How to Get Into Stanford Medical School—2024-2025 Acceptance

The Stanford University School of Medicine is easily one of the most prestigious and respected medical schools in the United States, known for its outstanding research, incredible diversity, and innovative teaching methods. Unfortunately, it’s also known for being extremely difficult to get into. If you’re a premed hoping to attend Stanford Medical School, know that earning an acceptance is an uphill battle—but it’s one you can win if you have the right qualifications and know how to tell your story effectively.

In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about getting into Stanford, including what makes the institution so sought-after, acceptance rates and tuition, how to apply, and tips for ultimately gaining acceptance.

 

Stanford Medical School Introduction

Stanford University was founded in 1885 by Leland Stanford and his wife Jane Stanford. Leland was a former Californian railroad magnate, senator, and governor. They founded the school as a tribute to their son Leland Jr., who died of typhoid in 1884.

The origins of Stanford School of Medicine can be traced all the way back to the first medical school on the Pacific Coast, the Medical Department of the University of the Pacific, which was founded in 1853 in San Francisco by Dr. Elias Samuel Cooper. In 1908, Stanford made Cooper Medical College a part of their university. Then in 1959, the medical school moved from San Francisco to the Stanford University campus.

Today, Stanford Medicine is known for being a leader in the current biomedical revolution. The university has a long tradition of pioneering research, clinical therapies, and innovative teaching protocols.

The school’s mission statement is:

“To educate future physicians and foster their capacity to make discoveries and lead innovation in the science and practice of medicine.”

Stanford is located 35 miles south of San Francisco and 20 miles north of San Jose in the city of Palo Alto, right in the heart of Northern California’s Silicon Valley. It’s one of 16 medical schools in California, and one of five medical schools located in Northern California (NorCal).

 

Stanford Medical School Acceptance Rates

How hard is it to get into Stanford medical school? Stanford is an extremely prestigious and selective medical school. It’s not only one of the most competitive medical schools in California; it’s one of the most competitive medical schools in the entire world. In 2022, Stanford School of Medicine had an acceptance rate of 1.1%. Of the 8409 applicants, 499 received interviews, and 90 received an acceptance.

Learn more in our guide: Medical School Acceptance Rates: How Many Applicants Get In.

But don’t let that 1.1% discourage you from applying if Stanford is one of the schools you’re most excited to attend. Acceptance rates are a useful data point, but they lack crucial context, such as school mission fit.

Choosing whether or not to apply to Stanford Medical School should be based on how well you believe you fit the program, not the acceptance rates. You are not the average applicant, regardless of how you may feel. Your priorities, values, and preferred method of learning are unique. Therefore, it’s up to you to find the programs that match who you are as a learner and future clinician.

 

What Makes Stanford Medical School so Sought-After?

Stanford is an extremely well-known and reputable medical school that consistently ranks in the top 10 medical schools in the US. While not technically part of the Ivy League, its name carries a lot of weight in every specialty, so it’s only natural that hopeful, high-achieving premeds want to attend.

A huge advantage Stanford has over its Ivy League counterparts is its location in the Silicon Valley of Northern California, which is known for its warm and predictable weather, mountainous and volcanic geography replete with the Redwood National Forest and Yosemite National Park, and a cadre of diverse and delicious food.

In addition to its prestige, Stanford has an extremely flexible curriculum with multiple learning pathways throughout all 4+ years. For example, students have the option to “split” their  pre-clerkship curriculum such that they complete it in three years instead of two, which provides early opportunities for longitudinal and individualized scholarship in the setting of nearly unlimited research avenues.

Moreover, Stanford provides a strong level of financial and academic support for those electing to take 4+ years in medical school, which is evidenced by nearly ½ of their students graduating after 5 or more years on campus.

Complementing the above opportunities, Stanford also has a wide range of dual-degree program partnerships.

