Best Medical Schools in the US
What Are the Best Medical Schools in the US?
Since studying medicine in the USA is solely an option for postgraduate students, unlike in the UK, you can begin a pre-med program after completing a four-year undergraduate degree topic like Biology, Chemistry, or Neuroscience. Following completion of this degree, you will be prepared to take the MCAT, a prerequisite for admission to medical school.
What are the best medical schools in the US? The best medical schools in the US are among the 172 medical schools that grant either a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. Find out more about the top 10 medical schools in the US.
This list is per the 2023 U.S. News & World Report research rankings along with admission statistics.
Top 10 Medical Universities in the US
| School | Ranking | Location | Degree | Annual Tuition & Fees | Avg. GPA | Avg. MCAT | Interview Rate | First-Year Class Size |
| Harvard Medical School | 1 | Boston | MD | $68,123 IS | 3.95 | 520 | 15.3% IS | 164 (11.6% IS) |
| $68,123 OOS | 9.1% OOS | |||||||
| NYU Grossman School of Medicine | 2 | New York | MD | $3,950 IS | 3.96 | 522 | 7.2% IS | 108 (14.8% IS) |
| $3,950 OOS | 9.1% OOS | |||||||
| Columbia Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons | 3 | New York | MD | $69,363 IS | 3.93 | 521 | 8.4% IS | 138 (21.7% IS) |
| $69,363 OOS | 11.7% OOS | |||||||
| Johns Hopkins School of Medicine | 3 | Baltimore | MD | $59,996 IS | 3.95 | 522 | 9.0% IS | 120 (8.3% IS) |
| $59,996 OOS | 8.9% OOS | |||||||
| UCSF School of Medicine | 3 | San Francisco | MD | $37,488 IS | 3.88 | 517 | 8.9% IS | 177 (78.0% IS) |
| $49,733 OOS | 3.8% OOS | |||||||
| Duke University School of Medicine | 6 | Durham | MD | $67,198 IS | 3.9 | 519 | 12.6% IS | 123 (20.3% IS) |
| $67,198 OOS | 7.3% OOS | |||||||
| University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine | 6 | Philadelphia | MD | $67,291 IS | 3.95 | 522 | 11.6% IS | 156 (12.8% IS) |
| $67,291 OOS | 11.5% OOS | |||||||
| Stanford University School of Medicine | 8 | Stanford | MD | $64,868 IS | 3.89 | 518 | 4.4% IS | 90 (32.2% IS) |
| $64,868 OOS | 4.4% OOS | |||||||
| University of Washington School of Medicine | 9 | Seattle | MD | $40,182 IS | 3.75 | 511 | 47.7% IS | 270 (53.0% IS) |
| $70,845 OOS | 4.7% OOS | |||||||
| Yale School of Medicine | 10 | New Haven | MD | $67,223 IS | 3.93 | 521 | 9.9% IS | 104 (6.7% IS) |
Which Medical School Is the Toughest To Get Into?
The grade point average (GPA) is the figure used, to sum up pupils’ overall academic performance. Get a GPA of at least 3.5 or higher if you wish to enroll in some of the best medical schools in the world as a postgraduate student.
Additionally, it’s crucial to meet the GPA and MCAT standards for admission to medical schools. For entrance, each medical school has a different GPA and MCAT requirement. Probably a good idea to look into that as well.
The pace at which colleges admit new students is referred to as the acceptance rate. The number of admitted students is divided by the total number of applicants to determine the percentage of admitted students, which differs for different schools.
The majority of the time, prospective students’ applications determine the acceptance rate. Let’s tackle which medical school is the toughest to get into below and other demanding, best medical schools in the US when it comes to admissions.
Florida State University College of Medicine
- Address: 1115 Wall St., Tallahassee, Florida 32304, USA
- Acceptance rate: 2.2%
- MCAT Score: 506
• GPA: 3.7
It was founded in 2000 and is a recognized medical school. Every student receives an extraordinary medical education at the school. One of the most competitive medical schools is Florida State University College of Medicine.
However, Florida University College of Medicine strives to educate and cultivate outstanding medical professionals and researchers that have a strong foundation in science, art, and medicine.
The importance of diversity, comradery, open communication, and respect for others is instilled in the students. Florida State University College of Medicine also actively engages students in research projects, innovation, volunteer work, and patient-centered healthcare.
Stanford University of Medicine
- Address: 291 Campus Drive, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Acceptance rate: 3.2%
- MCAT Score: 519
• GPA: 3.9
In 1858, the Stanford University of Medicine was founded. The university is renowned for its top-notch medical teaching facilities.
