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Best Medical Schools in The US: Programs, Fees

The United States is home to some of the best medical schools in the world. These schools offer rigorous academic programs, world-class research opportunities, and diverse student bodies. Graduates of these schools are highly sought-after by top hospitals and residency programs.

Best

The Top 10 Medical Schools in the US for 2023-2024

  1. Harvard Medical School
  2. Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
  3. Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
  4. Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
  5. Stanford University School of Medicine
  6. Duke University School of Medicine
  7. University of California San Francisco School of Medicine
  8. Yale School of Medicine
  9. Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences
  10. Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Medical School

  • Academic reputation: Medical schools vary widely in their academic reputation. Some schools are known for their rigorous academic programs, while others are known for their focus on research or clinical training. It is important to choose a school that has a strong academic reputation in the field of medicine that you are interested in.
  • Curriculum: The curriculum of a medical school will have a significant impact on your education and training. Some schools have traditional curricula that focus on basic science and clinical training, while others have more innovative curricula that incorporate interdisciplinary learning and problem-based learning. It is important to choose a school that has a curriculum that is aligned with your learning style and your career goals.
  • Location: The location of a medical school is also an important factor to consider. Some schools are located in major cities, while others are located in smaller towns or rural areas. It is important to choose a school that is located in a place where you feel comfortable living and where you will have access to the resources and support that you need.
  • Cost: Medical school can be very expensive. It is important to choose a school that is affordable for you and that offers financial aid options.
  • Diversity and inclusion: A diverse and inclusive medical school community is important for both personal and professional reasons. It is important to choose a school that is committed to diversity and inclusion and that has a student body that reflects the diversity of the population.
  • Fit: Ultimately, the best medical school for you is the one that feels like a good fit. Consider your learning style, your career goals, and your personal preferences when making your decision.

How to Apply to Medical School

  1. Take the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test). The MCAT is a standardized test that is required by all US medical schools. It is a computer-based test that assesses your knowledge of natural, behavioral, and social science concepts and problem-solving skills.
  2. Complete the AMCAS (American Medical College Application Service) application. The AMCAS application is a centralized application that is used by most US medical schools. It collects information about your academic background, extracurricular activities, and work experience.
  3. Request letters of recommendation. You will need to request letters of recommendation from three to five people, such as professors, mentors, and supervisors. Make sure to choose people who know you well and can write positive letters about your academic abilities and personal qualities.
  4. Write a personal statement. The personal statement is your chance to tell your story and explain why you want to be a doctor. Be sure to write a thoughtful and well-written essay that highlights your strengths and experiences.
  5. Complete secondary applications. Many medical schools require secondary applications in addition to the AMCAS application. These applications typically consist of shorter essays and questions that are specific to the school.

What to Expect in Medical School

First year: The first year of medical school is typically focused on basic sciences, such as anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, and pathology. Students also learn about the principles of clinical medicine and how to interact with patients.

Second year: The second year of medical school typically focuses on pharmacology, microbiology, immunology, and clinical pathology. Students also begin to take clinical rotations, where they shadow and learn from physicians in different medical specialties.

Third year: The third year of medical school is typically focused on clinical rotations. Students spend time in different medical specialties, such as internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery, and obstetrics and gynecology. During these rotations, they learn how to diagnose and treat patients.

Fourth year: The fourth year of medical school is typically focused on clinical rotations and elective courses. Students also prepare for the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), which is a three-part exam that students must pass in order to become licensed physicians.

Medical School Costs and Financial Aid

Medical school costs

The average cost of tuition and fees for a four-year public medical school in the United States is $37,337 for in-state students and $67,875 for out-of-state students. The average cost of tuition and fees for a four-year private medical school in the United States is $73,735. In addition to tuition and fees, students also need to budget for living expenses, such as housing, food, and transportation. The average cost of living for medical students in the United States is $35,634 per year.

Financial aid

There are a number of financial aid options available to help students afford medical school. The most common types of financial aid for medical students are:

  • Federal loans: The federal government offers a variety of loans to medical students, including Stafford loans, Perkins loans, and graduate PLUS loans. These loans have low interest rates and flexible repayment options.
  • Private loans: Private loans are offered by banks and other financial institutions. They typically have higher interest rates than federal loans, but they may be available to students who do not qualify for federal loans.
  • Scholarships and grants: Scholarships and grants are financial aid that does not need to be repaid. There are a number of scholarships and grants available to medical students, based on merit, financial need, or other criteria.
  • Work-study: Work-study allows students to earn money to help pay for their education by working on campus or in the community.

The Best Medical Schools for Specific Specialties

Family medicine:

  •  University of Washington School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
  • Internal medicine: Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School
  • Pediatrics: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Stanford University School of Medicine
  • Surgery: Harvard Medical School, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine
  • Obstetrics and gynecology: Harvard Medical School, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Stanford University School of Medicine

Psychiatry:

  • Harvard Medical School, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Stanford University School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
  • Anesthesiology: Harvard Medical School, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School
  • Dermatology: Stanford University School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
  • Ophthalmology: Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Stanford University School of Medicine

Orthopedic surgery: 

  • Harvard Medical School, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine
  • Otolaryngology: Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine
  • Plastic surgery: Stanford University School of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
  • Radiation oncology: Harvard Medical School, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

Tips for Getting into Top Medical Schools

  • Get strong grades and MCAT scores. Top medical schools have high standards for academic achievement. To be competitive, you should aim for a GPA of 3.5 or higher and an MCAT score of 510 or higher.
  • Take challenging coursework. Top medical schools want to see that you have challenged yourself academically. Take challenging courses in science, math, and the humanities.
  • Get involved in extracurricular activities. Top medical schools are looking for well-rounded students. Get involved in extracurricular activities that demonstrate your leadership, teamwork, and commitment to service.
  • Write strong personal statements and letters of recommendation. Your personal statement and letters of recommendation are your chance to tell your story and explain why you want to be a doctor. Make sure to write thoughtful and well-written essays that highlight your strengths and experiences.
  • Research medical schools and interview well. Once you have been accepted to medical schools, it is important to research them carefully and interview well. Be prepared to answer questions about your academic background, extracurricular activities, and career goals.

Conclusion

The best medical schools in the United States offer a world-class education and prepare students for a successful career in medicine. These schools attract the top students from around the world and have a reputation for excellence. If you are considering applying to medical school, it is important to do your research and choose a school that is a good fit for you. Consider the school’s curriculum, faculty, facilities, and location when making your decision.

Here are some of the top medical schools in the United States, according to the U.S. News & World Report:

    • Harvard Medical School
    • Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
    • Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
    • Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
    • Stanford University School of Medicine
    • Duke University School of Medicine
    • University of California San Francisco School of Medicine
    • Yale School of Medicine

FAQ's

On the list of the world’s best medical schools, Johns Hopkins is only second to Harvard. The prerequisites for Johns Hopkins Medical School are identical to those for Harvard Medical School, and both are competitive.

According to the QS rankings 2023, Harvard Medical School in the United States is the best place to study medicine or dentistry. To learn more about the other universities, read this page attentively.

As previously stated, a US MBBS degree is valued globally without the need to take any additional exams. The WHO, ECFMG, and MCC all recognize MBBS degrees from the United States.

Top programs or famous names, such as Ivy League medical schools like Harvard Medical School and Brown University, or other big medical schools like Stanford, Johns Hopkins, Mayo Clinic School of Medicine, NYU Grossman, and Georgetown University, tend to be the most difficult to get into.

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