Stanford’s Dual-Degree Programs

• MD/PhD: The Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) allows medical students to pursue a PhD in a scientific field of interest while earning their MD. You have the opportunity to both apply directly into this program before matriculating or internally applying as a first or second year medical student.
• MD/MPH: The Master of Public Health (MPH) is a professional degree that prepares students to be leaders in public health.
• MD/MS: Given the breadth of opportunities at Stanford, MD students can simultaneously obtain their Masters in Bioengineering, Biomedical Informatics, Community Health and Prevention Research, Epidemiology, or Health Services Research.
• MD/MBA: The MD/MBA program combines medical training with a business degree from one of the most prestigious MBA programs in the country within a five-year curriculum, preparing students to pursue advanced positions in healthcare management and business administration.
• MD/JD: A joint degree in law and medicine opens the door for students to pursue careers with law firms, medical-device makers, biotech companies, venture capital firms, government regulators and more.
• MD/MPP: A joint degree in public policy and medicine provides the opportunity to become an expert in enacting policies that often change the entire landscape of the practice and delivery of medicine. It’s an ideal avenue for someone who is interested in representing healthcare providers within the realm of politics.

 

How Much Does Stanford Medical School Cost?

We’ll tell you what you likely already know: Going to Stanford is expensive. Tuition alone is $64,901 a year, but given the flexibility of Stanford’s dual-degree programs and their associated financial aid programs, this number can vary quite a bit.

Keep in mind that number is just for attending school. It does not take into account housing, food, transportation, exercise, and events—all of which are higher in California when compared to nearly every state besides New York. Regarding the former, expect to pay at least $1500/month for a small on-campus shared apartment, which can balloon to over $2300/month for a studio.

You also need to factor in the cost of medical school applications, which can quickly add up across primary, secondary, and exam fees, along with various study resources and interview travel costs. Learn more: How Much Do Med School Applications Cost? The Full Price Analyzed.

Tuition Cost Comparison (2022 Data From AAMC)

Here’s how Stanford’s tuition compares to a few other reputable US medical schools. These numbers represent tuition alone and do not include additional fees.

Medical School	Yearly Tuition In-State	Yearly Tuition Out-of-State
Stanford University School of Medicine	$64,901	$64,901
USC School of Medicine (Keck)	$70,485	$70,485
UC Davis School of Medicine	$43,768	$56,013
UCLA School of Medicine (Geffen)	$36,585	$48,830
Harvard Medical School	$68,123	$68,123
Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine	$21,760	$34,860
Baylor College of Medicine	$22,804	$35,904
CUNY School of Medicine	$41,912	$69,572
Weill Cornell Medicine	$68,892	$68,892

View the most recent AAMC tuition data.

Stanford’s quarterly tuition for their MD program for the 2023-2024 academic year is $21,781, and they have a number of additional non-tuition charges and fees. Accounting for housing and food, student fees, books and supplies, personal expenses, and travel, Stanford estimates students should annually budget $87,833. New students will also need to pay two one-time fees: the New Student Orientation Fee ($525) and the Document Fee ($250).

In other words, Stanford isn’t cheap! Fortunately, the institution offers need-based Stanford Loans and institutional aid, in addition to standard federal loans, grants, and external sources of funding.

Of note, Stanford does not offer merit-based scholarships, and your financial aid package is entirely determined by your calculated need from the FAFSA and CSS. Like peer institutions, Stanford does not consider you financially independent from your parents until you are 30 years old or older, even if you are married or have children. 73% of MD students received financial aid in 2022.

While it will vary significantly depending on how you organize your schooling, according to Stanford, you can expect to leave Stanford with over $107,616 in debt, which is significantly lower than the national average of approximately $250,000. However, keep in mind this figure is entirely based on your perceived need, with some students receiving 50% so-called aid graduating with $200,000 of debt.

 

Stanford Medical School Requirements—How to Get In

You will not apply directly to Stanford Medical School. Like the vast majority of medical schools across the US, Stanford uses the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). AMCAS is the AAMC’s centralized medical school application processing service, and the primary application method for first year entering classes for most US medical schools.**

Regardless of how many other schools you intend to apply to, you only need to submit one set of application materials to AMCAS (unless you’re applying to osteopathic or Texas medical schools.)

AMCAS has no say in admission decisions, which are made solely by each medical school. AMCAS simply collects, verifies, and delivers your application materials and MCAT score to the schools you apply to.

1 | Application Deadlines

Typically, the AMCAS application opens during the first week of May for the following year’s medical school class, which gives you about a month to prepare the application. AMCAS submissions don’t open until the end of May or early June. If you want to begin medical school in the fall of 2025, you’ll need to start the application process in the spring of 2024.

