The easiest medical schools to get into are the ones with the highest acceptance rates and the most flexible MCAT and GPA requirements. Schools like the University of Mississippi School of Medicine and several DO programs accept a much larger share of applicants than the national average, which sits at just 4.23% per school for MD programs.
That said, “easy” is relative. Even the most accessible medical schools still expect solid grades and test scores. This guide breaks down real numbers so you can build a smart, balanced school list.
What Does “Easiest Medical Schools” Mean?
It means schools with acceptance rates well above the national average, along with lower median MCAT scores and GPAs.
Getting into medical school is tough no matter where you apply. The average MD program accepts only about 4.23% of its applicants, though close to 44.58% of all applicants get into at least one school somewhere. Some schools simply admit a larger share of the people who apply, often because of state residency rules, mission-driven admissions, or newer programs still building their reputation.
These schools may look for applicants from rural areas, in-state residents, or students planning to go into primary care. Understanding this helps you figure out where your own grades and MCAT score actually give you a real shot.
Top Medical Schools by Acceptance Rate
CUNY School of Medicine tops the list with a 100% acceptance rate, but there’s a catch worth knowing before you get excited.
That 100% figure applies only to students already enrolled in CUNY’s BS/MD program — it’s not open admission for outside MD applicants. For a true standalone MD program, the University of Mississippi School of Medicine leads the pack, accepting roughly 46-52% of applicants.
| Rank | School | State | Acceptance Rate | Avg MCAT | Avg GPA |
| 1 | CUNY School of Medicine | NY | 100% (BS/MD only) | N/A | 3.8 |
| 2 | University of Mississippi | MS | 46-52% | 505-506 | 3.8 |
| 3 | Mercer University | GA | 14% | 503 | 3.7 |
| 4 | University of Puerto Rico | PR | 13% | 504 | 3.9 |
| 5 | Augusta University (MCG) | GA | 9% | 512 | 3.8 |
| 6 | Ponce Health Sciences | PR | 8.6% | 499 | 3.7 |
| 7 | UMKC School of Medicine | MO | 8.4% | 505 | 3.6 |
| 8 | University of Oklahoma | OK | 7.8% | 510 | 3.7 |
MD Programs with Highest Acceptance Rates
Beyond the top names, several public MD schools consistently post higher-than-average acceptance rates, especially for in-state applicants.
Schools like Southern Illinois University, Sanford School of Medicine at the University of South Dakota, and East Carolina University’s Brody School of Medicine all favor residents of their own states heavily. Many of these schools have acceptance rates in the 6-10% range overall, which sounds low but is far above the 4.23% national average per school.
The pattern here is clear: state-funded medical schools exist mainly to train doctors for their own state, so they weight applications toward local residents.
DO Schools with Lower MCAT Requirements
DO (osteopathic) schools generally have lower average MCAT scores than MD schools, often in the 500-504 range compared to 511-512 for MD programs.
Some DO schools accept scores even lower than that. Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine accepts MCAT scores as low as 494, while Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine sets its minimum around 495. Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine and Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine both accept scores in the 496-497 range.
| School | State | Avg MCAT | Min MCAT | Acceptance Rate |
| Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine | NM | ~500 | 480s | 17.5% |
| Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine | AR | 500 | 494 | 25% |
| Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine | VA | 500 | 496 | 18.2% |
| Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine | PA | 500 | 497 | 19.2% |
| Liberty University COM | VA | 501 | 498 | 12% |
DO schools use holistic review and weigh mission fit heavily, so a lower MCAT doesn’t automatically mean easy admission — you still need strong clinical experience and a clear reason for choosing the osteopathic path.
In-State vs Out-of-State Acceptance Rates
Being an in-state applicant can multiply your chances of acceptance by 10 to 40 times at many public medical schools.
For example, the University of Mississippi accepts about 60% or more of in-state applicants but only around 1.5% of out-of-state applicants — a 40x difference. The University of Arkansas shows a similar gap, with in-state applicants accepted at 60.6% compared to just 1.57% for out-of-state candidates.
This is one of the biggest factors people overlook. A school might look “easy” based on its overall acceptance rate, but if you’re applying from another state, your real odds could be far lower.
Medical Schools That Accept Low MCAT Scores
Several DO programs will consider applicants with MCAT scores in the low 490s, though a strong application matters just as much as the number itself.
Schools such as Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine and Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine have accepted students with scores in the high 480s to low 490s. On the MD side, scores below 500 are rare outside of BS/MD and early assurance programs.
Keep in mind that a low MCAT score usually needs to be balanced by strong clinical hours, shadowing experience, and a compelling personal statement. Admissions committees look at the whole picture, not just one number.
Medical Schools That Accept Low GPAs
Even schools with higher acceptance rates typically expect matriculant GPAs between 3.6 and 3.9, though some DO programs accept averages closer to 3.5.
A GPA below 3.4 is considered weak for most MD programs. DO schools tend to be somewhat more forgiving, especially when an applicant shows academic improvement through post-baccalaureate coursework or a Special Master’s Program (SMP). A GPA in the 3.6+ range after one of these programs can offset a lower undergraduate GPA.
Are Caribbean Medical Schools Easier to Get Into?
Yes, Caribbean medical schools generally have higher acceptance rates, often 40% or more, and accept MCAT scores as low as 470-490.
Schools like St. George’s University (around 41% acceptance) and Ross University (around 42.7% acceptance) admit a larger share of applicants than most US schools. But this comes with real trade-offs: lower USMLE Step 1 pass rates, lower residency match rates (70-85% compared to 92%+ for US MD and DO schools), and higher attrition.
