September 15, 2025
Written By
Michael Minh Le
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If you’ve spent more than five minutes on Reddit’s premed threads or scrolling through premed group chats, you’ve probably seen the term “T20” thrown around. It seems like everyone wants to go to a top 20 medical school. It’s said that they’re supposed to unlock every door: competitive residencies, elite networks, prestige. But is that true?
In this article, we’re breaking it all down. What a “T20” school means and why they matter so much. We’ll walk through the full list of top 20 med schools in the U.S., unpack the pros and cons of attending one, and take a brutally honest look at what it really takes to get in.
And if you want to know what actually works? The Premed Catalyst Application Database gives you free access to 8 full AMCAS applications that earned real acceptances, some to T20 medical schools. These aren’t summaries or testimonials. They’re the actual full applications, including the one that got me into UCLA. Use them to reverse-engineer your own standout app.
Get your free resource here.
“T20” simply stands for “Top 20,” referring to the highest-ranked medical schools in the country according to popular rankings like the U.S. News & World Report or NIH research funding.
Schools like Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Stanford, and UCSF consistently sit at the top, along with other institutions that dominate in research, primary care, or both.
But in 2024, everything changed.
After several top med schools pulled out of the U.S. News ranking system and challenged its methods, U.S. News dropped its traditional 1–20 ranking system.
They now group schools into four tiers based on overall scores (Tier 1 = 85–99, Tier 2 = 50–84, etc.), and removed the controversial reputational surveys. So, technically, there’s no official “Top 20” anymore.
That said, the term “T20” still lives on. In the premed world, it now refers more to a tier of elite medical schools. It’s really not about the number or the name. It’s about cutting-edge research, world-class faculty, high-achieving peers, and opportunities that open every door in medicine.
Even though U.S. News doesn’t rank schools 1 through 20 anymore, we all still know who the heavy-hitters are. These are the schools that built their reputations on Nobel-winning faculty, billion-dollar research budgets, and students who match into plastic surgery at Mass General before their third year is even over.
Below is a breakdown of these institutions and why they still define what elite medical education looks like in 2025.
Location
You’ll find Harvard in Boston’s renowned Longwood Medical and Academic Area at the epicenter of innovation. It’s located among legendary hospitals like Mass General, Brigham & Women’s, and Dana-Farber.
Ranking & Reputation
If there was ever a “default” number one, it was Harvard. But in 2023, Harvard pulled the plug. It stopped sending data, stopped playing the game, and walked away from the rankings altogether. That means you won’t see it listed in the new tier system.
But make no mistake: by research power and prestige, it remains one of the top schools in the U.S.
Acceptance Rate
Harvard’s acceptance rate is around 2.1%, making it one of the most selective medical schools in the world. In a recent cycle, over 7,800 applicants competed for a spot.
Class Size
Each entering class has 165 students, split between two tracks: the Pathways curriculum (135 students) and the Health Sciences & Technology (HST) track (30 students), offered in partnership with MIT.
Average GPA & MCAT
The average accepted student has a 3.96 GPA and a 521 MCAT. That means Harvard expects academic excellence, and its admissions data reflects that.
Curriculum Style
Harvard uses a three-phase model:
Clinical Training
Students rotate through world-class affiliated hospitals, including Mass General, Brigham and Women’s, Beth Israel Deaconess, Boston Children’s, and more. Clinical sites span nearly every specialty and serve diverse patient populations.
Research Power
Harvard is a global research powerhouse, consistently leading in NIH funding and home to some of the most productive labs in academic medicine. Students have access to cutting-edge facilities and are required to complete a scholarly research project prior to graduation.
Dual Degrees
HMS offers several dual degree options: MD/PhD, MD/MPH, MD/MBA, MD/MPP, and MD/MBE. The HST track, in particular, is designed for physician-scientists and emphasizes biomedical research and engineering.
Student Demographics
Recent class data shows 60.6% female and 38.2% male students, with 13.9% from in-state and 86.1% from out-of-state. Not to mention, Harvard students represent a wide range of backgrounds and interests.
Tuition
Tuition and fees are approximately $76,421 per year, with the total cost of attendance (including living expenses, insurance, and materials) exceeding $100,000 annually. Financial aid is available and need-based.
Campus Life & Facilities
Harvard’s Longwood campus features advanced simulation centers, research institutes, and direct connections to affiliated hospitals. Students have access to Harvard University resources across Cambridge and Boston. Campus life is collaborative, with strong support networks and numerous student organizations.
Location
Located in Baltimore, Maryland, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine is integrated into a major academic health system and surrounded by leading hospitals, research centers, and clinical training sites.
Ranking & Reputation
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine has long been one of the top medical schools in the U.S. For decades, it was routinely ranked #1 or #2 among research-oriented medical schools under the old U.S. News & World Report system. In 2023-2024, for example, it was listed as #2 in research.
However, as of 2024, Johns Hopkins no longer participates in U.S. News rankings. Because of its withdrawal (along with several other elite schools), it is not included in the current tiered rankings.
That being said, it’s Johns Hopkins. Its reputation, research power, and specialty excellence continue to place it among the elite in academic medicine.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate is around 2.1%, with more than 6,000 applicants applying each cycle.
Average GPA & MCAT
Admitted students average a 3.94 GPA and a 520 MCAT, which just reflects the academic caliber of this school.
Class Size
Each incoming class is about 129 students. They keep the cohort small and intentionally selective. Total enrollment across all years is just under 600 students.
Curriculum Style
Hopkins follows a four-year curriculum built around two years of foundational coursework followed by two years of clinical training. The program emphasizes early patient exposure, flexibility in research and electives, and individualized mentorship.
Clinical Training
Students complete rotations through the Johns Hopkins Hospital system and its affiliated sites. Clinical training is rigorous, with access to some of the most respected hospitals and clinicians in the country.
Research Power
Johns Hopkins is a national leader in biomedical research and consistently ranks among the top institutions for NIH funding. Students are expected to participate in research and have access to world-class labs and faculty across a wide range of disciplines.
Dual Degrees
The school offers several dual-degree options, including MD/PhD, MD/MPH, and MD/MBA. These programs are designed for students interested in leadership roles in research, public health, and healthcare administration.
Student Demographics
The student body is made up of roughly 58% women and 42% men, with nearly 88% coming from out of state. Hopkins attracts a diverse, high-achieving group of students from across the country and abroad.
Tuition & Cost
Annual tuition is about $66,874, with the total yearly cost of attendance around $99,000. The full four-year cost is estimated at $377,000, though many students receive financial aid or scholarships.
Campus Life & Facilities
Students learn and train in some of the most advanced facilities in academic medicine, including cutting-edge research buildings and the Johns Hopkins Hospital itself. Campus life in Baltimore includes opportunities for service, student-led initiatives, and access to a tight-knit medical community that values collaboration and leadership.
Location
The Perelman School of Medicine is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the heart of University City. It's closely integrated with the Penn Health System and the wider University of Pennsylvania campus.
Ranking & Reputation
Penn Med is the oldest medical school in the United States and remains one of the most prestigious. Its leadership in research, clinical care, and innovation consistently places it among the most competitive medical schools in the country.
Today, under the new tiered system, Penn Med does not participate in the U.S. News rankings, which means it is currently unranked.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate is around 2.5%, with over 6,000 applicants competing for fewer than 200 spots.