Applying early is one of the most essential medical school admission strategies.

We really can’t stress that enough. The technical deadlines for applications and secondary materials provided by AMCAS do not represent the timeline you need to follow.

For example, for the 2023-2024 cycle, Stanford’s application deadline was October 2, 2023, but we recommend you submit your application as soon as you are able to in early June. We consider even July to August to be too late to submit your application to competitive medical schools.

Prepare your application well in advance, and give yourself plenty of time to take the MCAT, write a persuasive personal statement, and secure strong letters of recommendation.

Applying early is key since both allopathic and osteopathic schools utilize rolling admissions, which means applications are reviewed as soon as they come in. The quickest applicants get the first secondaries and interview spots, and these fill up fast.

To put it quite plainly: The later you submit your application, the worse your chances of acceptance.

You can expect secondary applications to arrive around two to four weeks after you submit your primary application. Your secondaries should be completed as soon as possible; ideally, no more than 7-14 days after receiving them.

Interview invitations will likely start arriving between August and September and continue throughout the fall and winter until the spring of the following year.

View Stanford Medical School’s admissions timeline for key dates and important deadlines.

Keep on top of each of your medical school application deadlines with our comprehensive Medical School Application Timeline and Monthly Schedule. (Updated every application cycle.)

2 | Stanford Medical School GPA Requirements and Coursework

Stanford Medical School does not have a specific GPA cutoff but you will need a notably high GPA for acceptance.

The median GPA for Stanford Medical School matriculants is 3.89, which is higher than the national average. The average GPA of all medical school matriculants in the US is 3.74. Check AAMC official data for current and previous year averages.

To achieve a high GPA, you need to excel in each of your courses throughout college. Stanford Medical School is unique in that it does not have a specific set of course requirements. The school aims to attract students from diverse curricular backgrounds. Instead of requirements, they list recommended coursework and experiences.

• Biology
• Chemistry and Physics
• Mathematics
• Behavioral and Social Sciences
• Communication
• Laboratory or Field Experiments

Note that Stanford states, “fluency in a foreign language, specifically Spanish or an Asian language, is recommended to enhance learning and service in our diverse communities.”

The above is not an absolute deal breaker, as we’ve worked with non-bilingual students who have gained acceptance, but any gaps in your application must be compensated for somewhere else. If you do not speak another language, you absolutely need above average hard numbers, as well as an extremely compelling personal statement and overall application narrative.

Learn more about Stanford Medical School requirements and recommended coursework.

3 | Stanford Medical School MCAT Requirements

The median MCAT score of Stanford’s matriculants in 2022 was 518, with the10th to 90th percentile and 25th to 75th percentile ranging from 512-523 and 515-521, respectively.

The aforementioned average Stanford matriculant MCAT score is well above the national average for matriculants, which is approximately 512.

To earn a high score on the MCAT, you’ll need to spend at least three months studying for it full-time or six months studying part-time.

Use our MCAT resources, tools, and tutoring services to achieve the score necessary to get noticed by Stanford’s admissions committee. While Stanford states that they do not have an MCAT cutoff, considering the median score of matriculants is 518, it’s vital that you earn a strong score.

Read our MCAT Study Guide, which includes everything you need to prepare.

4 | Additional Primary Application Requirements

In addition to college transcripts and the MCAT, your AMCAS application requires other components, including a narrative-driven personal statement, strong letters of recommendation, and a diverse work and activities section. Every single one of these components requires its own significant time investment.

Crafting a persuasive personal statement takes a large amount of time and self-reflection. Not only does the writing phase itself demand multiple attempts, but you also need to budget plenty of time for iterative feedback, editing, and proofreading.

Plus, you need at least four strong letters of recommendation, which means focusing on  cultivating four or more strong relationships throughout your college career, or even earlier if you want to achieve a deep, longitudinal relationship.

The work and activities section may require the largest time investment, as not only do you need time to craft your answers, but you also need time to participate in the actual activities themselves. You can write about up to 15 experiences, activities, awards, and hobbies, but you don’t have to fill in every space.

Quality experiences are more important than quantity. The most important thing to demonstrate to admissions committees is a longitudinal commitment to your extracurriculars, so you need to get started early while also considering the narrative of your application.

We cover the complete application process in our guide: How to Get Into Medical School.

