If you're planning to become a doctor, choosing the right undergraduate school is one of the first major decisions you'll make. Many students search for the best pre-med schools, but it's important to understand that pre-med isn't a college major. It's an academic track that combines the prerequisites, advising, and experiences needed to prepare you for medical school.
That means you can major in biology, biochemistry, psychology, or almost any other subject while completing your pre-med requirements. What matters more is choosing a college that gives you the academic foundation, research opportunities, clinical exposure, and support you need for a competitive med school application.
Ideally, you should start researching colleges by your sophomore year of high school so you have plenty of time to build a balanced school list before applying as a senior. The best pre-med schools offer dedicated advising, research and clinical opportunities, physician shadowing, and an environment where students can earn a competitive GPA while preparing for the MCAT.
Whether you're considering an Ivy League university or a top public research institution, here are some of the best pre-med schools in the United States and what makes each one stand out.
Get the pre-med guidance you need with 24/7 access to a physician with admissions experience.
1. Harvard University
- Location: Cambridge, MA
- Acceptance rate: 4%
- Average ACT score: 34-36
- Average SAT score: 1510-1580
- Application deadline: Jan. 1
- Application fee: $90
- Tuition: $76,421
- Acceptance Rate for Undergrads/Alumni Applying to Medical School: N/A
Harvard offers extensive pre-med support through dedicated advising and mentorship that guide students from early coursework through the medical school application process. The university’s exceptional life sciences programs and access to world-class research opportunities give future physicians a strong academic foundation.
Located near Boston’s renowned medical community, Harvard students have opportunities for clinical experience, volunteering, and research at leading hospitals and medical centers. Its connections to Harvard Medical School and the surrounding healthcare ecosystem make it one of the most competitive environments for aspiring physicians.
2. Johns Hopkins University
- Location: Baltimore, MD
- Acceptance rate: 6%
- Average ACT score: 34-36
- Average SAT score: 1520-1570
- Application deadline: Jan. 2
- Application fee: $70
- Tuition: $68,878
- Acceptance Rate for Undergrads/Alumni Applying to Medical School: 85%
Johns Hopkins is one of the most recognized names in medicine, giving pre-med students direct access to a university built around research and innovation. Undergraduates have opportunities to participate in faculty-led research, gain clinical experience, and explore fields like neuroscience, biomedical engineering, and global health.
The university’s connection to Johns Hopkins Medicine allows students to learn alongside one of the world’s leading academic medical institutions. Its dedicated pre-professional advising program also helps students plan coursework and pursue meaningful extracurricular activities.
3. Duke University
- Location: Durham, NC
- Acceptance rate: 6%
- Average ACT score: 34-35
- Average SAT score: 1500-1570
- Application deadline: Jan. 4
- Application fee: $85
- Tuition: $73,740
- Acceptance Rate for Undergrads/Alumni Applying to Medical School: N/A
Duke offers pre-med students access to research, clinical, and health-focused opportunities through its connection to Duke Health and the Duke University School of Medicine. Students can explore areas like global health, neuroscience, and biomedical innovation while gaining hands-on experience outside of the classroom.
Duke’s flexible curriculum allows future physicians to combine science coursework with interests in ethics, policy, engineering, or other disciplines. Its strong advising resources help students develop a well-rounded medical school application beyond academics alone.
4. Stanford University
- Location: Stanford, CA
- Acceptance rate: 4%
- Average ACT score: 34-35
- Average SAT score: 1510-1580
- Application deadline: Jan. 5
- Application fee: $100
- Tuition: $67,731
- Acceptance Rate for Undergrads/Alumni Applying to Medical School: N/A
Stanford offers pre-med students the opportunity to explore medicine from the perspective of science, technology, and innovation. Located in Silicon Valley, the school provides access to groundbreaking research in areas like biotechnology, artificial intelligence, biomedical engineering, and digital health.
Through connections with Stanford Medicine, undergraduates can pursue research and clinical experiences while learning from leaders in the healthcare space. Stanford’s flexible academic environment also allows students to combine traditional pre-med coursework with their interest areas.
5. University of Pennsylvania
- Location: Philadelphia, PA
- Acceptance rate: 5%
- Average ACT score: 34-36
- Average SAT score: 1510-1570
- Application deadline: Jan. 5
- Application fee: $75
- Tuition: $65,670
- Acceptance Rate for Undergrads/Alumni Applying to Medical School: 75%
The University of Pennsylvania gives pre-med students the advantages of an Ivy League education combined with access to one of the country’s leading academic medical centers, Penn Medicine. Undergraduates can participate in research, clinical experiences, and healthcare initiatives connected to the Perelman School of Medicine.
