Top 15 Medical Schools: Acceptance Rates & Class Profiles

An overview of the demographics, class sizes, average test scores/GPAs, acceptance rates, and more of the top 15 medical schools in the US to help you decide which program is the best fit for you.

Posted May 10, 2024

Table of Contents

If you’re considering applying to medical schools, understanding the acceptance rates and class profiles of the top 15 programs will help you make an informed decision about where to apply and what to expect. In this article, we'll take a closer look at these data, including information on average GPA and MCAT scores, diversity statistics, and more. Whether you're just starting your medical school search or are in the middle of the application process, this can help you better understand the competitive landscape and make the best choice for your future.

This article focuses on the schools most often ranked in the top 15 overall and more specifically, for research. However, keep in mind that the program that’s the best fit for you will depend on your individual circumstances and a variety of factors, such as location, cost, program specialty, school resources, and more. Medical schools are highly competitive and have stringent admissions requirements; this information will give you a better idea of what your chances are for these specific programs.

Acceptance Rates of the Top 15 Medical Schools

Medical SchoolAcceptance Rate
Harvard Medical School3.3%
NYU Grossman School of Medicine~2.1%
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine4.5%
University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine3.8%
Columbia Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons3.6%
Stanford School of Medicine~1.4%
UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine2.4%
Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis7.5%
Yale School of Medicine4.7%
UCSF School of Medicine2.6%
Duke School of Medicine~4%
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine3.5%
University of Michigan Medical School5.6%
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine4.2%
University of Washington School of Medicine4.5%
University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine~1.46%

1. Harvard Medical School

Class Profile (2026)

  • Women: 56%
  • Underrepresented in Medicine: 20%
  • Science Majors: 67%
  • Average GPA: 3.9
  • Average MCAT Score: 520.06
    • BBFL: 130.28
    • CARS: 128.85
    • CPBS: 130.15
    • PSBB: 130.78
  • Average Debt at Graduation: $108,382 (2022)
  • Receive Financial Aid: 75%
  • Average Annual Scholarship: $52,086

Acceptance Rate (2022): 3.3%

  • Number of Applicants: 6914
  • Number of Interviews: 857 (12.4%)
  • Class Size: 164

What is HMS Known For?

  • Research
  • Cancer (Dana-Farber Institute)
  • Diabetes (Joslin Center)
  • Beth Israel Deaconess Teaching Hospital
  • Primary Care

2. New York University Grossman School of Medicine

Class Profile (2026)

  • Women: 56%
  • Underrepresented Minorities: 23%
  • In-State Residents: 15%
  • Median GPA: 3.96
  • Median MCAT Score: 522

Acceptance Rate (2022): ~2.1%

  • Number of Applicants: 8,361
  • Number of Interviews: 1,037 (12.4%)
  • Class Size: 102

What is Grossman Known For?

  • Research
  • Primary Care
  • Accelerated 3-Year MD Program
  • Highly Subsidized (Up to Free Cost of Attendance)

3. Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Class Profile (2026)

  • Women: 54%
  • Underrepresented in Medicine: 10%
  • Average GPA: 3.94
  • Average MCAT Score: 521

Acceptance Rate (2022): 4.5%

  • Number of Applicants: 6,352
  • Number of Interviews: 576 (9%)
  • Class Size: 118

What is JHUSOM Known For?

  • Anesthesiology
  • Internal Medicine
  • Radiology
  • Obstetrics & Gynecology
  • Research
  • Pediatrics

4. University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine

Class Profile (2026)

  • Women: 52%
  • Black, Hispanic, Asian, or Native American Students: 62%
  • In-State Residents: 8%
  • Combined Degree (MD/PhD): 19%
  • Average Age: 24
  • Science Majors: 70%
  • Average GPA: 3.92
  • Average MCAT Score: 521.7
    • BBFL: 131.1
    • CARS: 129.3
    • CPBS: 130.7
    • PSBB: 130.6

Acceptance Rate (2022): 3.8%

  • Number of Applicants: Unknown
  • Class Size: 156

What is Perelman Known For?

