Medical school acceptance rates can be used to help you craft your school list and inform which schools you should apply to, but they can also be intimidating. Naturally, seeing that a medical school you have your heart set on attending only has an acceptance rate of 1 or 2% is discouraging. Is your application really better than 98% of other applicants? However, acceptance rates do not tell the whole story, and there are plenty of other factors to consider.
In this post, we break down medical school acceptance rates, including how many applicants get into medical school, how to understand them, and how to best utilize acceptance rates to make informed decisions.
How Many Applicants Get Into Medical School?
According to applicant data released by the AAMC, 51,946 people applied to medical school during the 2024 application cycle, sending out an average of 18 applications each, which means 935,028 applications were sent out across the United States. 23,048 applicants successfully matriculated. This represents a new high, up 0.8% from the previous academic year.
Medical School Acceptance Rates
Acceptance rates vary from one school to the next and are based on a number of different factors, which include the number of students applying to the program, the competitiveness of the program, and whether you’re applying in-state or out-of-state, as priority is given to local students.
Below are acceptance rates from some of the most popular and sought-after medical schools.
| Medical School | Applicants | Interviews | Matriculants | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NYU Grossman School of Medicine | 4,370 | 379 | 24 | 0.5% |
| Harvard Medical School | 7,890 | 757 | 165 | 2.1% |
| Stanford School of Medicine | 8,998 | 499 | 90 | 1.0% |
| Washington University School of Medicine | 16,370 | 660 | 185 | 1.1% |
| Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine | 8,138 | 648 | 140 | 1.7% |
| Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine | 6,240 | 589 | 129 | 2.1% |
| Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine | 5,591 | 783 | 106 | 1.9% |
| Vanderbilt University School of Medicine | 6,873 | 750 | 103 | 1.5% |
| Yale School of Medicine | 6,597 | 649 | 104 | 1.6% |
| Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania | 6,288 | 800 | 154 | 2.4% |
| University of Virginia School of Medicine | 5,872 | 614 | 155 | 2.6% |
| Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons | 7,291 | 724 | 138 | 1.9% |
| Medical College of Georgia (Augusta University) | 3,244 | 646 | 304 | 9.3% |
NYU Grossman School of Medicine
The acceptance rate at NYU is a startling 0.5%. This is due to notably small class sizes and a unique scholarship opportunity.
While NYU was a strong program, it did not lead the pack in terms of applicant statistics until recently. What skyrocketed its competitiveness is the fact that, in 2018, NYU announced that it would offer free tuition.
Plus, NYU offered it to ALL of its current and future MD students, regardless of need. That’s like offering a $200,000 bonus to any student who is accepted.
Harvard Medical School
Harvard Medical School, an Ivy League school with one of the most prestigious reputations around, received 7,890 applications and admitted 165, which means the acceptance rate was 2.1% in 2024.
Stanford School of Medicine
Stanford School of Medicine had an acceptance rate of 1% in 2024. Of the 8,998 applicants, 499 received interviews, and 90 received an acceptance.
University of Virginia School of Medicine
The University of Virginia School of Medicine received 5,872 total applications, invited 614 applicants to interview, and accepted 155 matriculants. This means their acceptance rate was 2.6%.
Medical College of Georgia (Augusta University)
On the other hand, the Medical College of Georgia (Augusta University) received 3,244 applications and accepted 304 students, resulting in an acceptance rate of 9.3%.
However, of those accepted, it must be noted that the majority of accepted applicants were in-state applicants. So while their acceptance rate is technically higher than the other schools mentioned, if you’re applying out of state, it’s extremely unlikely you’ll be accepted to the Medical College of Georgia.
US Medical School Total Applicants by Sex 2017-2024 (AAMC Data)
| Year | Men Total | Percent Change From Prior Year | Women Total | Percent Change From Prior Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 26,058 | -4.4% | 25,600 | -0.7% |
| 2018 | 25,875 | -0.7% | 26,882 | +5.0% |
| 2019 | 25,494 | -1.5% | 27,847 | +3.6% |
| 2020 | 24,620 | -3.4% | 28,343 | +1.8% |
| 2021 | 26,948 | +9.5% | 35,438 | +25.0% |
| 2022 | 23,924 | -11.2% | 31,191 | -12.0% |
| 2023 | 22,574 | -6.0% | 29,763 | -4.6% |
| 2024 | 22,088 | -2.2% | 29,528 | -0.8% |
As you can see from the data, the number of women applying jumped 25% in 2021. This surge is often attributed to women delaying their applications during the uncertain 2020 cycle.
What’s even more notable is that this wasn’t just a one-time spike. Since 2021, women have consistently applied in higher numbers—around 7,000 more each year compared to men. By 2024, 29,528 women applied versus 22,088 men, showing a shift in the gender balance of US medical school applicants.
US Medical School Total Matriculants by Sex 2017-2024 (AAMC Data)
| Year | Men Total | Percent Change From Prior Year | Women Total | Percent Change From Prior Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 10,516 | -0.3% | 10,810 | +3.2% |
| 2018 | 10,454 | -0.6% | 11,160 | +3.2% |
| 2019 | 10,402 | -0.5% | 11,461 | +2.7% |
| 2020 | 10,271 | -1.2% | 11,296 | +1.4% |
| 2021 | 10,057 | -2.1% | 12,590 | +11.5% |
| 2022 | 10,060 | +0.03% | 12,630 | +0.3% |
| 2023 | 10,160 | +1.0% | 12,723 | +0.7% |
| 2024 | 10,261 | +1.0% | 12,749 | +0.2% |
But do these upward trends carry through into matriculants? The answer is yes, and the gap is even more pronounced. Women have not only applied in greater numbers, but they’ve also outnumbered men among matriculants every year since 2017.
