Boston University School of Medicine Acceptance Rate 2025

August 14, 2025

Written By

Michael Minh Le

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The Boston University School of Medicine acceptance rate is low. Full stop.

A solid GPA and MCAT score might get your foot in the door, but that’s not enough to earn an acceptance. The real challenge is proving you belong in a class of future physicians who are ready to lead, serve, and innovate in medicine.

At Premed Catalyst, we know Boston University School of Medicine admissions because we’ve helped two students get accepted. This guide walks you through some of the insider advice we gave our students about the BU application process. You’ll learn how competitive your GPA and MCAT need to be, what the admissions requirements are, and how to approach each element of the application. You’ll also get a closer look at BU’s tuition, what makes the program unique, and how it compares to other med schools in Massachusetts.

If you want to know what actually works, you don’t need to guess. Learn from the real applications that made it. At Premed Catalyst, we created a free resource that gives you access to 8 full AMCAS applications that earned acceptances from top schools like UCLA and UCI. Study them. Reverse-engineer your own. And give yourself the best shot at becoming the doctor you’re working so hard to be. 

Get the free resource here.

How Hard Is It to Get Into Boston University School of Medicine

For the 2025 entering class, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine (CAMED) received over 12,000 applications. Out of those, just 160 students matriculated.

That puts the Boston University School of Medicine acceptance rate at about 1.33%.

Translation? It’s extremely competitive. And being in Boston doesn’t give Massachusetts residents any real advantage. BU is a private med school, so all applicants, in-state or out-of-state, face the same odds.

Average GPA & MCAT Scores

Let’s talk numbers. The average GPA for BU med students who actually got in? 3.83. The average MCAT score? 517.

That’s notably higher than the national med school averages: around a 3.77 GPA and a 511.7 MCAT. BU is clearly looking for top-tier academic performers.

That said, BU doesn’t set a hard cutoff for GPA or MCAT. So if you have a low GPA or MCAT, it’s not an automatic rejection, but it will be hard to make a strong impression.

Boston University School of Medicine Admissions Requirements

To apply to BU School of Medicine, you’ll need to complete the following prerequisites:

  • Biology: 1 year with lab
  • General Chemistry: 1 year with lab
  • Organic Chemistry: 1 year with lab
  • Physics: 1 year with lab
  • English: 1 year

‍BU also strongly recommends coursework in Biochemistry, Statistics, and Calculus. While not required, these can give your application a boost.

But it’s not just coursework requirements you need to know about. Here are additional criteria you need to meet if you want to get accepted into Boston University:

  • Bachelor’s Degree Required

You must earn a bachelor’s degree from a four‑year, regionally accredited college or university in the U.S. or Canada. If your degree comes from another country, completing at least two years of advanced coursework, including all required prerequisites, at an accredited U.S. or Canadian institution may still make you eligible.

  • Timing of Degree

If you're enrolled in a professional or graduate program, you must be in your terminal year; any in-progress academic work must be completed by the time of matriculation.

  • No Transfers or Advanced Standing

Boston University SOM does not accept applicants for advanced standing (e.g., transferring into the second or third year), nor will they consider applicants who have previously matriculated at another medical school.

  • MCAT Timing & Validity

The MCAT is required. You should plan to take it in the spring of your application year, ensuring all basic science prerequisites are complete by then. Applications won’t be reviewed if your MCAT isn’t taken by September of the application year. Scores must be from within four years of your anticipated matriculation.

  • CASPer Test (Non-Cognitive Assessment Required)

Boston University SOM requires the CASPer (via Altus) assessment. You should complete it by October of your application year. Also, CASPer must be taken each year you apply. It doesn’t carry over from past cycles.

  • Citizenship & International Status
    • U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents: Fully eligible to apply.
    • International Applicants with a U.S./Canadian Degree: Eligible if the degree is from an accredited U.S./Canadian institution.
    • International Applicants with Foreign Degrees: You must also complete at least two years of advanced coursework at an accredited U.S./Canadian institution, including all prerequisites.

  • Minimum Age & Character

You must be at least 21 years old and of good moral character to eventually receive the Medical Doctor (MD) degree from BU.

Boston University School of Medicine Tuition & Financial Aid

Let’s talk numbers because passion alone won’t pay for med school.

Tuition at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) is not cheap. For the 2025–2026 academic year, tuition is $71,440, with the total cost of attendance (including fees, insurance, housing, food, and supplies) pushing north of $96,000 annually.

But here’s the good news: sticker price isn't the final cost you’ll need to pay. About 80% of BUSM students receive some form of financial aid, and the school offers need-based scholarships, merit scholarships, and federal loans. The average scholarship award lands around $33,000 per year, and there are specific funds dedicated to students from underrepresented backgrounds in medicine.

What Sets Boston University School of Medicine Apart

Boston University School of Medicine isn’t just your average med school. It’s an institution that’s been training future physicians since 1848. Whether it’s their commitment to social justice, their prime location in the heart of Boston’s medical district, or their research in cutting-edge fields like addiction medicine and health equity, BUSM stands in a league of its own. 

