October 22, 2025
Written By
Michael Minh Le
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If you’re trying to understand what the Lewis Katz School of Medicine acceptance rate means for you, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most talked-about stats in the premed world and for good reason. But while it gives a glimpse into competitiveness, the acceptance rate alone won’t tell you what actually gets applicants through the door.
This guide breaks it all down: the real numbers behind GPAs and MCAT scores, key admissions requirements, financial aid details, and how to make every part of your application count. You’ll also see what makes Lewis Katz different from other med schools in Pennsylvania and how to know if it’s the right fit for you.
Most premeds build their apps in the dark, but you don’t have to. Our free Application Database gives you access to 8 real AMCAS applications that earned acceptances to schools like UCLA and UCI. Use these complete and successful apps to model yours after what works.
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For the 2025 entering class, the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University received over 10,000 applications. Out of those, only about 220 students matriculated.
That makes the Lewis Katz School of Medicine acceptance rate roughly 2.2%.
And don’t count on being from Pennsylvania to give you a major edge. Sure, a decent chunk of Temple’s class hails from in-state, but that’s because of cheaper tuition. There’s no automatic pass for Pennsylvania residents. The admissions process is holistic and competitive across the board.
Let’s break it down. For the most recent incoming class, the average GPA of accepted students was 3.77, and the average MCAT score clocked in at 512.
That puts Temple’s admitted students right in line with national med school averages, and in many cases, just above.
Temple doesn’t officially set a GPA or MCAT cutoff. But if your numbers are significantly below a 3.5 GPA or 507 MCAT, your chances start to drop fast. This is a school that values strong academics, period.
To apply to the Lewis Katz School of Medicine, you’ll need to complete the following prerequisite coursework:
Temple also recommends courses in Biochemistry, Statistics, and Genetics, so if you’ve taken them, it’s definitely a plus. Advanced coursework in the sciences helps show you’re prepared for the rigor of med school.
Other than academics, you’ll need to meet the following requirements to be considered:
The Lewis Katz School of Medicine carries a significant price tag, but it's in line with other public medical schools.
For the 2024–25 academic year, tuition is $57,426 for in-state students and $60,890 for out-of-state students. The following year (2025–26), these figures rose slightly to $59,292 and $62,868, respectively.
But tuition is just one part of the total cost. When you factor in fees, living expenses, books, supplies, and insurance, the full cost of attendance can easily climb past $85,000 per year.
That being said, the Office of Student Financial Services provides guidance on everything from federal loan options and scholarship opportunities to long-term debt management and budgeting.
FAFSA submission is a must, ideally by March 1, and Katz’s federal school code is 003371. The school offers several merit- and need-based scholarships, many of which are renewable. There are also options for service-based programs like the National Health Service Corps, which can cover full tuition in exchange for a service commitment.
Katz also prioritizes financial literacy. From pre-matriculation through graduation, students receive coaching on managing their debt and understanding loan forgiveness pathways. The school treats financial planning as an essential professional skill, not an afterthought.
When you’re comparing med schools, it’s easy to get lost in data, like GPA averages, MCAT scores, and class size. But what truly differentiates one program from another is how it prepares you not just to get through medical school, but to stand out as a physician.
Here’s what you can expect from Lewis Katz School of Medicine.
When the Lewis Katz School of Medicine was founded in 1901, it made history as Pennsylvania’s first medical school to admit both men and women. Today, Katz continues that legacy with a mission rooted in both scientific excellence and deep community engagement. The school is committed to aligning with diverse and underserved populations to improve health through education, research, training, and service.
Katz emphasizes an integrated curriculum where you don’t just learn anatomy and toggled‑in lectures, but are immersed in doctoring early and repeatedly.
The first two years combine basic science with clinical skills, ethics, and professionalism, so you’re not waiting until year 3 to begin thinking like a doctor. And the presence of the 11‑story Medical Education & Research Building (MERB) in Philadelphia serves as a high‑tech hub for simulation and learning.
If you’re not just looking to get in and graduate, but want to explore unique tracks, Katz offers a range of options: MD/PhD, MD/MA in Urban Bioethics or Health Justice, MD/MBA, and more.
On top of that, the research ecosystem is robust. Katz’s centers cover Alzheimer’s, inflammation, vascular research, immunology, and more.
Located in North Philadelphia, Katz is positioned in a health‑care‑rich, diverse urban environment where students learn among a broad spectrum of patients and conditions. The fact that one of its main clinical sites is a major safety‑net hospital adds real‑world depth to the training.
In recent years, Katz unveiled a forward‑looking strategic plan titled “Inspiring Excellence: 2024‑2029” which lays out ambitious goals: expanding regional campuses, strengthening diversity pathways, building an education innovation hub, and boosting research collaboration.
Getting into the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University means showing more than just stats. You need to prove you’re built for the mission. With a strong emphasis on community health, diversity, and service, Temple looks for applicants who don’t just check boxes but tell a compelling story.
The Lewis Katz School of Medicine uses the AMCAS system for its MD program. But it does not operate on the usual rolling basis. Instead, they list a firm deadline for AMCAS verification (December 15 of the year prior to matriculation).