5 | Secondary Applications

Secondary applications arrive around two to four weeks after you submit your primary application. These should be completed as soon as possible—ideally no more than 7-14 days after you receive them.

If that sounds like a tight window, that’s because it is. And it gets worse. Even if Stanford is your top choice, we still recommend all applicants apply to at least 20 different schools, ensuring a mix of reach, target, and safety schools. This means you will likely receive up to 20 different secondary applications almost all at once.

Now, it’s important to mention that this does not necessarily mean the school is interested in you as an applicant. Many, if not most, schools send out secondaries regardless of the quality of your application because submitting comes with an additional fee. While the cost varies from school to school, most will charge $100. That said, depending on the prestige of the school, fees could range from $30 all the way up to $200.

As an example, the secondary fees at Stanford are $95.

Most medical schools use either identical or extremely similar questions from the preceding year. While this isn’t always the case, and questions will vary from school to school, it’s still a good idea to draft answers to the questions you are likely to receive in advance.

The following secondary prompts were provided by Stanford School of Medicine for the 2023-2024 application cycle.

1. Are there any current or pending disputes concerning your academic status? If yes, please explain. (300 character limit)
2. Was your enrollment status ever interrupted during your undergraduate or graduate program, not including summer term (e.g. medical, personal, or academic reasons, military service, other)? If yes, please explain. (150 character limit)
3. PRACTICE SETTING: What do you see as the most likely practice scenario for your future medical career? Choose the single answer that best describes your career goals and clinical practice setting:

• Academic Medicine (Clinical)
• Academic Medicine (Physician Scientist)
• Non-Academic Clinical Practice
• Health Policy
• Health Administration
• Primary Care
• Public Health/Community Health
• Global Health

Please describe your motivation for this practice scenario. Why do you feel you are particularly suited for this practice scenario? What knowledge, skills and attitudes have you developed that have prepared you for this career path? (1,000 character limit)

Example Answer:

Growing up in a community with a graduating high school class of 54, 12 of whom were my classmates since kindergarten, has shown me the power of relationships. In applying this lesson to my future practice, I plan on going beyond pathophysiology and connecting with my patients so as to better manage their mental, physical, and spiritual health. Such a vision aligns with that of primary care, the absence of which in my community contributed to poor health outcomes. 18 years of living in an underprivileged town, complemented by the skills gained through helping a similarly underserved, though more urban, population as an EMT and care coordinator, makes me confident in my ability to empathize with and mentor a diverse set of patients. As a socially conscious future physician, I would ensure no child is barred from athletics due to the lack of a physical, and that the management of chronic disease would be supplemented by discussion on the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

1. CURRICULAR INTERESTS: How will you take advantage of the Stanford Medicine Discovery Curriculum and scholarly concentration requirement to achieve your personal career goals? (1,000 character limit)

Example Answer:

While my experience and skills have steered me towards primary care, I believe achieving my goal of eliminating health disparities requires a sufficiently macro-level perspective on such problems. The Stanford curriculum is perfectly structured to develop socially conscious and curious physicians, and the opportunity to pursue a scholarly concentration in community health, coupled with the chance to study public health at UC Berkeley, would teach me to consider both the needs of the community and that of the individual patient. Should such a path lead to more longitudinal projects or experiences, the Discovery Curriculum’s flexibility (like having Wednesdays to focus on research and outreach) would allow me to remain equally committed to both my pre-clerkship learning and extracurricular endeavors. Finally, in being accustomed to the quarter system, I could focus on becoming a physician leader at the onset rather than worrying about adapting to a novel learning environment.

1. BACKGROUND: Describe in a short paragraph your educational and family background. (for example) I grew up in New York City, as the 3rd child of a supermarket cashier and a high school principal. I attended Mann High School where my major interests were boxing and drama. (600 character limit)
2. CONTRIBUTION TO LEARNING ENVIRONMENT: Please describe which aspects of your life experiences, interests, and character would help you to make a distinctive contribution to Stanford Medicine. (2,000 character limit)
3. Please describe how you have uniquely contributed to a community with which you identify. (1,000 character limit)
4. ADVOCACY: Please describe an experience/situation when you advocated for someone else. (1,000 character limit)
5. ANYTHING ELSE? (OPTIONAL): Please include anything else that will help us understand better how you may uniquely contribute to Stanford Medicine? (OPTIONAL) (1,000 character limit)

For prompts from other schools, view our free Secondary Essay Prompts Database to get a sense of the kind of questions you may be asked.

