Hardest Medical Schools to Get Into and How to Get Accepted

How We Determined the Hardest Medical Schools to Get Into

Determining which medical schools are the hardest to get into requires examining several admissions metrics together rather than looking at a single statistic. For this guide, we evaluated schools using three primary indicators of admissions competitiveness:

• Acceptance rate – the percentage of applicants who ultimately matriculate. Lower acceptance rates typically indicate stronger competition for limited seats.
• Average GPA of admitted students – a measure of the academic performance typically required to be competitive.
• Median MCAT score – an indicator of the standardized academic benchmark expected by top medical schools.

We compiled admissions data from publicly available reports and admissions statistics published by medical schools. Institutions with extremely low acceptance rates combined with very high GPA and MCAT expectations were considered the most competitive programs.

Because admissions competitiveness varies year to year, the schools in the dataset below represent programs that consistently report some of the most selective admissions statistics in North America. These institutions consistently appear among the most selective medical schools in admissions reports and national rankings due to their extremely competitive applicant pools and high academic expectations.

Hardest Medical Schools to Get Into

The schools below represent some of the most competitive medical schools in North America based on admissions statistics. This dataset allows applicants to compare admissions benchmarks across the most selective medical schools and better understand how their own academic metrics align with top programs. For a broader benchmark, compare them with the full medical school admissions statistics dataset.

While acceptance rate is often the most visible indicator of selectivity, it must be considered alongside GPA and MCAT benchmarks. Many schools with extremely low acceptance rates also expect academic metrics near the top of national applicant pools.

These statistics demonstrate just how competitive top medical schools are, with many programs admitting fewer than 2% of applicants while maintaining extremely high GPA and MCAT expectations.

Key Patterns Among the Hardest Medical Schools to Get Into

Several clear patterns emerge when examining the most competitive medical schools.

First, nearly all of the hardest programs to enter report average admitted GPAs above 3.9. This means that successful applicants typically perform near the top of their undergraduate cohorts.

Second, median MCAT scores at the most selective institutions frequently exceed 520. Scores at this level place applicants in the top few percentiles of all test takers.

Third, the lowest acceptance rates tend to occur at research-intensive universities with global reputations in medicine and biomedical science. These institutions attract extremely large applicant pools, which drives acceptance rates down even further.

Another notable trend is how tightly clustered acceptance rates are among the most selective programs. Many of the hardest medical schools admit fewer than two percent of applicants each year. At this level of selectivity, even small changes in applicant volume can dramatically affect admissions odds, which is why these schools remain exceptionally competitive year after year.

Together, these factors illustrate why admission to these schools is so competitive. Even highly qualified applicants may face extremely low odds simply because the number of available seats is small relative to the number of applications received.

Which Medical School Is the Hardest to Get Into?

While many institutions have extremely selective admissions processes, a few schools consistently report the lowest acceptance rates in North America. Programs such as NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, and Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine frequently report acceptance rates below 1 percent.

At these institutions, even applicants with exceptional academic records may face extremely competitive odds simply because the number of applicants far exceeds the available seats.

Why Are These Medical Schools So Hard to Get Into?

Many of the hardest medical schools to get into receive tens of thousands of applications every year but can only accept a small number of students, which creates extremely low acceptance rates.

• Several factors contribute to this level of competitiveness:
• Limited class sizes
• High academic standards for GPA and MCAT scores
• Large applicant pools of highly qualified candidates
• Strong emphasis on research, clinical experience, and leadership

Top institutions also tend to attract applicants from across the world, increasing competition even further. As a result, gaining admission requires a strong academic record and a well-rounded medical school application.

Hardest DO Schools to Get Into

Although DO schools often have higher acceptance rates than MD programs, some osteopathic medical schools still maintain highly competitive admissions statistics. These schools receive large applicant pools and expect strong academic performance from admitted students.

Hardest DO Schools Based on Acceptance Rate

• California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine – 1.97%
• Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine – 2.52%
• Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM/MWU) – 2.7%
• Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York (TouroCOM) – 2.7%
• Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – 3.7%

Hardest DO Schools Based on GPA

• Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine – Bradenton – 3.71
• Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine – 3.70
• Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine – Clinton Township – 3.70
• Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine – 3.70
• Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine – 3.68

Hardest DO Schools Based on MCAT

• Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM-MWU) – 508.8
• Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Clinton Township – 508.3
• Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine – 507.2
• Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine – 507.1
• Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine – 507.1

Hardest Canadian Medical Schools to Get Into

Canadian medical schools are among the hardest medical schools to get into in North America, and medical school acceptance rates in Canada are actually lower on average than US schools. One reason why is because there are fewer Canadian medical schools that still receive thousands of applicants. Even the easiest medical schools to get into in Canada have competitive acceptance rates.

