On the path to becoming a successful physician, one of the first and most important decisions you’ll have to make is that of the best pre med school for you. Where you choose to attend as a premed student will directly determine the kind of opportunities and networks of support you’ll have both as a student and later in your professional life.
Applying successfully to college can be tedious and grueling since there are more than just a few excellent undergraduate programs in the United States. This is why we have compiled the list of the 10 best pre-med schools. If you use this as a guide, you may find the whole experience of shopping for a good pre-med school less harrowing and more enjoyable. Before we proceed, let us define pre-med first.
Pre Med School Definition
This term may sound like a major one, but its meaning is contrary to this. A Pre med school is a college track comprised of various specified courses. As a prospective student, you should take courses since medical school considers them indispensable.
You can major in any field but you must take the prerequisite courses in pre-med if you are to stay on the pre-med path. If you are in high school and you haven’t set your mind on being a physician yet, you should start by searching for a college that is fit enough to prepare you for a fruitful career.
But, as you pick colleges that seem fit, remember that med school is the ultimate goal and the institution of your choice should serve you towards this end. So, get a high GPA, make sure your score is exemplary on the MCAT, engage in constructive activities, strive to build a good resume, go through with the application process and you can expect to get into a good excellent medical school in the future.
The pre-med schools that we have included on our list were selected using several factors. These factors include:
Med School Admission History
This should be on the very top of your list of things to consider during your college application. Many schools will offer you an awesome ranking; which is fantastic. But, your main concern should be the rate at which pre-med students from the university get accepted into med school. The higher the rate, the better chances of your medical school application going through. Simple as that.
Now, the main problem with these is not all institutions avail this information to the general public. And, some of those that do just put forward misleading numbers.
For instance, some institutions may intentionally fail to include students that do not meet all the requirements they have for pre-med programs. Or, they may just ensure their students are outstanding by using tough classes to weed out those that seem weaker. Either way, the numbers won’t be an honest representation.
With this in mind, below are various steps you can use to derive a general feel of any institutions admission history:
Start by conducting research online to determine the availability of stats for the institution that picks your interest. You can kick-off by simply typing the name of the institution followed by “pre-med admissions” on any search engine.
Check Profiles of Classes
You can look into the institution’s past and latest class profiles to see where most of its students come from. This, however, may not be easy since most profiles of classes usually exclude any info on undergraduate pre-med institutions.
Search for Other Relevant Stats
You can determine the suitability of an institution by checking out various other stats. These stats may tell you about the quality of the institution in question, ratios of students to faculty members, rates of admission, internship opportunities, rating from past students, and where it ranks nationally.
Research Opportunities at the Best Pre Med Schools
The impression you’ll make to most medical schools you’ll want to get into is determined by several factors including the amount of research you managed to accomplish. You need to start your research as early as possible to get results that can impress med schools.
As an undergrad, you’ll get the opportunity to immerse yourself into productive research if you are in an institution that has well-funded research departments and labs. Besides, research boosts your CV by ensuring you’re getting your name on as many papers as possible.
Student Advising Programs
Student advising programs are essential in ensuring you don’t stray from the right track especially since from the beginning you’ll have many activities and requirements to keep in mind as you prepare to apply for med school.
One of the main advantages of these programs is most institutions tailor them specialized programs that are simply there to help you be accepted in med school. This means they’ll know what you’ll need and what they can do to get you in. Mentors and advisors with enough experience and knowledge are crucial in your preparation when it comes to selecting a course, applying to med schools, preparing for interviews, and tracking the development of your application.
Ensure you pay your advisors as many visits as you can as early as possible to ensure you are well prepared for medical school application.
Opportunities Available for Clinical Experience
Gathering hands-on clinical experience is necessary if you want to take a physician’s career path. This means you need to experience a clinical setting as often as possible. Most of the time you’ll find that the available clinical setting is volunteer work.
If you get into an institution located in a limited clinical environment, you are likely to encounter difficulties getting the necessary experience. This, in turn, can dull our competitive edge considerably.
