One of the most common, and surprisingly stressful, questions during the medical school application process is, “How many medical schools should I apply to? The answer, like much of the application process, is not one-size-fits-all. It depends on your individual academic goals, academic record, financial situation, and how flexible you are about where you attend medical school.
Still, there are some general guidelines and key considerations that can help you make an informed, strategic decision.
The Average Number of Applications
According to the AAMC, applicants to MD schools submit applications to an average of 16 to 20 schools. For DO programs, the average is slightly lower. Many successful applicants fall within this range. However, keep in mind that the number alone does not guarantee success.
Some applicants apply to as few as 10 schools and get accepted. Others apply to 30+ schools and don’t receive any offers. The key is building a smart, well-researched, and balanced list.
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Reach, Target, and “Safety” Stats: How to Build a Balanced Medical School List
This is one way of thinking about your school list, focused solely on stats:
- Reach schools (4-6 schools): These are programs where your GPA and/or MCAT are below the school’s median, or where admission is highly competitive regardless of stats (top 20 schools or programs with very low acceptance rates).
- Target schools (8-12 schools): These are schools where your stats fall at or near the median for accepted students. These should make up the core of your list.
- “Safety” schools (3-5 schools): These are programs where your academic metrics are above the school’s median. Keep in mind that no medical school is truly “safe”, but these schools are your best odds purely from a stats perspective.
When deciding how many medical schools to apply to, you should also consider including DO schools. Additionally, look at in-state public schools, which often have higher acceptance rates for residents.
Further Reading
Be Strategic About Geographic Competition
Another key point: the location where you’re applying matters. If you’re targeting highly competitive states like California or New York, you may need to apply to a higher number of schools overall. Many of the public schools in these states give a strong preference to in-state applicants, so this is especially important for those applying from out of state.
For example, California has relatively few public medical schools compared to its large premed population. Even in-state applicants often need to apply to 25+ schools to stay competitive. The same can be true for other densely populated or highly desirable areas.
If you’re focused on a competitive region, make sure your list includes programs from a range of geographic locations, including those in the Midwest or South, where acceptance rates can sometimes be higher.
Consider Your Academic Profile
Your GPA and MCAT score, while only a piece of your application, play a big role in determining how many schools you should apply to and how you balance your list. A broader list of 20-30 schools is usually a better idea for those with average or below-average stats, especially if you’re applying for the first time or trying to overcome a weaker GPA or MCAT score. If your stats are above-average, you might apply to 12-18 schools.
It is important to remember that having a strong application overall is the goal for applying to medical schools. So, don’t place all of your bets on having a high MCAT score. Likewise, having average or below average stats doesn’t mean you won’t get accepted. If your application is strong overall, with research, service, unique life experiences, and leadership, you might still be competitive at schools despite lower-than-average stats.
Other Factors to Keep in Mind
Mission Fit
Don’t apply to medical schools solely based on rankings. Look at the mission statements and values. Are you interested in primary care, working in underserved areas, or global health? Choose schools where your priorities and needs can be met. Not every school is built the same, and you will want to attend one where you can access the resources you need for your future career.
Time and Bandwidth
Each application takes time. Remember that almost every school will require a secondary application and these often include multiple essay prompts. Writing thoughtful, school-specific responses requires a ton of effort. It is important to turn these applications around within a couple of weeks of receiving them. So, be honest about how many you can manage without sacrificing quality.
Cost
Applying to medical school is expensive. Between AMCAS fees, secondary applications, and potentially interview costs, the process can easily add up to the thousands. If finances are a concern, apply to the AAMC Fee Assistance Program, which can significantly reduce costs.
Final Thoughts
So, how many medical schools should you apply to? For most people, 15-25 is a good range, but the key is balance. Aim for a well-researched mix of schools that reflect your stats, values, and goals.
You might want to aim for the higher end of that range, or more, if your stats are below average, you don’t have a well-rounded application, or if you are applying to schools in competitive states like California or New York.
At the end of the day, you only need one acceptance. Giving yourself a well-rounded, thoughtful list increases your chances of getting that “yes”. Be strategic, stay organized, and don’t be afraid to cast a wide, but intentional, net.
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