10 Medical School Requirements You Need To Know in

When it comes to applying for medical school, you'll need to have an undergraduate degree. If you're wondering, “Can I get into med school straight out of high school?” the answer is generally no. Most medical programs prefer or require some college experience before you apply.

But don't worry—your premed degree doesn't have to be in science. Medical schools are open to students with diverse academic backgrounds, as long as you meet the required coursework and have strong test scores and GPA.

Choosing the right premed major can be confusing. There's no single best major for medical school, but some fields might give you a stronger foundation in the prerequisites. If you're curious about how different majors impact your chances of acceptance, check out our blog post on medical school acceptance rates by major.

Most Common Premed Majors

1. Biology
2. Chemistry
3. Biomedical Sciences
4. Psychology
5. Health Sciences
6. Physics
7. Mathematics
8. Engineering
9. Neuroscience
10. Public Health

To improve your chances of getting into medical school, you need to aim to meet or exceed the average GPA of successful applicants.

• For MD programs, the averages are 3.71 for science, 3.85 for non-science, and 3.77 overall.
• For DO programs, the average GPAs are 3.52 for science, 3.71 for non-science, and 3.62 overall.

Medical school acceptance rates highlight the importance of meeting GPA requirements—this is one of the first factors admissions officers consider. If your GPA doesn’t meet medical school standards, your application won’t advance, no matter how strong the rest of it is.

Dr. Jamie Cazes, one of our admissions experts and a graduate of the University of Toronto medical school, applied to both Canadian and American medical schools. He found that individual schools treat your academic scores—your GPA and MCAT—differently across the board, although a competitive score is always best.

“… it seems that competitive GPAs are only getting higher and higher each year. The thought here is that a GPA is a good assessment of your accomplishment over time ... That being said, it really does vary school to school and each school has their own rules when it comes to MCAT and GPA calculation.” – Dr. Jaime Cazes, MD, University of Toronto Temerty Faculty of Medicine

While some medical schools have low accepted GPAs—for instance, the Meharry Medical College has a median GPA of 3.58—a lower GPA can limit the number of schools that will review your application, decreasing your chances of acceptance.

Also, be wary of basing your required GPA on the minimum GPA requirements for individual medical schools. Just because a medical school has an acceptable GPA threshold of 2.5, this does not mean you will be a successful applicant with a GPA below 3.0. A higher GPA will always help you be a more competitive candidate.

Pro Tip: If your GPA isn't where you want it to be, focus on improving your premed GPA and creating an upward trend in your grades. Admissions committees often look favorably on students who show consistent improvement over time, even if their overall GPA isn't perfect.

• Consider retaking courses where you struggled or taking additional courses to boost your GPA.
• Prioritize subjects where you can excel and maintain a strong focus on prerequisite courses, as these will weigh heavily in your application.
• Seek out academic support, like tutoring or study groups, to help ensure you’re mastering the material and performing at your best. 

The average MCAT score for accepted medical school applicants is around 511. Generally, a competitive MCAT score ranges between 510 and 520, though this can vary depending on the medical school’s average accepted scores. Unless you’re applying exclusively to medical schools that don’t require the MCAT, you'll need a strong score.

After your GPA, the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) is the next major indicator of your academic ability and readiness for medical school. The MCAT plays a critical role in the admissions process because it provides a standardized measure of your knowledge and critical thinking skills across key scientific disciplines.

While a high MCAT score significantly strengthens your application, it does not guarantee acceptance. Medical schools consider a range of factors, including your personal statement, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation. However, a low MCAT score can be a red flag, potentially overshadowing other strong aspects of your application.

Pro Tip: To maximize your chances of a high MCAT score, start your preparation early and create a structured study plan. Focus on your weaker areas while reinforcing your strengths, and take an MCAT diagnostic test to determine your baseline score. Utilize reputable prep materials and, if needed, seek out an MCAT prep course or tutoring. 