Average GPA & MCAT
Admitted students typically have a 3.97 GPA and a 522 MCAT, which makes them among the highest in the nation.
Class Size & Enrollment
The entering class size is about 153 students, including around 21 MD/PhD candidates. Total MD enrollment across all years is about 805 students.
Curriculum Style
Penn Med uses the IMPaCT curriculum—an integrated, team-based approach that emphasizes foundational science, clinical application, and professional development. It’s structured to allow flexibility for research, electives, and dual-degree opportunities.
Clinical Training
Students rotate through Penn Medicine’s world-class hospitals, including the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Hospital, and Penn Presbyterian Medical Center. Clinical exposure begins early and continues throughout the program.
Research Power
Penn consistently ranks among the top medical schools for research funding. Students are strongly encouraged to engage in research, and many publish or present their work before graduation.
Dual Degrees
Penn offers a broad range of dual degrees, including MD/PhD, MD/MPH, MD/MBA, and MD/MS. Students can also pursue specialized certificate programs through the wider university.
Student Demographics
Recent class demographics show a nearly even split by gender, with about 12% of students from in-state and the vast majority coming from across the U.S. and abroad. The student body also reflects a wide range of backgrounds and academic interests.
Tuition & Cost
Annual tuition is about $74,687, with the full cost of attendance, factoring in living expenses and fees, totaling about $108,000 per year. The estimated four-year cost is around $388,000.
Campus Life & Facilities
Located on an urban campus, students have access to modern research centers, simulation labs, clinical sites, and all the resources of the Ivy League university. The environment encourages collaboration across disciplines and active student involvement in research, leadership, and service.
Location
Columbia Medical School is located in Washington Heights, Manhattan, within the Columbia University Irving Medical Center along the Hudson River. It sits apart from the main undergraduate campus, set amidst hospitals, research schools, and urban energy.
Ranking & Reputation
Columbia VP&S stands among the most prestigious medical schools in the U.S. Its legacy dates back to 1767, being the first institution to award an MD degree, and it's known today for rigorous academics, a research-driven culture, and its integration with NewYork–Presbyterian Hospital.
However, because Columbia stopped submitting data to U.S. News in 2023, it is currently unranked in the U.S. News tiered system.
Acceptance Rate
Columbia is fiercely selective. Its latest cycle saw around 1.9% acceptance. That’s over 7,200 applicants vying for under 150 spots.
Average GPA & MCAT
Students who matriculate typically come in with impressive numbers: around a 3.95 GPA and a 522 MCAT score, putting them among the highest academic tiers nationally.
Class Size & Enrollment
Each incoming class hovers around 138–140 students, and total MD enrollment across the school is about 640 students.
Curriculum Style
Columbia uses a modern, three-phase curriculum:
Clinical Training
Students train across top-tier clinical sites: NewYork–Presbyterian Hospital, Harlem Hospital Center, Stamford Hospital, and Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital. Training takes place in diverse urban and rural settings.
Research Power
Columbia is a strong research institution, consistently drawing significant NIH funding. Faculty include Nobel laureates and world-class investigators. All students must complete a scholarly project before graduation, whether clinical, translational, or basic science.
Dual Degrees
Multiple joint-degree options are available, including MD/PhD, MD/MPH, MD/MBA, MD/MS in Biomedical Engineering, and MD/MA in Biomedical Informatics. Plus, it's the first U.S. med school to replace student loans with scholarships for qualifying students, thanks to a major endowment.
Student Demographics
The most recent class broke evenly by gender, with 51% female and 49% male, including around 4% first-generation college students. Students come from around 32 states and diverse colleges.
Tuition & Cost
Annual tuition is about $75,689, with a total cost of attendance (including living expenses, fees, etc.) around $108,000 per year.
Campus Life & Facilities
VP&S's home is the impressive Roy and Diana Vagelos Education Center—a 14-story glass tower filled with advanced classrooms, a simulation center, and collaborative spaces. Students also have access to the library, student clubs through P&S Club, campus housing like Bard Hall and Bard‑Haven Towers, and the vibrant city of New York. Life here merges high-caliber academics with immersive culture.
Location
Duke Med sits in Durham, North Carolina, and is part of the broader Duke University Health System. The campus is compact but powerful, anchored by the medical center, research institutes, and an integrated health network reaching regional and community hospitals.
Ranking & Reputation
Consistently ranked among the top medical schools in the country, Duke is known for its rigorous academics, groundbreaking research, and innovative curriculum. Its specialty programs—surgery, anesthesiology, internal medicine, radiology, pediatrics, OB/GYN, and psychiatry—all rank in the top 10.
However, Duke School of Medicine withdrew from U.S. News & World Report’s medical school rankings in early 2023, joining a growing group of elite schools that raised concerns about the ranking methodology. Because of that withdrawal, Duke is currently unranked in the U.S. News medical school hierarchy.
Acceptance Rate
Expect elite-level selectivity. Duke’s acceptance rate sits at 1.44%, with roughly 8,284 applicants competing last cycle..
Average GPA & MCAT
Entering students post an average GPA of 3.92 and an MCAT of around 520, positioning Duke in the ultra-competitive tier.
Class Size & Enrollment
Each class welcomes around 119 new medical students, with total enrollment hovering at 572 across all four years. This provides small-cohort intimacy and strong student support.
Curriculum Style
Duke’s curriculum is shorter, smarter, and more flexible. Many students complete their MD in three years, thanks to a unique structure that integrates early clinical exposure, personalized scholarly research, and adaptable pathways. The third year is often dedicated to research, dual degrees, or focused clinical immersion.
Clinical Training
Students train across the full Duke University Health System, including the main hospital, community clinics, VA sites, and specialty locales. This ensures a variety of high-quality clinical experiences from early in the program.
Research Power
A powerhouse in biomedical research, Duke boasts vital NIH funding, rich lab environments, and a faculty-driven culture that champions discoveries and translational science.
Dual Degrees
Flexibility is baked in: nearly 40% of Duke students graduate with a dual degree—options span MD/PhD (via the MSTP), MD/MBA, MD/MPH, MD/JD, MD/MALS, MD/MTS, MD/MA in bioethics and science policy, MD/MHSc, and many more.
Student Demographics
The 2025 cohort features 66% women and 34% men, with 13% of students from North Carolina and 87% from out-of-state. Incoming classes draw talent from across U.S. universities and backgrounds.
Tuition & Cost
Tuition for 2025–26 is $77,100 per year. The total cost of attendance, including living expenses, insurance, and incidentals, reaches about $110,000 annually, and roughly $390,000 over four years. Duke offers strong need-based aid and maintains a policy of admitting without regard to ability to pay.
Campus Life & Facilities
Wrapped into Duke’s health system, the school offers advanced labs, simulation centers, and small-group learning spaces. The DUMC environment fosters peer collaboration, mentorship, service opportunities, and leadership development, all in a quiet, collegial setting in Durham.
Location
Stanford Medicine is located in Stanford, California, just across from the main campus. It’s near world-class research facilities, Stanford Health Care, and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital.
Ranking & Reputation
Stanford has long been among the elite and regularly ranked in the top 5 or top 10 in U.S. News and other major academic rankings. Its research funding, innovation, and stature in specialty departments built its reputation as one of the absolute best.
That said, Stanford withdrew from submitting data to U.S. News & World Report's medical school rankings in 2023. Because of that, it is currently unranked in the U.S. News tiered medical school system.