They do, however, seek to provide the students with essential medical knowledge. They also teach pupils how to think critically so they can make a difference in the world.
Additionally, Stanford University’s medical school has increased access to its global learners’ instructional materials. This includes access to the Stanford Center for Health Education as well as some of the earliest massive open online courses in medicine.
Harvard Medical School
- Address: 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Acceptance rate: 3.2%
• MCAT Score: 519 - GPA: 3.9
Harvard Medical School, which opened its doors in 1782, is one of the most competitive medical schools. One of the oldest schools in the country is this one. It is also renowned for its discoveries and study into paradigms. Professor Benjamin Waterhouse from HMS brought the smallpox vaccination to America in 1799.
The numerous achievements of Harvard Medical School is considered not only one of the best medical schools in the US but also around the world. HMS also aims to foster a group of students that are committed to enhancing the health and wellbeing of society.
Grossman School of Medicine
- Address: 550 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Acceptance rate: 2.5%
- MCAT Score: 522
- GPA: 3.9
The Grossman School of Medicine at New York University is a private scientific institution that opened its doors in 1841. The institution is one of the most competitive medical schools.
More than 65,000 students receive a challenging, demanding education from the Grossman School of Medicine. They also have a sizable global network of accomplished former students.
Students who enroll in the MD degree program at NYU Grossman School of Medicine also receive full tuition subsidies. They make sure that the students are academically prepared as future scholars and leaders in the medical field.
Howard University College of Medicine
- Address: Howard University Health Sciences Center in Washington, D.C.
- Acceptance rate: 2.5%
- MCAT Score: 504
• GPA: 3.25
An academic division of Howard University that offers medicine is called the Howard University College of Medicine. It began to exist in 1868.
It aims to give students top-notch training in medical education and research. The institution also houses the College of Dentistry, the College of Pharmacy, the College of Nursing, and the College of Allied Health Sciences, all of which are medical colleges. Doctor of Medicine, Ph.D., and other professional degrees are also awarded by them.
What does it take to get into the best medical schools in the US?
What does it take to get into the best medical schools in the US? When you decide to pursue a profession in medicine, you are aware that you must put in a lot of effort and, unavoidably, put in long hours of study. Your efforts will all be worthwhile in the end, though. After all, becoming a doctor is among the most honorable and satisfying careers in the world.
You cannot enroll immediately in a Medicine Bachelor’s degree in the US since medical degrees are second-entry degrees. Before applying to a medical school, you must first complete a Bachelor’s (undergraduate) degree in a science-related field (common options include biology and chemistry). After that, you can enroll in a 4-year medical program.
The general prerequisites for US medical schools are as follows:
- High school diploma
- A bachelor’s degree in the sciences (3-4 years)
- minimum of 3.0 GPA for undergraduates
- Good TOEFL language scores
- Recommendation letters
- Extracurricular activities
- The minimum MCAT score (set by each university individually)
Some American medical schools have additional specifications, such as finishing premedical coursework like:
- General college Chemistry with a laboratory (one year)
- College Biology with laboratory (one year)
- Biology and Chemistry (minimum of 24 semester hours in areas of Humanities)
- Mathematics (one year of Calculus and/or Statistics; 6-8 semester hours)
- General college Physics (one year; 8 semester hours)
The Association of American Me dical Colleges (AAMC) developed the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), a multiple-choice test (AAMC). Nearly all US medical schools request MCAT exam results from students when they submit their university applications.
The MCAT exam has four main sections and is completed in about seven and a half hours:
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
- Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
What Do Most Doctors Major In?
An undergraduate degree program that includes required coursework to get students ready for medical school is known as a major for doctors. Graduate students who enroll in medical school frequently hold a variety of degrees, outside the realm of traditional pre-med and life science education.
What do most doctors major in? A well-rounded background produced through a variety of undergraduate degrees and studies is beneficial while preparing for a career in medicine. It’s not always true, despite what it might seem like, that you need to major in pre-medicine to get into medical school, even to the best medical schools in the US. You can major in any of the following to become a doctor:
Pre-med and Nursing
A major in nursing or pre-med sciences is among the most popular choices for pre-med students. Pre-med majors are more of a straight road that gives you the exact prerequisites you’ll need for medical school, whereas nursing majors contain particular curriculum that leads to a nursing degree.
Biology
If you’re thinking about going into medicine as a profession, a degree in the biological sciences, such as biology, is a great choice. The science background you’ll need to succeed in the curriculum once you’re accepted into medical school will be provided by a biology major. A biology major will also include a lot of the required classes you’ll need to finish your medical school prerequisites, including extra sciences and mathematics.
