application has been verified through AMCAS, the admissions committee will decide whether you will be a good fit for Perelman. 

Unlike Harvard Medical School, Perelman School of Medicine will ask you to complete a secondary application if your primary application meets their criteria.

When to Apply to the Perelman School of Medicine

When you apply to the Perelman School of Medicine, you need to be aware of your application deadlines. Please keep in mind the following dates:

Perelman deadlines
Source: Perelman 

Helpful Tips for Applying to Perelman School of Medicine

The best way to enhance your application for the Perelman School of Medicine is to highlight your research and work experiences. While Perelman stresses a strong science background in students, they want to see your field experience and how it has benefited you. 

Over 97% of Perelman’s enrolling students had research experience in 2020. To be a competitive applicant, you should participate in at least one or two research experiences.

Many universities offer opportunities to participate in research projects; this would be an excellent way to enhance your application if you do not have such experiences. 

Another essential experience to include is medical shadowing. Even though physician shadowing is not technically compulsory, we cannot recommend it enough. Shadowing is your opportunity to put yourself in a physician's shoes and learn first-hand what a typical day is like in this profession. 

Around 83% of Perelman’s students either shadowed a doctor or were involved in clinical experiences, so these activities increase your chances of being accepted into Perelman School of Medicine. However, the quality of your experiences is important. 

The admissions committee would rather see a candidate with two or three high-quality research and shadowing experiences than dozens of one-off experiences. With high-quality experiences, your application becomes more appealing to the admissions committee at the Perelman School of Medicine.

If you are invited for an interview, the admissions committee will ask about these experiences to better understand who you are. If you have a passion for medicine, make sure you discuss it.  

3. Grossman School of Medicine (NYU)

The New York University Grossman School of Medicine is one of the top three medical schools in the United States. Their 29 academic departments include nationally and internationally recognized faculty in clinical and basic sciences. 

Grossman School of Medicine has been one of the leaders in research and medicine for over 175 years, making it one of the country’s oldest medical schools.

Grossman offers full-tuition scholarships to all current and future students enrolled in the MD program regardless of financial need as long as the student maintains excellent academic standing per NYU Grossman School of Medicine’s Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy

Due to the tuition-free education, there has been a rise in applications to the Grossman School of Medicine. With an increase in applications, there is also a decrease in acceptance rates. Most recently, the acceptance rate has hovered at approximately 1%. 

Your application must go above and beyond Grossman’s essential criteria to be offered admittance at this medical school.

How to Apply to Grossman School of Medicine

To be eligible to apply to the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, you must meet the criteria and provide the materials listed on their website.

You can apply to Grossman School of Medicine through the AMCAS application. Once AMCAS verifies your application, they will send it to the medical school you are applying to. 

Grossman requires one copy of your transcripts through AMCAS. You will not send transcripts to Grossman unless you are accepted.

After your application is verified through AMCAS and sent to Grossman School of Medicine, you are sent a secondary application to complete. It may take up to two weeks to receive the secondary application. 

You will complete the secondary application for Grossman School of Medicine through AMP, a secure online application portal. A $100 nonrefundable application fee is required before you complete the secondary application. 

The Grossman School of Medicine provides all applicants with the required questions for the secondary application well in advance to expedite the application process.  

When to Apply to Grossman School of Medicine

You must be aware of the following timeline when applying to the Grossman School of Medicine:

Deadlines for NYU Grossman
Source: Grossman

Helpful Tips for Applying to Grossman School of Medicine

There are a few tips and tricks that can help you when applying to the Grossman School of Medicine. The first is to take advantage of the secondary application questions. 

Grossman provides students with the required questions they must answer in their secondary application in advance. This allows you to expedite the application process and gives you a chance to answer each question with extra time. 

Read over each question given and outline what you wish to convey for each one. You have a better chance of your personality shining through the application if your thoughts are more organized.

The interview portion will be another critical part of the application process. While Grossman does conduct interviews, their methods are different from other medical schools. The Grossman School of Medicine conducts multiple mini interviews, consisting of six online interviews and one final one-on-one interview. 

