The Most Difficult Medical School to Get into, Ranked

Choose the medical school you think is the most difficult!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 26, 2024 06:25
Choosing the right medical school can be a daunting task, especially with so many prestigious institutions claiming to offer the best educational experiences. Knowing which schools are the hardest to get into can help prospective students gauge the competitiveness of their applications and set realistic goals. This live ranking system allows potential medical students and academic enthusiasts to cast their votes on which medical schools they believe are the most difficult to gain admission to. By participating, users contribute to a clearer picture of the admissions landscape, aiding future applicants in their preparation and research.

What Is the Most Difficult Medical School to Get into?

  1. 1
    33
    votes

    Harvard Medical School

    Harvard University
    Located in Boston, Massachusetts, Harvard Medical School is widely regarded as the most prestigious medical school in the world. It is also one of the most selective, with an acceptance rate of just 3.4% for the class of 2024.
    Harvard Medical School is a prestigious graduate program that offers advanced education and training in the field of medicine. It is known for its rigorous curriculum, cutting-edge research opportunities, and renowned faculty. Admission to Harvard Medical School is highly competitive and requires exceptional academic achievements, relevant experience in the medical field, and strong letters of recommendation.
    • Location: Boston, Massachusetts, United States
    • Year Founded: 1782
    • Programs Offered: Medical Doctor (MD), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Master's programs
    • Faculty: Over 12,000 faculty members
    • Research Opportunities: Extensive research programs in various medical specialties
  2. 2
    40
    votes
    Stanford University School of Medicine
    LPS.1 · CC0
    Stanford University School of Medicine is located in Stanford, California. It is known for its cutting-edge research and innovative medical education programs. The acceptance rate for the class of 2024 was just 2.3%.
    The Stanford University School of Medicine is a prestigious and highly competitive graduate program that focuses on training future physicians and advancing medical research. It is located in Stanford, California, and is part of Stanford University. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum and a wide range of research opportunities, attracting top-notch students from around the world.
    • Ranking: Consistently ranked among the top medical schools in the United States
    • Acceptance Rate: Approximately 2-3%
    • Program Duration: Four years
    • Degrees Offered: Doctor of Medicine (MD) and combined MD/PhD programs
    • Research Focus: Cutting-edge medical research and innovation
  3. 3
    14
    votes
    Johns Hopkins School of Medicine is located in Baltimore, Maryland. It is known for its excellence in research and medical education. The acceptance rate for the class of 2024 was just 3.9%.
    The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine is a prestigious medical school located in Baltimore, Maryland. It is renowned for its excellence in medical education, research, and patient care. The school prepares future physicians to become leaders in the field through its rigorous curriculum and extensive clinical training opportunities.
    • Established: 1893
    • Ranking: Consistently ranked among the top medical schools in the United States
    • Admission: Highly competitive with a low acceptance rate
    • Curriculum: Comprehensive and integrated approach to medical education
    • Research: Promotes groundbreaking research in various medical disciplines
  4. 4
    24
    votes
    Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons is located in New York City. It is known for its rigorous curriculum and focus on patient-centered care. The acceptance rate for the class of 2024 was just 3.7%.
    The Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons is a prestigious medical school located in New York City. It is affiliated with the renowned Columbia University and is widely recognized for its rigorous academic curriculum and commitment to excellence in medical education.
    • Location: New York City, New York, USA
    • Year of Establishment: 1767
    • Type of School: Private
    • Degree Offered: Doctor of Medicine (MD)
    • Program Length: 4 years
  5. 5
    13
    votes