  • Pediatrics
  • Research
  • Radiology
  • Internal Medicine
  • Obstetrics & Gynecology

5. Columbia Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons

Class Profile (2025)

  • Women: 49%
  • Underrepresented Minorities: 28%
  • First-Generation: 10%
  • MD/PhD Students: 10%
  • Median GPA: 3.93
  • Median MCAT Score: 521

Acceptance Rate (2021): 3.6%

  • Number of Applicants: 8,080
  • Number of Interviews: 852 (10.5%)
  • Class Size: 140

What is Columbia VP&S Known For?

  • Psychiatry
  • Obstetrics & Gynecology
  • Research
  • Internal Medicine
  • Anesthesiology
  • Surgery

Example Medical School Personal Statements

Read the personal statements that got applicants into schools like Harvard Medical School and the Stanford School of Medicine.

6. Stanford University School of Medicine

Class Profile (2024)

  • Women: 56%
  • Underrepresented in Medicine: 38%
  • First-Generation: 12%
  • LGBTQ+: 14%
  • International/DACA: 13%
  • Median GPA: 3.89
  • Median MCAT Score: 517
  • Full Scholarship Recipients: 37%

Acceptance Rate (2020): ~1.4%

  • Number of Applicants: 6800
  • Number of Interviews: 470 (6.9%)
  • Class Size: 90

What is SUSOM Known For?

  • Radiology
  • Surgery
  • Psychiatry
  • Anesthesiology
  • Internal Medicine
  • Pediatrics

6. University of California–Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine

Class Profile (2024)

  • Science Majors: 79%
  • Average GPA: 3.85
  • Average MCAT Score: 517

Acceptance Rate (2019): 2.4%

  • Number of Applicants: 13,101
  • Number of Interviews: 945 (7.2%)
  • Class Size: 181

What is David Geffen Known For?

  • Anesthesiology
  • Surgery
  • Pediatrics
  • Internal Medicine
  • Psychiatry

7. University of Washington School of Medicine in St. Louis

Class Profile (2026)

  • Women: 52%
  • Underrepresented Backgrounds: 41.9%
  • First-Generation: 4.8%
  • Age Range: 18-37
  • Average GPA: 3.86
  • Average MCAT Score: 520.2
  • Average Debt at Graduation: $107,412

Acceptance Rate (2022): 7.5%

  • Number of Applicants: Unknown
  • Class Size: 124

What is WUSM Known For?

  • Biomedical Research
  • Internal Medicine
  • Pediatrics
  • Women’s Health
  • Radiology

8. Yale University School of Medicine

Class Profile (2025)

  • Women: 50%
  • Underrepresented in Medicine: 28%
  • First-Generation: 13.5%
  • International: 7.8%
  • Median GPA: 3.9
  • Median MCAT Score: 520
  • Average Debt at Graduation: $122,944

Acceptance Rate (2021): 4.7%

  • Number of Applicants: 6,236
  • Class Size: 104

What is YSM Known For?

  • No Grades for the First Two Years
  • Biomedical Research
  • Primary Care
  • Psychiatry
  • Radiology

9. University of California–San Francisco School of Medicine

Class Profile (2026)

  • Women: 59%
  • Underrepresented in Medicine: 54%
  • First-Generation: 17%
  • California Residents: 71%
  • Average Age: 24
  • Median GPA: 3.87
  • Median MCAT Score: ~515

Acceptance Rate (2022): 2.6%

  • Number of Applicants: 9,090
  • Number of Interviews: 544 (5.98%)
  • Class Size: 167

What is UCSF School of Medicine Known For?

  • Internal Medicine
  • Obstetric & Gynecology
  • Primary care
  • Research
  • World-Renowned Faculty

10. Duke University School of Medicine

Class Profile (2026)

  • Women: 73%
  • Underrepresented Minorities: 30%
  • Median GPA: 3.86
  • Median MCAT Score: 519

Acceptance Rate (2022): ~4%

  • Number of Applicants: 4,798
  • Number of Interviews: 541 (11.3%)
  • Class Size: 105

What is Duke School of Medicine Known For?

