Application Strategies for Ohio Med Schools
In this guide, we provide key information on each of the medical schools in Ohio. If you have been searching the web for “medical schools near me” and have your heart set on attending one of the Ohio med schools, this information can help you decide where to apply and how to best focus your application strategy.
It is important to remember that each medical school is unique and will have different admission requirements, philosophies, and mission statements. This article will highlight the different aspects of each Ohio med school and provide you with the specific selection criteria for each college.
Starting out with a strong academic foundation, a good MCAT score, and compelling pre-med experiences will help you have a competitive application. However, as the applicant pool is ever-increasing and admission standards continue to change, it is crucial to have a strategic approach to your med school applications.
A key factor to remember when applying to various med schools is to demonstrate how you are a good fit for that particular college.
For example, some medical schools have a larger focus and commitment to maintaining the students’ passion for ethics, empathy, and compassionate healthcare. If you have experiences that directly reflect these values or have faced circumstances that led you to develop these traits and qualities, you want to highlight this in your application.
Researching medical schools is an essential part of the application process, and while you can not change who you are to better fit the values and mission of the Ohio medical schools, you can utilize your research to help you highlight aspects of yourself that will put you in the best possible light in your application.
Make Your Applications Count: Medical School Admissions Consulting
It seems like there are plenty of general tips and advice about getting into medical school, but what about personalized advice and help? That’s where International Medical Aid comes in. At IMA, we believe that every student’s journey to med school is just as unique as they are and the advice they receive should be too. This is one of the many reasons why our medical school admissions consultants offer one-on-one tailored guidance and support.
IMA offers a variety of services including essay editing, strategy sessions, and interview prep. Together, we can help you develop a plan based on your strengths and goals.
If you are interested in learning more about these services, visit our medical school admissions consulting page and schedule a consultation.
Ohio Medical Schools: Pre-Med Considerations
If you have begun your research into medical schools in Ohio early, odds are you are wondering what you can do now to improve your chances of being accepted. Below we have included a few tips and pieces of advice for pre-med students who are just starting their journey to medical school.
Maintaining a strong GPA throughout your undergrad years is one of the best ways to ensure that you will be a competitive applicant. Medical schools place great emphasis on academic performance and maintaining a high GPA is likely to impress any admissions committee.
Getting involved in extracurricular activities can help demonstrate your commitment to helping others and showcase your interests. The AAMC Core Competencies is a good resource to reference when searching for what traits medical schools value and look for in an applicant.
Lastly, you should focus on gaining meaningful and impactful clinical experiences. International Medical Aid’s pre-med shadowing study abroad programs are a great way to gain some additional clinical experience for your application. Our programs offer service learning, specialty studies, and physician shadowing.
Ohio Medical School Profiles and How to Get Accepted
Let’s begin discussing each of the medical schools in Ohio and what it takes to get accepted into a program at these colleges. We will be covering these schools alphabetically.
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
- Northeast Ohio Medical University
- Ohio State University College of Medicine
- Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
- University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences
- Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine
| Ohio Medical Schools | US News Ranking | Location | Degree | Year Est. | Annual Tuition and Fees | Avg. GPA | Avg. MCAT | Interview Rate | First Year Class Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Case Western Reserve University | 1 (24) | Cleveland | MD | 1843 | $68,858 IS $68,858 OOS | 3.86 | 518 | 16.4% IS 14.1% OOS | 216 (15.3% IS) |
| NEOMED | 4 (95– 124) | Rootstown | MD | 1973 | $44,967 IS $85,147 OOS | 3.78 | 500 | 28.9% IS 10.9% OOS | 158 (71.5% IS) |
| OSU College of Medicine | 2 (30) | Columbus | MD | 1914 | $31,082 IS $56,002 OOS | 3.89 | 516 | 21.8% IS 5.1% OOS | 203(62.1% IS) |
| OUHCOM | 4 (95– 124) | Athens | DO | 1975 | $39,600 IS $55,396 OOS | 3.68 | 504 | NA | 255 (93% IS) |
| UC College of Medicine | 3 (43) | Cincinnati | MD | 1819 | $33,366 IS $51,630 OOS | 3.83 | 517 | 16.4% IS 7.1% OOS | 180 (41.7% IS) |
| University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences | 4 (95– 124) | Toledo | MD | 1964 | $35,973 IS $67,978 OOS | 3.76 | 511 | 22.8% IS 2.7% OOS | 175 (74.3% IS) |
| WSU | 4 (95– 124) | Dayton | MD | 1974 | $39,452 IS $58,708 OOS | 3.77 | 508 | 23.3% IS 1.5% OOS | 128 (83.6% IS) |
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine (CWRU)
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine is a private college located in Cleveland, Ohio and was established in 1843. The college is best known for being a biomedical research hub and the home to a diverse student body.