Here’s more about what you can expect:

Unmatched Clinical Access in a Medical Powerhouse

BUSM students train in one of the most healthcare-saturated cities in the world. You’re not just in a classroom. You're in Boston Medical Center (BMC), the largest safety-net hospital in New England. That means real-world training in trauma care, underserved populations, and complex medical cases from day one. 

A Mission Rooted in Equity and Inclusion

This isn’t just a line on the brochure. BUSM has historically prioritized health equity and continues to back that up with programs like the Center for Antiracist Research and community-focused clinics. If you're serious about using your MD to reduce health disparities, BUSM built its foundation on that.

Research That Actually Changes Lives

Forget ivory tower research that gathers dust. At BUSM, you’re stepping into NIH-funded labs tackling everything from Alzheimer’s and addiction to long COVID. If you want to be published and actually see your work impact patient care, then this is the place to do it.

Dual Degree and Specialized Pathways

Want an MPH? A PhD? A degree in mental health counseling? BUSM makes it possible through several dual-degree programs and tracks like Early Medical School Selection Program (EMSSP) for underrepresented students. The best part? It’s completely customizable.

Culture Over Cutthroat

Students describe BUSM as collaborative and community-driven, not competitive. Faculty are known to be supportive, not gatekeepers. If you’re looking for a med school that feels more like a team than a race, BUSM delivers.

How to Get Into Boston University School of Medicine

Getting into Boston University School of Medicine isn’t just about having a solid GPA and MCAT. The average applicant already has that. What sets you apart is your story. BU looks for students who reflect its mission: service, innovation, and resilience. And you’ll need that in every part of your application.

Application Timeline: Submit Early

Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine (BUSM) participates in the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) for its MD program. While BUSM encourages early submission, it does not operate on a rolling admissions basis. That means every application submitted by the deadline is given full consideration.

That being said, you’ll still want to stay on top of the following application timeline:

Month Milestone
June AMCAS application opens; begin submitting primary applications.
July–August Submit secondary application after receiving it (sent automatically after AMCAS submission).
August–September Take or submit MCAT and CASPer results before final acceptable test dates.
September–February Interview invitations are extended and interviews are conducted.
October–December Final deadlines for submitting secondaries and test scores.
December–March Initial admission decisions are released.
April Applicants must narrow choices and designate their top school using “Plan to Enroll.”
July Final commitment to matriculate using “Commit to Enroll.”
August Orientation and White Coat Ceremony for incoming students.

Personal Statement: Tell the Story Only You Can Tell

Your personal statement isn’t just another hoop to jump through. It’s the heart of your application. It’s your chance to tell a story that no one else can. It’s where you show who you are at your core, what drives you, and how that fire is shaping the doctor you’re becoming.

And here’s the deal: your experiences are your proof. If you claim to care about mental health, then your story better include real time spent in crisis counseling or advocacy work. If you say you value teamwork, we should see it in your clinical volunteer shifts or your time leading a student org. Words alone aren’t enough. You have to already be living it.

Secondary Essays: Show Your Mission Fit

Secondary essays are where AdComs figure out if you align with their mission. Stats got you in the door. Secondaries show if you actually belong. Below are Boston University’s prompts from the most recent cycle, along with advice on how to tackle each one.

Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine – 2025–2026 Secondary Prompts (300‑word limit each)

  1. Do you hope to attend medical school immediately after earning your undergraduate degree? If no, describe how you’ve spent your time leading up to applying to medical school…
    Be real. If you're going straight in, great, talk about what you’ve done to prepare. If you took time off, own it. Did you work, do research, travel, take care of family, or get more clinical hours? This question isn’t about gaps. It’s about growth.
  2. Provide a timeline or narrative highlighting notable aspects of your educational journey…
    Tell a story. This isn’t a transcript summary. It’s your path. Talk about pivots, struggles, passions, or even failures that shaped how you learned. BU wants to see if you’re reflective and self-aware, not perfect.
  3. Why BU Chobanian & Avedisian SOM? Boston Medical Center is the largest safety‑net hospital in New England… Why are you specifically interested in beginning your medical education in this environment, and how do your previous experiences prepare you for this?
    BU is about service. They want to train doctors who care about underserved communities. If you’ve worked with vulnerable populations, volunteered in public health, or seen inequities firsthand, then this is the place to talk about it. Be specific. Show alignment with their mission, not just admiration.
  4. [OPTIONAL] Use this space to provide any additional information…
    If there’s something you need to say that you weren’t able to include elsewhere, this is where you can say it. That might be context for grades or a unique life experience that gives depth to your application. Just be careful not to repeat your personal statement.

  5. [RE-APPLICANTS ONLY] Use this space to highlight aspects of your application that have changed since your last application.
    Show you’ve grown. This isn’t a space to vent. Instead, it’s a chance to prove you took feedback seriously. Talk about new experiences, improved stats, deeper reflection. Show the version of you that’s ready now.

Letters of Recommendation: Find Strong Advocates

Boston University School of Medicine gives you two options when it comes to letters of recommendation. If your school offers a Health Professions Advisory Committee letter or a pre-health packet, use it. That single packet meets all their requirements.

