Get into med school: Requirements and admission tips

Very. Medical school admissions are highly competitive, with more applicants than available seats. But a strong academic foundation, relevant experience and a clear sense of purpose can help you stand out.

Choose a major you enjoy. Medical schools don’t require a specific undergraduate degree, but you’ll need to complete coursework in English, biology, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physics and math (college algebra or above), regardless of your major.

Requirements vary by school, so start your research early. Make sure you understand what courses, experiences and timelines each school expects and track what you’ve completed.

Competitive applicants typically have strong GPAs, but that’s not the whole story. Admissions committees also look for balance, growth and what you’ve done outside the classroom.

You can view GPA and Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) averages on the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) website for a sense of the current landscape.

Most U.S. medical schools require the MCAT. It’s a standardized, computer-based exam that assesses critical thinking, reasoning and foundational scientific knowledge. Preparing well and understanding what’s covered can help you feel more confident going in.

The MCAT includes four sections:

1. Biological and biochemical foundations of living systems
2. Chemical and physical foundations of biological systems
3. Psychological, social and biological foundations of behavior
4. Critical analysis and reasoning skills

How your scores are used

Medical school admissions committees consider MCAT scores alongside many other factors. A high percentile score can strengthen your application, but it’s not the only measure of readiness. Some schools weigh individual section scores just as heavily as the overall score.

Preparing for the MCAT

When it comes to preparing for the MCAT, the best advice is to start early. There are a wide range of prep guides and study materials available. Choose tools aligned with how you learn best, but first, make sure you fully understand the exam format and what each section tests.

Give yourself time to take multiple practice exams and track your progress. Simulating the full test can help build stamina and reduce stress on exam day.

What to know before you register

• Test duration: About 7.5 hours
• Number of attempts: Up to three times in one year, four times over two years
• When to take it: Ideally the year before you plan to start med school
• What to know: Eligibility rules and test-day procedures (review early)
• Cost help: Fee assistance may be available through the AAMC

Learn more about the MCAT on the AAMC website.

Start early. This is one part of your application that gives you full control and a chance to make a lasting impression. While many students save it for last, it’s worth giving your personal statement time and reflection.

Know what to expect

Admissions committees rarely give specific advice on what to write. But strong personal statements tend to reflect your goals, growth and genuine motivations for pursuing medicine. Think of it as your opportunity to show who you are, not just what you’ve done.

Reflect before you write

Spend time reflecting on the academic, personal and professional experiences that shaped your journey. Ask yourself the following questions:

• What influenced my decision to pursue medicine?
• What personal qualities will make me a strong physician?
• How have my experiences prepared me to care for others?

Aim for clarity and authenticity

Avoid clichés and focus on clear, specific examples. Show how your values, experiences and aspirations align and how they’ve helped build your commitment to the field. A good personal statement tells your story in a way only you can.

Interviews are a standard part of medical school admissions, though the format and setting vary. Some take place on campus with one or more members of the admissions committee. Others might be off campus and attended by practicing physicians, current students or alumni. No matter the format, your interview becomes part of your admissions file, so preparation matters.

Know what interviewers are looking for

Expect questions exploring your academic readiness and your personal qualities. Be prepared to discuss:

• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Ethical reasoning and hypothetical scenarios
• Your academic performance and test scores
• Personal values, experiences and decision-making
• Your motivation for studying medicine and why you want to be a physician
• Why you’re a good fit for their program

Practice with intention

Know your application well; it’s fair game for questions. Practice answering aloud, ideally in mock interviews or with a mentor, advisor or peer. Focus on being clear, authentic and reflective—not rehearsed.

Admissions committees value well-rounded applicants who balance academics with meaningful involvement outside the classroom. Joining student organizations, sports teams or arts groups and volunteering in your community are ways to show commitment and character.

Look for opportunities to take initiative or grow into a leadership role. Those experiences demonstrate maturity, time management skills and personal growth. Explore the AAMC's list of the best extracurriculars for medical school for 2024–2025 to get additional ideas for extracurricular activities.

Just remember that extracurriculars matter most as a supplement to a strong academic record. No activity can replace a solid GPA or MCAT score. Focus on what interests you, manage your time wisely and aim for impact over quantity.

Look for health care-related experience that helps you explore the field and tests your interest. You’ll gain insights, and admissions committees will see you’ve done your homework.

Shadowing gives you a firsthand look at what it’s really like to be a physician, and it helps you decide if medicine is right for you. It also shows admissions committees that you’ve taken initiative to explore your career path.

You’ll gain the most insight by shadowing a variety of health care professionals—especially family physicians—who treat patients of all ages and conditions. These experiences can help shape your story and strengthen your application.

How to set up a shadowing experience

• Ask your personal network—family, professors and advisors—if they know a physician you could shadow.
• Reach out to local clinics, hospitals or health centers.
• See if your school’s pre-med office has connections or a list of physicians.
• When contacting a physician directly, write a short, respectful email explaining your interest in medicine and asking about shadowing opportunities.

Tips to make the most of shadowing

• Track your hours and the health care professionals you shadow. Keep a record you can reference later.
• Stick with one or two mentors over time. A longer-term relationship gives your mentors the chance to get to know you and potentially write a stronger letter of recommendation
• Reflect in a journal after each session. Consider using these notes to write your personal statement and talk about your experiences in interviews

When shadowing, remember to be professional, follow patient privacy rules and thank the people who welcome you into their practice.

Volunteering demonstrates your values, commitment and ability to serve others. It is very important, and it gives you a chance to develop real-world skills and reflect on your interest in medicine.

Look for opportunities through your college or local research institutions. If you’re thinking about a career in academic medicine, research experience is especially valuable.

There is no single reason that applicants don’t get into medical school. Common issues include a low GPA, a weak MCAT score, lack of meaningful experience or underwhelming interviews. But not being accepted doesn’t mean the journey ends. Many successful physicians didn’t get into medical school on the first try.

Admissions committees may also consider your letters of evaluation, state residency, intended specialty or the medical school’s physician workforce needs. Review each school’s requirements thoroughly to ensure your application is complete and aligns well with the program.