Acceptance Rate
With an acceptance rate of just 1.0%, Stanford is among the most selective med schools in the U.S. Roughly 9,000 applicants compete annually for fewer than 100 seats.
Average GPA & MCAT
Matriculants typically post an average GPA of 3.92 and an average MCAT score of 519, placing them solidly in the top echelons of applicants nationwide.
Class Size & Enrollment
The entering class size is 90 students, keeping the cohort tight and focused. Overall, the school has about 508 enrolled students across all academic years.
Curriculum Style
The curriculum uses the Discovery Curriculum model, with a flipped-classroom structure. Lectures are completed outside of class time, while classroom sessions focus on active problem-solving. Students also choose between two- or three-year pre-clerkship pathways to fit dual degrees, independent research, or scholarly projects.
Clinical Training
Clinical training is part of the broader Stanford Medicine network, with rotations at Stanford Health Care, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, and other affiliated clinics. This provides access to a wide variety of patient populations and medical specialties.
Research Power
Stanford is a research titan. It’s home to Nobel Prize winners, high-impact faculty, and top-tier NIH funding. It champions interdisciplinary work across medicine, engineering, and data science, and students are expected to engage deeply in scholarship.
Dual Degrees
Stanford offers robust dual-degree options, including MD/PhD (via MSTP), MD/MPH, MD/MBA, MD/MPP, and more. The flexible curriculum makes it possible to integrate advanced degrees seamlessly into your training.
Student Demographics
The class splits almost evenly by gender. Roughly 37% of matriculants are in-state (California), and 63% come from out-of-state or international backgrounds, giving the cohort a broad geographic mix and varied perspectives.
Tuition & Cost
Tuition for the 2024–25 academic year is about $67,305. When you factor in living expenses, books, and fees, the total cost of attendance approaches $100,000+ annually. This is pretty standard for top medical schools, but there are significant aid opportunities available.
Campus Life & Facilities
Stanford Medicine shines with purpose-built facilities. Think the Li Ka Shing Center, simulation labs, and collaborative learning spaces. Student life thrives on innovation and cross-disciplinary connections across the main Stanford campus. In short, you're not just training at a top-tier medical school. You’re plugged into a cutting-edge ecosystem.
Location
UCSF Medical School is anchored at the Parnassus Heights campus in San Francisco, with multiple clinical and research sites across the city. This includes Mission Bay and Mount Zion, as well as a regional education program in Fresno.
Ranking & Reputation
UCSF has long been one of the power players. It regularly showed up in the top 5 nationally for both research and primary care under the traditional U.S. News system. When people talked about elite public med schools, UCSF was at the top of that list by default.
Under the new U.S. News tiered system, UCSF is still there. It remains Tier 1 for both research and primary care. What’s more, in specialty training areas (anesthesiology, internal medicine, obstetrics & gynecology, radiology, etc.), it’s habitually ranked in the top five.
Acceptance Rate
Entry is ultra-competitive: around 1.8%, with about 9,500 applicants for fewer than 200 seats in the incoming class.
Average GPA & MCAT
Matriculants average roughly 3.89 GPA and 517 MCAT. These are solid scores that rank just above national med school averages.
Class Size & Enrollment
The first-year cohort is roughly 174 students, while overall enrollment across all four years is about 848 students.
Curriculum Style
The curriculum balances early clinical exposure with integrated foundations in science. It’s designed for immersion in UCSF’s health system, research opportunities, and community-based care.
Clinical Training
Students rotate through UCSF’s extensive clinical network, including its hospitals at Parnassus Heights, Mission Bay (with UCSF Benioff Children’s and Cancer Hospitals), Zuckerberg San Francisco General, and even outreach in Fresno. This ensures exposure to diverse patient populations and care settings.
Research Power
UCSF is a research titan. It routinely tops NIH funding charts among public universities and houses dozens of departments, organized research units, and interdisciplinary centers. It’s backed by faculty that include Nobel laureates and leading scientists.
Dual Degrees
Students can pursue joint MD programs such as MD/PhD, MD/MPH, and others that tap into UCSF’s strength in population health, biomedical sciences, and translational research.
Student Demographics
The latest data shows about 59% women and 38% men, with 77% of matriculants being California residents (reflecting public school priorities). Underrepresented students make up about 46% of the enrolled class, which shows a meaningful commitment to diversity.
Tuition & Cost
Tuition for 2024–25 is about $50,537 for in-state students and $62,782 for out-of-state. The estimated total cost of attendance—tuition plus living and related expenses—is around $326,000 for Californians and $375,000 for non-residents over four years.
Campus Life & Facilities
The UCSF experience is tightly integrated with its clinical and research facilities. You’ll learn in state-of-the-art labs, round in top-tier hospitals, and train amid a city that’s a biotech and public health hub. Expect collaboration with forward-thinking peers and early immersion in real-world healthcare.
Location
Vanderbilt Med is located in Nashville, Tennessee, embedded within the Vanderbilt University Medical Center—an academic health system that spans hospitals, clinics, and research facilities throughout Middle Tennessee.
Ranking & Reputation
Vanderbilt consistently ranks among the top medical schools in the U.S., particularly for research strength. It’s currently ranked 5th nationwide in research and 8th in NIH grant support among medical schools.
As of the latest cycles, Vanderbilt still participates in U.S. News medical-school rankings and remains in the Tier 1 research category.
Acceptance Rate
Extremely selective: the latest admissions cycle saw around 1.3% acceptance, with around 6,900 applicants vying for a little over 100 spots.
Average GPA & MCAT
Incoming students typically get in with a 3.95 GPA and a 521 MCAT, both well above national averages.
Class Size & Enrollment
The entering class has just over 100 students, keeping cohorts tight. Total enrollment across all years is around 450 students.
Curriculum Style
Vanderbilt runs its innovative “Curriculum 2.0”, focused on active, integrated learning, early clinical exposure, and accelerated paths. This includes options to finish in three years for dual-degree or research-focused students.
Clinical Training
Students train across the Vanderbilt University Medical Center network, including the flagship hospital and regional clinics. This provides exposure across specialties and access to diverse patient populations.
Research Power
With over $500 million in NIH funding, Vanderbilt ranks among the top clinics for research activity. Its research footprint touches everything from basic science to translational medicine.
Dual Degrees
You can pair your MD with a PhD, MPH, MBA, and other master's-level degrees. Vanderbilt emphasizes flexibility, allowing you to tailor your experience.
Student Demographics
The class is roughly 55% female and 45% male, with 95% of students coming from out of state. Vanderbilt also welcomes students from a wide range of academic backgrounds and demographics.
Tuition & Cost
Tuition is about $72,800 per year, with the total cost of attendance approaching $115,000 annually when you factor in living expenses. This brings the four-year bill close to $410,000.
Campus Life & Facilities
Educational spaces include the iconic Light Hall, a dedicated student lounge, advanced research labs, and the broader VUMC campus. Clinical training, research labs, and student communities all lie within minutes of each other, creating a highly integrated environment.
Location
WashU Med is located in St. Louis, Missouri, within the Central West End. The medical campus shares space with Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, and the Siteman Cancer Center, forming a tightly integrated clinical and research environment.
Ranking & Reputation
Consistently ranked among the top 10 medical schools in the U.S., WashU Med is renowned for both its rigorous academics and deep research impact. In recent specialty rankings, it secured top spots across fields like Orthopedic Surgery, Radiology, and Neurology.