If your school doesn’t offer a committee letter, you’ll need to submit at least three individual letters: two must be from science professors who taught you in biology, chemistry, or physics. The third can be from someone else who knows you well. This could be a non-science professor, a mentor, a supervisor, even a coach. Just be sure it’s someone who can vouch for who you are and how you work.

If you’re in or have completed a graduate program, BU bumps the expectation to four letters: two from undergrad science faculty, one from someone of your choosing, and one from your graduate advisor or research supervisor. MD–PhD applicants need to include at least one letter from a research mentor, in addition to the standard science and committee letters.

BU allows a maximum of five letters total. If you’ve got a unique story, an unconventional path, or standout mentors who’ve seen you grind firsthand, then those extra letters can be your edge. But don’t send five just to send five. Every letter should say something new and meaningful about you.

The Interview: Make AdComs Remember You

Boston University School of Medicine uses a traditional interview format. Applicants meet one-on-one with a faculty member, student, or physician for about 30 to 60 minutes. It’s open-file, which means the interviewer has access to your full application. Expect questions about your motivation for medicine, your understanding of healthcare disparities, and how your background fits with BUSM’s mission.

This school puts a strong focus on urban and underserved populations, so you’ll likely be asked about experiences with diversity, service, or advocacy. You might get situational or ethical questions, especially around access to care or systemic inequality. Be ready to talk about what you’ve done, not just what you believe.

Is Boston University School of Medicine the Right Fit for You?

Every medical school is different, which means what makes a good fit for someone else doesn’t necessarily make a good fit for you. Here’s a breakdown to help you figure out if Boston University School of Medicine aligns with your goals and personality.

Boston University School of Medicine is a good fit if…

  • You’re passionate about social justice, health equity, and serving underserved communities. BUSM’s curriculum, campus, and clinical training are deeply rooted in these values.
  • You want early clinical exposure, even within your first weeks of school. BU emphasizes “learning by doing,” with hands-on experience in clinical settings right from the start.
  • You thrive in a diverse, inclusive learning environment. BUSM prides itself on a multicultural student body, an inclusive mission, and a legacy of pioneering coeducation in medicine.
  • You aim for integration of foundational science, clinical medicine, and equity. Think longitudinal threads like PISCEs (Principles Integrating Science, Clinical Medicine, and Equity) woven throughout pre-clerkship years.
  • You’re excited about urban clinical opportunities, especially at Boston Medical Center. The primary teaching hospital and largest safety-net, Level I adult and pediatric trauma center in New England.
  • You hope to engage in cutting-edge research across biomedical, public health, and equity-oriented domains. BUSM offers impressive research facilities and institutes as part of the Boston University Medical Campus.
  • You're looking for financial support, especially if your commitment to equity and community aligns with its mission. BUSM recently received a major $100 million donation, half earmarked specifically for financial aid.

Boston University School of Medicine may not be a good fit if…

  • You prefer a low-cost, rural, or less competitive environment. BUSM is a private school with high tuition and a selective acceptance rate, so financial and admission barriers can be significant.
  • You’re not drawn to intense clinical exposure in underserved settings. BUSM’s identity is deeply tied to Boston Medical Center’s patient population; if that’s not your drive, the experience may feel misaligned.
  • You prefer a curriculum that’s purely biomedical with less emphasis on equity or social determinants of health. Those themes are not sidebar topics at BUSM but foundational to its teaching.
  • You want a path with more flexibility, such as time off between years. BU’s tight curriculum may not allow the ease of altering your timeline.
  • You’re aiming for a quieter, small-town, nontrauma clinical training environment. This is a bustling urban medical school with fast-paced, high-acuity patient care.

Other Medical Schools in Massachusetts

If you're aiming for Boston University School of Medicine, you’re probably already grinding hard. But here's the thing: BU isn’t the only path to becoming a doctor in Massachusetts. Too many premeds get tunnel vision and ignore some incredible programs.

Don’t make that mistake. There are several medical schools in Massachusetts that could be a perfect fit for your goals, learning style, and future specialty.

Harvard

UMass Chan School of Medicine

Take the Guesswork Out. See AMCAS That Earned Acceptances.

Boston University School of Medicine doesn’t just want smart students. It wants future physicians who show up different. Academically strong, yes, but also grounded in purpose, action, and clarity.

That’s where most premeds fall short. They spend hundreds of hours volunteering, shadowing, studying, and writing essays without a clear direction. They’re guessing at what AdComs want to see.

We’ve been there.

That’s why at Premed Catalyst, we built a free resource that gives you insider access to 8 real AMCAS applications that earned acceptances at schools like UCLA and UCI. You’ll see exactly how successful applicants described their activities, structured their personal statements, and more so you can model what works.

Get your free resource here.

About the Author

Hey, I'm Mike, Co-Founder of Premed Catalyst. I earned my MD from UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine. Now, I'm an anesthesiology resident at Mt. Sinai in NYC. I've helped hundreds of premeds over the past 7 years get accepted to their dream schools. As a child of Vietnamese immigrants, I understand how important becoming a physician means not only for oneself but also for one's family. Getting into my dream school opened opportunities I would have never had. And I want to help you do the same.