There is no doubt that medical school admissions have become increasingly competitive over the last few years. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented changes in the application process, with interviews, tours and admissions events becoming completely online. However, the number of applicants did not waver, as the pandemic seemed to increase interest in the medical field. 

Between the 2020-2021 and 2022-2023 cycles (according to the AAMC), there were 165,887 applicants, and 68,309 acceptances to MD (allopathic) medical schools, with an acceptance rate of 41.2%. The average acceptance rate to allopathic medical schools in the United States is around 7%, and the average MCAT score for matriculants is 511.9, while the average and science GPAs are 3.75 and 3.67, respectively.

For the 2019-2020 application cycle (according to the AACOM), there were 22,708 applicants and 8,280 matriculants to DO (osteopathic) medical schools, with an acceptance rate of 36.5%. The average acceptance rate to osteopathic medical schools in the United States is around 10%, and the average MCAT score for matriculants is 504.3, while the average and science GPAs are 3.67 and 3.57, respectively. 

While knowing the statistics for past admissions cycles is helpful in determining your competitiveness for medical school and deciding what schools to apply to, keep in mind that there are many facets including extracurricular activities, the personal statement, letters of recommendation, secondary essays and performance during the interview that impact acceptance. Good luck!