The first six interviews are each six minutes long, and you have a scenario you must answer. You are given two minutes to prepare an answer and are scored after you have responded. The final one-on-one interview lasts approximately 15 minutes. 

During this time, you can ask the interviewer any questions you may have and bring forth any final thoughts about yourself you feel the admissions committee should know. 

If this sounds daunting, we provide mock interview services to help you prepare for a med school interview that comes your way. 

4. Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is one of the most diverse medical schools on our list. In terms of academia, 14% of the entering students in the last admissions cycle had a non-science background. 

Johns Hopkins looks more at an applicant’s leadership qualities and passion for medicine rather than their educational background. Like Harvard, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine believes anyone can succeed in the field of medicine. 

Compared to the 3.3% acceptance rate at Harvard Medical School and the 1% acceptance rate at Grossman School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine has a 7% acceptance rate. 

While it sounds like your chances of getting accepted into medical school would be better here, Johns Hopkins is just as challenging to get into as the other top medical school in the United States.

How to Apply to Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

There are four steps in the application process for Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine:

  1. Academic requirements and application materials. Applicants must meet all academic requirements set by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. This includes a thorough background in the sciences, such as biology, chemistry, and physics. 

Students must provide proof of completion of required coursework along with MCAT scores, letters of recommendation, and a resume with work or volunteer experiences relating to medicine. 

  1. The AMCAS application. Applicants will apply through AMCAS just as you would for other medical schools in the United States. 
  1. Secondary application. Once you have completed your primary application through AMCAS and verified it, Johns Hopkins will send you a secondary application to complete. 

Johns Hopkins will not process your application until it receives your primary and secondary application. 

  1. Letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation are required for all programs at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. 

You will need three to five letters of recommendation. The following are acceptable letters to include: committee letters, faculty letters, and letter packets. 

Failure to provide any of the information listed will result in a delay in your application being processed.

When to Apply to the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

These are the following deadlines you must adhere to when applying to Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine:

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine deadlines
Source: Johns Hopkins 

Helpful Tips for Applying to the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

The admissions committee at  Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine looks for a well-rounded, compassionate student who is ready to be a leader in the future of modern medicine. 

Research experience has proven to be beneficial for applicants. According to a recent interview with Paul White, Assistant Dean for Admissions at Johns Hopkins, entering students already have some research experience: “Although it’s not required, I would say easily 95 or 96% have had research prior to their matriculation.” 

The research should involve patient care, as the admissions committee seeks students who have had meaningful patient interactions before applying. You will be discussing these experiences in your primary and secondary applications, and it will give you an edge in the competition to have such. 

Expanding upon those experiences during the interview portion is a great way to convey your passion for medicine. 

If you have experiences in the medical field that translate well, include them in your secondary application. It will increase your chances of being accepted into Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. 

5. Stanford University School of Medicine

In the top 5 medical schools in the US, we have Stanford University School of Medicine. According to US News, Stanford Medical School is one of the top medical schools in the United States, ranking #4 in research and #8 in internal medicine. Like all the other leading medical schools in the country, Stanford Medicine has a low acceptance rate of 2.3%. 

It is almost as challenging to be accepted here as it is at Grossman School of Medicine, but if you play your cards right, your application will be the one to beat.

How to Apply to Stanford University School of Medicine

Before you apply to Stanford Medicine, you must make sure you are eligible. Stanford Medical School does not have requirements; instead, they have recommendations for potential students regarding what they wish to see in an applicant. 

It’s a recommendation, but consider it mandatory if you’re dedicated to getting accepted at Stanford Medical School.

Applicants should have strong knowledge in the following areas: biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and behavioral/social sciences. You should also include lab or field experiences in your application. The admissions committee can see how your background in the sciences has applied to patient care and your overall desire to pursue a medical career.

You must complete your application for Stanford Medical School through AMCAS. The primary application must include your MCAT scores and letters of recommendation. You will also submit transcripts through AMCAS; Stanford will request a copy of your transcripts if necessary. 