Pre-Med School’s Curriculum’s Intensity
An intense and rigorous curriculum may sound unappealing to many pre-med prospective students but they are very important in preparing you for med school and MCAT. An institution with a weak curriculum most often than not produces mediocre undergraduates that mostly get their medical school applications denied. If you consider the fact that less than 50% of pre-med undergraduates are admitted to medical school, an intense curriculum is a very good prospect.
Internship Opportunities
Internships offer you much-needed hands-on experience in a working environment. You will find that most of the institutions we have included on our list include excellent internship opportunities that will further your horizons and improve your resume. However, if you happen to be in an institution with internship opportunities less appealing to you, you can always find yourself something better.
Assurance Programs & Bachelor’s/ Medical Programs
Some institutions will allow you to join med school early by offering certain degree programs. These programs include assurance programs and BS/MD programs.
Assurance programs are for exceptional students who are attending an institution that has a solid med school. Not all the students at these institutions are guaranteed acceptance into their assurance programs but it’s worth a try.
BS/MD programs, on the other hand, are programs that take 7-8 years and are a combination of college and med school. You usually undertake this combination within the convenience of the same institution. These programs are usually very competitive since students apply for them in high school.
Both of these programs are bonuses since they release you from the time-consuming and stressful task of applying to med school and waiting for a response. So, you can spend your time and effort immersed in studies and research.
Additional Tips for Prospective Pre-Med Students
If you have an interest in pre-med, you can use these tips to build a successful foundation:
Consider Factors Other Than an Institution’s Pre-Med Program
The kind of pre-med program that an institution offers is important, no doubt. But you shouldn’t let this be the only factor that determines your choice of institution. Numerous other factors will play a large part in ensuring your success. For instance, the school’s location, room and board quality, extra-curricular activities and groups, etc. If the institution doesn’t make you happy,y then your performance will most likely mirror your dissatisfaction.
Your High School Studies Should Focus More on Science and Math
High school allows you to build a solid foundation for your pre-med courses. You can only build a strong pre-med foundation by exceptionally excelling in math and sciences because these are the courses that’ll you require in college. And excelling in college cases will be a bonus on your medical school application. If you are struggling in any of these courses, don’t be shy to approach the teacher. You can even request tutoring.
Maintain a High GPA
As you’ll find out later, student GPAs are among the things that most institutions include when providing info on their pre-med students’ acceptance rates to medical schools. The major point of this, as far as we can see, is to let you know that students who attended their programs with higher GPAs were more successful in their medical school application than those who had lower GPAs.
The Best Pre-Med Schools
1. Harvard
The Office of Career Services in Harvard stated that an estimated 17% of their classes are bound to apply to med school. From the humongous student body that Harvard has, this percentage is quite impressive.
Coupled with this, research proved applicants to pre-med school that had a GPA of 3.5 or above had a med-school acceptance rate of 93%. This was back in 2013. However, in 2012 this same acceptance rate had stood at a mere 42%.
According to recent reports from the Harvard College Office of Career Services, about 20% of Harvard’s undergraduate classes now plan to apply to medical school—a modest increase from earlier estimates. Additionally, updated data from the Association of American Medical Colleges indicate that pre-med students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher have consistently achieved strong med school acceptance rates, typically ranging between 80% and 90% in recent application cycles. These figures suggest that while academic excellence remains a critical component of a successful medical school application, it is only one part of the equation. Today, a well-rounded profile—including clinical experience, research, and extracurricular activities—plays an increasingly important role in admissions decisions.
If you need advice on pre-med, Harvard offers a peer program that offers you a pre-med tutor while you are a sophomore student through to your senior year. To top all this, Harvard University is infamous all over the world. It was ranked as the best medical school in the US and its department of biological sciences is one of the reasons why this university has well-deserved bragging rights. And, your clinical and research experience will be truly boosted by the numerous teaching hospitals that are affiliated with and located near Harvard University.
Harvard has 6,800 undergraduate enrollment total.
If you want the best pre-med experience, Harvard is unrivaled and should be on the very top of your list.
2. Johns Hopkins University
As an institution for medical research and a med school, Johns Hopkins has a solid reputation that they have maintained through the years. This directly implies that if you are a student at Johns Hopkins, you have the opportunity to gain from a variety of clinical and research facilities.