Recently, WashU announced it will no longer submit data to U.S. News & World Report for its medical school rankings. That means it is currently unranked in the U.S. News tiered system.
Acceptance Rate
Entry is highly competitive. Roughly 2.3% of applicants matriculate. In the most recent cycle, over 5,450 applicants competed for fewer than 150 spots.
Average GPA & MCAT
Matriculating students average a 3.95 GPA and an MCAT score of 521. Those marks consistently place the school's cohort at the top percentile nationally.
Class Size & Enrollment
Each incoming class is small—about 124 students. Across all years, the total medical student body is approximately 647 learners, ensuring tight-knit class dynamics.
Curriculum Style
WashU Med uses the Gateway Curriculum, structured around mission-driven training, early clinical exposure, and flexible research opportunities. The approach emphasizes personalized trajectories and cohesive mentorship.
Clinical Training
Students complete rotations at high-caliber hospitals, including Barnes-Jewish, St. Louis Children’s, and the VA system. This provides experiences that span every specialty and patient population in the region.
Research Power
A biomedical research powerhouse, WashU Med commands massive funding and infrastructure. The campus includes the new neuroscience research facility, BioMed 21, and world-class centers for interdisciplinary research and innovation.
Dual Degrees
WashU offers MD/PhD and other joint-degree programs tailored for students aiming to blend clinical practice with research, policy, or leadership.
Student Demographics
Recent matriculants are evenly split by gender and predominantly come from out of state. Only around 10% are Missouri residents, with the rest from across the U.S. The cohort represents a wide array of undergraduate backgrounds and interests.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Tuition for the 2024–2025 year is about $72,975. Total annual cost, including living, books, and fees, hovers near $97,600. And the projected four-year total sits around $363,000.
Campus Life & Facilities
WashU’s medical campus is a modern, connected complex that supports collaboration across medicine, research, and education. Students benefit from simulation centers, mentoring networks, and proximity to top-tier healthcare facilities.
Location
Weill Cornell is anchored on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, nestled within NewYork‑Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. You’re smack in the middle of a world-class medical ecosystem of hospitals, research institutes, and academic partners like Memorial Sloan Kettering and Rockefeller University.
Ranking & Reputation
As part of the Ivy League, Weill Cornell carries prestige and a long history of academic distinction. It’s consistently ranked among the top-tier medical schools across the country.
As of 2023, Weill Cornell announced it will no longer submit data to U.S. News & World Report, meaning it is now unranked in their current tiered system.
Acceptance Rate
Around 1.44% of applicants matriculate here. That’s 106 students out of over 7,300 applicants.
Average GPA & MCAT
The incoming class brings strong metrics: average GPA hovers around 3.93 and MCAT around 518, both well above national averages.
Class Size & Enrollment
Each entering class includes 106 students, with total medical student enrollment at approximately 527 across all four years.
Curriculum Style
The curriculum is structured in three integrated phases. It begins with foundations in medical science, followed by clerkships across major specialties, and concludes with a phase dedicated to scholarship, advanced clinical skills, research blocks, electives, and exposure to healthcare policy and ethics.
Clinical Training
Clinical training happens within an unmatched network. Basics take place at NewYork‑Presbyterian, and you're also rotating through sites like Memorial Sloan Kettering, Hospital for Special Surgery, and Rockefeller University. You train in high-stakes, diverse environments throughout.
Research Power
Weill Cornell is a major player for research funding and opportunities. Students are expected to contribute to scholarship and have access to top-tier facilities and mentoring.
Dual Degrees
Beyond the standard MD, Weill Cornell offers flexible paths like MD/PhD (via the Tri-Institutional MSTP), MD/MPH, MD/MBA, and more, letting you blend medicine with leadership, research, policy, or business.
Student Demographics
The incoming class skews slightly female, with about 60% women, 40% men. Roughly 24.5% of students are from New York State, with the remaining 75.5% coming from outside.
Tuition & Cost
Tuition and fees for 2024–25 come in at $74,194. When you include living expenses, supplies, and personal costs, the annual cost is significantly higher, making Weill Cornell one of the more expensive med schools in the U.S.
Campus Life & Facilities
You’ll study and train at a high-end, urban medical campus with access to simulation centers, collaborative learning spaces, and top-tier clinical and research environments. Student life blends cutting-edge medicine with the energy and resources of NYC.
Location
NYU Grossman sits in the heart of Manhattan, anchored within the NYU Langone Health system. Students are immersed in one of the world’s most dynamic healthcare ecosystems with hospitals, research labs, and cutting-edge facilities right outside their door.
Ranking & Reputation
NYU Grossman has been a top contender in medical schools for a long time. Historically, it was ranked #2 in the U.S. News “Best Graduate Schools” research category.
Right now, NYU Grossman continues to participate in U.S. News rankings and is still pulling elite-level placement, especially in research. It appears in the Tier 1 research category under the new U.S. News system.
Acceptance Rate
Entry is almost impossibly selective. Most recent admissions data show an acceptance rate of just 1.26% which is roughly 8,271 applicants for 104 seats. And only about 10% of applicants receive an interview invitation.
Average GPA & MCAT
Admitted students bring nearly flawless metrics with an average GPA of around 3.98 and an MCAT average close to 523. NYU students consistently land in the top percentile of applicant pools.
Class Size & Enrollment
The typical incoming class includes 104–110 students. Across all four years, Grossman enrolls about 470 medical students, keeping cohort dynamics tight and supportive.
Curriculum Style
NYU offers flexible training tracks:
Clinical Training
NYU students train across an exceptionally diverse clinical network, including public, private, and government facilities throughout NYC. The site's reach ensures that students care for a wide range of patient populations.
Research Power
The school excels in research opportunities, especially translational and clinical investigation. NYU’s CTSI supports dual-degree programs like MD/MS in Clinical Investigation. Plus, the MedTech Pipeline program brings innovation into the classroom, empowering students to design real-world medical devices.
Dual Degrees
NYU offers a wide array of combined degrees: MD/MPA in Health Policy, MD/MPH in Global Health, MD/MA in Bioethics, MD/MSCI in Clinical Investigation, MD/MBA at Stern, and MD/MS in Biomedical Informatics, reflecting its cross-disciplinary strengths.
Student Demographics
The gender split is about even, with 51% women, 49% men. In-state representation is low; around 11–12% come from New York, while the vast majority come from out-of-state. Admission is fiercely competitive regardless of residency.
Tuition & Cost
Tuition is fully covered for every MD student. That said, living expenses, supplies, and personal costs in NYC still bring the total cost of attendance to around $98,000 annually, with a four-year expenditure of roughly $340,000.
Campus Life & Facilities
Grossman students learn in top-tier facilities. Think simulation centers, research labs, and collaborative classrooms at the Langone Medical Center. Student life includes innovation opportunities, leadership programming, and the cultural energy of New York City to fuel you outside the OR.
Location
Yale School of Medicine sits at the heart of New Haven, Connecticut, seamlessly integrated into Yale New Haven Hospital and the Yale School of Medicine campus. You’re surrounded by world-class research labs, the legendary Cushing/Whitney Medical Library, and a collaborative academic ecosystem.