The Stanford Supplemental Application will consist of application fees and personal essays. The interviews, conducted in MMI format, will be the final part of the application process. If you succeed in all three parts of the process, you will be offered admittance to Stanford Medicine.

When to Apply to Stanford University School of Medicine

Here is a rough timeline of important dates and deadlines when applying to Stanford Medicine. Please note that the timetable is subject to change at any given time. 

Stanford University School of Medicine deadlines

Source: Stanford 

Helpful Tips for Applying to Stanford University School of Medicine

The most significant component of your application to Stanford Medical School is the personal essay. The admissions committee asks questions regarding your experiences and background, and the goal is to provide as much detail as possible. 

Applicants should prove that they are more than just numbers. The essay should discuss your key characteristics such as leadership abilities, communication skills, and compassion. 

One helpful tip that many applicants do not know about is that you can update your application. Updates can include personal achievements, awards, or additional letters of recommendation. Note that you can only make updates to your application after being invited to interview, so you must make sure your application is complete. 

Selected applicants are invited for interviews, and they may be asked to participate in the AAMC VITA. This is a one-time, one-way, recorded interview of the applicant designed to give the admissions committee a glimpse of the potential students’ abilities and competencies. 

The best way to succeed during this portion is to practice before recording. Have a general idea of what you would like to discuss. Remember, you should tie it back to your passion for medicine and why you chose a career in the medical field. 

The AAMC VITA does not fill the interview requirement; it is more of a precursor to a final interview for Stanford Medical School. The one-time, recorded interview is a great way to prepare for the multiple mini interviews the university will conduct, so definitely give it your all.

6. Columbia University

The Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (VP&S) at Columbia University is one of the international leaders in educating physicians on patient care. The institution was established in 1767 and was known as King’s College at the time. 

Fast forward 250 years to the present day, and we find ourselves staring at one of the longest-standing medical schools in the country. Columbia University’s medical school is one of the most research-intensive universities in the United States. 

Anil Rustgi, Dean of the VP&S, states that the college and health science schools are dedicated to all aspects of medical research, care, and education. With such dedication to the sciences, VP&S is a highly desired community to join, even with a 1.9% acceptance rate.

How to Apply to the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University

VP&S at Columbia University requires applicants to meet specific requirements to be considered eligible to apply. Failure to meet the minimum criteria results in your application’s rejection.

In addition to the medical school academic requirements, applicants must also submit their MCAT scores and three recommendation letters.

You will apply to Columbia University’s medical school through AMCAS. Once your application is verified, VP&S will receive your primary application. All applicants will be sent a secondary application to complete. 

Supporting documentation, such as letters of recommendation, must be submitted with the secondary application, or the school will no longer consider your application.

How to Apply to the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University

Prospective Columbia medical students should mark the following deadlines in their calendars. These dates are subject to change by the College of Physicians and Surgeons. Columbia University recommends that prospective students begin preparing for the application process a year in advance. 

 Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University deadlines
Source: Columbia 

Helpful Tips for Applying to the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University

Extracurricular activities related to the medical field are crucial to a prospective student’s application. The admissions committee at VP&S wants to see how your knowledge translates into real-life situations. 

Can you take your knowledge and apply it to real problems? Are you able to think critically and take responsibility for human lives? 

Shadowing a physician and patient care work are great experiences to obtain and include in your application. You will be able to expand upon those experiences more during the personal essay portion and interviews.  

When you reach the essay portion of your application, you must fully answer the prompts given. Avoid describing the New York City lifestyle and culture. The admissions committee has thousands of essays to read, and they don’t want to know about how the “hustle and bustle” of a big city draws you to Columbia University. 

Instead, focus on why you want to go to VP&S. Is it the program? Did someone or something inspire you to apply there? Explain how you will be an asset to their school. 

Columbia University thrives on diversity, so explain how your passion for medicine and past experiences make you the ideal candidate for VP&S. Your essays must stand out from the thousands submitted, so take your time and answer each question thoroughly. 