9 questions is a lot to get through in only 1-2 weeks. Ensure you begin crafting your answers well in advance so that no aspect of your Stanford application is rushed or underprepared.

If Stanford is one of your top choice schools, make sure to prioritize these secondary questions. The strategy you ultimately decide on depends on your unique circumstances and when you receive each secondary. Develop a clear plan of action before going into your secondaries so that you know immediately which secondaries to complete first.

Read our guide: This Is the Ideal Order to Complete Secondary Applications.

6 | Multiple Mini Interviews

Stanford uses the multiple mini interview (MMI) format, so it’s critical that you familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of MMIs well in advance of interview season.

Instead of the traditional interview where you sit down with one interviewer, multiple mini interviews are several small interviews led by a range of interviewers with varying professional backgrounds. They typically consist of six to ten stations that applicants rotate through over the course of a morning or afternoon.

While this may sound intimidating at first, MMIs are actually formulated to your benefit. Let’s say you fumble during a station or clearly do not hit it off with your interviewer. With MMIs, you have multiple chances to leave a good impression.

That said, MMIs are certainly a challenge, as they are designed to put you on the spot and make you think on your feet. Unlike traditional interviews, you won’t be able to go in with an answer ready. MMIs evaluate how you perform under pressure, as well as assess your ethical decision making, problem solving abilities, values, ethics, and bedside manner—all of which will be tested to the extreme in medical school, residency, and in your future career as a physician.

Whether or not you are accepted will depend on your average performance at each station, so even if one of your interviews goes poorly, it won’t ruin your chance of acceptance.

Approach your multiple mini interviews with confidence by preparing for them well in advance, at least two months before the day of your interview. If you are someone who struggles with interviews, begin preparing even earlier. If your college offers any assistance, such as free mock MMIs, be sure to take advantage of them. Even regular mock interviews will help build your skills and confidence. If your school doesn’t offer these resources, utilize mock interview services.

Confidence doesn’t just happen. It can only be achieved through ample practice and preparation.

Learn how to ace your MMIs with our comprehensive Multiple Mini Interview Guide.

7 | Choosing a Stanford Medical School Acceptance

The final phase of the application process comprises a number of variables in which you’re waiting to see what schools send you an acceptance offer while also balancing your own personal preferences.

During this time, you may choose to send a letter of interest or a letter of intent to Stanford Medical School. A letter of interest expresses to a school that its program is one of your top choices.

If you are waiting on an acceptance, sending an update letter may also be appropriate, but only if you truly have updates to share. For example, you might send an update letter if you have accomplished something notable since the school last heard from you, such as a new employment experience, an important award, or a recent publication.

Sending a letter of intent is only appropriate if you actually plan to attend Stanford Medical School should you receive an acceptance. A letter of intent can only be sent to one school. Think of it like a marriage proposal—by sending a letter of intent, you are commiting to that one program.

 

How to Get Into Stanford Medical School: Tips and Strategies

1 | Be Prepared for Diversity Questions

The state of California is well-known for its diversity, and the same is true of Stanford’s student body. Stanford puts a great deal of emphasis on how you will add to and integrate into the student body and surrounding communities in the application process.

If you don’t come from a diverse or underprivileged background, this does not mean you’re necessarily at a disadvantage. Diversity comprises a wide range of elements, such as how you grew up, any adversities you faced, your geographic background, and much more. Have you interacted with people from an underprivileged group? What did these relationships teach you? Are you aware of conscious and unconscious bias in the world and particularly in the healthcare system?

Even if your background is less diverse, you still have a chance. Medical school admissions as a whole isa shot in the dark, and you never know what type of student they are looking for to balance their class and diversify their student body.

Stanford’s emphasis on diversity means they expect their applicants to be empathetic to all types of upbringings and backgrounds. Expect to serve and work with underserved or minority groups within California as you train to become a doctor at Stanford.

2 | Craft a Cohesive Narrative Across Your Application

Stanford builds a very diverse cohort each year, meaning if you present a cohesive, strong story, you should apply.