Medical Degrees:
- Four-Year MD
- MD with Special Qualification in Biomedical Research
- MD/PhD in Biomedical Research
- MD/MA in Bioethics
- MD/MPH
- MD/MS in Applied Anatomy
- MD/MS in Biomedical Engineering
- MD/MS in Biomedical Investigation
- MD/MBA in Business
- MD/MA in Anthropology
CWRU Highlights
Here are a few of the key features of Case Western that set it apart from the other medical schools in Ohio.
Dual Degree Programs – Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine offers students a variety of dual degree options, 7 to be exact, including degrees focused on biomedical research.
Pathway Programs – The university offers pathway programs for students. These pathway programs allow students at Case Western to chance to explore experiences and education beyond the standard MD curriculum.
Here are the CWRU School of Medicine Rankings:
- #25 in Best Medical School: Research
- #74 in Best Medical School: Primary Care
- #91 in Most Diverse Medical Schools
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine Selection Factors
The university considers a few key academic factors when selecting the best applicants for their program.
GPA – While there is no minimum required GPA score to be accepted at CWRU, the average GPA score of the college’s recent entering class was 3.78.
MCAT – Again, there is no strict minimum MCAT score for acceptance, but the most recent class had an average MCAT score of 518.
Letters of Recommendation – Case Western Reserve University requires all applicants to submit between 3 and 5 letters of recommendation. 2 of these LORs should be written by science professors or advisors.
How Competitive is Case Western Reserve University?
CWRU does not have strict GPA and MCAT score requirements in place. Instead, the admissions committee takes a holistic approach to review incoming applications. This means all aspects of a student’s application are weighted equally. However, these stats from the most recent entering class can provide more insight into the typical academic profile of the college.
- Total Matriculants: 216
- In-State: 16%
- Out of State: 84%
- Average GPA: 3.78
- Average MCAT: 518
Case Western has an acceptance rate of 8.31%. For a more in-depth look at what it takes to get accepted to CWRU, check out How to Get Into Case Western Medical School: The Definitive Guide.
Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED)
NEOMED is a public college located in Rootstown, Ohio, and was established in 1973. NEOMED is well-known for its 5 decades of training the future physicians of Ohio and its LCME accreditation.
Medical Degrees:
- Four-Year MD
- Integrated Pharmaceutical Medicine (MS or PhD)
- MPH
- Biomedical Sciences (MS or PhD)
- Master of Leadership in Health Systems Science
NEOMED Highlights
Here are a few factors that set NEOMED apart from other medical schools in Ohio.
Connection to Healthcare Partners – Northeast Ohio Medical University is connected to 24 teaching hospitals and healthcare partners, providing students with a wealth of clinical experience opportunities.
Large Staff Volume – NEOMED consists of 15 educational departments with a total of 2,300 staff members across all departments.
Here is how NEOMED ranks per US News and World Report.
- #95 in Best Medical School: Research
- #95 in Best Medical School: Primary Care
- #85 in Most Diverse Medical Schools
NEOMED Selection Factors
Northeast Ohio Medical University, like many medical schools, takes a holistic approach to application review. Per the college’s website, here are a few values the committee considers to be important in an applicant.
- Someone who possesses integrity, intelligence, and personal and emotional characteristics needed to become a competent physician.
- Those who seek careers as a physician practicing patient-centered care
- Those who want to serve as leaders of change in healthcare in Ohio and beyond
- Those who strive to uphold the mission and values of NEOMED
How Competitive is Northeast Ohio Medical University?
The college does not have a strict MCAT or GPA score cut off, but most applicants who are accepted fall within an average score range. Ideal applicants will have a GPA score between 3.51 and 3.86 and an MCAT score of 505 to 515.
The acceptance rate at NEOMED is on par with the national average for medical schools at 5%. If you’d like a more detailed article about what it takes to be accepted into NEOMED, check out How to Get Into Northeast Ohio Medical University: The Definitive Guide.