Your application for Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons can lead you to admittance if you follow these simple tips.

7. Mayo Clinic School of Medicine

The Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, formally known as Mayo Medical School, has the most extensive graduate medical education training program in the US. 

The school has three different locations, making it one of the more accessible medical schools in the country. However, each site specializes in a different field of medicine. So, applying to the correct program and location is crucial when applying to the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science.

In a recent report, the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine had an acceptance rate of 2%. Out of the 6,000 applications received, 744 received an invitation to interview. Mayo Clinic accepted only 174 applicants. 

The statistics reveal how quickly applicants are filtered, making it all the more important to exceed Mayo Clinic’s requirements. 

How to Apply to Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine

The Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine has a set of required prerequisites and materials that each applicant must submit to be considered.

Unlike medical schools like Harvard and Grossman, the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine prefers students with a strong background in life and social sciences. An applicant is rarely accepted if their undergraduate work does not have a strong science focus. 

The college does not specify any required coursework before admission, as long as the applicant has a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in the United States or Canada. 

You will submit your primary application through AMCAS. Once verified, your application goes to the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine. Because the application process is competitive, start your application as early as possible. 

If you meet the standard criteria, you will receive a secondary application to complete. This is where you will list the program you intend to pursue at the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine. You will include any other required application materials in your secondary application.

When to Apply to the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine

The Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine has strict deadlines to meet to be considered for a spot at their institution. If you are applying to medical school, be aware that the process is arduous and will take close to a year before you are accepted.

Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine deadline
Source: Mayo Clinic Alix 

Helpful Tips for Applying to the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine

The most important item in your application is your MCAT score. The admissions committee requires your most recent MCAT scores. Please note that you are allowed to take the exam more than once, but you must take the MCAT before applying. 

The admissions committee will not consider your application until these scores are present. The Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine requires prospective students’ MCAT scores to be at least in the 75th percentile to move forward in the application process. 

You will not receive a secondary application if you are below the 75th percentile. Therefore, you must do well on the MCAT, or your primary application will be rejected.

8. David Geffen School of Medicine

As one of the top US medical schools, UCLA Medical School — also known as the David Geffen School of Medicine (DGSOM) at UCLA — is also one of the most competitive, with a 2.1% acceptance rate. 

The medical school proudly declares its ninth-place ranking in the country in research funding from the National Institutes of Health and is third in the United States in research dollars from all sources. Because of this, DGSOM wins its spot as one of the top medical schools in the country.

How to Apply to the David Geffen School of Medicine

The David Geffen School of Medicine has a full list of admissions requirements on its website.

Prospective students must apply through AMCAS. Your MCAT scores are a required component of your application. The David Geffen School of Medicine requires all grades to be submitted, so if you have taken the MCAT multiple times, you will need to submit your scores for each attempt. 

Your three letters of recommendation must be submitted through AMCAS and not sent to the university. Send a complete set of official transcripts to the AMCAS as well. Failure to include your transcripts will delay your application’s processing.

Once you have completed the primary application and it is verified, you will receive a secondary application that will consist of essay questions. You must answer each question in its entirety and submit the application before the deadline. Invitations for interviews are sent after both applications are reviewed.

When to Apply to the David Geffen School of Medicine

The David Geffen School of Medicine utilizes a rolling admissions schedule. Due to the substantial number of applicants, it is vital to have all materials completed on time, or the admissions committee will not accept your application. 

The timeline from application submission to admission offers shown below: 

David Geffen School of Medicine deadlines
Source: David Geffen

Helpful Tips for Applying to the David Geffen School of Medicine

The essay portion of the secondary application will be the determining factor for your application at the David Geffen School of Medicine. The questions are general, so you have the freedom to discuss what you want — as long as you answer the question itself thoroughly. 

The essay portion is designed to engage with students and understand their interests and experiences, along with any significant achievements and hardships that would prove beneficial to know. 

This is the time to give as much information as possible about yourself, specifically anything you feel the review committee should know. Be clear and concise with your writing, and provide as much detail about the qualities that make you an ideal candidate for DGSOM.

