Introduction
Since most applications are rejected, getting into any medical school is a feat. It seems reasonable that a high-achieving premed who has worked hard to get good grades, prepare for the MCAT, and participate in extracurriculars would want to attend the top medical school. Many see a top medical school admission as the ultimate recognition of their efforts and hard work.
The battle for the few available spots in the premier medical schools is understandable given their difficulty. Many Nobel Laureates, CEOs, and medical research pioneers are alumni of top medical institutions.
Famous premeds have been denied from prominent med schools. What more is needed beyond good grades and test scores to get in?
This list of the top 10 medical schools, according to the 2023 U.S. News & World Report research rankings, includes admission data to help you understand the admissions process. We’ll also reveal high-yield tactics to help you stand out while applying to increase your chances of acceptance.
To get into top-10 medical schools
Strategy 1: Get good numbers and a distinctive extracurricular profile.
To pass admissions committees’ initial barrier, your numbers should be near to the average GPA and MCAT scores of the institutions you’re applying to. For safety, a 3.9+ GPA and 520+ MCAT score will make you competitive at the top 10 medical schools.
Top medical schools want to verify that you’ve done all of the extracurriculars most programs need. To distinguish out, choose one or two extracurricular activities you like and excel at. To stand out, write about “that guy who spearheaded multiple impactful projects aimed at helping Latino youth” or “that gal who volunteers at the nursing home and conducts Alzheimer’s research.”
How to Choose Medical School Extracurricular Activities
Second strategy: Schedule secondary essays.
After completing your AMCAS application and writing a personal statement that reflects your essence, some (if not all) institutions will encourage you to submit secondary applications. Each application requires more specialized essays for the school’s curriculum. You may be asked on diversity, difficulty, or the all-encompassing “Why us?” essay. Another prompt may demand more creativity.
Apply to 15–25 medical schools, or 5–10 more if you can, for the highest odds of acceptance. If you get secondary applications from all or most of those institutions, you’ll spend a lot of time writing and editing.
Each institution has a different amount of secondary essay questions, so organize your time accordingly. This helps you keep on topic and write the self-portrait you want adcoms to view.
You choose how to tackle this job. Do you want to start with school prompts with more or fewer essays? Maybe you might start with word count essays. No matter how you tackle the essays, you need a strategy.
Strategy 3: Read each medical school’s goal statement and apply accordingly.
Most top medical schools are considered “one and the same,” but you must still demonstrate how your experiences and interests suit the curriculum. Read each school’s website and talk to existing students to discover what each program values.
Students sometimes think they can impress admissions committees by praising a school’s offers, location, or reputation. Schools know what they give! Instead, talk about your history and why the school might suit you.
Good news: secondary essays and interview replies will provide you several chances to achieve this.
Strategy 4: Prepare for interviews.
After sending your secondary applications, you may be tempted to wait for a response. However, this wastes interview preparation time and is a losing technique.
Successful medical school interviews demand different communication skills than essay writing. You show your mannerisms, personability, and thoughtfulness in real time. To avoid surprises, rehearse answering typical inquiries.
Preparing for the right interview style is crucial. Will you have an MMI or standard interview? Being prepared for any circumstance can help you impress adcoms.
Research what interview day is like at the colleges you apply to. What’s today’s schedule? Will you meet other students and ask questions? Interview day is more than simply a Q&A with faculty—you’ll be on exhibit.
Frequently asked questions
Medical school: which university is best?
It’s normal for ambitious students to wonder which medical school is best. Harvard Medical School’s top rating may seem like the solution, but it’s more complicated.
Your circumstances, ambitions, interests, and cost of attending will determine the ideal medical school. Johns Hopkins or Weill Cornell may have a research program that interests you, or Stanford may have a facility that no other top 10 institution has. Even if it’s not in the top 10, a school that serves rural or poor communities may be ideal for you.
Remember cost. Medical school is costly, so you may need to weigh cost and quality. This may simply come down to choosing to study in-state rather than out-of-state.
Remember, although you should always strive to be your best, any of these medical schools will provide you a world-class education.
Matter which medical school you attend?
We sometimes encounter students who claim they’ll attend any medical school and wonder whether it matters. Why aim lower if you have the numbers, drive, and skill to get into a top school?
Though just 43% of candidates matriculated in 2023, medical school admission is remarkable. Acceptance may not be the best option for your scenario. Attend a top MD-PhD program if you want to be a medical scientist. Attending a school with links to a community you want to serve is smart. If you want to practice a specialization, a school with high match rates is helpful.
Which state has top medical schools?
According to our report, New York has the most top-10 medical schools, followed by California. All Massachusetts schools are highly regarded, but only Harvard Medical School in the top 10. Same for Maryland’s three medical schools.
Some states have better medical schools, but that doesn’t guarantee they’re the best. Institutions’ strengths and weaknesses vary throughout the US based on geography, population, historical reputation, financing, and expertise.