Medical school prerequisites vary significantly; some schools mandate specific courses, while others, like UCLA Medical School, have no required prerequisites, but do recommend certain subjects. It's crucial to distinguish between required courses and recommended courses, which are not mandatory but will enhance your candidacy.

Common Medical School Prerequisites

• General Biology with Lab
• General Chemistry with Lab
• Organic Chemistry with Lab
• Inorganic Chemistry with Lab
• Physics with Lab
• Biochemistry
• Mathematics (Calculus or Statistics)
• English or Writing-Intensive Courses
• Social Sciences (Psychology, Sociology)

These courses are typically required or highly recommended by most medical schools, though the specifics can vary. Always check with the schools you are interested in to confirm the required and suggested prerequisites.

Dr. Jamie Cazes, one of our admissions experts, advises choosing your undergrad courses carefully and always checking the prerequisites for every program you apply to:

“My number one piece of advice is to do your research. Check EACH school’s requirements and see if you have courses or prereqs that fill those. You should regularly touch base with admissions at each school to verify that a course you are completing actually fills a prereq.” – Dr. Jaime Cazes, MD, University of Toronto Temerty Faculty of Medicine

Pro Tip: To ensure you meet all the prerequisites, use the AAMC Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR) tool and regularly check the official admissions websites of the schools you’re interested in. Keep a checklist of required and recommended courses, and plan your schedule accordingly. Additionally, consider how each course fits into your overall academic plan—prioritize classes where you can excel to maintain a strong GPA, and don’t hesitate to reach out to admissions offices for clarification on course requirements. 

Medical schools require a variety of admissions essays, including the medical school personal statement. Your personal statement is used to gauge your writing and communication skills, and to learn more about who you are as an applicant and why you want to become a doctor.

Your personal statement is the cornerstone of your medical school application, so it needs to be well-written and carefully crafted if you want your application to stand out.

Connect your experiences and motivations to your desire to pursue a medical career. Avoid generic statements and focus on what genuinely drives you. Additionally, revise your statement multiple times to polish your writing and ensure it’s free of errors. A well-crafted personal statement can be the difference between a good application and a great one.

Expert Strategies To Create an Outstanding Personal Statement

• Start Early: Begin brainstorming, outlining, and drafting your personal statement well in advance. This allows you ample time to refine your ideas and make multiple revisions.
• Follow Instructions: Adhere to application and school-specific guidelines regarding length, format, and content.
• Be Authentic: Share your unique journey to medicine, using specific personal examples to illustrate your points and make your statement memorable.
• Highlight Fit: Explain why you’re drawn to a particular medical school and how its program aligns with your goals.
• Get Feedback: Have someone you trust review your essays for clarity, grammar, and overall impact.

Dr. Neel Mistry, one of our admissions experts, emphasizes the intent behind the personal statement:

“In order to stand out, it is important to answer the main questions well: a bit about yourself and what led you to medicine, why you would make an ideal medical student and future physician, what attracts you to this particular institution, and what sets you apart from the other candidates. The key here is answering the last two questions well … In addition to this, remember to use specific personal examples throughout your statement to make it more impactful and memorable for the readers.” - Dr. Neel Mistry, MD

Extracurriculars for medical school include activities directly related to medical school and those that are not related to medicine but can speak to your diversity as an applicant. These experiences are one of the best ways to set yourself apart from other candidates by demonstrating your commitment and growth personally and professionally.

Your extracurriculars and experiences are captured on your medical school application in the AMCAS work and activities section (for allopathic med school applicants), the AACOMAS activities section (for osteopathic med school applicants) and the TMDSAS activities section (for applicants to Texas medical schools). Depending on where you are applying, get to know how to craft these parts of your application and how to choose the experiences you want to highlight.

“Make sure you include if you have any personal or quirky hobbies, even if it's not health-related or medical-related, include those in your application and make sure you explain why those are important to you because they still contribute to you as a person and as a well-balanced individual. And I think that's something that helped me because I was able to [include] some of my sport activities … While those aren't typical research or volunteering activities, that is really important to me and makes me who I am.” – Sherry, BeMo student.