9. Washington University

The Washington University School of Medicine has been a leader in medical education since its founding in 1891. Some achievements include the pioneering of bedside teaching, contributions to new Alzheimer’s screening methods, and spearheading in treating diabetes with insulin. 

With such milestones, it is no surprise that the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis made its way to having one of the top medical programs in the US. Its acceptance rate is 8%

How to Apply to the Washington University School of Medicine

The Washington University School of Medicine offers various medicine, allied health, public health, and biomedical science programs. The school has compiled a list of prerequisites for admission on its website.

While these are the prerequisites noted, the admissions committee at the Washington University School of Medicine also factors the following into consideration:

  • Rigor of curriculum
  • Extracurricular activities
  • Essays
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Admissions interview

Include the prerequisites list and factors in your application for the Washington University School of Medicine. Complete your primary application through AMCAS, and a secondary application will be given soon after. 

Interviews are conducted after all other application materials are reviewed. 

When to Apply to the Washington University School of Medicine

The following dates are the deadlines for applying to the Washington University School of Medicine:

Washington University School of Medicine deadlines
Source: Washington University 

Helpful Tips for Applying to the Washington University School of Medicine

The Washington University School of Medicine emphasizes that prospective students should have some research experience in their resumes before applying to medical school. 

Research provides students with hands-on experience and allows them to determine the program in which they wish to specialize. Research experience is a great way to get published, and published works are impressive and increase your chances of being interviewed. 

The Washington University School of Medicine will require extensive research projects during a student’s residency, so having prior experience has proven beneficial. 

The interview portion of the admissions process will be the final step before admittance. This experience allows the committee to learn more about who you are and whether you are the right fit for the Washington University School of Medicine. 

There are three interviews in total. Two live virtual interviews are conducted, followed by an asynchronous virtual interview. 

The first live virtual interview will be open-book, meaning the committee member interviewing you has access to your full application. The second live virtual interview will be closed-file, meaning the interviewer will only know your name and see your application materials. 

Whether they have reviewed your application or not, you have to come in with the assumption that they do not know anything about you. You will have 30 to 45 minutes to convey who you are and why you belong at the Washington University School of Medicine. 

The asynchronous virtual interview requires applicants to answer questions in a prerecorded video. All three interviews allow you to discuss your accomplishments, interests, passion for medicine, and why you want to attend Washington University School of Medicine. 

Your interview performances will help to determine the admissions committee’s decision, so give it your best!

10. Cornell University

Cornell University School of Medicine, more commonly known as Weill Cornell Medicine, is the last university in our list of the top ranked medical schools in the US.

Founded in 1898, the university prides itself on its health education and advancements in clinical practices. There is a constant outpour of research opportunities, mainly because it shares a campus with four other world-renowned universities. 

With a 1.6% acceptance rate, Weill Cornell Medicine is one of the most challenging medical schools to enter. Therefore, your application must go above the minimum requirements set.

How to Apply to Weill Cornell Medicine

The admissions committee requires applicants to meet the criteria listed on the schools website.

All applicants must apply through AMCAS. You will submit your MCAT scores, letters of recommendation, and any other documentation that gives the admissions committee a better idea of who you are. 

Do not send copies of published articles or research papers. Only include documents that discuss you as an individual.

Applicants must submit a copy of their official transcripts through AMCAS. Your academic records must show at least a year of biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics courses. Laboratories are mandatory with sciences courses, but Weill wants prospective students to take more labs when possible.

AMCAS will notify Weill that the primary application is verified, and Weill will provide applicants with a link to the supplemental application.  

When to Apply to Weill Cornell Medicine

The deadlines for Weill Cornell Medicine can be found on the school’s website. Prospective students should hold themselves to those dates.

Helpful Tips for Applying to Weill Cornell Medicine

Weill Cornell Medicine actively seeks students with impressive extracurricular activities and research experience. They want motivated and academically qualified students, and the best way to show this is in your secondary application essays. 