UPenn’s approach allows students to explore medicine alongside fields such as bioethics, healthcare policy, neuroscience, business, and global health. Its dedicated pre-health advising program helps students plan coursework and build meaningful experiences.
6. Rice University
- Location: Houston, TX
- Acceptance rate: 8%
- Average ACT score: 34-35
- Average SAT score: 1510-1570
- Application deadline: Jan. 4
- Application fee: $75
- Tuition: $71,140
- Acceptance Rate for Undergrads/Alumni Applying to Medical School: N/A
Rice offers excellent preparation for future physicians through strong science programs, undergraduate research opportunities, and access to Houston’s healthcare system. Its location near the Texas Medical Center gives students opportunities for clinical experiences, research, and mentorship with leading healthcare institutions.
Like most universities, Rice allows students to pursue any major while completing medical school prerequisites. Rice’s collaborative environment and small class sizes also help students build strong relationships with faculty.
7. Emory University
- Location: Atlanta, GA
- Acceptance rate: 10%
- Average ACT score: 32-35
- Average SAT score: 1470-1550
- Application deadline: Jan. 1
- Application fee: $75
- Tuition: $70,300
- Acceptance Rate for Undergrads/Alumni Applying to Medical School: 63%
Emory offers pre-med students direct access to a major healthcare hub through its connection to Emory Healthcare and Emory University School of Medicine. Students benefit from opportunities in clinical service, research, public health, and global medicine.
Located in Atlanta, Emory also offers unique exposure to healthcare challenges affecting diverse communities. Its strong advising programs help students navigate coursework, extracurricular planning, and the medical school application process.
8. Washington University – St. Louis
- Location: St. Louis, MO
- Acceptance rate: 12%
- Average ACT score: 33-35
- Average SAT score: 1500-1570
- Application deadline: Jan. 4
- Application fee: $75
- Tuition: $71,310
- Acceptance Rate for Undergrads/Alumni Applying to Medical School: N/A
Washington University in St. Louis offers pre-med students opportunities in biomedical research, clinical experiences, and healthcare innovation through its connection to WashU Medicine. Students can participate in undergraduate research across fields such as neuroscience, genetics, and cancer biology while receiving support through dedicated pre-health advising.
The university’s strong advising resources and collaborative academic environment help students develop the premed skills and experiences needed for their med school applications.
9. University of North Carolina — Chapel Hill
- Location: Chapel Hill, NC
- Acceptance rate: 15%
- Average ACT score: 28-34
- Average SAT score: 1390-1530
- Application deadline: Jan. 15
- Application fee: $85
- Tuition: $7,020 in-state, $47,472 out-of-state
- Acceptance Rate for Undergrads/Alumni Applying to Medical School: N/A
UNC-Chapel Hill is one of the nation’s strongest public universities for pre-med students. It offers excellent science programs, undergraduate research opportunities, and access to UNC Health and the UNC School of Medicine. Students can gain hands-on experience through clinical volunteering, research, and community service opportunities while preparing for medical school.
As a large public university, UNC also provides unique opportunities to explore healthcare through areas such as public health, community medicine, and health equity.
10. Yale University
- Location: New Haven, CT
- Acceptance rate: 4%
- Average ACT score: 33-35
- Average SAT score: 1470-1570
- Application deadline: Jan. 2
- Application fee: $80
- Tuition: $72,500
- Acceptance Rate for Undergrads/Alumni Applying to Medical School: N/A
As an Ivy League institution, Yale offers pre-med students a flexible, interdisciplinary approach to preparing for medical school. Students can major in any field while completing their prerequisites, with opportunities to explore medicine through the sciences, humanities, and social sciences.
Yale’s Office of Career Strategy provides dedicated pre-health advising, while access to Yale New Haven Hospital gives students opportunities for clinical experience, volunteering, and research.
11. Northwestern University
- Location: Evanston, IL
- Acceptance rate: 8%
- Average ACT score: 34-35
- Average SAT score: 1510-1570
- Application deadline: Jan. 4
- Application fee: $75
- Tuition: $69,375
- Acceptance Rate for Undergrads/Alumni Applying to Medical School: N/A
Northwestern University offers pre-med students access to extensive research and clinical opportunities through its connection to the Feinberg School of Medicine and Northwestern Medicine.
Located in Chicago, students can gain exposure to diverse healthcare settings while benefiting from strong advising and mentorship opportunities. The university’s smaller undergraduate population also allows students to build closer relationships with faculty and advisors.