Below is an overview of the application timeline you need to follow to stay competitive at LKSOM:
Your personal statement for the Lewis Katz School of Medicine is your narrative. It’s your chance to tell the AdCom who you are, what you care about, and the kind of doctor you're becoming.
This isn’t just a place to list accomplishments. It’s where you connect the dots. It’s where you use your experiences as your proof.
If you say you care about health equity, then you should show experiences in underserved clinics and public health outreach. If you claim to value innovation, let us see the research you’ve poured yourself into.
And at Katz, where community, inclusivity, and transformation are core values, your personal statement should reflect those same themes.
Secondary essays offer the admissions committee a clearer window into your motivations, your fit with the school’s mission, and how you’ll contribute to their community.
Below are the most recent prompts from this specific school, followed by advice on exactly how to answer them.
1. What is the nature of your interest in the Lewis Katz School of Medicine? (2,000 characters)
This is your chance to prove you’ve done your research. Don’t just talk about wanting to help people. Tie your values to LKSOM’s mission, like serving underserved communities or working in urban health. Mention specific programs, the clinical environment in North Philly, or opportunities to serve and lead. Be clear about why Katz, and avoid vague reasons like location or reputation.
2. The Admissions Committee would like to know more about you. Katz seeks an engaged student body with a wide variety of backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and interests to enhance the medical school experience for everyone. Please use the space below to describe what makes you unique as an applicant, an obstacle that you had to overcome, or how you will contribute to the Katz community. (2,000 characters)
Pick one strong narrative. Don’t try to list your résumé. Whether it’s an identity, personal struggle, or a unique path, show how it’s shaped you into someone who will add value to the student body. Then make the pivot. Talk about how that uniqueness will show up in your med school journey. Give specifics about how you’ll bring it into the classroom, clinic, or community.
3. Tell us about your special interest in the campus you selected. (2,000 characters)
LKSOM gives applicants a choice between two campuses: Main Campus in Philly or St. Luke’s in Bethlehem. They’re very different. The key here is to show that you understand the setting, patient population, and opportunities at your chosen site. Then link that directly to your goals or strengths. Saying “I just like cities more” isn’t enough. You need thoughtful reasoning.
4. What are your plans for the current year – June 2025 until June 2026? (2,000 characters)
This is a “what’s next” question, not just a schedule dump. Even if you’re working or taking a gap year, make it sound intentional. Lay out your plan with clarity, whether it’s full-time work, clinical shadowing, volunteering, research, or an MCAT retake, and explain why you chose that route. Show that you’re using the time to grow personally, academically, or professionally.
5. Have you completed a pathway/pipeline program offered through Katz or another medical school? These types of pathway/pipeline programs include Diversity Scholars, STEP‑UP, SHPEP or other similar programs sponsored by a medical school. (Y/N)
If “Yes,” list the program, your role, and what you got out of it. Think exposure, mentorship, clinical skills. Make sure it connects to why you’re a stronger applicant now. If “No,” you can still stand out on the other prompts. Don’t overthink this one. It’s a check for context, not a make-or-break question.
When it comes to letters of recommendation for Lewis Katz School of Medicine, you have two options: submit a single committee letter (preferred if your school offers one), or submit between three and six individual letters.
If you go the individual route, they strongly recommend two letters from your science professors. Think biology, chemistry, or physics. They want one more from a non-science professor or someone who knows you through work, service, or clinical activities. You can include more letters (like from research mentors), but only after you’ve hit the core requirements.
The minimum is three individual letters if you're not submitting a committee letter, and the max is six. A committee letter, no matter how many people contribute to it, counts as one and fulfills the entire requirement.
Timing is everything for this. LKSOM won’t even start reviewing your application until your letters are in, so be sure to give your letter writers enough time.
LKSOM uses a traditional interview format (not an MMI).
On interview day, you’ll participate in three separate interviews:
The day also usually includes a welcome/orientation, a campus tour (or virtual tour, depending on format), and a session with current students so you can learn about student life.
The school explicitly states it does not conduct “stress” interviews and wants candidates to feel comfortable so they can “express the real you.”
For applicants to the St. Luke’s Regional Campus (one of LKSOM’s campuses), the interview process is the same, though the location is different.
When it comes to choosing the right medical schools to apply to, it’s all about finding a place that aligns with your values, your learning style, and your goals.
Here’s a look at whether Lewis Katz School of Medicine (Katz) could be a good fit for you.
Katz is a good fit if…
Katz may not be a good fit if…
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Most premeds are flying blind. They read stats like acceptance rates, GPAs, and MCAT scores and assume that checking those boxes is enough. It’s not. Doing that only leads to rejection, even if you do have all the right numbers.
So, what does it take?
At Premed Catalyst, we’re giving you a look inside real accepted apps. You’ll get free, unlimited access to 8 real AMCAS applications that earned acceptances to top schools like UCLA and UCI. See personal statement, most meaningfuls, and more, so you can reverse engineer what works.
Get your free resource here.