This university’s med school is also affiliated with a teaching hospital that is considered one of the best in the US. Plus, International Medical Aid was founded at this same university and it has gone on to become a stellar NGO that provides pre-med internships that offer a wealth of experience to anyone lucky enough to join.
Johns Hopkins University has an advising program for undergraduate pre-med students. This, you should note, isn’t a major. Their advising program track includes: group meetings, personal appointments, and a variety of other programs that are specially designed to assist all those who aspire to be students of med-school to succeed. Undergraduate pre-med school students of this university also have a chance to build their resumes via well-organized student organizations.
Johns Hopkins has an undergraduate enrollment of 6300 total.
If you need an institution with amazing links to IMA, an excellent advising program, and a wonderful affiliation with a teaching hospital, Johns Hopkins University won’t disappoint.
3. Stanford Univeristy
Apart from being a college with a top-ranking status, Stanford also houses a top-notch medical school. This university offers you special advisors who are present to ensure your visualization of long-term objectives is successful, discuss any ideas you may have, assist in your coursework planning, and offer options that are crucial in your quest towards gaining medical field experience. You will also find internship opportunities available for you as a Stanford undergraduate student of med school. These opportunities offer you the chance to get stellar recommendations and vital clinical hours.
One of the things you will love about Stanford is its pre-med community. This community happens to be one of the best when it comes to cohesion and organization. You will find the Stanford Pre-Medical Association quite informative and resourceful as a pre-med student. And all this within the confines of one place.
Unfortunately, there is a shortage of good stats on the number of Stanford yearly graduates who manage to get into med school. But the number is probably quite high, owing to Stanford’s degree programs being recognized on a global scale.
Although Stanford University does not routinely release comprehensive statistics on the percentage of its pre-med graduates who eventually matriculate into medical school, anecdotal reports from pre-med advisors and admissions experts suggest that the acceptance rate is very high—likely well above 80%. Given Stanford’s reputation for academic excellence, rigorous pre-med coursework, and extensive research and clinical opportunities, it is widely believed that Stanford pre-med graduates are among the most competitive applicants nationwide.
Stanford’s total undergraduate enrollment stands at 7,100.
So, if you want to get into a reputable med school with plenty of internship opportunities and an amazing pre-med association, Stanford will make you more than just proud.
4. University of Pennsylvania
UPenn, as most people call this university, is home to the Perelman School of Medicine; which happens to be ranked among the best medical schools in the US. If you get into this med school, innumerable research opportunities are available. And this isn’t just an unfounded statement; it is a fact. Studies have shown that 76% of pre-med students at Upenn had their medical school applications accepted. This is quite impressive especially when you consider the fact that the national average that year was 43% (2021).
Recent reports suggest that roughly 75–80% of UPenn’s pre-med students are accepted into medical school—figures that significantly surpass the national average, which has hovered around 45–50% in recent cycles. This impressive acceptance rate is supported by UPenn’s extensive research opportunities, cutting-edge clinical programs, and dedicated pre-health advising initiatives that provide students with a competitive edge in the highly challenging medical school admissions process.
As a student of the University of Pennsylvania, you will also get guidance that will help you fulfill the pre-med requirements. This institution also ensures your medical school application is successful through its pre-health advising program. A few majors in Upenn even come with a pre-med focus to prepare you for the following steps in your journey to med school.
University of Pennsylvania’s total undergraduate enrollment is 10,200.
If you want an institution with a reputable school of medicine and immense research opportunities, Upenn comes highly recommended.
5. Columbia University
Columbia’s Medical School remains one of the nation’s top institutions for research, consistently ranking among the top 10 based on research funding and academic excellence, while its primary care program is also well-respected though ranked lower. As an undergraduate at Columbia University—currently with an enrollment of approximately 6,300—pre-med students benefit from a robust advising system, with dedicated pre-med advisors and a Premedical Committee that hosts regular, informative meetings.
Columbia’s prime location in New York City ensures you have easy access to world-class hospitals and clinics, such as NewYork-Presbyterian and NYU Langone, providing countless opportunities for research and clinical experience. In addition, Columbia offers a sample pre-med curriculum designed to help you meet the essential requirements for medical school applications. Coupled with its top-notch advising services, Columbia provides an ideal environment to build and maintain a competitive edge, preparing you well for the medical school application process and your future career as a physician.