You should explain how you have taken your education and applied it in your work, volunteer experience, or research. The essay portion must demonstrate your commitment to the medical field and how you can contribute to the university.

How to Get Into a Top Medical School

So, how hard is it to get into medical school

Getting into one of the top ranked medical schools in the US is no easy feat. The competition you will face is fierce; some of the brightest minds around the globe apply to these world renowned institutions.

If you want to be a competitive applicant, achieving good MCAT scores and exceeding GPA requirements is essential. The AAMC notes that 2020 applicants achieved an average MCAT score of 506.1 and an average GPA of 3.8. 

If it’s possible, start studying for the MCAT as early as possible so you can re-sit it if needed. You can retake the MCAT up to three times a year and four times over two years. An excellent MCAT score is essential to help you get into these top medical schools.

Additionally, achieving high scores on the Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics (CASPer) test is vital. You can only take the CASPer Test once per application cycle. 

Writing a strong personal statement for medical school is also a crucial part of the application process. The 5,300-word essay fills many applicants with dread, as this is where they have to explain to an admissions committee why they are an ideal candidate for its medical school. 

Although the number varies between the top medical schools in the country, you will need to submit several letters of recommendation. These letters provide medical schools with evidence of your experience and character and illustrate why you are a great fit for medical school. 

Asking for recommendation letters can be difficult, so try to give your recommender plenty of time to write you a great letter. 

Once you have submitted your application, you may be invited for an interview. Medical school interview preparation is important — you want to convey your passion and dedication to the admissions officers. 

Top US Med Schools FAQs

Let’s look at several questions and answers about the top medical schools in the US.

1. What Are the Acceptance Rates of the Top 10 Medical Schools in the US? 

The acceptance rates of the top US medical schools are: 

Table showing the acceptance rates of the top 10 US medical schools

2. What Are Good Mcat Scores for the Top Medical Schools?

A “good” MCAT score is one that will get you into the most competitive medical schools. The required MCAT scores vary between the top 10 medical schools in the US.

For example, the average MCAT score achieved by Harvard’s admitted students is 519.46. Whereas admitted students at Baylor College of Medicine achieved an average of 516.9, and Feinberg School Of Medicine’s median acceptance score is 519. 

3. What Is the Top Medical School in the US?

So, what is the top medical school in the US? Harvard Medical School is currently ranked as the number one medical school in the US and ranks within the top three globally. 

4. What Coursework Do the Top Medical Schools Require? 

Although the required coursework varies slightly between the most competitive medical schools, a firm grounding in the sciences is essential. 

For example, Washington University School of Medicine requires you to complete at least one year in biology, general or inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and calculus.

5. Can I Apply to a Top Medical School With a Low GPA? 

Yes. However, it depends on what GPA you achieve, as admissions requirements vary between the top medical schools. 

The AAMC has indicated that if you achieve a GPA between 2.8 and 2.99 and receive a high score on the MCAT, you have a 45% chance of admission to a top medical school. 

Of course, looking at the average GPA of admitted students helps you understand what GPA you should aim for. For example, the average GPA of enrolled students at Harvard and Johns Hopkins is 3.9.

If you want to gague your chances of getting into a top US medical school, take our free medical school admissions chance predictor quiz!


Getting Into the Top US Medical Schools

We have provided you with information, and the sheer amount can be daunting. But we know deciding between great medical schools isn’t easy. 

Prestigious Ivy League medical schools have such low acceptance rates that attending one seems next to impossible. With this guide, you have a list of the top US medical schools and resources to guide you through their application processes. 

Our helpful tips for applying to each medical school give your application an advantage above the rest of the applicant pool. Be aware of the dates and deadlines we have provided for each medical school, as this will be the defining factor. 

From Harvard Medical School to Weill Cornell Medicine, we have provided the resources you will need to make your medical school journey a little easier. Good luck!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Schedule A Free Consultation

Plan Smart. Execute Strong. Get Into Your Dream School.
Get Free Consultation
image of dots background

You May Also Like