List of Medical Schools in the U.S. and Their Admission Requirements (2025 Guide)

Getting into medical school in the United States is no easy task. With highly competitive admissions, rigorous prerequisites, and varied institutional expectations, applicants need to be well-prepared and informed before applying.

This article provides a comprehensive list of medical schools in the U.S. and their requirements, covering top-ranked institutions as well as public and private programs across different states. We’ll highlight essential admission criteria like MCAT scores, GPA cutoffs, coursework prerequisites, letters of recommendation, and application deadlines for 2025.

Whether you’re a U.S.-based pre-med student or an international applicant, this guide will help you map your path toward a successful application.

Overview of Medical School Admission in the U.S.

Medical schools in the U.S. award either an MD (Doctor of Medicine) or DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) degree. Admission to either program is highly selective and typically requires:

• A strong undergraduate academic record (especially in science)

• A competitive MCAT score

• Research, clinical, and volunteer experience

• Letters of recommendation

• Personal statement and interviews

More than 150 accredited medical schools exist in the U.S., with over 50,000 students applying each year for roughly 22,000 seats. Knowing the requirements of each school helps applicants create a realistic and strategic application list.

General Requirements for U.S. Medical Schools

Though individual requirements vary, most U.S. medical schools expect the following:

Academic Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree (or in progress)

• GPA: typically 3.5 or higher for competitive schools

• MCAT score: average accepted range is 510–520 (out of 528)

Prerequisite Coursework (Typical Minimum):

• 1 year of General Biology (with lab)

• 1 year of General Chemistry (with lab)

• 1 year of Organic Chemistry (with lab)

• 1 year of Physics (with lab)

• 1 semester of Biochemistry

• 1 year of English or writing-intensive courses

• 1 semester of Math or Statistics

Additional Requirements:

• Clinical shadowing or healthcare exposure

• Research experience (preferred at top schools)

• Community service and extracurricular involvement

• Strong letters of recommendation (2–5)

• CASPer test (required by some schools)

Top 20 Medical Schools in the U.S. and Their 2025 Requirements

Here is a list of the top 20 medical schools in the U.S. along with a summary of their key requirements for 2025 applicants:

Public Medical Schools by State and Key Requirements

Many public universities prioritize in-state applicants, making them more accessible and affordable for residents.

Sample Public Schools and Requirements

• University of Texas Southwestern

  • GPA: 3.8+, MCAT: 514+

  • Must apply via TMDSAS

• University of Florida College of Medicine

  • GPA: 3.7, MCAT: 514

  • Must be Florida resident to be competitive

• Ohio State University College of Medicine

  • GPA: 3.8, MCAT: 516

  • Clinical exposure required

• University of Washington School of Medicine

  • Priority to WWAMI (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, Idaho) residents

Private Medical Schools and Their Admission Policies

Private med schools have national reach and are not bound by state residency quotas. Examples:

• Tufts University

  • Emphasizes community service

• Georgetown University

  • Catholic affiliation, diverse patient care

• Drexel University

  • Accepts large class sizes, MCAT average ~511

These schools often consider personal narrative and mission-fit more than stats alone.

Special Programs: BS/MD, DO Schools, and Accelerated Tracks

BS/MD Programs

• Offered by schools like Brown PLME, Baylor, Case Western

• Students apply out of high school for a direct path to MD

• Very competitive; MCAT sometimes optional

DO Schools (Doctor of Osteopathy)

• Similar curriculum to MD, with focus on holistic and musculoskeletal health

• Examples: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM), A.T. Still University

Accelerated Programs (3-Year MD)

• NYU and Texas Tech offer fast-track MD degrees

• Intended for students committed to specific specialties

Application Process: AMCAS, AACOMAS, and TMDSAS

Key Dates for 2025 Entry:

• Application opens: May 2024

• Submission begins: June 2024

• Secondaries sent: July–August

• Interviews: September–March

• Decision notifications: October–April

Tips for Meeting U.S. Medical School Requirements

• Start early – Build your application profile from sophomore year of undergrad.

• Ace the MCAT – Consider 3–6 months of prep.

• Shadow physicians – Especially in multiple specialties.

• Volunteer – Show commitment to underserved communities.

• Research – Even basic science labs count.

• Request letters early – From science professors and clinical supervisors.

• Polish your personal statement – Tell a compelling story.

FAQs

1. Do all U.S. medical schools require the MCAT?

Yes, except for a few BS/MD programs that waive the MCAT under specific agreements.

2. Can international students apply to U.S. medical schools?

Yes, but only about 40–50 schools consider international students, and financial aid is limited.

3. What is a good MCAT score for top-tier schools?

Generally, a score of 518–522 places you in the competitive range for elite institutions.

4. How many schools should I apply to?

Most applicants apply to 15–25 schools, mixing reach, target, and safety options.

5. Do I need clinical experience before applying?

Yes. You should have at least 100–150 hours of shadowing, scribing, or hospital volunteering.

Conclusion

Applying to medical school in the U.S. is a demanding journey, but understanding the list of medical schools in the U.S. and their requirements can give you a strategic advantage. Whether you aim for an Ivy League institution or a public in-state program, knowing what each school values helps tailor your application for success.

Be realistic, build your profile early, and apply broadly to maximize your chances. The path to medicine is tough, but with preparation and determination, it’s achievable.