Each piece of your application, from your personal statement to your activities and eventual secondary essays, must complement the other and weave together to tell your own unique journey to medicine. A story is far more compelling and easier to remember than singular interesting facts.

Crafting your journey into a cohesive, detailed narrative will intrigue Stanford’s admissions committee and encourage them to learn more about you, searching deeper beyond your objective academic qualifications.

While such numbers and achievements are major considerations, the admissions committee can see these on your CV, so leave them out of your personal statement and other essays. Focus on the moments and people in your life that made you who you are today and crystalized your ambition to pursue a medical degree.

Consider the story you want to tell. What’s the common thread you want to weave throughout your application? What do you want Stanford’s admissions committee to know about you? Avoid repeating yourself. Each piece of your application should complement and enhance the other with novel insights and fresh anecdotes.

Crafting this kind of cohesive and persuasive narrative will take a great deal of time, so do not delay. Take the time to deeply reflect on your past and the events that have made you you. What Earth-shattering setbacks and astounding triumphs led you here? How has the adversity you’ve faced made you a stronger person? Be authentic; they want to get to know the real you.

Having strong grades is obviously a must, but Stanford in particular considers each applicant’s unique story. The majority of Stanford’s matriculated students have a specific passion that led them to be current and future leaders in research, leadership, or volunteering.

It’s essential that your passions are represented by longitudinal activities, as the admissions committee will easily sniff out checklists. Even founding a premed club doesn’t mean much unless it had a specific impact on you or your community.

Demonstrate your authentic desire to help people. You need to show them WHY you did something, not just tell them you did it. Showing, not telling, should guide every element of both your primary and secondary. Your goal should be to leverage your experiences and character such that Stanford’s admissions committee can easily form a poignant, holistic impression of you and your character.

Learn more: How to Develop a Cohesive Narrative for Medical School Applications.

3 | Consider Costs and Make a Budget Early On

We’ve covered the cost of attending Stanford Medical School above, but tuition is far from the only expense you will face. Unless you live in New York City, your cost of living will skyrocket once you arrive in California. As of 2023, California ranks fourth on the Cost of Living Index, making it one of the most expensive places to live in the country.

Not only is the application process itself costly, but you must also budget and plan for accommodation, transportation, social events, study resources, exam fees, and food.

If you’re moving to California from another state, your everyday expenses will be much higher. For example, let’s say you’re used to spending $12-15 for lunch. In California, expect to spend $18-20. If you’re used to buying something at Costco for $14.99, in California, it will be more like $16.99.

If you hope to attend Stanford, you’ll need to live in California for at least four years. While it may sound like just a few dollars here and there, these costs will continue to add up over the years, especially in the setting of compounding student loan interest.

 

Bottom Line: Is Stanford Medical School Right for You?

Immersing yourself in California’s near-constant sunny weather and stunning natural landscapes while attending one of the most prestigious medical schools in the entire United States certainly sounds appealing. However, these privileges require a ton of continuous hard work and are extremely costly.

Living in California is more expensive across the board than the vast majority of other states,  including housing costs, groceries, leisure activities, and transportation, on top of your already notably high tuition costs. Carefully consider your own finances, as well as any need-based academic aid you might have available to you before choosing Stanford.

If you’re interested in attending a medical school in California, in general, check out our guide to getting into California Medical Schools.

Lastly, above all, do plenty of research early on to determine if you identify with Stanford’s mission, values, and unique approach to medical education.

Many factors go into choosing the ideal medical schools for you. Learn How to Decide Which Medical Schools to Apply to.

In the end, what makes you different from the other applicants applying to Stanford? Gaining an acceptance at this revered institution requires a great deal more than checking off a few boxes. Stanford’s admissions committee is looking for diverse, well-rounded students who will enhance their student body in their own unique ways.

You need to be at your best, but you also need to be your most authentic self when applying.

Med School Insiders can help you craft a stand out application that will get you noticed by Stanford Medical School. We have a range of services to suit your specific needs, from one-on-one guidance to application editing to mock interviews (including mock MMIs). Our services are tailored to meet the needs of each student because we understand that every applicant has a unique set of needs.

Learn more about our comprehensive medical school application packages.

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Thank you to Austin Niklas Johnson, Stanford University School of Medicine MD Candidate, for being our Insider contributor for this guide.