Medical school acceptance rates vary by institution and applicant pool. In the U.S., the average acceptance rate for allopathic (MD) programs is approximately 5-7%, while osteopathic (DO) programs average around 8-10%. Competitive schools like Harvard or Johns Hopkins may have rates below 3%, whereas newer or less selective programs could exceed 10%.
Factors influencing rates include GPA, MCAT scores, extracurriculars, and interview performance. Applicants often apply to 15-20 schools to improve odds. Data from the AAMC shows over 60% of applicants are rejected annually, emphasizing the need for strong preparation and strategic applications.