Hardest Canadian Medical Schools Based on Acceptance Rate

• Queen’s University School of Medicine – 1.9%
• University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine – 3.7%
• McMaster University Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine – 4.07%
• Northern Ontario School of Medicine – 4.66%
• University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine – 6.4%

Hardest Canadian Medical Schools Based on GPA

• University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine – 3.93
• McGill University Faculty of Medicine – 3.94
• McMaster University Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine – 3.9
• Western University Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry – 3.93
• University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry – 3.88

Hardest Canadian Medical Schools Based on MCAT

MCAT scoring for Canadian medical schools is not always reported in the same format as U.S. programs. Some institutions report total MCAT scores, while others emphasize individual section scores such as CARS. The schools below reflect the highest MCAT benchmarks reported by Canadian programs.

• University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine – 514.49
• University of Manitoba Max Rady College of Medicine – 514
• Queen's University School of Medicine – 513
• University of Alberta – 128.25 per section (total score 513)
• McMaster University – 129.2 section score (only CARS section is considered)

Here are the medical school acceptance rates you need to know to get accepted:

Should You Apply to the Hardest Medical Schools to Get Into?

The answer to whether you should apply to medical schools that are difficult to get into depends largely on your academic profile, experience, and career goals.

Your first step in determining your medical school acceptance chances is to use medical school admissions requirements (MSAR) to find out whether you are a competitive enough candidate at your target schools. Ask yourself these 4 critical questions:

1. Do you meet the medical school GPA requirements?
2. Is your MCAT score competitive enough?
3. Do you meet all the other medical school requirements?
4. Is the medical school right for you? Does it align with your goals and values?

If the answer to these questions is a resounding yes, then you should consider applying, even to some of the hardest medical schools. When it comes to deciding how many medical schools to apply to, you should be narrowing down your list based on which school is the best fit. Don’t dismiss a school just because it makes the list of hardest medical schools; do your research, use MSAR and determine what your realistic chances are. You might surprise yourself!

Some secondary considerations would be the cost of application fees, medical school tuition and opportunities for financial aid. Fortunately, many of the hardest medical schools to get into, being also top institutions, offer comprehensive financial aid programs and funding opportunities. You can also pursue medical school scholarships to help fund your application or even receive merit scholarships if you meet certain criteria.

Lastly, if you’re considering applying to a competitive medical school and you’re not sure where to start or you’re concerned your application isn’t strong enough, consider talking to a medical school admissions consultant. An admissions expert can help you figure out where you stand the best chance of acceptance and what you need to do to get in. They can also provide feedback on your application materials to make it as strong as possible.

For many applicants, the most effective strategy is to apply to a balanced list of medical schools that includes reach schools, target schools, and safer options. Even highly competitive applicants should avoid applying exclusively to the most selective programs, as acceptance rates at these schools are extremely low.

Typical Academic Benchmarks at the Most Competitive Medical Schools

Applicants aiming for the most selective medical schools typically present very strong academic metrics. Among the hardest programs to enter, average admitted GPAs commonly fall between 3.9 and 3.97.

MCAT expectations are similarly high. Many of the most selective schools report median MCAT scores between 519 and 522.

These benchmarks do not represent strict minimum requirements, but they provide a useful reference point for applicants evaluating their competitiveness.

7 Top Tips to Get Into the Hardest Medical Schools

Getting accepted to the most competitive medical schools requires more than strong grades. Successful applicants typically demonstrate exceptional academic ability, meaningful clinical experience, and a compelling personal story.

Below are seven strategies that can help strengthen your application when applying to the hardest medical schools to get into.

Meet Academic Requirements

The hardest medical schools often start with GPA and MCAT scores in the first round of admissions decisions, weeding out any applicants who are below threshold scores.

Check with your target schools to see if they have a minimum threshold for acceptance, such as a GPA of 3.0 or an MCAT score of 500. Next, take a look at the average accepted scores at these medical schools to see how you compare. For the best chances of acceptance, apply to schools where your scores are as close to the average as possible, or well above, and build a serious MCAT prep plan if you need to raise your score.

It’s not impossible to get in with scores slightly below the average, but your chances are a little less favorable. You can still get into medical school with a low GPA or a low MCAT score with the right strategies.

Prepare EARLY for Med School Admissions

One of the best things you can do is to apply as early as possible. Applying early means the applicant pool will be smaller as most premeds haven’t submitted their applications yet. With many medical schools using rolling admissions, applying early can give you a chance to secure acceptance before the majority of medical school applications come in. Check out the medical schools that have early decision programs or early acceptance, too.