    Yale School of Medicine

    Yale University
    Yale School of Medicine is located in New Haven, Connecticut. It is known for its strong research programs and commitment to community service. The acceptance rate for the class of 2024 was just 4.6%.
    The Yale School of Medicine is a prestigious medical school located in New Haven, Connecticut, United States. It is one of the top medical schools in the country, known for its rigorous academic program and commitment to excellence in medical education, research, and clinical practice. The school is affiliated with Yale New Haven Hospital, one of the leading teaching hospitals in the nation.
    • Acceptance Rate: Approximately 3-4%
    • Average MCAT Score: 521 (out of 528)
    • Average GPA: 3.91
    • Class Size: Approximately 100 students per year
    • Research Opportunities: Extensive research opportunities in various specialties
  6. 6
    10
    votes
    Duke University School of Medicine
    self · Public domain
    Duke University School of Medicine is located in Durham, North Carolina. It is known for its innovative research programs and commitment to diversity and inclusion. The acceptance rate for the class of 2024 was just 2.9%.
    Duke University School of Medicine is a prestigious medical school located in Durham, North Carolina. It is renowned for its rigorous academic program and is consistently ranked as one of the top medical schools in the United States. The school was established in 1930 and has since then maintained a strong commitment to research, education, and patient care.
    • Location: Durham, North Carolina
    • Established: 1930
    • Ranking: Consistently ranked among top medical schools in the U.S.
    • Commitment: Strong focus on research, education, and patient care
    • Program: Rigorous academic curriculum
  7. 7
    4
    votes
    The University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine is located in San Francisco, California. It is known for its focus on primary care and public health. The acceptance rate for the class of 2024 was just 2.2%.
    The University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine (UCSF) is a prestigious medical school located in San Francisco, California. It is considered one of the most difficult medical schools to get into due to its highly competitive admission process and rigorous academic standards. UCSF is known for its emphasis on biomedical research and clinical training, and is consistently ranked among the top medical schools in the United States.
    • Location: San Francisco, California
    • Admission competitiveness: High
    • Academic standards: Rigorous
    • Focus on research: Biomedical research
    • Clinical training: Extensive
  8. 8
    6
    votes
    Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
    Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain
    Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is known for its excellence in research and medical education. The acceptance rate for the class of 2024 was just 3.3%.
    The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania is a prestigious medical school located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is one of the oldest medical schools in the United States and is renowned for its rigorous curriculum and cutting-edge research programs. The school is committed to training future physicians who are compassionate, innovative, and skilled in delivering patient care.
    • Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
    • Year Founded: 1765
    • Ranking: Consistently ranked among the top medical schools in the United States
    • Admissions Selectivity: Highly competitive with a low acceptance rate
    • Research Opportunities: Extensive research opportunities and collaboration with renowned faculty
  9. 9
    9
    votes
    University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine is located in Chicago, Illinois. It is known for its strong research programs and commitment to social justice. The acceptance rate for the class of 2024 was just 4.8%.
    The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine is a prestigious medical school located in Chicago, Illinois, United States. It is one of the most competitive and challenging medical schools to gain admission to.
    • Year Established: 1927
    • Ranking: Consistently ranked among top medical schools in the U.S.
    • Admission Rate: Extremely low acceptance rate, typically less than 3%
    • Curriculum: Emphasizes a rigorous scientific foundation combined with early patient exposure
    • Research Opportunities: Strong focus on research with numerous opportunities for students
  10. 10
    2
    votes
    Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine is located in Rochester, Minnesota. It is known for its focus on patient-centered care and innovative medical education programs. The acceptance rate for the class of 2024 was just 2.1%.
    The Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine is a highly prestigious medical school located in Rochester, Minnesota. It is renowned for its rigorous academic curriculum, exceptional clinical training, and commitment to advancing medical research and patient care.
    • Year Established: 1972
    • Admission Rate: 2.1%
    • Program Length: 4 years
    • Class Size: Around 50 students per year
    • Teaching Hospitals: Mayo Clinic Hospital, Saint Marys Hospital, Rochester Methodist Hospital

Missing your favorite medical school?

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Ranking factors for difficult medical school

  1. Acceptance rate
    Lower acceptance rates indicate higher selectivity and tougher competition among applicants. Medical schools receiving a high volume of applications while accepting only a small portion of those applicants are considered more difficult to get into.
  2. Average GPA and MCAT scores of accepted applicants
    Comparing the average GPA (Grade Point Average) and MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) scores can provide insight into the academic performance expected by the medical schools. Higher average GPA and MCAT scores represent more competitive schools.
  3. Reputation and ranking
    The reputation and ranking of medical schools can be important factors when considering admission difficulty. Highly ranked medical schools tend to be more selective in their admissions process and may have more stringent application requirements.
  4. Prerequisite coursework
    Some medical schools may have more rigorous prerequisites, which could include specific courses or higher minimum GPA requirements for certain courses. This can affect the pool of qualified applicants and contribute to a school's difficulty level.
  5. Extracurricular requirements
    Medical schools may also assess applicants based on extracurricular activities, such as research experience, volunteer work, or other relevant experiences. Schools that place a high emphasis on these qualifications may be more difficult to gain admission into, as applicants will need to demonstrate a well-rounded and accomplished background.
  6. Interviews
    The interview process can vary greatly among medical schools, with some institutions placing more weight on the interview than others. Schools with more rigorous and competitive interview processes can be more difficult to gain admission into.
  7. In-state vs. out-of-state applicants
    Some medical schools may prioritize in-state applicants or have reserved spots for in-state applicants only, making it more difficult for out-of-state candidates to secure a place.
  8. Application deadlines and processes
    Schools with earlier deadlines or more complex application processes may have a smaller applicant pool, potentially making them more challenging to get into.
  9. Size of the entering class
    Medical schools with smaller class sizes can be more selective in their admissions process, making it harder for applicants to secure a spot.
  10. Financial factors
    The availability of financial aid, scholarships, and the overall cost of attendance can also influence the competitiveness of a medical school, as applicants may choose to apply to or attend more affordable institutions.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most difficult medical school to get into. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or school is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1833 views
  • 155 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each school once every 24 hours. The rank of each school is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most difficult medical school to get into

Medical school is one of the most challenging and demanding areas of study in the academic world. Getting accepted into a medical school is an impressive feat, as it requires exceptional academic achievements, relevant experience, and a strong passion for the medical profession. However, some medical schools are notoriously difficult to get into, with acceptance rates as low as 2%. These medical schools demand rigorous academic standards, an impressive resume, and outstanding interviews to secure a spot. In this article, we will explore some of the most challenging medical schools to get into and the factors that contribute to their exclusivity.

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