20 Easiest Medical Schools to Get Into

Getting into medical school is one of the most competitive processes in higher education. In addition to strong academics, most schools expect meaningful clinical experience, volunteer and research hours, strong letters of recommendation, and a compelling personal statement.

That said, some med schools are easier to get into than others, including osteopathic (DO) schools, state schools that heavily favor in-state students, and Caribbean medical schools. These programs often have lower GPA and MCAT requirements, higher acceptance rates, or both.

For students who are serious about becoming doctors but may not have a perfect academic record, these schools can be a real and meaningful pathway. 

Some medical schools with more accessible admissions include Ross University School of Medicine, St. George's University School of Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, and University of Mississippi School of Medicine.

This guide looks at 20 medical schools that are considered easier to get into. We compare them based on acceptance rates, average GPA, average MCAT scores, and school type. We'll also cover the key differences between MD and DO programs, explain the pros and cons of Caribbean schools, and answer common questions about medical school admissions.

Comparing the Easiest Med Schools to Get Into

The table below compares 20 medical schools that are easier to get into than average. 

Note that not all medical schools publish their admissions stats publicly. The figures below are compiled from school websites, accrediting organizations, and reputable admissions resources and may be estimates when official data is unavailable. We recommend checking directly with each school for the most current information.

20 Easiest Medical Schools to Get Into

Ross University School of Medicine

• School type: Caribbean MD
• Acceptance rate: ~42%
• Median GPA: ~3.27
• Median MCAT: ~494

Founded in 1978 in Barbados, Ross University School of Medicine is one of the largest and oldest Caribbean medical schools. Students complete their basic science training in Barbados before moving to clinical rotations at affiliated teaching hospitals in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Ross reported that 96% of its eligible graduates were placed in residency programs in 2025, across 23 different specialties.

St. George's University School of Medicine

• School type: Caribbean MD
• Acceptance rate: ~41%
• Median GPA: ~3.4
• Median MCAT: ~497

Founded in 1977, St. George's University (SGU) School of Medicine in Grenada is one of the most well-known Caribbean medical schools. Students complete their basic science coursework in Grenada before clinical training at affiliated hospitals across the United States and Canada. The school has a strong track record for residency placement and reports a 94% U.S. residency placement rate for graduates over the last five years.

American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine

• School type: Caribbean MD
• Acceptance rate: Not publicly reported
• Median GPA: ~3.2
• Median MCAT: ~492–496

The American University of the Caribbean (AUC) School of Medicine has been training future physicians since 1978 and is located on the Dutch side of Sint Maarten. Students complete their basic sciences on the island before transitioning to clinical training at partner hospitals across the United States. AUC reports a 97% first-time residency attainment rate for graduates over the last three years.

Saba University School of Medicine

• School type: Caribbean MD
• Acceptance rate: Not publicly reported
• Median GPA: ~3.2
• Median MCAT: ~497

Saba University School of Medicine is located on the small Dutch Caribbean island of Saba and has been training physicians since 1992. Like most Caribbean medical schools, Saba students complete their basic sciences on the island before doing clinical rotations at affiliated U.S. hospitals. It reports a 99% three-year residency placement rate.

American University of Antigua College of Medicine

• School type: Caribbean MD
• Acceptance rate: ~30%
• Median GPA: ~3.0
• Median MCAT: Not consistently reported

The American University of Antigua (AUA) College of Medicine was established in 2004 on the island of Antigua and offers a 4-year MD program with an international student body. Students complete their basic science coursework in Antigua before clinical rotations at affiliated U.S. hospitals. AUA reports 95% four-year residency placement match rate for eligible graduates.

Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine

• School type: U.S. DO
• Acceptance rate: ~7.5-14%
• Median GPA: ~3.5
• Median MCAT: ~500

Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine opened in 2017 as part of the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education and is located in Fort Smith, Arkansas. ARCOM was founded with a mission to address physician shortages in rural and underserved communities throughout Arkansas and the surrounding region. As one of the newer DO programs in the country, it offers smaller class sizes and a supportive learning environment.

Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine

• School type: U.S. DO
• Acceptance rate: 10-15%
• Median GPA: ~3.5
• Median MCAT: ~500

Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM) opened in 2007 in Harrogate, Tennessee. LMU-DCOM was built with a specific mission to train primary care physicians for medically underserved communities in Appalachia and similar rural areas. The school gives preference to applicants who have demonstrated ties to or a genuine interest in serving underserved populations.

Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine

• School type: U.S. DO
• Acceptance rate: Not publicly reported
• Median GPA: ~3.5
• Median MCAT: ~501

Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine (BCOM) was founded in 2013. They have a campus in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and one in Melbourne, Florida. BCOM focuses on training physicians for underserved communities, with a particular emphasis on serving Hispanic and Latino populations. Its location and mission make it a strong fit for applicants who are passionate about health equity and border health.

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

• School type: U.S. DO
• Acceptance rate: ~10–14%
• Median GPA: ~3.5
• Median MCAT: ~502

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) is one of the largest medical schools in the United States by total enrollment, with campuses in Pennsylvania and Florida. LECOM offers several learning pathways and admits a large number of students each year across its campuses. It is highly regarded within osteopathic medicine and has strong board exam pass rates. They reported a 100% residency placement rate for 2025.

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine

• School type: U.S. DO
• Acceptance rate: Not publicly reported
• Median GPA: ~3.6
• Median MCAT: ~503

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) was founded in 2003 and operates four campuses in Blacksburg, Virginia; Spartanburg, South Carolina; Auburn, Alabama; and Monroe, Louisiana. VCOM has a mission to train physicians for rural and medically underserved communities throughout the Southeast. It is accredited by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) and has a solid track record of residency placement.

Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine

• School type: U.S. DO
• Acceptance rate: Not publicly reported
• Median GPA: ~3.5
• Median MCAT: ~503

Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM) opened in 2013 in Dothan, Alabama, and was created to help address physician shortages in the state. ACOM emphasizes primary care and community-based clinical training, and gives preference to applicants who plan to serve underserved areas of Alabama and the Southeast. It is a newer program that has grown into a well-regarded DO school in the region. They reported a 99.5% residency placement rate in 2026.

Ponce Health Sciences University School of Medicine

• School type: U.S. MD
• Acceptance rate: Not publicly reported
• Median GPA: ~3.7
• Median MCAT: ~499

Ponce Health Sciences University School of Medicine is located in Ponce, Puerto Rico, and is part of a larger health sciences university that includes pharmacy and public health programs. Because Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, PHSU graduates are eligible to apply to U.S. residency programs on the same basis as graduates of mainland medical schools. It is a strong option for bilingual applicants and those committed to serving Spanish-speaking communities.

University of Mississippi School of Medicine

• School type: U.S. MD (in-state only)
• Acceptance rate: ~52% (in-state only)
• Median GPA: ~3.8
• Median MCAT: ~506

The University of Mississippi School of Medicine is the only MD-granting program in the state and is part of the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. The school exclusively admits Mississippi residents, which is why its acceptance rate is considerably higher than most U.S. medical schools. For Mississippi residents who meet the academic requirements, it is one of the most accessible MD programs in the country.

Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University

• School type: U.S. MD
• Acceptance rate: ~4–13%
• Median GPA: ~3.7
• Median MCAT: ~507

The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina, was founded in 1977 with a specific mission to train primary care physicians for rural eastern North Carolina. The school gives strong preference to North Carolina residents and applicants with a demonstrated commitment to serving underserved areas. Brody is well-regarded for its focus on community medicine and its role in developing the physician workforce in the eastern part of the state.

Louisiana State University Health Shreveport School of Medicine

• School type: U.S. MD
• Acceptance rate: ~5-10%
• Median GPA: ~3.8
• Median MCAT: ~507

LSU Health Shreveport is a public medical school that primarily trains physicians for northern Louisiana and the surrounding region. As a state-funded school, it strongly favors Louisiana residents in its admissions process. It is one of two LSU medical schools in the state and has a strong clinical training program through its affiliated hospitals in the Shreveport area.

University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences

• School type: U.S. MD
• Acceptance rate: ~4–5%
• Median GPA: ~3.8
• Median MCAT: ~506-508

The University of North Dakota (UND) School of Medicine and Health Sciences serves one of the most sparsely populated states in the country. It has a strong mission to train physicians for rural and Native American communities. UND has a regional enrollment agreement with several neighboring states, so applicants from Minnesota, South Dakota, and Wyoming may also be eligible. Its commitment to underserved and rural populations is central to everything it does.

Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine

• School type: U.S. MD
• Acceptance rate: ~7%
• Median GPA: ~3.8
• Median MCAT: ~509

Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine was established in 1973 in Dayton, Ohio, and focuses on training physicians for southwestern Ohio communities. The school gives preference to Ohio residents and places a strong emphasis on primary care, community medicine, and service to underserved populations. As a public medical school, it tends to have lower average GPA and MCAT figures compared to private or research-intensive programs.

Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine

• School type: U.S. DO
• Acceptance rate: Not publicly reported
• Median GPA: ~3.6
• Median MCAT: ~506

Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine (TUCOM-CA) is located in Vallejo, California, near the San Francisco Bay Area. TUCOM-CA is part of the broader Touro University network and is committed to training physicians for underserved communities across California and the western United States. The school emphasizes primary care and community health and welcomes applicants who share that commitment.

Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine

• School type: U.S. DO
• Acceptance rate: ~9–21%
• Median GPA: ~3.6
• Median MCAT: ~505

Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCU-COM) is one of the oldest and largest osteopathic medical schools in the country, with campuses in Kansas City and Joplin, Missouri. Founded in 1916, KCU-COM has a large alumni network and a strong primary care focus. The school takes a holistic approach to admissions, which means applicants with lower academic numbers may still be considered if the rest of their application is strong.

Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine

• School type: U.S. DO
• Acceptance rate: Not publicly reported
• Median GPA: ~3.6
• Median MCAT: ~506

Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine (RVUCOM) is a private osteopathic school with campuses in Colorado, Montana, and Utah. RVUCOM focuses on training physicians for underserved and rural communities in the Mountain West. The school uses a rolling admissions process, which means applying early in the cycle can give applicants a real advantage.

MD vs. DO Medical Schools

The most notable difference between MD (Doctor of Medicine) and DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) degrees is in the name. 

The training is more similar than you might think. 

Both require four years of medical school followed by residency, and graduates of both programs can be licensed to practice medicine in all 50 states.

Coursework

The key distinction is that DO programs include additional coursework in osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), a hands-on approach to diagnosing and treating patients that focuses on the musculoskeletal system.

Average GPA and MCAT score

DO schools tend to be more accessible because they have, on average, lower GPA and MCAT requirements than MD programs. According to the AACOM, DO matriculants in 2025 had an average GPA of 3.62 and an average MCAT of 502.95.

Compare that to the AAMC stats, which show that MD matriculants had an average GPA of 3.81 and an average MCAT score of 512.1.

This does not mean all DO schools are easy to get into, but they do offer a real path for applicants with slightly lower stats who are still committed to becoming physicians.

Outcomes

As for outcomes after graduation, DO and MD graduates are highly competitive in the residency matching process. 

According to the NRMP, 93.2% of DO seniors matched into residency programs in 2026, compared to 93.5% for MD seniors. Those numbers are nearly identical, which is a strong sign that DO graduates are respected and competitive in today's medical landscape.

The one area where DO graduates may face more competition is in the most selective specialties, like neurosurgery, dermatology, and interventional radiology. These programs have historically shown some preference for MD graduates. 

If you are aiming for a highly competitive specialty, a DO program can still be a viable path, but it will take extra planning and a strong overall application.

U.S. vs. Caribbean Medical Schools

Caribbean medical schools are private, international institutions that grant MD degrees. 

Unlike U.S. medical schools, Caribbean med schools are not accredited by LCME, which oversees U.S. MD programs. Instead, Caribbean schools are regulated by the governments of the countries where they operate.

U.S. citizen graduates who want to practice in the U.S. must pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and match into a U.S. residency program. This is the same process followed by other international medical graduates (IMGs) from anywhere in the world.

Requirements

Caribbean schools tend to be easier to get into for a few reasons. They are primarily private institutions, meaning they do not have the state funding, enrollment mandates, or in-state preferences that affect most U.S. public medical schools. 

They also tend to admit more students to remain financially self-sustaining, leading to higher acceptance rates.

Outcomes

The main trade-off with Caribbean schools is the residency match rate. While the top Caribbean schools report strong placement data for their graduates, overall IMG match rates are significantly lower than U.S. MD and DO rates. 

According to the NRMP's 2025 match results, U.S. citizen IMGs matched at 70%, compared with 93.5% for U.S. MD seniors and 93.2% for U.S. DO seniors.

Researching Caribbean med schools

If you are considering a Caribbean medical school, the most important factors to research are the school's USMLE pass rate and its verified residency match record. Be cautious about lesser-known Caribbean programs that do not appear in NRMP match data or have limited outcomes reporting.