12. University of Michigan
- Location: Ann Arbor, MI
- Acceptance rate: 16%
- Average ACT score: 31-34
- Average SAT score: 1360-1530
- Application deadline: Feb. 1
- Application fee: $75
- Tuition: $18,346 in-state, $63,962 out-of-state
- Acceptance Rate for Undergrads/Alumni Applying to Medical School: 58% for MD programs; 69% for DO programs
The University of Michigan provides a strong public university option for aspiring physicians, combining a large research environment with extensive healthcare resources. Students benefit from access to the University of Michigan Medical School, Michigan Medicine, undergraduate research opportunities, and a wide range of clinical experiences.
13. University of California – Berkley
- Location: Berkeley, CA
- Acceptance rate: 11%
- Average ACT score: N/A
- Average SAT score: N/A
- Application deadline: Nov. 30
- Application fee: $80
- Tuition: $18,134 in-state, $57,404 out-of-state
- Acceptance Rate for Undergrads/Alumni Applying to Medical School: Varies by applicant cohort (23.1% for 2025 first-time applicants)
UC Berkeley is known for its rigorous academics, world-class research, and strong programs in biology, public health, and related sciences. Pre-med students can take advantage of the university’s proximity to leading healthcare institutions in the Bay Area.
While Berkeley’s academic environment is challenging, students who thrive in its rigorous setting can build strong foundations for medical school applications. Note that Berkeley is test-free, meaning they don’t consider ACT/SAT scores as part of their application process.
14. Georgetown University
- Location: Washington, DC
- Acceptance rate: 13%
- Average ACT score: 31-35
- Average SAT score: 1390-1550
- Application deadline: Jan. 1
- Application fee: $80
- Tuition: $71,136
- Acceptance Rate for Undergrads/Alumni Applying to Medical School: 75-88% (including postbac students)
Georgetown University’s pre-med program benefits from its location in Washington, D.C., providing students with access to hospitals, research institutions, and public health organizations.
Through its strong advising and Jesuit emphasis on service, Georgetown encourages students to combine academic preparation with community engagement and patient-centered experiences. Its proximity to Georgetown University Medical Center also provides opportunities for students interested in healthcare and research.
15. Brown University
- Location: Providence, RI
- Acceptance rate: 5%
- Average ACT score: 34-35
- Average SAT score: 1510-1580
- Application deadline: Jan. 5
- Application fee: $80
- Tuition: $74,568
- Acceptance Rate for Undergrads/Alumni Applying to Medical School: 82%
Brown University stands out for its flexible Open Curriculum, which allows pre-med students to complete their science prerequisites while exploring interests beyond a traditional track. This can be especially valuable for students who want to combine medicine with fields such as public health, humanities, social sciences, or research.
Through access to Brown’s Warren Alpert Medical School, undergraduates can pursue research and clinical experiences while benefiting from close faculty mentorship. Brown also offers the Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME), an eight-year pathway that allows a small number of students to secure a place at the medical school after their undergrad.
Learn More: Pre-Med vs. BS/MD Quiz – Which Path Is Right for You?
16. Columbia University
- Location: New York, NY
- Acceptance rate: 4%
- Average ACT score: 34-35
- Average SAT score: 1510-1580
- Application deadline: Jan. 1
- Application fee: $85
- Tuition: $72,800
- Acceptance Rate for Undergrads/Alumni Applying to Medical School: N/A
Columbia University’s New York City location gives pre-med students access to major clinical and research opportunities through Columbia University Irving Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Students can pursue clinical experiences, research opportunities, and mentorship within a major medical system while benefiting from a liberal arts foundation.
17. Vanderbilt University
- Location: Nashville, TN
- Acceptance rate: 6%
- Average ACT score: 34-35
- Average SAT score: 1500-1570
- Application deadline: Jan. 1
- Application fee: $50
- Tuition: $69,822
- Acceptance Rate for Undergrads/Alumni Applying to Medical School: 78%
Vanderbilt University is known for its strong undergraduate pre-med support system and close connection to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Students benefit from opportunities to participate in biomedical research, clinical experiences, and mentorship within that environment.
Vanderbilt’s relatively small undergraduate population also allows students to build meaningful relationships with faculty and advisors while preparing their med school applications.
18. Cornell University
- Location: Ithaca, NY
- Acceptance rate: 8%
- Average ACT score: 33-35
- Average SAT score: 1500-1570
- Application deadline: Jan. 2
- Application fee: $85
- Tuition: $49,816 in-state, $73,946 out-of-state
- Acceptance Rate for Undergrads/Alumni Applying to Medical School: N/A
At Cornell University, students benefit from access to the school’s strategic partnerships, including opportunities connected to Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City. Cornell’s strong academic environment prepares students for the demands of medical school while encouraging exploration across disciplines.
