How to Get into Medical School

They say chasing your dreams requires hard work and dedication, and nowhere is that more true than with a career in medicine. Every year, thousands of students set their sights on medical school but the path to that white coat is extremely competitive. Let’s break it down with some eye-opening statistics.

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the national acceptance rate for medical school hovered around 41% in 2022. That means for every 100 applicants, only about 41 land a seat. To put that in perspective, in 2023, over 55,000 applications were submitted across 172 medical schools. To increase their chances, the average applicant casts a wide net, submitting applications to 18 schools.

These numbers might seem overwhelming but with the right preparation and a strategic approach, you can increase your chances of success. This blog will provide you with a guide to navigating the medical school application process, from building a strong foundation to crafting a standout application.

Prerequisites to Get into a Medical School

Most medical schools share core admission requirements. However, specific standards can vary between institutions. Nearly all programs require a bachelor’s degree, clinical experience, standardized test scores, and recommendation letters. However, the number of recommendation letters requested might differ; for instance, some schools may ask for three, while others might require five.

To understand these variations, we have analyzed past exam scores, GPA data, and admission rules to provide a comprehensive overview of what it typically takes to gain acceptance into medical school.

Pre-medical education

Pre-medical education is an academic pathway that prepares students for admission to medical school. While there’s no single “pre-med major,” most pre-med students choose a major in a science field like biology, chemistry, or biochemistry.

However, a well-rounded education is valued by medical schools, so pursuing a major in the humanities or social sciences is also perfectly acceptable, as long as you complete the required pre-med coursework. Here’s a breakdown of the key components of pre-medical education:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university: This is the foundation of your pre-med journey.

• Pre-medical coursework: This refers to a set of science and non-science courses that medical schools require for admission. The specific requirements may vary slightly between schools but generally include the following:

• Biology (with labs)
• General chemistry (with labs)
• Organic chemistry (with labs)
• Physics (with labs)
• Biochemistry
• Math (often calculus and statistics)
• English

• Strong GPA: Medical schools are highly competitive, so maintaining a strong GPA throughout your undergraduate studies is crucial. The average GPA for accepted students is typically around 3.6 overall, with an even higher GPA in the science courses.

In addition to the above, gaining relevant experience through volunteering, clinical shadowing, and research can significantly strengthen your medical school application.

Pre-medical school exams and recommendations

• Medical College Admission Test (MCAT): This standardized test is an important part of your medical school application. A strong MCAT score (generally considered 506 or higher) shows your knowledge of and preparedness for the rigors of medical school.

• Casper Test: While not universally required, some medical schools consider the Casper score alongside the MCAT. This computer-based test evaluates non-cognitive skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and empathy, all essential qualities for successful doctors. The Casper score is reported on a scale of 1 to 9, with 9 being the highest (considered “superb”).

• Strong letters of recommendation can significantly strengthen your application. Aim to get at least three letters, with two preferably from science professors who can speak to your academic abilities and potential in medicine. You may also want to consider a letter from a physician or someone who has observed your work in a clinical setting.

How to Get into Medical School: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting into medical school is a competitive process, but understanding the requirements can make it feel less stressful. Here’s a breakdown of the steps you’ll typically need to take to get into medical school:

Step 1: Academic foundation

Get a bachelor’s degree in any major. However, complete the specific prerequisite courses required by most medical schools. These often include biology, chemistry, physics, organic chemistry, and math.

Additionally, strive for a high GPA throughout your undergraduate studies, especially in science courses.

Step 2: Standardized testing

Perform well on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). This computer-based exam assesses your critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, scientific knowledge, and writing skills.

Some schools may also require the CASPer. It is a situational judgment test that evaluates your interpersonal skills and ethical decision-making in healthcare scenarios.

Step 3: Clinical experience

Try to gain hands-on exposure to the medical field through various activities (usually totaling 100–150 hours). This could involve shadowing physicians, volunteering in clinics or hospitals, or assisting with patient care.

Step 4: Letters of recommendation

Secure strong recommendation letters from three or more individuals who can speak to your academic abilities, work ethic, and suitability for a medical career. Ideal recommenders include a physician, a science professor, and a non-science professor (sometimes a pre-med advisor can be included).

Step 5: Medical school application

Apply to your chosen schools by the deadline through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). This centralized service streamlines the application process for most medical schools in the US. This includes your academic transcripts, MCAT scores, and personal information.

Step 6: Secondary applications

Once your AMCAS application is processed and approved, some schools may require additional essays or answer prompts specific to their programs/institutions. Submit these secondary applications promptly.

Step 7: Interview

Prepare for potential interviews with medical school admissions committees. This is your chance to show your passion for medicine, your knowledge and skills, and your experiences that make you a strong candidate.

Note: This is a general guide. Specific requirements may vary by institution, so research each school you’re interested in thoroughly.

3 Proven Tips to Get into Medical School

Medical school admissions are extremely competitive. So how can you increase your chances of getting accepted beyond simply meeting the baseline requirements? Here are the 3 key strategies to consider:

1. Show a well-rounded application

Think holistically about your experiences and attributes. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), medical schools use a holistic review process. This means they consider your entire application—not just your GPA and MCAT scores—to see how your academic achievements, life experiences, and personal qualities align with their mission and values.

For instance, a school might prioritize students with experience in rural healthcare, while another might favor applicants passionate about urban medicine.

2. Focus on quality experiences

Many schools emphasize quality over quantity when it comes to extracurricular activities. They’re not necessarily looking for a specific number of clinical hours, but rather for experiences that show meaningful exposure to the medical field.

As Princeton University’s Office of Health Professions Advising suggests, prioritize activities that offer valuable lessons relevant to your career goals rather than simply racking up unrelated hours.

3. Go the extra mile

While some requirements may not be mandatory across all schools, exceeding them can give your application a significant edge. The AAMC reports that 37% of medical schools require research experience, and some might request the CASPer test.

From the Desk of Yocket

The process of getting into medical school is undeniably rigorous. It requires sustained dedication, strong academic performance, and a strategic approach. The heavy emphasis on academics, including GPA and MCAT scores, creates a baseline of competence in science and critical thinking. These skills are fundamental to solving complex medical problems and making sound decisions that impact patient lives.

However, the application process goes beyond pure academic excellence. It digs deep into an applicant’s character and suitability for the demanding medical profession. Through extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and shadowing experiences, medical schools gauge an applicant’s passion for medicine, ability to connect with patients, and commitment to service. These experiences also show an applicant’s resilience and capacity to face the challenges inherent in a medical career.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the academic requirements for getting into medical school?

Medical schools look for strong academic performance, typically with a 3.6 or higher GPA and a good score on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).

When should I apply to medical school?

Research the application deadlines for your target schools. Typically, applications open in spring/summer for fall enrollment the following year.

What kind of experience should I have for medical school applications?

Look for experiences that show your passion for medicine, well-roundedness, and commitment to service. This could include volunteering in healthcare, research experience, or leadership roles. Shadowing doctors is another great way to gain firsthand experience.