Honestly..
Here is a lesser known fact
Since I’ve been doing research on US Med schools sinse 2012 in order to help my sister who was in 10th back then, secure a Medical Seat Abroad & become a doctor in the US.
The answer to “Why is it difficult to get into a US Med school?” is very obvious to me, But many do not know the real reason.
So let me break it down for you..
First of all You need to know how many Med Schools are there.
North America : 171
USA : 158
But that doesn’t mean as an Indian/International Student you can apply to all of them.
US Med schools that accept International Students: 42
Yes, That’s right. Only 42 Colleges/Med Schools in the US Will Accept International Students.
This is as per Association of American Medical Colleges (aamc.org) – Medical School Admission Requirements ((MSAR®)
Click here to go see it for yourself
But before thinking about Admission into Med schools, You need to first understand that No US Medical School will accept any student without a Bachelor’s Degree/UG/Pre-Med (Pursued & Completed in the US)
So that’s
Step 1: Pursuing a Bachelor’s/Pre-Med in the US from high ranking University.
Now Let’s Look at another report by AAMC released in 2019.
Click here to see the full report.
There are 2 things to observe here:
- In 2019, 48 Med schools accepted International Students, but in 2024 – It is down to 42.
- Only 272 International Students got admitted into a US Med School.
Now, We’ve heard from our University partners that, the number of international Students that get accepted is averaging some where between 280 ~ 350 now, in 2024.
Is that a good number? Not really..
Since you’re not only competing against US/Canadian Citizens but also the entire of the world who is trying to secure a seat in the US.
Which means, you need to do extremely well in your Undergrad/Bachelor’s/Pre-Med as well, which leads us to the next step.
Step 2: Score 3.8+ out of 4 CGPA ( Preferebbly 3.9 or 4/4 to have a good chance)
is CGPA Alone enough?
Unfortunately No, You will have to have a Stellar Profile as well, including multiple academic & Non-academic achievements under your belt.
Let me tell you a story.
Two medical students: Anu and Preeti.
Anu has a 4.0 GPA in biology from Harvard and a perfect MCAT score. And that’s it.
Preeti has a 3.6 GPA in philosophy from a decent state school and a solidly high MCAT score.
But she started a project to help rural communities increase their access to healthcare with telemedicine by collaborating with doctors and engineers.
She also has lots of clinical experience, medical missions travel, and a fascinating story.
Guess who’s more likely to get accepted?Often, Preeti.
Getting into medical school isn’t only a matter of GPA and MCAT.
However it definitely helps.
Step 3: Score 515+ (Closer to 518) out of 528 in MCAT. – 95th Percentile or higher.
You can’t guarantee admission.
But you certainly can maximize your chances by:
- Getting a high GPA
- Getting a high MCAT score
- Doing that 1 extra thing that makes you stand out. This might be research or a project or leadership or travel etc. Just something that shows your passion for or interest in medicine.
Medical schools don’t just want people who are robots and excellent at taking science exams.
They want real people – diverse, multi-faceted, passionate, interesting, smart, caring leaders – to serve as physicians for the next generation.
But Does all this mean, It’s impossible for you to become a Doctor in the US?
Fortunately, The answer is NO.
According to another recent report released by AAMC on 21st March, 2024.
Click here to read the full report
There is a huge shortage that is building up in the US, and the US Medical Schools are not able to match up to the demand.
• This is where Our FAST-TRACK MD Pathway will help you.
If you play your cards right, and apply early, Not only can we get you an admission but we can get you a good scholarship as well.
After having Understood the difficulty of getting into US Med Schools, It felt just right to put my Sister into the 5 Year MD Program.
And Thanks to that, we removed the uncertainities from her life Like 3.9/4 CGPA requirement or the insanely high 518 MCAT Score.
and Today, She is a successful Doctor serving in New York, USA.
I & my family are really grateful for this.
and we only wish the SAME result for you.
How many U.S. medical schools accept international students?
As of 2024, only 42 U.S. medical schools accept applications from international students, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).
What are the initial requirements for international students applying to U.S. medical schools?
International students must first complete a Bachelor’s Degree or a Pre-Med program in the U.S. at a high-ranking university before applying to medical schools.
Why has the number of U.S. medical schools accepting international students decreased?
In 2019, there were 48 medical schools that accepted international students, but by 2024, this number has decreased to 42. The exact reasons for this decrease are not specified, but it reflects a tightening competition and selection criteria.
What GPA is generally required to enhance chances of admission into U.S. medical schools?
A CGPA of 3.8 or higher, preferably closer to 3.9 or 4.0, is recommended to have a competitive edge in medical school admissions.
What MCAT score should international students aim for?
International students should aim to score at least 515 out of 528 on the MCAT, which corresponds to the 95th percentile or higher, to maximize their admission chances.
Is a high GPA and MCAT score sufficient for admission into U.S. medical schools?
While a high GPA and MCAT score are crucial, U.S. medical schools also look for candidates with a well-rounded profile, including leadership roles, research, clinical experience, and unique projects that demonstrate a passion for medicine.
