Yale Medical School Acceptance Rate: Admission Statistics

If you’re looking to apply to the Yale School of Medicine, you’re probably wondering about the acceptance rate, how hard it is to get in, and what it takes to stand out. Yale University has one of the most prestigious medical schools in the country, so it’s no surprise that the competition is stiff.

Let’s break down Yale’s medical school acceptance rate, requirements, and other important details that can help you understand your chances of getting in.

• What Is the Yale Medical School Acceptance Rate?
• Yale Medical School Acceptance Rate Trends
• Yale School of Medicine Class of 2027 Academic Profile
• Yale Medical School Admission Requirements
• How to Get into the Yale School of Medicine
• Yale Medical School Application Deadlines
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Is the Yale Medical School Acceptance Rate?

For the Class of 2027, Yale’s medical school had an acceptance rate of just 5.5%. Out of the 5,495 applicants who threw their hat in the ring, only around 300 made the cut. 

With a 5.5% acceptance rate, getting into Yale’s medical school is a serious challenge. But if you’ve got the grades, the scores, and the right combination of experiences, it’s not impossible. It’s all about setting yourself apart from the crowd.

Yale Medical School Acceptance Rate Trends

Over the years, Yale’s medical school acceptance rate has been consistently competitive, and let’s just say: getting in is no walk in the park. But that’s part of the appeal, right? Here’s a look at how the application numbers have trended over the past few years:

As you can see, Yale’s medical school acceptance rate has hovered around the 5% mark, with a slight dip for the Class of 2025 (4.7%) and a little boost for the Class of 2024 (6.2%). While the numbers fluctuate a bit, one thing’s for sure: it’s always a tough ride to get in.

And check out the number of applicants! For instance, the Class of 2025 had over 6,200 applicants, making it a highly competitive year. Yale is always attracting some serious talent, and the admissions committee has to sift through thousands of impressive candidates. It’s a bit of a marathon, but if you’re aiming for Yale, it’s all part of the excitement.

Yale School of Medicine Class of 2027 Academic Profile

The Yale School of Medicine is one of the most prestigious medical schools in the world, and getting in requires top-notch academic performance. Here’s a look at the academic profile of the Class of 2027 to give you an idea of what it takes to stand out in the admissions process:

Yale Medical School GPA Requirements

Yale’s medical school doesn’t have a minimum GPA requirement, but you’re going to want to have a high one to stay competitive. For the Class of 2027, the median cumulative GPA was 3.92. So, you’ll need to be on top of your game academically.

Median MCAT score

The median MCAT score for admitted students was 522. If you’re aiming for Yale, you’re looking at a score that’s well above average. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the average MCAT score is 500.7.

The median score for each section of the MCAT was 130. This shows that you’ll need to perform consistently well across all sections—not just one.

Yale Medical School Admission Requirements

So, you want to get into the Yale School of Medicine? Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to do to make that happen:

• Take the MCAT. First things first: no MCAT, no review of your application. So make sure you get that exam under your belt, as it’s one of the key factors in your application process.
• Apply to Yale via AMCAS. You’ll apply through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). This is a centralized service that lets you apply to multiple medical schools with one application. Yale’s no different—send your application through AMCAS, and it’ll automatically go to them.
• Submit Yale’s secondary application. After you submit your AMCAS application, you’ll need to fill out Yale’s secondary application. This is a separate, online form you’ll need to complete if you’re applying to the MD or MD-PhD programs.
• Letters of recommendation. For Yale, you’ll want to have at least three letters of recommendation. Ideally, if your school has a Premedical Committee, you’ll submit their letter. If not, you can submit individual letters from professors or mentors who know you well and can speak to your abilities and experiences. Extra points if one of these letters comes from someone in the sciences, but don’t stress if that’s not possible.
• Interviews. If Yale likes what they see in your application, you’ll be invited for an interview. You’ll get notified via email if you’re selected, so keep an eye on your inbox. The interview is your chance to showcase your personality and passion for medicine.

All in all, the admissions process for the Yale School of Medicine is pretty straightforward, but it’s definitely competitive. Make sure you’re ticking off all these boxes, and you’ll be on the right path.