Columbia University’s total undergraduate enrollment is 6,300.
Unfortunately, just like Stanford, Columbia University doesn’t provide stats on the number of graduates who eventually have successful admission into med school yearly.
6. Duke University
Duke University continues to be recognized as one of the premier institutions in the country, and its pre-med program remains exceptionally robust. With an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 6,700, Duke provides pre-med students with access to a highly organized advising program that is renowned for its dedication and personalized guidance.
From the moment you arrive, you are immersed in an environment that not only supports academic excellence but also offers a wealth of opportunities for hands-on clinical experiences, research projects, and even international programs focused on health-centered studies. It is irrefutable that Duke is one of the best universities in the country. Another fact is that Duke has a pre-med program that is quite robust, and you get one of the best options any pre-med student can ever wish for.
Recent data from 2025 indicates that around 75% to 85% of Duke pre-med students successfully matriculate into medical school, a rate that is nearly double the national average. This impressive outcome can be attributed to Duke’s rigorous curriculum, strong emphasis on research and clinical training, and the supportive network provided by its pre-med advising services. Additionally, Duke’s affiliated teaching hospitals and partnerships with research institutions further strengthen its reputation; its own medical school consistently ranks among the top 15 nationwide.
These factors collectively make Duke a compelling option for pre-med students who are serious about pursuing a career in medicine, ensuring that they are well-prepared for the demanding application process and the challenges of medical school.
Duke has a total undergraduate enrollment of 6700.
If you need an institution with acute academic competition, an excellent pre-med advising program, and high acceptance rates to med schools, we recommend Duke as a good option.
7. University of Washington
When it comes to public medical schools, the University of Washington remains a top choice for 2025, renowned for its excellence in primary care and research. Unlike many private institutions on this list, UW offers extensive resources at a public-school price, making it an excellent option for pre-med students who seek robust academic and clinical support without incurring high costs.
As a UW student, you benefit from a well-organized network of pre-health advisors and career coaches who help address your academic and vocational needs. Whether it’s finding volunteering opportunities, selecting courses, or securing valuable job shadowing experiences, UW ensures you have the guidance you need every step of the way. Its location in Seattle also gives you access to renowned hospitals—such as the University of Washington Medical Center and Harborview Medical Center—that provide ample opportunities for hands-on clinical experience and research.
UW further enhances the pre-med experience through active student groups like the Student Health Consortium and Alpha Epsilon Delta. These organizations offer a platform for networking, leadership development, and collaborative learning outside the classroom, all of which are crucial in preparing for a future in medicine.
While comprehensive statistics on the percentage of UW pre-med students who gain admission to medical school are not publicly available, the university’s strong reputation in medical research and primary care, along with its proven track record of excellent student support, speaks for itself. In 2025, if you’re looking for a public institution with abundant resources and a dynamic pre-med environment, the University of Washington is a compelling choice.
The University of Washington has the highest undergraduate enrollment in this list at 32,000.
If you need a public university with an outstanding pre-med school, career coaches, and advisors, the University of Washington is the best fit.
8. UNC Chapel Hill
UNC Chapel Hill continues to enjoy an excellent reputation across various health disciplines, particularly in medical research and clinical training. While the university does not routinely publish detailed statistics on pre-med acceptance rates, its strong reputation and comprehensive advising programs suggest that its pre-med students are highly competitive.
One of UNC’s standout offerings is the Medical Education Development (MED) Summer Program—a nine-week intensive designed for exceptionally motivated students. This program provides hands-on exposure to both clinical and research settings, allowing participants to deepen their understanding of medical sciences and significantly enhance their medical school applications.
For 2025, UNC Chapel Hill’s undergraduate enrollment is estimated to be around 20,000 students, reflecting a dynamic and growing academic community. With its strong specialization tracks, abundant research opportunities, and dedicated pre-med advising, UNC Chapel Hill remains a top choice for aspiring physicians looking to build a competitive foundation for their future in medicine.
UNC Chapel Hill’s undergraduate enrollment stands at 20,000.