If you’re considering this route, only look at the well-established “Big Four” — St. George’s, Ross, American University of the Caribbean, and Saba — and treat it as a backup option after exhausting US programs.
How to Get Into Medical School with Lower Stats
Focus on strategies that widen your options rather than chasing a single “easy” school.
- Apply broadly — 25 to 30+ schools if your stats are below average.
- Apply to both MD and DO programs using AMCAS and AACOMAS.
- Prioritize your in-state public schools first.
- Get 500+ hours of clinical experience.
- Consider a post-bacc or SMP program if your GPA needs a boost.
- Retake the MCAT only if you can realistically improve by 5+ points.
- Target mission-aligned schools that value your background.
How Many Medical Schools Should You Apply To?
The average applicant applies to about 18 schools, but experts recommend 25-30 for competitive applicants and even more if your stats are below average.
Applying to more schools costs money — expect to pay $170 for your first AMCAS school and $42 for each additional one, plus secondary fees that range from $50 to $150 per school. But casting a wider net significantly improves your odds, especially if your MCAT or GPA sits below the medians of your target schools.
When to Submit Your Medical School Application
Submit as early as possible — ideally in the first week that AMCAS or AACOMAS opens in May or June.
Many medical schools use rolling admissions, meaning they review applications as they arrive and fill seats throughout the cycle. Applicants who submit in July or August are competing for far fewer open spots. Early verification also takes less time — about 2-3 weeks compared to 6-8 weeks for later submissions.
Early Assurance Programs and BS/MD Options
Several schools offer early assurance programs that don’t require the MCAT at all, admitting students directly from undergraduate study.
Examples include Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai’s FlexMed program, the University of Rochester’s Early Assurance Program, Georgetown’s EAP, and CUNY’s BS/MD track. These programs are highly competitive to enter but skip the traditional MCAT-based admissions process entirely once you’re accepted.
MD vs DO: Which Is Easier to Get Into?
DO schools have a slightly higher overall acceptance rate (42.28% vs 44.58% for MD in 2024) and lower average MCAT scores, but they are not simply “easier” versions of MD programs.
| Category | MD Programs | DO Programs |
| Avg Acceptance Rate (per applicant) | 44.58% | 42.28% |
| Avg MCAT | 511.7 | 503.9 |
| Avg GPA | 3.75 | 3.5-3.6 |
| Residency Match Rate | 94%+ | 92%+ |
DO schools use a holistic review process and place strong emphasis on primary care commitment and osteopathic philosophy. Both DOs and MDs are fully licensed physicians with equivalent practice rights.
How to Build a Balanced Medical School List
A smart list mixes safety, target, and reach schools based on how your MCAT and GPA compare to each school’s median.
Use the “2-3 point rule”: if your stats fall within 2-3 points of a school’s median MCAT and GPA, it’s a reasonable target. Include 5-10 safety schools where your stats exceed the median, 10-15 target schools that closely match your stats, and 5-10 reach schools where your stats fall slightly below the median.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Medical Schools
Many applicants waste time and money by misreading acceptance rate data.
- Chasing acceptance rate alone without checking MCAT/GPA medians.
- Applying out-of-state to schools with heavy in-state preference, like Mercer University or the University of Mississippi.
- Misunderstanding CUNY’s 100% rate as open admission.
- Applying to too few schools when stats are below average.
- Submitting applications late in the cycle.
- Assuming DO schools are a “backup” rather than an equal path.
Latest Updates in Medical School Admissions
The 2025-2026 application cycle brought some notable shifts worth knowing about.
Total medical school applicants grew 8.4% to 1,040,848 in 2025, while matriculants rose slightly to 40,024. Medical school enrollment hit a record 99,562 students in 2024-2025. Both MD and DO acceptance rates increased by more than 3% compared to 2023, following a dip tied to the 2023 Supreme Court decision that ended affirmative action in college admissions. New medical schools continue to open, generally offering higher acceptance rates while they build enrollment and reputation.
FAQs
What is the easiest medical school to get into? CUNY School of Medicine has a 100% acceptance rate, but this only applies to students already in its BS/MD program. For a traditional MD program, the University of Mississippi School of Medicine has the highest acceptance rate at roughly 46-52%.
What medical school has the highest acceptance rate? Among standalone MD programs, the University of Mississippi School of Medicine leads with an acceptance rate around 46-52%.
What MCAT score do I need for easier medical schools? Schools with higher acceptance rates typically have median MCAT scores between 503 and 509. Some DO schools accept scores as low as 494-500 for mission-aligned applicants.
What GPA do I need for easier medical schools? Even accessible schools usually expect GPAs between 3.6 and 3.9. A GPA below 3.4 is considered weak for MD programs, though some DO schools accept averages around 3.5.
Are DO schools easier to get into than MD schools? DO schools have slightly higher acceptance rates and lower average MCAT scores, but they are equally rigorous and use holistic review focused on mission fit.
What medical schools accept a 500 MCAT? Several DO schools, including Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine and Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, accept MCAT scores around 496-500.
Does being in-state make it easier to get into medical school? Yes. In-state applicants at public medical schools often have acceptance rates 10 to 40 times higher than out-of-state applicants.
Are Caribbean medical schools easier to get into? Yes, schools like St. George’s University and Ross University have acceptance rates around 40%, but they come with lower residency match rates and higher attrition compared to US programs.
How many medical schools should I apply to? The average applicant applies to about 18 schools. Experts recommend 25-30 for competitive applicants, and more for those with lower stats.