Biochemistry
If you love the sciences and want to work in medicine, biochemistry is a different major to take into account. Biochemistry is a wonderful major to start with if you want to build the abilities you’ll need for medical school because it focuses on cells and their functions as well as genetics.
Human Physiology
Another life science major you might think about if you want to be a doctor is human physiology. A degree in physiology will cover most of your pre-medical education since it is also a requirement for admission to medical school. When you enroll in medical school, the emphasis on the human body, organ systems, and functions may be advantageous.
Psychology
Another great area to start your route to medical school is psychology, which can help you get ready for dealing with patients. A psychology undergraduate degree might give you the life sciences you’ll need for pre-med prerequisites, as well as the knowledge and abilities you’ll need to comprehend human behavior, decision-making, and emotional responses. There are many psychologists who also practice medicine, making psychology a major with a number of job prospects in the medical industry. These skills are very valuable for doctors to have.
Mathematics
Another solid academic background for applying to medical school is mathematics. Some of the prerequisite math you’ll need for applying to medical school is covered in the coursework for calculus, statistics, and math-liberal arts. The detail-oriented, analytical, and problem-solving abilities you acquire as a math major will also be very helpful for your studies in medical school.
Engineering
Similar to a mathematics major, an engineering major gives you a foundation for the challenging medical disciplines you’ll study in medical school. Engineering majors can choose from a variety of disciplines, including biomedical, chemical, structural, and software engineering. If you decide to pursue your career, a major in engineering can also offer chances outside of becoming a doctor in the medical industry.
Economics or Business
Medical students are increasingly more likely to major in economics and business. The benefit of majoring in business or economics is that you can complete a number of prerequisites in your degree program while simultaneously honing your business abilities, understanding of economics, and how all of this relates to the medical industry. As a background for medical school, this can be extremely helpful as you’ll probably gain a thorough understanding of the financial aspects of the healthcare system.
English
Many people wouldn’t assume that having a degree in English would serve as a basis for medical school. However, many of the abilities required for success as a medical student are developed by English majors.
For instance, English majors emphasize communication in all forms, whereas doctors heavily rely on their capacity for compassionate and straightforward patient communication. The attention to detail, critical thinking, and creativity you’ll develop as an English major as part of your pre-med route is another benefit. These traits can directly affect your capacity to comprehend challenging medical concepts.
How Many Years Does It Take To Be A Doctor in the USA?
If you wonder how many years does it take to be a doctor in the USA, in order to practice medicine, American doctors must complete lengthy educational programs. With a focus on math and science, preparation for medical school typically starts in high school. Education consists of four usual stages after high school: undergraduate study, medical school, residency, and, for specialists, a fellowship. A physician’s education may take 15 years or more from the time she initially enrolls in college if her chosen speciality necessitates a prolonged fellowship.
Undergraduate Degree
A student must first graduate high school before continuing on to college if they want to become doctors. Although a prospective doctor can hold an undergraduate degree in any subject, it is advisable to take classes in biology, chemistry, arithmetic, anatomy, and physiology as well as other college courses required for a degree, like English and foreign languages. Physics and related science classes are additional popular electives.
Students who want to attend medical school must pass the Medical College Admission Test (or MCAT), as well as submit an application, college transcripts, MCAT results, and letters of recommendation. Because medical school admissions are so tough, it’s critical to get good grades.
Medical School
Although a few provide combined undergraduate and medical school programs that run six or seven years, the majority of medical schools are four-year institutions. The first two years of the standard four-year medical school are typically different from the latter two years.
Paid Residency
Paid residency is the next stage in a physician’s education. The majority of residency programs are housed in medical facilities, while many of them also offer outpatient training in clinics. The graduate physician develops experience in the diagnosis, care, and overall management of patients during the residency, with an emphasis on the specialty she intends to practice. Depending on the specialty, a residency program can last three to eight years.
Specialty Fellowships
In addition to the fundamental requirements of education, medical school, and residency, some doctors decide to continue on to fellowship programs. A fellowship offers an additional one to three years of training in a profession or subspecialty.
If you plan to pursue medicine, study to forecast the coming years and determine how long it will take you to become a doctor. Checking out the best medical schools in the US and estimating your resources and chances are the early steps you need to do. To add, setting realistic expectations is crucial if your ultimate objective is to lead the life of a doctor.
AdmissionSight has been guiding students for college and graduate school admissions for more than 10 years now. If you would like to seek help to weigh your options, AdmissionSight would be a great partner for you. Feel free to book an initial consultation with us.