Ohio State University College of Medicine (OSU College of Medicine)
OSU College of Medicine is easily one of the most well-known and respected medical schools in Ohio. The college is located in Columbus, Ohio and was established in 1914.
Medical Degrees:
- Four-Year MD
- MSTP
- MD/MBA
- MD/MHA
- MD/MPH
- MD/JD
- ODT/PhD
- DPT/PhD
- Three-Year Primary Care Program
OSU College of Medicine Highlights
Aside from being known for its connection to the Ohio State Medical Center, OSU College of Medicine offers a couple of unique programs and features that set it apart from other medical schools in Ohio.
Three-year Primary Care Program – While this program is similar to a traditional four-year MD program, it places students on a fast track to becoming a primary care physician and allows them to graduate in 3 years.
LSI Curriculum – OSU’s LSI curriculum (Lead.Serve.Inspire) is a three-part curriculum that takes place over the course of 4 years. The curriculum focuses on self-directed learning and integrating clinical and basic sciences.
Here are the US News and World Report rankings for OSU College of Medicine:
- #30 in Best Medical School: Research
- #32 in Best Medical School: Primary Care
- #14 in Most Diverse Medical Schools
Ohio State University College of Medicine Selection Factors
The university’s website clearly lists what non-academic factors they value most in applicants. These traits are:
- Intellectual, Qualitative, and Conceptual Ability
- Stamina
- Observation
- Communication
- Motor Skills
- Professional Interaction
How Competitive is OSU College of Medicine
In terms of MCAT and GPA scores, there is no minimum score required for application. OSU bases the average MCAT and GPA scores off of the most recent entering class’s average which is currently 3.82 for GPA and 514 for MCAT.
Here are a few of the admission statistics from OSU’s recent class:
- 8,206 Applicants, 415 Students Enrolled
- 589 Interviews Conducted
- 62% of Students Enrolled Were In-State
To learn more about how to be a competitive applicant at OSU College of Medicine, check out How to Get Into The Ohio State Medical School: The Definitive Guide.
Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine (OUHCOM)
The Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine is a public college with 3 campuses. The primary campus is located in Athens, Ohio and was established in 1975. OUHCOM is also one of the only DO schools in Ohio.
Medical Degrees:
- DO Undergrad Program
- DO/PhD
- DO/MBA
- DO/BME
- DO/MPH
- DO/MGH
OUHCOM Highlights
Here are a few things that make OUHCOM unique among the other Ohio med schools.
DO Programs – Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine is one of the very few medical schools in Ohio that offers DO programs instead of MD programs.
DO Undergrad – The college offers a DO undergraduate program which gives students who are just beginning their college career the opportunity to attend a school where they can complete both their undergrad and graduate education.
Here are the current rankings for OUHCOM:
- #95 in Best Medical Schools: Research
- #78 in Best Medical Schools: Primary Care
- #94 Most Diverse Medical Schools
OUHCOM Selection Factors
Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine does not provide a list of what they are looking for outside of academics, but they do review applications with a holistic approach, so having a well-rounded list of work and volunteer experiences is key.
How Competitive is OUHCOM?
The college does not have strict GPA and MCAT score requirements, rather they state the best predictor of an applicant’s success is having a solid MCAT score and natural science GPA. However, as one of the only DO schools in Ohio, you will want to have a competitive application. Here are few stats from the most recent class at OUHCOM:
- Average Natural Science GPA: 3.60
- Average MCAT Score: 125 in Each Subsection
- 4,944 Applicants
- 348 Accepted
- 249 Enrolled
OUHCOM’s acceptance rate is 7%. If you’d like to learn more about what it takes to get into OUHCOM, check out How to Get Into the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine: The Definitive Guide.
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine (UCCOM)
UC College of Medicine is located in Cincinnati and having been established in 1819 is considered to be one of the oldest medical schools west of the Allegheny Mountains.
Medical Degrees:
- Four-Year MD
- MD/MBA
- MD/PhD
- MD/MPH
UCCOM Highlights
Here is what makes the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine unique from other med schools in Ohio.
200 Years of Education – UCCOM is the oldest medical school in Ohio and one of the oldest med schools in the US. The college has 2 centuries of commitment to educating the future physicians of Ohio.