Many medical schools are seeking premeds with the right type of experiences that have prepared them to become a doctor and demonstrate a passion for the field of medicine. The most common experiences found in medical school requirements are clinical experience, volunteering, and research.

When choosing your extracurriculars for medical school, focus on quality over quantity.

• Select impactful experiences that reflect your values and commitment to medicine.
• For clinical experiences, aim for meaningful patient interaction and hands-on learning.
• For volunteering, choose roles that demonstrate your leadership, empathy, and dedication to serving others.

Consistency and long-term commitment to your activities will show that you're not just trying to pad your resume but are genuinely invested in the path to becoming a doctor. Admissions committees are looking for depth and genuine engagement, not just a checklist of activities.

Medical schools typically require two to five recommendation letters, with three being the most common. Generally, you'll need three individual letters (two from science professors and one from a non-science professor) and/or a committee letter. Medical school recommendation letters are a critical component of your application, offering insight into your academic abilities, growth, and character.

Proven Tips for Impressive Medical School Recommendation Letters

• Build Relationships Early: Start building rapport with potential referees early in your academic career. Attend office hours, engage in class discussions, and seek out mentorship opportunities. The more familiar a professor is with your work ethic and character, the more personalized and compelling their letter will be.
• Provide Context: When requesting a letter, provide your recommender with context about your goals and why you’re applying to medical school. Share your resume, personal statement, and any specific points you’d like them to highlight in their letter.
• Ask Early: Give your recommenders ample time to write your letter. Ask for letters at least a few months in advance of your application deadline.
• Follow Up: Check in with your recommenders periodically to see if they need any additional information and to ensure the letter is submitted on time.

Dr. Monica Taneja, MD, one of our admissions experts and a graduate from the University of Maryland medical school, emphasizes the importance of building relationships with your professors to secure strong letters.

“Most professors are aware that students need letters of recommendation. I would be more willing to provide a letter for a student I had a few [one-on-one] interactions with, so it is always good to try and go to office hours for classes you may want a letter from. I’d also ask professors if they can write the letter soon after your taking the class ideally at the end of the semester or within the next semester.” - Dr. Monica Taneja, MD, University of Maryland School of Medicine

Pro Tip: If you’re asked to write your own letter of recommendation, see it as an opportunity to highlight your achievements and strengths from a third-party perspective. Write a detailed and authentic letter focusing on your growth, dedication, and specific contributions. Then, give your draft to your recommender for their review and final touches. This collaborative approach ensures the letter is both accurate and impactful. 

Secondary applications help medical schools to gather additional information not included in the primary application. Most schools send these secondaries to either all applicants or those who pass an initial screening, and students typically have 2 to 4 weeks to complete them.

The secondary application includes essays, and the number of prompts and requirements vary by school. The secondary essay prompts are usually available on each school’s website. Some prompts include “why this medical school?”, the diversity secondary essay, or the gap year secondary essay.

Check out medical school secondary essay examples to see the most common type of prompts so you can work on answering them confidently and effectively.

Start drafting your secondary essays before you receive the prompts. By pre-writing responses to common themes or questions, you can reduce your workload when actual secondary applications arrive. Focus on crafting flexible essays that can be adapted to different prompts. This strategic approach helps you manage your time better and ensures that you’re prepared to submit high-quality essays for each school.

Dr. Monica Taneja, MD, one of our admissions consultants, says pre-writing is an effective way to cut down on the workload of secondaries:

“Secondaries were a lot of work especially after completing all of the primary application materials. I tried to pre-write secondaries starting in mid-June as there aren’t many changes year to year in prompts which are easily found online. For each school I read their mission statement and tailored my answers to their priorities. Since many essays also overlap between schools I was able to morph different essays based on length to reduce overall writing.” – Dr. Monica Taneja, MD, University of Maryland School of Medicine