Ranking & Reputation
Yale ranks among the nation’s elite. It consistently receives some of the highest NIH funding totals, reflecting research strength and academic prestige. The medical school’s unique culture and legacy make it a benchmark in medical education.
Today, under the tiered rankings, Yale School of Medicine is firmly Tier 1 for Best Medical Schools: Research. For primary care, it falls into Tier 3.
Acceptance Rate
In the most recent admissions cycle, Yale had an acceptance rate of about 1.6%, with roughly 6,600 applicants competing for around 100 seats.
Average GPA & MCAT
Admitted students carry elite stats—a 3.95 GPA and a 522 MCAT score, placing them well above national averages for medical school matriculants.
Class Size & Enrollment
First-year classes average 104 students. Across all four years, total enrollment hovers around 550–560 students, maintaining a small, collegial learning environment.
Curriculum Style
Yale follows its hallmark Yale System: no class rankings or grades in the first two years, limited exams, and a required original research thesis. Early autonomy and flexible learning define the experience. Many students take a fifth, tuition-free year to conduct in-depth research or expand clinical exposure, often earning a Master of Health Science along the way.
Clinical Training
Clinical rotation and training centers on Yale New Haven Hospital and its affiliates. The structure ensures students get exposure to diverse patient populations through a modern, system-wide clinical platform.
Research Power
Yale ranks among the top medical schools in NIH funding. Its environment promotes independent inquiry. Every student writes a thesis, and the school has a broad array of joint programs with public health, engineering, law, management, and more.
Dual Degrees
Flexibility is baked into the model. Options include MD-PhD (via Yale’s original MSTP), MD-MHS, MD/MPH, MD/MBA, MD/JD, and programs in engineering or divinity. The structure rewards interdisciplinary pursuits.
Student Demographics
The class skews slightly female (around 52%) and overwhelmingly out-of-state. Only about 1% of matriculants are Connecticut residents.
Tuition & Cost
Tuition for 2025–2026 stands around $75,985, with total cost of attendance, including living expenses and fees, estimated at about $110,700 per year. Over four years, the sticker price is roughly $516,000, though many students offset the cost through financial aid and institutional support.
Campus Life & Facilities
Yale offers a uniquely intimate and scholarly environment. The medical campus includes state-of-the-art research centers, collaborative classrooms, and proximity to hospital spaces. Student life blends academic immersion with access to the broader Yale graduate community and New Haven’s cultural scene.
Location
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine is based in Rochester, Minnesota, with full clinical campuses in Scottsdale, Arizona, and a 2+2 track in Jacksonville, Florida. Students can complete all four years in Minnesota or split their training across different Mayo locations, offering regional diversity under one unified system.
Ranking & Reputation
Mayo Clinic’s name has always meant something in medicine: clinical excellence, innovation, and elite outcomes. In the old U.S. News ranking system, Mayo Clinic Alix was regularly in the top-10 for research, with standout scores on residency match and student outcomes.
Today, under the new U.S. News tiered system, Mayo still shows up—and in the highest tier (Tier 1 research). It remains one of the most prestigious medical schools in the country, especially known for its patient-centered care model, small class sizes, and unmatched residency match rates.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate is around 1.9%, with roughly 5,600 applicants competing for around 106 seats. The school’s national draw and world-class brand make it one of the most competitive med schools in the U.S.
Average GPA & MCAT
Students entering Mayo average a 3.95 GPA and a 521 MCAT score, placing them firmly in the top percentile of all applicants.
Class Size & Enrollment
Each incoming class includes around 94 MD students and 11 MD-PhD students, with total enrollment across all years sitting just under 500 students. This small size is intentional and creates a close-knit academic and clinical community.
Curriculum Style
Mayo’s curriculum includes early clinical exposure, flexible elective time, and the Science of Health Care Delivery track—a longitudinal thread that covers leadership, team-based care, and health systems science. Students can customize their education with research, international rotations, or dual degrees.
Clinical Training
Students complete clinical rotations across Mayo’s integrated health system—Rochester, Scottsdale, and Jacksonville—ensuring exposure to diverse patient populations and healthcare settings while maintaining Mayo’s high clinical standards.
Research Power
Mayo is one of the most research-intensive medical systems in the country. Students are required to engage in research and have access to nationally funded labs, physician-scientist mentors, and global opportunities for scholarly exchange.
Dual Degrees
Mayo offers MD-PhD through its MSTP program, and students can pursue other dual degrees through partnerships with institutions like Arizona State University and international universities. The flexible curriculum allows space for advanced academic pursuits.
Student Demographics
The student body reflects national diversity, with matriculants from more than 30 states and a broad range of academic backgrounds. Recent classes are nearly evenly split by gender and include a strong representation of students who are underrepresented in medicine.
Tuition & Cost
Tuition is about $67,900 per year, with the full cost of attendance, including living expenses, around $95,000–$100,000 annually. Financial aid is generous, and Mayo’s endowment allows for significant merit- and need-based scholarships.
Campus Life & Facilities
The Rochester campus is a fully integrated academic medical center. Students have access to advanced simulation labs, a state-of-the-art anatomy center, dedicated student wellness and study spaces, and direct mentorship from leading physicians. Student life is collegial, mission-driven, and deeply connected to Mayo’s core values.
Location
Feinberg is located in Chicago’s Streeterville district and embedded within a dense area of top-ranked hospitals, research institutes, and urban resources. This location amplifies clinical and academic opportunities for students.
Ranking & Reputation
Feinberg has long been a heavyweight, traditionally in the top-20 for research medical schools, especially before the ranking system changed. Under the old U.S. News ordinal model, Feinberg regularly placed around #13-#15 nationally for research strength.
Now, with the new U.S. News tiered system, Feinberg is in Tier 1 for research-oriented medical schools.
Acceptance Rate
Ultra-selective doesn’t even begin to describe it. The acceptance rate hovers around 1.7%, with more than 8,100 applicants competing for fewer than 150 spots.
Average GPA & MCAT
Matriculants consistently hit elite benchmarks with an average GPA of around 3.93 and an MCAT of 520–521.
Class Size & Enrollment
Each incoming class is about 140 students, with total enrollment around 710 medical students across all four years.
Curriculum Style
Feinberg offers a traditional preclinical-clinical breakdown but stands out in its depth of early research exposure and integrated patient care training. The curriculum encourages inquiry and allows space for individualized clinical development alongside foundational science.
Clinical Training
Students rotate through a spectrum of clinical environments across Northwestern Memorial, Lurie Children's, and the AbilityLab. This allows them to gain exposure to complex cases, interdisciplinary care teams, and diverse communities across Chicago.
Research Power
Feinberg is a research juggernaut, landing in the top 15 nationally for NIH funding. The campus includes multi-story research towers, core bioinformatics/genomics resources, and deeply embedded cross-disciplinary labs that foster innovation in everything from translational medicine to outcomes research.
Dual Degrees
Dual-degree options abound: MD/PhD via an NIH-funded MSTP, MD/MPH, MD/MBA, MD/MA in Bioethics, MD/MS in Patient Safety, and more. Programs span Feinberg and university-wide schools, giving each student room to build a distinct path.
Student Demographics
The class skews slightly female and draws heavily from out-of-state. Only about one-third come from Illinois. The entering cohort brings wide cultural and academic diversity, with high participation in gap years, research, leadership, and language fluency.
Tuition & Cost
Tuition is about $74,200 per year. Total cost of attendance, including board, housing, and fees, lands around $102,600 annually, with four-year projections near $357,400.