Here is how US News and World Report ranks UCCOM:
- #43 in Best Medical School: Research
- #52 in Best Medical School: Primary Care
- #20 Most Diverse Medical Schools
UCCOM Selection Factors
The values that UCCOM holds most important can be found in a more detailed format on the college’s website. Here is an overview of the traits that applicants of UC College of Medicine should possess:
- Conceptual, Integrative, Intellectual, and Quantitative Skills
- Communication Skills
- Behavioral and Social Skills
- Motor Coordination and Sensory Skills
How Competitive is UCCOM?
UC College of Medicine is fairly competitive having an acceptance rate of 2.93%. If you want to be accepted into the school’s med program, here are some average stats you should have:
- Average Gpa of 3.74
- Average MCAT Score of 515
- An MCAT Score No Older Than 2 Years
For more info about UCCOM, check out our definitive 2023 guide on how to get into UCCOM.
University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences
Founded in 1964 and located in Toledo, Ohio, the University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences is one of 7 Ohio medical schools students can choose from.
Medical Degrees:
- Four-Year MD
- MD/MBA
- MD/JD
- MD/PhD
- MD/MSBS
- MD/MPH
University of Toledo Highlights
What sets this medical school apart from the rest?
Campus Size – The college has grown immensely since it was established and currently the university has eight colleges across 4 campuses, spanning more than 450 acres and housing over 20,000 students.
Toledo Medical Center – The Toledo Medical Center is located near the college and for many medical students the medical center is a nearby and prime choice for residency.
Here are the most recent University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences rankings per US News and World Report:
- #95 in Best Medical School: Research
- #93 in Best Medical School: Primary Care
- #97 Most Diverse Medical Schools
University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences Selection Factors
While the university does not list any specific non-academic selection factors or criteria, they do state using a holistic review approach. With most schools that take a holistic approach to application review, it is crucial to submit a well-rounded application that showcases your clinical, work, and volunteer experiences.
How Competitive is the University of Toledo?
All academic criteria for the university is based on the previous class profile. Currently, to have a competitive application, students should have an average GPA score of 3.72 and MCAT score of 509.
Here are some recent admission statistics:
- 6,319 Applicants, 1,176 Applicants Were Ohio Residents
- 176 Students Enrolled
- 63% of Enrolled Students Were From Ohio
The college has a fairly low acceptance rate of 2.62%. Students who want to know more about how to prepare a competitive application for the university should check out How to Get Into University of Toledo College of Medicine: The Definitive Guide.
Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine (WSU)
WSU is located in Dayton, Ohio and was established in 1974. The college prides itself on being ranked nationally at number 4 for its social mission.
Medical Degrees:
- Four-Year MD
- MD/PhD
- MS/MD
- MD/MBA
- MD/MPH
- MD in Three
WSU Highlights
There are a few things that make Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine unique.
MD in Three – One of the few medical schools in Ohio to offer a fast track MD program, the WSU MD in Three allows students to be placed on a direct line of progression into residency per the Boonshoft School of Medicine Residency Program.
WrightCurriulum – The college’s MD curriculum is split into 3 primary phases: Foundations (70 weeks), Doctoring (52 weeks), and Advanced Doctoring (52 weeks).
Here is how the college ranks per US News and World Report:
- #95 in Best Medical School: Research
- #78 in Best Medical School: Primary Care
- #13 Most Diverse Medical Schools
WSU Selection Factors
When reviewing applicants, the admissions committee at Wright State University holds these traits and values as the most important.
- Strong Interpersonal Skills
- Work-Life Balance
- Ability to Conduct Research
- Leadership
- Volunteer Service
How Competitive is Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine?
The university requires applicants to have a minimum MCAT score of 495 in order to apply. While they have a strict minimum MCAT score, there is no requirement for minimum GPA.
Let’s look at the admission statistics of the most recent class:
- 6,182 Applicants
- 119 Matriculated
- 60.5% Ohio Residents
- 456 Interviews Conducted
- Average MCAT Score of 506.5
- Average GPA of 3.61
WSU’s acceptance rate sits at 3.94% which is slightly below the national average. If you’d like more information about WSU’s selection factors, check out How to Get Into Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine: The Definitive Guide.
Good Luck!
We hope this article provides you with additional knowledge as you navigate the Ohio medical school admissions process. If you are still asking yourself, “what are the best medical schools near me” check out our other various medical school guides for further tips and advice! Don’t hesitate to reach out to IMA for medical school admissions consulting or to learn more about our pre-med shadowing study abroad programs.