You should also plan carefully around cost. Caribbean medical schools are private, and tuition is often higher than in-state public U.S. programs. Financial aid options can also be more limited.

FAQs About Getting Into Med School

What is the average med school acceptance rate?‍

According to the AAMC, roughly 44% of students who applied to U.S. medical schools in 2024-2025 were ultimately accepted to a program. That number can be misleading, though, because most applicants apply to many schools at once. The acceptance rate at any single school is usually well below 10%.

What med school has the highest acceptance rate?

Among U.S. med schools, state schools that exclusively admit in-state residents tend to have the highest acceptance rates because the applicant pool is smaller. For example, the University of Mississippi School of Medicine accepts about 52% of applicants. For more general admissions, Caribbean medical schools report the highest acceptance rates, with schools like Ross University SOM and St. George's University SOM reporting acceptance rates of around 40-42%.

What is the average GPA to get accepted to med school?

Students entering U.S. MD programs in 2025 had an average GPA of 3.81. This is a national average, so it is helpful to check the stats on the specific schools you are interested in. Most med schools publish a class profile that reports the GPA and MCAT scores for their most recent entering class.

What is the minimum GPA to get accepted to med school?

There is no single minimum GPA for all medical schools. Schools decide which students to accept, and those students have a range of GPAs. You can check the average GPA for the specific schools you are interested in to find out what they are looking for. But even then, remember that it's an average, so some applicants likely had lower GPAs, and some had higher ones. We also have a guide on chances of getting into med school that may be a good starting point to see how you may stand.

What is the average MCAT to get accepted to med school?

Students who were accepted to medical schools in 2025 had an average MCAT score of 512.1. That does not mean you have to hit that score to get in. You can check the specific schools you are most interested in to see what their entering classes typically scored.

What is the minimum MCAT to get accepted to med school?

There is no universal minimum MCAT score across all schools. Medical schools set their own score ranges for what they will consider. You can check the average MCAT for the specific schools you are targeting to get a sense of what is competitive. That said, keep in mind it is an average, so some accepted applicants scored below it and some scored above.

Why is med school so difficult to get into?

Medical school is difficult to get into because it prepares students for one of the highest-stakes professions. Schools want applicants who are academically strong, emotionally mature, service-oriented, and ready for the demands of patient care. On top of that, med schools receive thousands of applications every year for a limited number of seats, which makes the competition fierce.

Can I get into med school as an international student?

Yes, but it can be more challenging because fewer U.S. schools accept international applicants, and financial aid options may be more limited. You need to check each school's admissions policy carefully, since many state-funded schools restrict admission to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Some private U.S. schools and most Caribbean schools are more open to international applicants.

Why are Caribbean med schools so much easier to get into?

Caribbean schools are private institutions that do not receive state or federal funding and rely on tuition to operate. This means they tend to accept more students, which drives up acceptance rates. They also do not have the same in-state enrollment preferences that restrict access at many U.S. public schools. The trade-off is that Caribbean graduates face more competition for U.S. residency spots and have a lower residency match rate than U.S.-based graduates.

Can I get into med school with a low GPA?

Yes, there are strategies for getting into med school with a low GPA. Showing an upward trend in grades, scoring well on the MCAT, and building meaningful clinical experience can all strengthen a lower-GPA application. You can also consider doing a post-graduate program or a gap year job that shows your commitment to medicine and gives you access to providers who can write meaningful letters of recommendation.

What jobs are best for helping me get into med school?

Jobs with direct patient exposure tend to help the most. Working as a medical assistant, an EMT, a medical scribe, or a phlebotomist can give you a great amount of clinical experience for medical school. These jobs and more are some of the best for pre-med students.

Can I reapply to med school if I am not accepted?

Yes, and it is more common than you might think. Many successful physicians applied more than once before getting in. The key is to improve your application each time, whether that means strengthening your GPA, retaking the MCAT, adding more clinical experience, or broadening the schools you are applying to.

What is the difference between a DO and an MD degree?

Both MD (Doctor of Medicine) and DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) are full medical degrees that allow graduates to practice medicine in the United States. The main difference is that DO programs include additional training in osteopathic manipulative medicine, which is a hands-on technique for diagnosis and treatment. Both degree types require the same licensing exams and residency training, and DO and MD graduates compete for the same residency programs through the NRMP match system.