How to Get into the Yale School of Medicine

Getting into Yale’s medical school can be competitive, but if you know what to focus on, you’ll increase your chances. Here are some key factors to help you stand out:

1. Aim for a strong MCAT score.

Yale’s median MCAT score is 522, and aiming for a score in this range is key to being competitive. Here are some tips to help improve your MCAT score and boost your chances of acceptance to Yale’s Medical School:

• Target your weakest sections. Start by reviewing your previous practice test scores to identify the sections where you scored the lowest. Yale’s Medical School values a well-rounded applicant, so make sure you’re performing well across all sections. Focus particularly on any section where you scored below the median of 130 in each of the MCAT’s subsections.
• Take full-length, timed practice exams. Yale is looking for applicants who can handle the intellectual rigor of their program, so it’s crucial to practice under real test conditions. Taking full-length, timed exams will help you build stamina and manage time effectively during the actual test.
• Integrate clinical reasoning into your practice. Yale’s program places a heavy emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving in real-world medical situations. While studying, try to incorporate more clinical reasoning into your practice. Use MCAT prep resources that emphasize the application of scientific knowledge to real-life medical cases, such as UWorld or AAMC materials.
• Take a focused, strategic review approach. Rather than revisiting all content, focus specifically on the core concepts that Yale values: biochemistry, physiology, and behavioral sciences, as these are central to their unique curriculum. Review advanced concepts in these areas, especially if you haven’t covered them extensively in undergraduate courses.

By following these strategies and focusing on areas relevant to Yale’s unique medical approach, you’ll be better prepared to score highly on the MCAT and showcase the intellectual readiness that Yale looks for.

2. Submit compelling secondary application essays.

When applying to Yale Medical School, you’ll need to answer a set of secondary application essays. Here are the questions:

Question 1:

Yale School of Medicine values diversity in all its forms. How will your background and experiences contribute to this important focus of our institution and inform your future role as a physician? (500 words)

Question 2: 

Please answer either one of the following questions (500 words):

• Option 1. While there is great emphasis on the physician-patient relationship, Yale School of Medicine also emphasizes training future physicians to care for communities and populations. Describe how your experiences would contribute to this aspect of the mission of Yale School of Medicine.
• Option 2. Research is essential to patient care, and all students at Yale School of Medicine complete a research thesis. Tell us how your research interests, skills, and experiences would contribute to scholarship at Yale School of Medicine.

Question 3:

If you are not enrolled in college or graduate school classes for the duration of the current academic year, please tell us how you are spending your time. Include both your current and any planned activities prior to enrolling in medical school. (No limit specified)

Question 4: 

Have there been any updates regarding your activities/achievements/distinctions since completing your AMCAS application, or do you have any important accomplishments you have not yet shared with us here or in your AMCAS application? (No limit specified)

Question 5: 

This section is optional. It should be used to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee any important information (personal, academic, or professional) not discussed in other sections of your Yale Secondary Application. (500 words)

Tips for writing strong secondary application essays:

• Focus on Yale’s values. For diversity (Question 1), highlight unique experiences that reflect your ability to contribute to Yale’s commitment to serving diverse communities. Show how these experiences shape your approach to medicine.
• Be specific about your research. In Question 2, clearly explain how your research aligns with Yale’s emphasis on integrating research into patient care. Tie your research interests to Yale’s medical curriculum and resources, like Problem-Based Learning (PBL).
• Demonstrate fit with Yale’s curriculum. When discussing research or other experiences, mention how Yale’s flexible curriculum will help you grow. Highlight specific resources at Yale that align with your academic goals.
• Provide concrete examples. Whether discussing diversity or research, give tangible examples of your experiences and their impact. Avoid vague statements—show how these experiences will help you contribute to Yale’s community.
• Reflect on your alignment with Yale’s mission. Yale looks for students who embody compassionate, innovative leadership. Show how your experiences reflect this mission and how you’ll bring these qualities to Yale.
• Edit thoroughly. Make sure your essays reflect your true voice and passion for Yale’s program. Get feedback from someone else to check for clarity and accuracy.

3. Secure strong letters of recommendation.

Yale requires three letters of recommendation. A Premedical Committee letter is ideal, but if that’s not an option, get strong letters from professors or mentors who know you well and can speak to your strengths and character. Yale values recommendations that highlight your academic abilities, research experience, and personal qualities.