Starting your medical school application planning well in advance is a smart move. It gives you the most amount of time to study for the MCAT or retake the MCAT if you choose to. It also means you’ll have more time to construct a strong application, secure excellent recommendation letters and check off all the boxes you need to without rushing. Basically, it gives you some flexibility and breathing room when undertaking the huge task of applying to medical school.

Target Your Chosen Medical Schools

The hardest medical schools to get into are often very selective and they are looking for specific traits in their applicants. MSAR comes in handy once again, as it can inform you about what kind of experiences and attributes will look best on your medical school application for a particular school.

For instance, Stanford Medical School values students with clinical research experience, with 99% of admitted students having some lab or research experience. Around 60% of students admitted to Kaiser Permanente had paid clinical or healthcare experience. Over 90% of Johns Hopkins’ matriculants had shadowing and volunteer healthcare experience.

Research, clinical work, and volunteering are all common activities for medical school, and some schools even require a minimum number of clinical hours or volunteer hours for medical school. However, even if these are not hard requirements, it helps to understand a school’s profile and values so you can present yourself as an ideal medical school student at a specific institution.

One of the best ways to secure some of these vital experiences is with premed jobs, which you can find through some of the best companies for premeds.

Make Your Medical School Application Stand Out

From your medical school personal statement to your recommendation letters to your medical school secondary essays, every piece of your medical school application needs to be as strong and stand-out as it can be.

Good grades are not enough to carry you through the next round of admissions, and your goal is to stand out in a pool of exemplary applicants. Focus on the quality of your experiences over the quantity. Then, be able to explain exactly how your experiences have contributed to your passion for medicine and your preparation for medical school or otherwise had an impact on your life and medical school journey.

For most of your application, you’ll need very strong communication and writing skills to get your points across in a creative and unique way. Skills like medical school personal statement editing or knowing how to choose your AMCAS most meaningful experiences will be important.

Remember to focus on who you are and what you can bring to the medical field, not just what medical schools are looking for. If you have the skills and experience they value, then great! But your primary goal is to show why YOU are the best medical school applicant out there, not just that you tick all the required boxes.

The infographic below highlights several ways you can strengthen your medical school application and stand out among highly competitive applicants.

Ace Your Med School Interviews

One of the biggest hurdles of medical school acceptance is the multiple mini interview (MMI). Many of the hardest medical schools use MMI to evaluate their top applicants, and acing the MMI is crucial to your success.

Learn all about the MMI format and question categories, try out some MMI practice questions, and keep rehearsing with mock medical school interviews. A mock interview is the best way to get familiar and comfortable with the unique MMI format and question types and strengthen your interview answers so you can put your best self forward on the day of your interview. It also helps to review broader medical school interview questions so you are ready for any format.

Top medical schools put a lot of emphasis on the MMI and students’ scores in the interview, so the interview is truly your last chance to make a great and memorable impression.

Be Ready for the Medical School Waitlist

With so many qualified applicants, there is a chance you’ll be placed on a medical school waitlist. This isn’t the same as medical school rejection, but it can feel like there’s nothing to do but wait. If you are 100% sure a medical school is your top choice, you can improve your odds of being accepted off the waitlist by writing a medical school letter of intent to explain why they are your #1 choice.

Just be sure that your target medical school accepts letters of intent and follow any instructions before you submit it!

Take an Alternate Medical School Admissions Path

If you have your heart set on one of the hardest medical schools to get into, but you fall a bit short on medical school requirements, you can always consider enrolling in a post-bacc premedical program or a special master’s program with linkage to medical school. Many of these programs have special connections to top medical schools and can increase your chances of getting in once you’ve completed them. They are designed to prepare premeds to take the MCAT and get into medical school, although it means adding to your medical school costs and how long it will take you to become a doctor, too.

FAQs

To your success,

Your friends at BeMo

BeMo Academic Consulting

Disclaimer: although we have made every effort to provide the most accurate information, admissions information changes frequently. Therefore, we encourage you to verify these details with the official university admissions office. You are responsible for your own results. BeMo does not endorse nor affiliate with any official universities, colleges, or test administrators and vice versa. If you see an error here, please notify us with the updated information, and we’ll send you a FREE copy of a BeMo ebook of your choosing! You can receive our Ultimate Guide to Med School Admissions, our Ultimate Guide to MMI Prep, our Ultimate Guide to Medical School Personal Statements & Secondary Essays or our Ultimate Guide to CASPer Prep! Please email us at [email protected] with any corrections, and we’ll arrange to send you your free ebook upon confirming the information.

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