Medical school admissions is highly competitive. Understanding national averages helps you gauge where you stand, but remember — schools use holistic review. Your experiences, personal statement, and interview matter just as much as your numbers.

How to Choose the Right Medical School

Beyond rankings, these factors should guide your school selection.

Consider Your Residency

Many public schools accept 80-90% in-state students. Your state of residence significantly impacts your chances. Applying to your state schools first is almost always the right move.

Know the Application Systems

Most schools use AMCAS, but Texas has TMDSAS and DO schools use AACOMAS. Each system has different timelines and requirements. Plan accordingly.

Research vs. Primary Care

School missions vary dramatically. Some emphasize cutting-edge research, others focus on training primary care physicians for underserved communities. Your fit with the mission matters.

Look Beyond Rankings

Curriculum style, clinical rotation sites, match rates into your target specialty, student support, and location all impact your medical school experience more than a ranking number.

Search All Medical Schools

1–30 of 160

Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine at the University of South Alabama

📍 Mobile, AL

Public

Acceptance

5.5%

University of Alabama at Birmingham Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine

📍 Birmingham, AL

Alice L. Walton School of Medicine

📍 Bentonville, AR

Private

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine

📍 Little Rock, AR

University of Arizona College of Medicine

📍 Tucson, AZ

University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix

📍 Phoenix, AZ

Public

Acceptance

2.3%

California Northstate University College of Medicine

📍 Elk Grove, CA

Private

Acceptance

3.2%

California University of Science and Medicine-School of Medicine

📍 Colton, CA

Private

Acceptance

2.9%

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science College of Medicine

📍 Los Angeles, CA

Private

Acceptance

1.4%

Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine

📍 Pasadena, CA

Private

Acceptance

0.7%

Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California

📍 Los Angeles, CA

Loma Linda University School of Medicine

📍 Loma Linda, CA

Stanford University School of Medicine

📍 Stanford, CA

University of California, Davis, School of Medicine

📍 Sacramento, CA

Public

Acceptance

1.8%

University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine

📍 Irvine, CA

University of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine

📍 Los Angeles, CA

University of California, Riverside School of Medicine

📍 Riverside, CA

Public

Acceptance

1.3%

University of California, San Diego School of Medicine

📍 La Jolla, CA

University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine

📍 San Francisco, CA

University of Colorado School of Medicine

📍 Aurora, CO

Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University

📍 Hamden, CT

Private

Acceptance

1.3%

University of Connecticut School of Medicine

📍 Farmington, CT

Yale School of Medicine

📍 New Haven, CT

Georgetown University School of Medicine

📍 Washington, DC

George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences

📍 Washington, DC

Howard University College of Medicine

📍 Washington, DC

Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University

📍 Boca Raton, FL

Public

Acceptance

1.9%

Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine

📍 Miami, FL

Public

Acceptance

2.0%

Florida State University College of Medicine

📍 Tallahassee, FL

Public

Acceptance

1.9%

Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine

📍 Davie, FL

Private

Acceptance

1.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

How many medical schools are in the United States?

There are 160 medical schools in the United States across 46 states and territories, including 94 public and 66 private institutions.

What GPA do I need for medical school?

The national average GPA for accepted medical students is approximately 3.88. However, medical schools use holistic review, so a strong MCAT score, research experience, clinical hours, and compelling personal statements can compensate for a lower GPA.

What's a good MCAT score for medical school?

The national average MCAT for accepted students is approximately 514. Scores of 510+ are competitive at most schools, while top-tier programs often see medians of 518+. The MCAT is scored on a scale of 472-528.

How many medical schools should I apply to?

Most advisors recommend applying to 15-25 medical schools, including a mix of reach schools, target schools, and safety schools. The exact number depends on your stats, state residency, and budget for application fees.

What's the difference between MD and DO?

MD (Doctor of Medicine) and DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) are both fully licensed physicians. DO programs include additional training in osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM). Both can practice in all specialties, prescribe medications, and perform surgery. DO programs sometimes emphasize primary care and holistic approaches.

Does state residency matter for medical school admissions?

Yes, significantly. Many public medical schools give strong preference to in-state applicants, with some accepting 80-90% of their class from in-state. This is especially true in Texas (TMDSAS system) and California. Private schools generally do not have in-state preference.