​​Tips to secure strong letters of recommendation:

• Build relationships early. Start building relationships with professors and mentors early in your academic career. Engage in class discussions, attend office hours, and seek research opportunities to foster meaningful connections.
• Choose recommenders who know you well. Pick individuals who have worked closely with you, either through research, coursework, or extracurricular activities. They should be able to provide specific examples of your strengths.
• Provide your recommender with details. Give your recommenders a clear picture of why you’re applying to Yale and what aspects of your experience you’d like them to emphasize. Provide a CV, personal statement, or any details that will help them write a more personalized and effective letter.
• Ask early and professionally. Reach out to your recommenders well in advance, explaining why you want their support and how their recommendation will strengthen your application. Make it easy for them to say yes by being organized and polite.
• Follow up. Stay in touch with your recommenders throughout the process and thank them for their time and effort. After submission, update them on the outcome, as a token of gratitude for their support.

By following these tips, you’ll be more likely to secure powerful letters that give Yale a deeper understanding of your qualifications and potential.

4. Set yourself apart in the interview.

If you’re invited to interview, Yale wants to see if you’ll thrive in their collaborative environment. Be prepared to discuss your academic and extracurricular background, why you’re passionate about medicine, and why Yale is your top choice.

Tips to stand out in your Yale medical school interview:

• Know Yale’s unique features. Research Yale’s curriculum, especially its Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach and focus on interdisciplinary education. Be ready to discuss how these features align with your academic goals and career aspirations.
• Show passion for collaboration. Yale values teamwork and a collaborative spirit. Share specific examples from your experiences in group projects, volunteering, or research where you thrived in a team setting and learned from others.
• Be genuine. Yale is looking for candidates who are authentic and self-reflective. Be open about your motivations, strengths, and areas for growth. Don’t try to give “perfect” answers—show your personality and let your passion for medicine shine.
• Prepare to discuss challenges. If you’ve faced academic or personal challenges, be ready to talk about how you overcame them and how they’ve prepared you to succeed in Yale’s rigorous environment.
• Ask insightful questions. At the end of the interview, be sure to ask thoughtful questions about Yale’s program, faculty, or opportunities. It shows you’re genuinely interested and have done your homework.

With the right preparation and mindset, you’ll be able to showcase your passion for medicine and demonstrate why you’re a great fit for Yale’s collaborative environment.

Yale Medical School Application Deadlines

Knowing the important dates for the Yale School of Medicine’s application process is crucial to staying on track. Here’s an overview of the key deadlines you’ll need to be aware of when applying to Yale’s MD program:

Keeping track of the Yale School of Medicine’s application deadlines is important to make sure everything gets in on time. Mark these dates, plan ahead, and you’ll have one less thing to stress about. With everything submitted on time, you can focus on showcasing your best self in the application. Best of luck!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the acceptance rate for Yale’s medical school?

The acceptance rate for Yale’s medical school is 5.5% for the Class of 2027. This makes it one of the most competitive medical schools in the country, with thousands of applicants vying for a limited number of spots.

2. What are the GPA requirements for Yale’s medical school?

Yale doesn’t have a strict GPA cutoff for the School of Medicine, but for the Class of 2027, the median GPA was 3.92. To stay competitive, aim for a similar GPA or higher. Strong academic performance is a key factor in Yale’s holistic admissions process.

3. What is Yale’s medical school tuition?

Yale’s medical school tuition for the 2025-2026 academic year is $74,460 per year. However, the total cost of attendance (including fees, books, and living expenses) ranges from $115,691 to $124,170. Yale offers generous need-based financial aid to help offset these costs.

4. How can I increase my chances of getting into Yale’s medical school?

To improve your chances, focus on getting a strong MCAT score (aim for a 522 or higher), maintain a high GPA (target a 3.92 or higher), write compelling secondary application essays, secure strong letters of recommendation, and perform well in your interview. It’s all about standing out from a highly competitive applicant pool.

Takeaways

Here are the key points to remember when applying to the Yale School of Medicine:

• With an acceptance rate of just 5.5% for the Class of 2027, getting into the Yale School of Medicine is a major challenge.
• Yale doesn’t have strict GPA cutoffs, but the median GPA for admitted students is 3.92. A strong academic record is essential, and your MCAT score should be in the 522 range or higher to stay competitive.
• Yale’s secondary application essays are an opportunity to showcase your personality and unique experiences. Be specific about how you align with Yale’s mission, particularly in areas like research and diversity.
• Yale’s medical school tuition is $74,460, and the total cost of attendance ranges from $115,691 to $124,170. Be sure to explore Yale’s financial aid options, as they offer generous need-based assistance.
• Need help with your application? If you’re looking for expert guidance through the medical school admissions process, a college admissions consultant can help. AdmissionSight can assist you with every step, from preparing your application to crafting standout essays.