Question: What GPA do I need to get into medical school?
Answer: This varies greatly depending on the school. However, the average GPA of accepted students is often around 3.7. It's important to remember that GPA is just one aspect of your application, and other factors like your MCAT score, experiences, personal statement, and mission fit at schools also play significant roles.

Question: When should I take the MCAT?
Answer: The MCAT is a 7.5 hour exam broken into 4 subjects that is only offered on certain datesLinks to an external site.. For students intending to matriculate directly after undergrad (applying in May/June after junior year), they should plan to take the MCAT in the spring of their junior year. We do not recommend taking the MCAT prior to either completing or just finishing up your coursework. The best months for students typically are March and April. For students taking a gap/glide year (applying after senior year), they can take the MCAT at any point and the ideal time may be the summer following their junior year.

Question: What score do I need on the MCAT?
Answer: In 2023-2024, the average MCAT score for MD applicants was 506.3, while the average score for matriculants (those accepted and going to medical school) was 511.7. Each school will have certain targets for MCAT scores that they look for in applicants so after looking at the average, the MCAT scores of matriculated students at specific schools can vary. We recommend using the Medical School Admissions Requirements tool provided by the AAMC for further school-specific information. MCAT scores and GPAs will also vary from degree between allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO) schools so we recommend researching what these schools typically look for in their applicants.

Question: How do I study for the MCAT?
Answer: This question varies from person to person and when your exam is scheduled. In general it is best to take the MCAT after you have completed general medical school prerequisite courses so that you have a solid foundation. Spaced repetition tools like Anki are valuable for studying for the MCAT (and medical school). There are many 3rd party resources available that offer study materials and practice tests. If you are unsure how to proceed, we recommend using this site on the AAMC's website to provide some direction.

Question: When should I start the application process for health profession schools?
Answer: You should start preparing to apply in the fall two years before you would anticipate starting your health professions program. This includes one year of preparing and refining your application materials, and one year of going through the application process. Application timelines can vary, so it's important to research the deadlines for each program you are interested in.

Question: What major do I need to get into medical school? What classes do I need to take?
Answer: Applicants to medical school have a variety of majors ranging from music, a foreign language, and business degrees to the traditional biology and chemistry majors. The major is not what matters as much as your performance in those courses and also the prerequisite courses. Certain prerequisites may vary by school, but in general schools are looking for:

One year of general biology with lab
One year of inorganic chemistry with lab
One year of organic chemistry with lab
One year of physics with lab
One year of mathematics (statistics or calculus, generally)
One psychology course
One sociology course

For school-specific requirements, check the school's website or contact their admission department, or reference the Medical School Admissions Requirements tool.

Question: How many schools should I apply to?
Answer: It depends on how good of a fit you are at different programs. We typically recommend finding 15-20 schools that you are a good fit for. If you apply to too many programs, not only will it cost a fortune with primary and secondary application fees but your writing quality of secondary essays will diminish as you may not be able to personalize answers to each school.

Question: How do I pick schools to apply to?
Answer: First and foremost, you should only apply to schools you can realistically see yourself attending. In most cases there are no 'safety' schools when it comes to the medical school admissions process. Aspects you may consider are the school's location, the school's mission, research opportunities available, clinical opportunities available, and where their students are matching. You may find match lists on each school's website or via search engine. School-specific data may be found on the school's website and the Medical School Admissions Requirement tool offered by AAMC. In general, publicly funded institutions (ie, state schools) will offer seats to those who have lived in the state or have significant ties to the state (such as family), whereas public instutitions will be more welcoming of applications from individuals residing out-of-state.

Question: Should I apply to MD school or DO school?
Answer: This will vary based on the picture of your whole application. In general, GPA and MCAT averages are higher when it comes to allopathic (MD) schools. Getting into medical school, MD or DO, is not guaranteed. Keeping an open mind will allow you to reach your goal of becoming a practicing physician. Both MD and DO schools can produce great physicians in competetive specialties. An important question to ask yourself while applying is "Do I want to be an MD or a physician?" If you want to be a physician, apply both and maximize your chances of becoming one.

Question: What is the difference between MD and DO schools?
Answer: MD and DO students both receive similar (if not identical) clinical training in medicine. In practice, physicians both MD and DO will be treating patients, prescribing medications, and performing surgeries. The difference is that in DO school you are taught osteopathic manipulative medicine. DO students also take a different set of boards called the COMLEX which is similar to the USMLE STEP exams. DO students also have the option of taking both USMLE and COMLEX if they are trying to secure a spot in an MD residency.