Deciding to pursue a career in medicine is a significant commitment, requiring years of study and dedication. One of the first steps in this journey is gaining admission to a medical school.
While the admission process is highly competitive, there are some medical schools that have relatively easier admission requirements.
In this article, we will explore 10 medical schools that are known for their more accessible admission criteria.
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1. The University of Mississippi Medical Center
The University of Mississippi Medical Center, located in Jackson, Mississippi, is a renowned medical school that offers a four-year program leading to a doctor of medicine degree. The institution places a strong emphasis on training, research, and clinical practice, with a particular focus on providing healthcare to Mississippi’s diverse and underserved population.
As the only medical school of its kind in the state, the University of Mississippi Medical Center aims to foster strong professional networks and job opportunities for its students.
- Location: Jackson, MS
- Acceptance Rate: 41%
- Average Tuition: $31,196 per year
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Student Enrollment: 2,329
- Average MCAT Score: 504
- Undergrad GPA Requirement: 3.7
2. Mercer University School of Medicine
Mercer University School of Medicine offers a range of degree programs across various locations in Georgia. Students can pursue a four-year M.D. degree in Macon and Savannah.
Additionally, the school provides opportunities for advanced doctoral degrees in Rural Health Sciences and master’s degrees in family therapy, among other medical courses.
It is important to note that the M.D. program at Mercer University School of Medicine is only available to Georgia residents.
- Locations: Macon, GA; Savannah, GA; Columbus, GA; Atlanta, GA
- Acceptance Rate: 10.4%
- Average Tuition: Year 1 Average Cost: $26,370; Year 2 Average Cost: $20,514
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Student Enrollment: 604
- Average MCAT Score: 503
- Undergrad GPA Requirement: 3.68
3. East Carolina University
The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, located in Greenville, NC, offers a wide range of medical programs.
Students can pursue Ph.D., M.D., and dual degree M.D./MBA programs, as well as master’s degrees in public health.
The M.D. program at East Carolina University also offers four tracks, allowing students to specialize in their area of research and complete a capstone project.
Prospective pre-med students may also be interested in the school’s summer program designed for future doctors.
- Location: Greenville, NC
- Acceptance Rate: 8.00%
- Average Tuition: $20,252 per year
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Student Enrollment: 556
- Average MCAT Score: 508
- Undergrad GPA Requirement: 3.65
4. University of North Dakota School of Medicine
The School of Medicine at the University of North Dakota offers a comprehensive medical education program.
Students have the opportunity to pursue a doctor of medicine degree and benefit from the school’s commitment to providing healthcare in rural areas.
The curriculum focuses on training physicians who are prepared to address the unique challenges of rural communities. The school also offers various research opportunities and emphasizes community engagement.
- Location: Grand Forks, ND
- Acceptance Rate: 15%
- Average Tuition: $22,580 per year (in-state); $40,872 per year (out-of-state)
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Student Enrollment: 225
- Average MCAT Score: 508
- Undergrad GPA Requirement: 3.5
5. University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine
The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine offers a comprehensive medical education program that prepares students to become competent and compassionate physicians.
The curriculum focuses on patient-centered care, research, and community engagement. The school also provides opportunities for students to gain clinical experience in a variety of settings, including urban and rural communities.
- Location: Reno, NV
- Acceptance Rate: 7.7%
- Average Tuition: $44,200 per year (in-state); $74,200 per year (out-of-state)
- Accreditation: Liaison Committee on Medical Education
- Student Enrollment: 401
- Average MCAT Score: 508
- Undergrad GPA Requirement: 3.5
6. The University of South Dakota
The Sanford School of Medicine at the University of South Dakota offers M.D. programs and related biomedical degrees.
One of the unique offerings includes the Frontier and Rural Medicine (FARM) program, which provides participants with an eight-month course in local clinics to study the basics of rural medicine.
Non-residents who wish to apply to this medical school must have a strong connection to the state, such as having relatives within the state, graduating from the same high school or college within the state, or belonging to a federally recognized tribe.
7. Augusta University
Located in Vermillion, South Dakota, Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia specializes in dual degrees. Students have the option to combine their M.D. with a master’s in management (MBA) or a master’s in public health (MPH).
The integrated MBA program aims to teach management and clinical techniques to prepare students for the U.S. healthcare system.
On the other hand, the M.D./MPH program focuses on community healthcare and public health. The M.D. program takes approximately four years to complete, while the combined program requires five years.
8. The University of Oklahoma
The College of Medicine at the University of Oklahoma offers three degrees: an M.D., an M.D./Ph.D. double degree, and Physician associate programs.
Students can choose from two programs offered on different campuses. The Oklahoma City campus, with 140 students per class, provides access to a 200-acre medical facility.
The Tulsa track, with a smaller class size of 25-30 students, emphasizes health in the community.
9. Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans
The School of Medicine at LSU-New Orleans offers several programs, including the M.D./MPH Dual degree program and an integrated occupational health service (OMS) program.
Additionally, there is a primary care program that focuses on rural experience, urban health rural scholars, and a summer research intern program.
LSU accepts approximately 20% of all applicants and offers substantial tuition discounts for residents of Louisiana.
10. Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport
LSU Health Shreveport is the only medical school in Louisiana’s northern region.
With a class size of about 150 students, this institution provides access to Lecturio, a library of videos and mobile applications that aid in test preparation and studying on the go.
LSU Health Shreveport also offers research distinction tracks and an integrated Ph.D. program in collaboration with Louisiana Tech. Candidates must participate in a live interview as part of the admission process.
While these medical schools may have relatively accessible admission requirements, it is important to note that the application process is competitive, and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance.
Prospective students should thoroughly research each school and consider factors beyond admission requirements, such as curriculum, clinical opportunities, and location, to make an informed decision.
Article updated 3 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
