The 10 Medical Schools with the Highest Acceptance Rates

• Medical school acceptance rates can vary based on factors like number of applicants, location, and whether the school is in-state vs. out-of-state.
• Even schools with a higher acceptance rate can still be very selective.
• There’s no easy path to medical school, but targeting schools where you’re most competitive can increase your chances of acceptance.

Getting into medical school is a job in and of itself. There are a limited number of accredited medical schools that grant an MD degree, and these schools only have a certain number of student slots available each year. This means that many qualified candidates are turned away.

Luckily, there are ways to improve your chances of getting into med school. In addition to focusing on grades, Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores, and extracurriculars, it’s also important to be strategic about where you apply.

Medical school is tough, no matter where you apply or attend. But once you learn more about med school acceptance rates, you can target your application efforts more effectively. After all, every student graduates as a medical doctor, whether they attend a highly selective school or a med school with a higher acceptance rate.

Medical School Acceptance Rates: The Basics

Medical school acceptance rates can vary for a lot of reasons. For example, schools in more sought-after geographic locations often receive more applications. This means there is even more competition for a limited number of spots.

Getting into medical school is challenging, even for qualified students. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) reports that 41% of applicants were accepted to medical school for the 2023-2024 school year. Each student applied to an average of 18 medical schools.

The competition is also getting stiffer. The number of medical school applicants has grown almost 15% in recent years, from 48,014 in 2014 to 55,188 students in 2023, according to the AAMC. Despite the growing number of applicants, the number of medical schools that accept students hasn’t changed much. Today, there are only 155 accredited medical schools that grant an MD degree.

How Can I Improve My Chances of Getting into Medical School?

Even schools with high acceptance rates are still difficult to get into. For example, the University of Nebraska College of Medicine accepts 6.91% of applicants (the 11th-highest acceptance rate). However, the average accepted student has a GPA of 3.75 and an MCAT score of 512 — well above the national average.

There are ways to boost your chances of getting into medical school, though. One big key is to focus on in-state schools or schools that receive fewer overall applications because of a desirable location or trendy "brand."

At the same time, it's important to be honest about your qualifications and apply to schools where your GPA, MCAT scores, and extracurricular experiences will be competitive.

Here are some overarching keys to putting your best foot forward on your medical school application:

• Strive for a high GPA. The average undergraduate GPA for medical students who are accepted is 3.75. Work hard to meet or exceed this number to be competitive. If you struggled with undergraduate coursework, consider a post-baccalaureate or graduate program to raise your GPA.
• Study hard for your MCATs. The average MCAT score for successful med school applicants is 512. If your scores are below this number, consider re-taking the test.
• Focus on applying to schools where you’ll be competitive. Some med schools only accept students with exceptionally high scores. Look carefully at the average GPA and MCAT scores for the schools you’re interested in, and target your applications at schools where you’re within or above the average range.
• Apply to multiple schools. The average med school applicant applies to 18 schools! You can increase your chances of successful admission by casting a wide net.
• Choose your extracurricular activities carefully. Focus on quality over quantity, and seek opportunities to showcase your leadership and interpersonal skills. It’s also helpful to seek out clinical, research, and volunteer experience.
• Look at in-state schools. Acceptance rates for in-state applicants are typically higher than for out-of-state applicants, according to the AAMC. This is because many state schools are looking for applicants who will likely work as physicians within the state.

The 10 Medical Schools with the Highest Acceptance Rates

While all medical schools are competitive, some med schools are easier to get into than others.

The table below includes ten medical schools with the highest acceptance rates. This list only includes degree-granting allopathic (MD-granting) medical schools accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education.

Keep in mind that many of these schools are state schools. Since many state schools prefer in-state candidates, acceptance rates might be even higher for these prospective students.

Also, some state schools have residency requirements. For example, all applicants to the University of New Mexico School of Medicine must be a resident or meet special residency exceptions.

It’s also important to remember that even medical schools with a higher acceptance rate are still very competitive. For example, the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University has an acceptance rate of 7.6%. Still, the average GPA and MCAT scores of matriculated students are well above the national average.

And finally, recall that no ranking is perfect, and that the best medical school is ultimately the best one for your specific set of circumstances.

It takes hard work to be accepted into medical school. A smart application strategy can increase your chances.

Want more tips on getting into medical school? Learn more about medical school costs and how to become a doctor.

Page last reviewed on November 13, 2023