How Hard Is It To Get Into Med School + Tips To Get Accepted

1. Choose the Right Pre-Med Major

Contrary to popular belief, there is no specific “pre-med” major that applicants must have to get into medical school. A strong foundation in the sciences is necessary for a future in healthcare, but a well-rounded education that includes humanities and social sciences is beneficial, too.

Selecting an undergrad major that aligns with medical school prerequisites helps you build the knowledge base you’ll need moving forward. A bachelor’s in science like biology is common, but humanities or other fields like psychiatry are also popular choices as long as the necessary science courses are completed.

Choosing the right pre-med major isn’t about picking the most common path, but finding the one that aligns with your interests and will keep you motivated. Your GPA is a major factor in your medical school application, and you’ll want to be able to balance your passion with the practical requirements of medical school admissions.

Consult with academic advisors, premed students, or med school admissions counselors to help make the best decision for your unique situation.

2. Study

The best thing a high school student considering a medical career can do is plan to study frequently and effectively. Your first year in college can set the tone for your GPA, and preparing for the MCAT around halfway through your undergrad requires significant preparation.

Is a 3.7 GPA good enough for medical school? Yes, a 3.7 GPA is generally considered competitive for medical school, especially if coupled with a strong MCAT score. The average GPA for med school applicants is around 3.6, and many schools expect a high GPA just to send secondaries to medical school applicants. 

If you choose an undergrad major including science coursework, you’ll get a head start on studying for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). You want to start studying for the MCAT well in advance. We recommend a 6 month study schedule leading up to the test date. 

Consider using practice tests, study guides, and possibly enrolling in a prep course. Focus on areas such as biological sciences, chemistry, physics, and critical reasoning. 

Your MCAT score is one of the primary factors considered in the admissions process. The average MCAT score for matriculants in 2022-2023 was 511.9, so you’ll want to allocate ample time and resources to prepare. 

Learn more about how we can help you boost your MCAT score.   

3. Get Clinical Experience

Shadowing physicians or otherwise gaining clinical experience gives you a firsthand look into the medical field and is often a prerequisite for admission. Nothing will prepare you better for a future in healthcare than hands-on patient care.

Clinical experience allows you to explore specialties and primary care, develop vital human interaction skills, and have an in-depth understanding of the healthcare system. 

In general, 100-150 hours of clinical experience is recommended for your med school application. Look for meaningful opportunities early on in your undergraduate education. 

4. Volunteer

Volunteering reflects your dedication to service, empathy, and community engagement, all of which are attributes that can help you get into medical school. 

Medical schools want to see quality volunteering experience over quantity. This means a long-term commitment to a non-profit or volunteering role is better than multiple short-lived experiences.

Your volunteer experience can be with an organization that supports a cause that you care about, or it can be in the medical field. Or both! Whichever you choose, starting early to build your hours and relationships will show your commitment and dedication.

If possible, seek out leadership roles when you volunteer. Leadership is a valuable skill and an excellent way to network. Consider being a chapter president of a Global Medical Brigade on your campus for a leadership role and clinical volunteering experience abroad!

5. Choose the Right Extracurriculars

Participation in extracurricular activities showcases a well-rounded personality and diverse interests. You can participate in extracurriculars in sports, arts, or research experience. Having experiences outside of being engaged in academics is a good sign to admissions committees, as it shows you’re a well-rounded individual.

Extracurriculars can provide a compelling narrative for your personal statement and demonstrate your teamwork skills. During your interviews, be prepared to discuss how your extracurricular activities have contributed to your growth and allowed you to gain skills that align with your medical interests. 

6. Start your Application Early

The earlier you submit your primary and secondary applications to medical school, the better your chances are at being considered and, hopefully, accepted to one or more programs.

The application process starts with the primary application, and a secondary application is then sent by individual schools you have applied to if you pass their minimum requirements. 

Medical school applications have many components and steps that can require a significant amount of time. It’s best to start your application early — we recommend starting your application when it opens in early May and submitting the final version no later than early June. 

When you’re getting ready to begin your application, review the timelines of both the AMCAS and AACOMAS (or TMDSAS, if you’re applying to a Texas medical school). Each application cycle is similar but not identical.

A medical school primary application consists of:

• Transcripts and academic records
• MCAT score
• Background information
• Work & Activities 
• Letters of Evaluation (may be submitted with secondaries)
• Personal statements

After your primary application is submitted, the medical programs you applied to will evaluate your application and send secondary essays for you to complete if you seem to be a good fit.

Craft a personal statement that will stand out — our advisors can help.