Campus Life & Facilities
The medical campus is a modern, high-energy environment with simulation centers, collaborative classrooms, and adjacent undergraduate and graduate university resources. Clinical facilities are minutes away, and student life combines scholarly rigor with city access, from museums and libraries to performance venues and service networks.
Location
The University of Michigan Medical School is located in Ann Arbor, a top-tier college town with a powerhouse academic medical center. The school is part of Michigan Medicine, which includes one of the largest hospitals in the country and a tightly integrated health system.
Ranking & Reputation
Michigan Med consistently ranks among the top medical schools in the nation for both research and primary care. Its clinical infrastructure, research output, and institutional reputation place it solidly in the T20 conversation year after year.
But now, Michigan has withdrawn from participating in the U.S. News medical school rankings (as of early 2023). That means it’s not part of the current tiered ranking system for research or primary care.
Acceptance Rate
With an acceptance rate of around 1.6%, Michigan is one of the most selective public medical schools. Over 9,000 applicants compete annually for just over 170 seats.
Average GPA & MCAT
Matriculants average a 3.90 GPA and a 518 MCAT, placing them well into the top percentile nationally.
Class Size & Enrollment
Each class enrolls around 171 students, and total MD enrollment is about 780. The class is diverse in background, geography, and interests, with a strong representation from both in-state and out-of-state applicants.
Curriculum Style
Michigan’s curriculum accelerates pre-clinical education into the first year, allowing students to begin clinical rotations early. It emphasizes self-directed learning, clinical reasoning, and team-based care. Students have the flexibility to pursue electives, research, or dual-degree options throughout the four years.
Clinical Training
Students train at Michigan Medicine’s extensive network, including University Hospital, C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, and affiliated outpatient centers. The high patient volume and complexity prepare students for virtually any specialty or environment.
Research Power
Michigan is one of the top NIH-funded institutions in the country. Students are encouraged to engage in research early, with support through the Office of Research and opportunities to publish, present, or pursue dual degrees.
Dual Degrees
Michigan offers MD/PhD, MD/MPH, MD/MBA, MD/MS, and MD/JD options. Students can also take a funded fifth year to deepen their research or global health experience without extending tuition.
Student Demographics
Each class is roughly 59% women and 41% men, with about 40% of students from Michigan and 60% from out of state. The school has made significant efforts to increase representation from groups historically underrepresented in medicine.
Tuition & Cost
In-state tuition is about $56,000 per year, while out-of-state students pay around $76,000. Total annual cost of attendance, including living expenses, is about $91,000 for in-state and $111,000 for out-of-state students.
Campus Life & Facilities
The medical campus features advanced simulation labs, collaborative research spaces, and direct access to top hospitals. Students benefit from the resources of a major research university while enjoying the community and livability of Ann Arbor. Campus culture is collaborative, not cutthroat, with a strong emphasis on wellness, leadership, and service.
Location
Pitt Med is situated in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood, integrated with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). This urban campus is tightly linked with world-class hospitals, research facilities, and academic resources.
Ranking & Reputation
Pitt Med remains a respected institution in both research and clinical training. Its alignment with UPMC gives unmatched access to high-volume, high-complexity hospital systems and top-tier biomedical research. Historically, Pitt was around #13 in research under the old U.S. News numbering.
Now, it’s officially in the Tier 1 group for research medical schools under the new U.S. News breakdown.
Acceptance Rate
Entry is highly selective. About 1.8% of applicants are admitted (148 spots from over 8,200 applicants in the most recent cycle).
Average GPA & MCAT
Matriculating students average around a 3.83 GPA with an MCAT score of 515. These are solid scores that keep Pitt Med among the competitive public med schools.
Class Size & Enrollment
First-year classes consist of around 148 students, and the total program enrollment hovers around 725 students.
Curriculum Style
Pitt Med delivers a four-year MD with an organ systems–based pre-clinical curriculum that integrates lectures, problem-based learning, clinical simulations, and early patient exposure. Clinical years emphasize flexibility within clerkships and longitudinal threads woven throughout training.
Clinical Training
Students rotate across the UPMC system. This includes major hospitals like UPMC Presbyterian, Children’s Hospital, Magee-Womens, and other academic and community sites across Pittsburgh, offering diverse experiences in patient populations and complexity.
Research Power
Pitt Med is consistently among the top NIH-funded institutions. Students engage in research early, whether through original projects, translational science, or informatics, backed by faculty leading high-impact studies.
Dual Degrees
The school offers structured opportunities for MD/PhD (through MSTP), MD/MPH, MD/MS, and MD/MA in Bioethics. These programs allow students to blend research, public health, ethics, or policy into their training.
Student Demographics
About 30% of the class is Pennsylvania residents, with the remaining 70% from out of state. Female students make up roughly 61% of matriculants.
Tuition & Cost
For Pennsylvania residents, tuition is approximately $66,000–$66,500 annually; out-of-state students pay around $69,000–$70,000. Including living and other fees, the total cost of attendance lands between $98,000–$103,000 per year, depending on residency.
Campus Life & Facilities
Pitt Med students learn in a setting that blends academic intensity with Pittsburgh’s collaborative, collegial culture. The school offers advanced simulation labs, a strong mentoring network, and active student groups. The city’s affordability, arts, and nature access support balanced student life.
Location
Based in Seattle, UW‑SOM anchors one end of a vast regional network through the unique WWAMI program, training students across Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho. Foundations and clinical campuses stretch from Seattle and Spokane to Anchorage, Bozeman, Laramie, and Moscow.
Ranking & Reputation
UW‑SOM is consistently recognized for excellence in primary care. It often ranked #1 in the nation. Its service model and education footprint set a standard for distributed, impact-driven training.
That said, UW recently opted out of participating in U.S. News medical school rankings, so you won’t see it listed in the new tier categories.
Acceptance Rate
The overall acceptance rate is approximately 5.4%, reflecting strong public-school selectivity. Around 50% of matriculants are Washington residents, with the remainder from out of state, and all under a regional-access mandate.
Average GPA & MCAT
Incoming students average a 3.81 GPA and 512 MCAT score, placing them at or slightly above national norms for public med schools.
Class Size & Enrollment
Each entering class includes 275 students, with a total enrollment of around 1,200 across all years.
Curriculum Style
UW‑SOM blends foundational clinical immersion with community-based training through its decentralized model. The curriculum emphasizes early clinical exposure, population health, rural and urban underserved medicine, plus electives that integrate community engagement.
Clinical Training
Students rotate at premier facilities, including UW Medical Center, Harborview, Seattle Children’s Hospital, and other UPMC clinics. This is alongside rural and regional network sites spanning WWAMI states. The model ensures deep exposure to diverse healthcare needs and delivery environments.
Research Power
As one of the top NIH-funded public med schools, UW‑SOM offers strong research opportunities. Students engage in research and policy-focused projects, supported by faculty across innovative biomedical and public health disciplines.
Dual Degrees
UW‑SOM supports MD/PhD via its MSTP and offers programs in areas like public health and healthcare equity. Dual-degree options align well with the school’s mission-driven curriculum and regional healthcare focus.
Student Demographics
The student body reflects a regional mix: about 50% in-state (WA) and 50% out-of-state, with gender representation and backgrounds pointing toward a collaborative, service-minded cohort. The gender split is balanced, with roughly 57% women and 43% men.