Strategies for Navigating Secondary Applications With Ease

• Organize and Prioritize: As soon as you receive secondary applications, create a schedule to manage your time effectively. Prioritize schools with the earliest deadlines.
• Research Each School: Thoroughly research each medical school’s mission statement, values, and specific programs. Tailor your responses to reflect how your goals and experiences align with what the school values.
• Leverage Overlapping Prompts: Many secondary application essays will have overlapping themes or questions. Draft versatile responses that can be adapted for multiple applications.
• Use Clear and Concise Language: Ensure that your essays are clear, focused, and free of jargon. Stick to the word limits provided and make sure each essay directly addresses the prompt.
• Seek Feedback: Have mentors, advisors, or peers review your secondary essays. Their feedback can provide valuable insights and help you refine your responses.
• Proofread Thoroughly: Carefully proofread each essay to catch any errors or inconsistencies.

Acuity Insights, which includes both the CASPer test and the Duet assessment, is a multi-component assessment that is a part of the application selection process for many professional programs, including medical schools.

Some medical schools require CASPer only, and there are some medical schools that don’t require CASPer or Duet at all.

CASPer is a situational judgment test designed to assess your non-academic qualities like empathy, ethical decision-making, and communication skills, which are critical for a successful career in medicine. If you’re new to the CASPer test, you’re not alone. Many premed students are surprised by this part of the application process. And no, CASPer isn’t a scary ghost—it just feels that way when you’re first introduced to it!

Medical schools use the Duet assessment to evaluate how your values and preferences align with their program's characteristics and culture. It works by having you rank various aspects of medical education and practice, such as clinical settings and teaching styles. This alignment helps schools identify candidates who will thrive in their specific environment.

Pro Tip: For the CASPer test, focus on practicing situational judgment questions to develop a clear and consistent approach to ethical and interpersonal scenarios. Use CASPer sample questions to familiarize yourself with the format and time constraints. Learn how the CASPer test is scored and strategies to help you tackle different scenarios.

For the Duet assessment, understand its purpose and format to see how your values align with the program’s culture. Reflect on your experiences and values honestly rather than tailoring your responses, as authenticity is key. Familiarity with the school’s program will help you approach the assessment confidently and provide a genuine reflection of your fit.

Lastly, medical school interviews are the final hurdle in the medical school application process. If you are invited for an interview, this is your chance to speak to the admissions officers directly, make a strong impression, and secure an acceptance letter.

Medical school interviews are usually conducted in a traditional panel format or the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format. Be sure to check which one to expect and start preparing with mock medical school interviews! Review the different types of MMI questions you’ll encounter, and how to answer common medical school interview questions.

Effective Preparation Strategies for Common Medical School Interview Questions

• Research the School: Understand the school’s mission, values, and programs. Tailor your answers to reflect how your goals align with their offerings.
• Practice Common Questions: Prepare for common interview questions and scenarios, such as ethical dilemmas and personal motivations.
• Use Personal Stories: To make your responses more memorable, incorporate personal anecdotes that highlight your experiences, skills, and qualities.
• Stay Current: Be aware of current events and healthcare issues, as these may come up in discussions or ethical scenarios.
• Prepare Questions: Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers to demonstrate your interest in the program.
• Review Feedback: After mock interviews, review feedback to identify areas for improvement and refine your responses accordingly.

“If you can add any personal touch to the different interview questions that adds a lot because the interviewers are going to be hearing a lot of those cookie cutter responses … over and over but what you can do is just add a personal experience or a story or anything that you can really think of because that really helps you not only stand out but relate to the interviewer.” – Sherry, BeMo student.

Pro Tip: To prepare for medical school interviews, especially in the MMI format, practice responding to scenarios with a structured approach: identify the issue, discuss possible solutions, and justify your choice. Use a framework like the "STAR" method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to clearly articulate your experiences and decisions. Incorporate personal anecdotes that reflect your unique experiences and values, and practice delivering these responses under timed conditions to simulate real interview pressure. This focused practice will help you give clear, impactful answers that leave a strong, positive impression on interviewers. Investing in med school interview prep can help you practice!

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