  • Research
  • Anesthesiology
  • Surgery
  • Internal Medicine
  • Radiology

11. University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Class Profile (2026)

  • Women: 65%
  • Underrepresented Minorities: 14%
  • Average Age: 24
  • In-State Residents: 27%
  • Science/Math Majors: 59%
  • Median GPA: 3.88
  • Median MCAT Score: 517

Acceptance Rate (2022): 3.5%

  • Number of Applicants: 8,393
  • Number of Interviews: 931 (11.1%)
  • Class Size: 153

What is Pitt Med Known For?

  • Primary Care
  • Research
  • Psychiatry
  • Surgery
  • Public Health

12. University of Michigan Medical School

Class Profile (2026)

  • Women: 58.3%
  • Underrepresented in Medicine (AMCAS): 15.5%
  • LGBTQIA+: 20.8%
  • First-Generation: 10.7%
  • In-State Residents: 42.9%
  • Straight from Undergrad: 10%
  • Average Age: 24.7
  • STEM Majors: 65.5%
  • Average GPA: 3.80
  • Average MCAT Score Percentile: 91.12%
  • Students Receiving Financial Aid: 78%

Acceptance Rate (2022): 5.6%

  • Number of Applicants: 9,385
  • Number of Interviews: 408 (4.3%)
  • Class Size: 168

What is UMich Medical School Known For?

  • Obstetrics & Gynecology
  • Surgery
  • Anesthesiology
  • Internal Medicine
  • Biomedical Engineering

13. Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine

Class Profile (2026)

  • Women: 53%
  • Underrepresented in Medicine: 30%
  • Median GPA: 3.94
  • Median MCAT Score: 521 (98th percentile)

Acceptance Rate (2022): 4.2%

  • Number of Applicants: 4,681
  • Number of Interviews: 726 (15.5%)
  • Class Size: 50 (Arizona campus); 55 (Minnesota campus)

What is MCASOM Known For?

  • Multiple Campuses
  • Anesthesiology
  • Research
  • Small Class Sizes
  • Lots of Clinical Opportunities

14. University of Washington School of Medicine

Class Profile (2026)

  • Women: Unknown
  • Underrepresented in Medicine: 17%
  • Disadvantaged (Self-Designated): 21%
  • Military: 3.3%
  • Average Range: 21-37
  • Average GPA: 3.68 (2021)
  • Average MCAT Score: 510 (2021)

Acceptance Rate (2022): 4.5%

  • Number of Applicants: 7,632
  • Number of Interviews: 774 (10.1%)
  • Class Size: 270

What is UW School of Medicine Known For?

  • Primary Care
  • Family Medicine
  • Pediatrics
  • Research
  • Most Graduates Practicing in Rural/Underserved Areas

15. University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine

Class Profile (2026)

  • Women: ~52%
  • Underrepresented in Medicine: 35%
  • International: 3%
  • Out-of-State: 78%
  • Cumulative GPA Range: 3.3-4.0
  • MCAT Score Percentile Range: 68th-100th

Acceptance Rate (2022): ~1.46%

  • Number of Applicants: Unknown
  • Class Size (MD): 80
  • Class Size (MD/PhD): 9

What is Pritzker Known For?

  • Primary Care
  • Research
  • Small Class Size
  • Opportunities for Interdisciplinary Study
  • Pass/Fail Curriculum

Get Into Med School With the Help of an Expert

These numbers give a good rough estimate of the class profiles and application cutoffs. However, these numbers change every application cycle; so, while they can provide an idea of what it takes to be admitted, there is no guarantee. Typically, GPA and MCAT scores matter more for medical school than for other graduate programs, because it’s so academically rigorous. Put together the best application you can, and give yourself the best chance for success.

The best way to get your application in tip-top shape is to work one-on-one with an expert med school admissions coach. Below are a few of our highest-rated coaches; browse all of them here.

Read these next:

Browse hundreds of expert coaches

Leland coaches have helped thousands of people achieve their goals. A dedicated mentor can make all the difference.

Browse Related Articles

 
Sign in
Inbox
Free events