Tuition & Cost
2025 tuition is around $56,300 for Washington residents, and $99,300 for non-residents. When including living expenses and fees, such as room, board, books, and personal costs, the estimated 4‑year cost is about $344,000 in-state and $502,000 out-of-state.
Campus Life & Facilities
Seattle's vibrant healthcare ecosystem fuels UW‑SOM. Students train in high-tech hospitals, community clinics, and simulation labs. The distributed model brings students into smaller communities too, balancing urban energy with rural immersion. The learning culture prizes service, leadership, and adaptability.
Location
ISMMS sits on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, integrated into the Mount Sinai Health System. This area is home to hospitals, research institutes, and a national-level clinical network that puts New York City's healthcare innovation at your doorstep.
Ranking & Reputation
Icahn School of Medicine was consistently ranked in the top 20 nationally for research under the old U.S. News system. It hovered around #11–#15 in most years.
In 2023, Icahn formally withdrew from the U.S. News rankings, so it is currently unranked in the new tiered system.
Acceptance Rate
Ultra-competitive: only about 1.3% of applicants matriculate. In the latest cycle, about 8,900 applicants battled for 119 seats.
Average GPA & MCAT
Incoming students post around a 3.92 GPA and a 519 MCAT. Those numbers are well above national averages among med school cohorts.
Class Size & Enrollment
First-year classes hover near 120 students; total MD enrollment is just under 600. The class is gender-balanced and drawn from both in-state and across the U.S., with roughly 27% New Yorkers and 73% from other states.
Curriculum Style
Icahn’s ASCEND curriculum unfolds in three phases:
This curriculum is structured to produce clinically sharp, research-minded, and reflective physicians.
Clinical Training
Clinical rotations are based across Mount Sinai's world-class hospitals, including trauma, pediatric, VA, and community sites, plus Elmhurst. This gives students access to a variety of patient populations.
Research Power
Ranked among the top NIH-funded medical schools, Icahn invests heavily in translational science. Over 90% of students conduct research, 84% author papers, and faculty include members of elite national academies. Research dollars per faculty exceed national averages significantly.
Dual Degrees
Students can pursue MD/PhD, MD/MPH, and MD/MS in Clinical Research. Unique early-access options like the FlexMed program let high-achieving sophomores apply without needing to take the MCAT.
Student Demographics
Diverse and mission-driven: about half of matriculants are women, and around 24% represent groups traditionally underrepresented in medicine. ISMMS students span academic and cultural backgrounds, urban and global perspectives.
Tuition & Cost
Tuition is around $70,650/year, with the total cost of attendance hovering near $93,600/year. However, ISMMS's Enhanced Scholarship Initiative caps debt for qualifying students at $75,000 total, well below average medical school debt.
Campus Life & Facilities
The campus and its newly built Icahn Institute span advanced laboratories, simulation centers, and collaboration hubs. Student life leans into innovation, service (including the East Harlem Health Outreach), mentorship, and intellectual freedom, all anchored in NYC’s cultural pulse.
Location
UCLA Medical School is located in Los Angeles’s Westwood neighborhood, part of an academic and healthcare powerhouse that includes Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and the broader UCLA Health system.
Ranking & Reputation
UCLA’s medical school has long been among the top public med schools in the U.S.—it regularly placed in the top-10-20 for both research and primary care under the old U.S. News system. In 2023–24, it was ranked around #10 in primary care and tied in the teens for research.
Under the new U.S. News tiered system, UCLA (David Geffen) is now in Tier 1 for research medical schools, meaning it is recognized among the very top group in research capability and output.
Acceptance Rate
Extremely selective at about 1.6%. That’s over 11,300 applicants competing for just 177 spots in the entering class.
Average GPA & MCAT
Matriculants come in with a strong 3.85 GPA and 515 MCAT, placing them comfortably above national averages.
Class Size & Enrollment
First-year enrollment is approximately 177 students. Across all four years, total enrollment is around 858.
Curriculum Style
UCLA’s evolving MD curriculum blends early clinical experiences with integrated systems-based learning and small-group engagement. It emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, flexible research time, and problem-based learning to mold resourceful, patient-centered physicians.
Clinical Training
Clinical education spans UCLA’s premier hospitals—Reagan UCLA, Santa Monica, Cedars-Sinai, Harbor-UCLA, and Olive View. This offers unmatched exposure to diverse patient populations across settings.
Research Power
A research juggernaut, UCLA Med channels deep NIH funding and fosters high-impact discoveries, from neuropsychiatry and oncology to imaging and public health. Students have access to faculty leading in translational science, innovation, and health equity.
Dual Degrees
Students can pursue MD/PhD, MD/MPH, MD/MBA, and other joint degrees. Special pathways like PRIME-LA focus on underserved communities, and the Caltech-linked MSTP builds elite physician-scientist training.
Student Demographics
Cohorts are roughly 41% male, 59% female, with 61% in-state and 39% out-of-state.
Tuition & Cost
Tuition for 2025 is about $51,480 for California residents and $63,725 for non-residents. With living expenses and fees added, the total cost of attendance pushes north of $90,000 annually, though financial aid and access programs help soften that for many.
Campus Life & Facilities
Students thrive in simulation centers, cross-disciplinary research buildings, and collaborative study spaces. The campus culture leans into wellness, leadership, and community engagement. Plus it’s set against the backdrop of LA’s creativity, diversity, and scale.
Location
Pritzker sits in Hyde Park, Chicago—anchored within the University of Chicago Medical Center. You’re immersed in a powerful academic and clinical ecosystem that includes top-tier hospitals, research institutes, and interdisciplinary collaboration across the University’s campus.
Ranking & Reputation
Before the ranking system changed, Pritzker was routinely thought of as one of the strong private medical schools. Historically, it was placed around #17 for research and in the 30s for primary care in U.S. News. Its reputation stood on rigorous academics, scholarly achievement, and high expectations in clinical training and innovation.
As of now, Pritzker does not appear among the Tier 1 schools in the newest U.S. News “Best Medical Schools: Research” listing, and it remains unranked or lower-tier for primary care. That doesn’t erase what it’s built, but it means its current visibility in the rankings is less prominent than many of its peer T20s.
Acceptance Rate
Entry is fiercely selective. In the most recent cycle, the school received over 6,400 applications, offering admission to just 1.42% with 91 students matriculating.
Average GPA & MCAT
Academic credentials are elite: matriculants bring an average GPA of 3.94 and an average MCAT score of 521. That’s among the highest in the country.
Class Size & Enrollment
A first-year class includes just under 100 students (91 in the latest class). The total medical school enrollment hovers near 433 students, keeping cohorts tight and cohesive.
Curriculum Style
Pritzker delivers a rigorous, research-driven MD program. With an emphasis on scholarly projects, foundational science, and flexible clinical engagement, the curriculum supports student-led inquiry and deep intellectual development.
Clinical Training
Clinical rotations take place at the University of Chicago Medical Center and affiliated hospitals within the Hyde Park area. This ensures exposure to complex tertiary care, underserved communities, and academic medicine in an urban setting.
Research Power
Pritzker excels in research impact: nearly every student completes mentored research. A majority of students lead peer-reviewed publications or presentations, and another proportion of students pursue research as part of their long-term careers. Institutional research infrastructure supports robust student engagement.