If you want a university with outstanding specialization tracks, apply to UNC Chapel Hill. You’ll get the best you can ask for.
9. Cornell University
Cornell, as stats have proven, is one of the best pre-med schools in the US. In 2016, 76% of pre-med students from Cornell managed to get into med school with a GPA of not less than 3.4. And, 63% of all the applicants of Cornell got their medical school applications approved and were accepted that same year.
Cornell has long been recognized as one of the best pre-med schools in the U.S. Recent data suggests that approximately 75% to 80% of Cornell pre-med students—provided they maintain a GPA of 3.4 or higher—gain acceptance into medical school, and around 63% of all pre-med applicants from Cornell are ultimately admitted.
As a Cornell pre-med student, you benefit from their robust Health Careers Program, which offers essential information, personalized advising, and support from an Evaluation Committee that provides invaluable recommendation letters for your medical school applications. With Cornell’s undergraduate enrollment now estimated at approximately 15,000 in 2025, the university continues to foster a diverse and supportive academic community. This comprehensive support system makes Cornell an outstanding choice for those who want not only academic preparation but also extensive mentorship and guidance to ensure their medical school applications truly stand out.
Cornell’s total undergraduate enrolment in 2025 was 15000.
The Health Careers Program makes Cornell University the best option for you if you want an institution that will not only give you mentors and advisors, but an Evaluation Committee too for ensuring your med school application stands out.
10. Northwestern University
Northwestern University continues to rank among the top 20 institutions for research in 2025. Located in the vibrant Streeterville neighborhood of Chicago, it offers a wealth of clinical and research opportunities that can help pre-med students build a solid foundation for their future medical careers. Although comprehensive statistics on the acceptance rate of pre-med students into medical school are not publicly available, Northwestern proudly shares a list of med schools that have successfully admitted its graduates over the past five years—featuring prestigious programs like Harvard and Columbia.
As a pre-med student at Northwestern, you’ll have access to a broad range of advising resources through the university’s dedicated pre-med advising services (Northwestern’s website for pre-med advising). Advisors are available to help with everything from course selection and research opportunities to medical school application concerns. Students can schedule private meetings or drop in during designated advising hours to get personalized support.
Northwestern University currently maintains an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 8,300 students. With its strong research and clinical faculties, and a reputation for placing its pre-med graduates into top-tier medical schools, Northwestern remains an excellent choice for aspiring physicians looking to secure a competitive edge in their medical school applications.
Northwestern University has a total undergraduate student enrollment of 8,300.
If what you need is a university with excellent research and clinical faculties and a reputation for getting some of its pre-med students into reputable med schools, Northwestern is definitely worth your consideration.
Is Your College List Balanced?
The institutions we have included in our list are very selective. For most students, they can be “reaches” since they mostly take exceptionally well-perfuming students. It is, therefore, very important for you to have a rationally balanced college list. A good college list will ensure you get into an institution that fits you well.
As a student, you are advised to apply to a maximum of 12 schools, 8 schools minimum. Make sure 25% of those schools are safety schools. Target schools should be around 40%, and reach schools should not exceed 35%. The chances of acceptance define whether an institution is a reach school, safety school, or target school to you.
Conclusion
You may still be undecided about taking on the career of a physician, and this is quite natural. If you need something to help you make up your mind, you may want to consider amassing experience through active participation.
If you’re a high school student, you may be led into falsely believing there is nothing you can do yet. However, there is a lot you can do from your current position. For instance, you can find a good physician to shadow and learn from.
The most important thing to remember is that an institution’s ranking is important, but it won’t be of any use to you if it doesn’t meet your needs. Like we said before, an institution that is an ill-fit will only affect your performance. And if you don’t perform well in pre-med, then most medical schools are likely to disregard your application.
Last but not least, most people tend to forget the crucial role played by commitment. Becoming a physician isn’t for anyone. You’ll have to put in a solid 10-12 years, so make sure you are driven before you apply. Otherwise, look for an institution that will allow you to switch majors if you are unsure. We hope that with the information we have given you, you will choose the best pre-med school.
Originally Posted March 21, 2021 4:10 pm CST