In 2021, the same year women applicants surged, female matriculants increased by 11.5% compared to the previous year, while male matriculants declined by 2.1%. Since then, the difference has stabilized, with roughly 2,400–2,500 more women than men matriculating each year.
How to Utilize Acceptance Rates
1 | Acceptance Rates Help to Craft Your School List
Acceptance rates signal the competitiveness of medical schools.
If you’re an exceptional candidate with a stellar GPA and MCAT score and plenty of research and clinical experience under your belt, acceptance rates do not need to be your primary focus. If, however, you have a couple of significant weak areas on your application, acceptance rates do become a more critical consideration.
We recommend you apply to at least 25 medical schools, a mix of safety, target, and reach schools. Acceptance rates can help you determine where each medical school fits on your list. Harvard Medical School is a reach even for highly qualified candidates. Johns Hopkins is also quite competitive, as their acceptance rate in 2024 was 2.1%.
Less prestigious medical programs located in your own state are a good idea to include in your safety schools, as most medical programs favor in-state applicants, which we’ll touch on below.
So, where can you find all of this information? The MSAR (Medical School Admissions Requirements) remains a helpful resource for exploring medical schools in the US and Canada. It lets you compare programs by GPA and MCAT averages, interview formats, tuition, and more.
But to take things a step further, we built the Med School Chance Predictor. Instead of sifting through data manually, you can input your own stats—like GPA, MCAT, and state residency—and instantly see which schools you’re most competitive for. It’s a faster, smarter way to build your school list with confidence.
2 | Pay Attention to In-State vs. Out-of-State Rates
When you’re looking at the numbers, in-state vs. out-of-state matters. For example, medical schools in Texas are made up of only 10% of out-of-state matriculants. If you have your heart set on Texas medical schools, but you’re not from Texas or don’t live in Texas, it’s doubtful you will be accepted. It’s possible, of course, but know that your chances are pretty slim if you’re applying out of state.
On the flip side, if you’re from or currently live in Texas, take a good, long look at Texas medical schools, as their in-state preference definitely works in your favor.
If you’re considering applying to Texas schools, you’ll need to use a different application service. Learn all you need to know with our TMDSAS Application Guide for Texas Medical Schools.
Many medical schools favor in-state applicants, so it’s essential to consider this when deciding if you want to apply to schools outside your home state.
However, this is not always the case. Take Stanford, for example. While their acceptance rate was a mildly terrifying 1% in 2024, 64.4% of their matriculants were out-of-state applicants.
Do your research. Acceptance rates can certainly help you craft your school list, but in-state vs. out-of-state acceptance rates are just as vital to consider.
3 | Beyond Acceptance Rates, Fit Matters
Determining school fit is another area where the MSAR becomes your best friend. It will provide you with detailed information about demographics, teaching methodologies, campus life, and more, so you can build a reliable picture of how you will fit at the school.
Do you like the sound of how they approach medical education or not? Do you like that the school focuses on research, or do you want to make sure you’re in the clinic as much as possible? Do you have a preference for how you are graded? Do you have a specific class size in mind or a learning environment you prefer?
This requires a great deal of research. Utilize the MSAR and our Medical School Chance Predictor, but dig deep into the school website and online forums. If you’re really interested in a specific program, seek out current students or graduates and ask them about their experience. Most medical students will be eager to share their advice and insight.
You could be one of the most qualified candidates in your year, but if you learn best in small classes or already have a specific specialty in mind, you will fit better in some programs than others. Therefore, not securing an interview at a school could have more to do with how the admissions committee believes you will fit within the program and not your ample qualifications.
While acceptance rates are essential to consider, they are far from the only factor that will help you determine if you’ll excel in a specific program. Understanding school mission fit—how well a school’s values, culture, and goals align with your own—can be just as critical.
4 | Don’t Allow Acceptance Rates to Scare You
Low acceptance rates should not dissuade you from applying to the schools you’re most interested in attending. Acceptance rates are a valid data point, but they do lack important context, such as school fit. Plus, school popularity will play a significant role in its acceptance rate. The acceptance rate isn’t just how many people get in; it’s based on how many people applied.
It’s possible that a medical school in your state without worldwide renown could have a lower acceptance rate than Harvard. This is because more people applied, believing they had a better chance there than at Harvard.
While acceptance rates are a valuable introductory point to determining the relative competitiveness of schools, you must dig deeper and not dismiss yourself from applying because of a low acceptance rate. Individual average acceptance rates across all schools are still a dismal 5% but these numbers lack context.
Choose schools based on how well you believe you will fit, not on their acceptance rates. You are not the average applicant, regardless of how you may feel. Your priorities, values, and preferred method of learning are unique, and there is a program out there that shares your learning style, values, and priorities. You just need to find it.
Learn How to Decide Which Medical Schools to Apply to (12 Important Factors).
Choosing the Best Program for You
Med School Insiders will help you identify the medical schools that are the best fit for your goals and background. The right school list can make or break your application strategy.
Use our free Med School List Tool to build a data-driven, personalized list of schools based on your GPA, MCAT, and preferences. This way, you’ll maximize your chances of acceptance while avoiding wasted applications.
For more guidance, check out our Guide to Understanding the Medical School Application Process, which covers what to include in your application, common mistakes to avoid, an application timeline, and what happens next.