19. Boston University
- Location: Boston, Massachusetts
- Acceptance rate: 11%
- Average ACT score: 32-34
- Average SAT score: 1420-1530
- Application deadline: Jan. 5
- Application fee: $80
- Tuition: $73,024
- Acceptance Rate for Undergrads/Alumni Applying to Medical School: N/A
Boston University offers pre-med students access to one of the country’s strongest healthcare hubs, with opportunities to gain clinical and research experience throughout the Boston area.
Through connections with Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, students engage with healthcare settings serving diverse populations. BU’s location provides exposure to both academic medicine and community-based healthcare.
20. University of Chicago
- Location: Chicago, IL
- Acceptance rate: 4%
- Average ACT score: 34-35
- Average SAT score: 1510-1580
- Application deadline: Jan. 4
- Application fee: $90
- Tuition: $75,960
- Acceptance Rate for Undergrads/Alumni Applying to Medical School: 91%
The University of Chicago is known for its rigorous academic environment and emphasis on inquiry-driven learning. Pre-med students benefit from access to world-class research opportunities, the UChicago Medicine system, and a curriculum that encourages analytical thinking.
The university’s strong focus on research can be especially valuable for students interested in physician-scientist pathways or academic medicine.
What to Consider When Choosing a Pre-Med Program
The right undergraduate school for you depends on your academic goals, learning style, interests, and the opportunities available. As you compare schools for pre-med, here are a few things to consider:
- Pre-health advising: A strong pre-med college should offer dedicated advisors who can help with course planning, finding research and clinical experiences, and navigating the medical school admissions process.
- Faculty-to-student ratio: Schools with smaller classes or opportunities for faculty interaction can make it easier for professors to know you beyond the classroom. Closer relationships with professors can lead to better mentorship, research opportunities, and stronger letters of recommendation.
- Financial aid and affordability: The cost of undergraduate education is an important factor, especially with the additional expense of medical school. Compare scholarships, grants, financial aid packages, and the school’s approach to meeting demonstrated financial need.
- Academic flexibility: Pre-med is not a major, and there is no best pre-med major that guarantees med school admission. The best schools allow students to explore their interests while completing their prerequisites, whether they choose organic chemistry, humanities, or another field of study. Students should choose a major they enjoy and can succeed in while completing the science coursework required for medical school.
- Student experience and campus fit: Pre-med requires several years of challenging coursework and extracurricular commitments. Consider alumni network reviews related to campus culture, academic support, and whether the environment will help you succeed.
- Study abroad and global opportunities: International programs, public health experiences, and service opportunities can help students gain broader perspectives on healthcare and patient care. Look for programs that align with your interests and goals.
- MCAT preparation resources: Success on the MCAT is largely based on your individual preparation, but some colleges offer advising, academic support, study resources, or partnerships that can help.
- Extracurricular, research, and clinical opportunities: Medical schools look for applicants who have explored healthcare beyond the classroom. Research, physician shadowing, volunteering, and clinical experiences can help students confirm their interest in medicine and strengthen their applications.
Frustrated by your school's on-campus pre-med advising? Get 24/7 guidance from a physician with AdCom experience when you sign up for our Pre-Med Coaching service.
What Matters More Than Undergrad Prestige
Attending a well-known university can provide access to valuable resources, but a school’s name alone won’t determine medical school admission success. Admissions committees evaluate applicants holistically, looking at academic performance, experiences, and personal qualities.
A strong GPA is one of the most important factors in a medical school application. Choosing an undergraduate institution where students can thrive academically can have a significant impact. A strong MCAT score, meaningful clinical experiences, research involvement, community service, and strong letters of recommendation can also strengthen an application.
Medical schools want to see evidence that applicants understand the realities of medicine and have developed the skills, resilience, and commitment needed to become physicians. A student who excels at a less-famous liberal arts college and builds meaningful experiences may be a stronger candidate than a student who struggles at a highly ranked school.
The best pre-med programs are those where students can access the support, opportunities, and academic environment they need to build a competitive application.
Learn More: 10 Questions Pre-Med Students Need to Ask When Shadowing a Doctor
FAQs
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Deciding among the best colleges for pre-med is an important first step toward medical school, but every student’s journey is different. Expert guidance can help you build a realistic school list, strengthen your application strategy, and make informed decisions throughout the pre-med process.
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Kachiu Lee, MD
Dr. Lee specializes in BS/MD admissions. She was accepted into seven combined bachelor-medical degree programs. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Northwestern University and proceeded to Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, IL. After completing a dermatology residency at Brown University, Dr. Lee pursued a fellowship in Photomedicine, Lasers, and Cosmetics at Massachusetts General Hospital and was a Clinical Fellow at Harvard Medical School. Academically, she has over 100 peer-reviewed publications and lectures internationally.