Dual Degrees
Graduates frequently augment their MD with other credentials. About 6% earn an advanced degree (MBA, MPH, MS), and 9% pursue a PhD. The school supports structured dual-degree options and offers funded research months and thesis guidance.
Student Demographics
Gender representation is nearly even, and about 14% of enrollees are Illinois residents, with the remainder from across the U.S. Plus 84% taking one or more gap years before matriculating, engaging in activities like teaching, graduate degrees, research, or patient care.
Tuition & Cost
Tuition and fees are around $64,337 per year, with total annual cost of attendance, factoring in housing, books, and fees, hovering around $89,700. Importantly, 91% of students receive scholarship aid, and 60% receive full-tuition scholarships. Average student debt at graduation is around $128,000, significantly lower than peer private institutions.
Campus Life & Facilities
Here, you’d learn in an environment that blends intellectual rigor with academic beauty. Expect state-of-the-art libraries, labs, and clinical buildings within a historic campus. The University of Chicago’s culture prioritizes idea-driven community, wellness, and academic freedom.
If your goal is to launch a career in academic medicine, high-tier specialties, leadership, or innovation, a T20 school doesn’t guarantee success, but it gives you the infrastructure, network, and credibility to go further, faster.
A T20 name commands attention. Whether you're presenting at a conference, applying for a competitive fellowship, or walking into a room full of physicians, the school on your white coat often speaks before you do. The reputation opens doors, sets expectations, and gives you credibility that doesn’t need explanation.
T20 programs invest heavily in faculty, facilities, and curriculum development. You're learning from experts who literally write the textbooks and who are constantly pushing the edge of medicine. Expect small group learning, cutting-edge simulation, and a curriculum that adapts faster than most med schools can catch up with.
You’re not just rotating through hospitals. You’re training in some of the most complex, high-volume, and respected health systems in the country. From quaternary care centers to urban safety nets, T20 clinical exposure is diverse, intense, and designed to stretch your skills from day one.
T20 schools are built on research. Whether you're interested in basic science, clinical trials, public health, or health policy, there are mentors with funding, labs with resources, and institutional backing to help you publish, present, and lead. Many students enter with little research and graduate with first-author publications.
Match outcomes aren’t based on name alone, but it helps. When you apply from a T20 school, program directors know what kind of training you've had. You’ll benefit from a robust advising structure, home program support, and a long alumni track record at top residencies. It’s not a guarantee, but the path is clearer.
From alumni who run departments to classmates who become cofounders, the network you build at a T20 school is often as valuable as the degree itself. These connections aren’t limited to medicine. They stretch into biotech, venture capital, health policy, and beyond.
For all the prestige, there are real trade-offs that come with chasing a T20 med school. Think cost and pressure. And these trade-offs aren’t always obvious until you’re living them. So, if you’re making decisions based purely on brand, here’s what you might be walking into:
Many T20 schools are private, and that means sticker shock. Tuition alone can top $70K per year, and that doesn’t include living in cities like New York, Boston, or San Francisco. Even with financial aid, you may graduate with six-figure debt. If you’re not careful, that financial pressure will shape your specialty choice and long-term freedom.
Prestige attracts volume. Some T20s have incoming classes of 150+ students, and while resources are strong, the competition for mentorship, research spots, and clinical opportunities can be fierce. Unless you’re proactive, it’s easy to feel like just another white coat in the crowd.
You’re surrounded by some of the sharpest minds in the country, and the pressure to perform doesn’t let up. It’s easy to internalize the comparison, question your worth, and tie your identity to academic success. Impostor syndrome is common, and burnout is real.
A T20 name might get your foot in the door, but it doesn’t guarantee anything beyond that. You still have to show up, lead, and execute. If you coast on the brand without doing the work, you’ll be passed up, especially in residency, where performance trumps pedigree every time.
Every year, thousands of applicants apply to T20 medical schools with near-perfect stats. Most of them don’t get in. That’s the brutal reality. Getting into a T20 program requires more than just academic strength. It takes strategy, timing, and a clear story that proves you belong in the most competitive environments in medicine.
Let’s start with the obvious. If you’re not at or near a 3.9 GPA and a 520 MCAT, your shot at a T20 is slim.
Some schools report even higher averages. And if you're below that range, you’ll need something exceptional to offset it: national-level research, a first-author publication, or mission-driven work that’s truly unique.
Here’s the truth: once you cross that stats threshold, numbers stop moving the needle. Everyone has the grades. What separates admits is clarity of purpose, depth of experiences, and whether your application shows real momentum.
Schools are asking: Would I want this person on my team? Would I trust them with patients? Would I enjoy mentoring them? That’s the bar.
You don’t need to be a published author at age 20, but you do need meaningful research. T20 schools expect students to know how to ask questions, design studies, and critically evaluate data. Clinical research is common, but basic science, public health, or translational work all count. Depth matters more than volume, and first-author or poster presentations can help push your app into the “read again” pile.
You need to show that you’ve been in the room with patients, with physicians, with real healthcare teams. T20 schools look for students who’ve spent time in clinical settings and can talk about the people, systems, and ethical challenges they’ve seen.
And most importantly, are your clinical experiences aligned with what you say you care about? If your application claims you’re passionate about underserved care, but you’ve never set foot in a community clinic, that disconnect matters. They want to see that your actions already reflect your mission.
Your impact outside the classroom matters. Whether it's founding a health equity initiative, leading a student-run clinic, or advocating for policy change, schools want people who don’t wait for a title to lead. T20 schools are training future academic and clinical leaders. Show that you’re already stepping into that role.
At T20 schools, the gap year is common, not unusual. Most matriculants take one. Some take two or more.
Why? Because it’s hard to build a strong application while juggling organic chem, MCAT prep, and leadership roles. A gap year gives you space to do serious research, work in a clinic, or launch a project that actually matters.
These days, everyone wants to go to a T20 medical school. The truth is, prestige is only part of the equation. Where you train will shape how you learn, who mentors you, and what kind of physician you become. So if you’re choosing based only on rankings, you're missing the most important part: fit.
Ask better questions. Don’t just ask “How high is it ranked?” Ask:
Look at curriculum. Are you someone who thrives in structure or flexibility? Do you want to pursue a dual degree, take a gap year, or dive deep into research? Some schools support that. Others don’t. The curriculum should work for you, not the other way around.
Pay attention to mission. Schools that talk about service, health equity, or innovation should be able to show you how they live that out. Look at their community engagement, their student-led clinics, and their track record, not just their marketing.
Think about geography. Where you train shapes who you serve. Urban vs. rural. Academic center vs. community hospital. You’ll build your clinical voice in that environment, and it matters more than you think.
Don’t assume bigger is better. A T20 name might open doors, but the wrong culture, poor support, or misaligned values can close them just as fast. The best school is the one where you grow, build, and leave ready, not just the one with the most Instagram clout.
Here’s the reality: most premeds chasing T20 schools are flying blind. They’re guessing what matters, copying generic extracurriculars, and rewriting their personal statement 14 times without knowing what a successful one even looks like.
You don’t need more advice. You need proof.
That’s why we put together the Premed Catalyst Application Database—a free resource with 8 full AMCAS applications that earned real acceptances, some to T20 medical schools. These aren’t summaries. These are full submissions, including personal statements, most meaningful, and more. Use this access to create your own acceptance-worthy application.
Get your free resource here.
