Medical Schools with the Highest Acceptance Rates in the U.S. and Canada [2025]

A Strategic Guide for Pre-Med Students Seeking Less Competitive Entry Points

Medical school admissions are notoriously competitive. Especially in the U.S. and Canada. With average acceptance rates often below 5%, many pre-med students find themselves looking for programs that balance academic rigor with a slightly more forgiving admissions process.

In this guide, we highlight medical schools with the highest acceptance rates in both countries, helping you identify programs where your chances may be stronger. We also explore how supplementing your application with international clinical experience through Go Elective can boost your competitiveness at any school.

Why Consider Schools with Higher Acceptance Rates?

Choosing medical schools strategically can help you:

• Increase your chances of getting accepted
• Minimize wasted application fees
• Reduce stress during the admissions cycle
• Balance target schools with safety and reach options

Remember: “easier to get into” does not mean low quality. Many of these programs offer excellent training, strong residency placements, and opportunities for primary care, rural health, and global health careers.

U.S. Medical Schools with the Highest Acceptance Rates (2025 Estimates)

These schools often have higher acceptance rates due to mission-based admissions, regional preferences, or smaller applicant pools. Data below is based on the most recent public admissions reports.

#1. University of Mississippi School of Medicine

• Acceptance Rate: ~37%
• Avg GPA: 3.7 | Avg MCAT: 504
• Strong in rural medicine and primary care. Prefers in-state applicants.
  
  

#2. University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences

• Acceptance Rate: ~28%
• Avg GPA: 3.8 | Avg MCAT: 505
• Focus on rural and Native American health. Preference for North Dakota residents.
  
  

#3. University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Medicine (6-Year BA/MD)

• Acceptance Rate: ~20%
• Avg GPA: 3.85 | Avg MCAT: 509
• Combined undergrad/MD program; strong regional admissions preference.
  
  

#4. LSU Health Sciences Center – Shreveport

• Acceptance Rate: ~17%
• Avg GPA: 3.77 | Avg MCAT: 506
• Emphasis on training physicians to serve Louisiana’s underserved communities.
  
  

#5. East Carolina University (Brody School of Medicine)

• Acceptance Rate: ~14%
• Avg GPA: 3.7 | Avg MCAT: 506
• Strong primary care focus. In-state applicants only.
  
  

#6. Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University

• Acceptance Rate: ~12%
• Avg GPA: 3.8 | Avg MCAT: 511
• Georgia residency heavily favored.

Tip: Schools with a regional mission or public service focus often accept a higher percentage of in-state applicants. If you're targeting one of these, consider gaining healthcare experience in a medically underserved or global health setting.

Canadian Medical Schools with the Highest Acceptance Rates

Canadian medical schools are highly competitive due to fewer schools and limited seats—but a few stand out for their slightly higher admission rates, especially for in-province applicants.

#1. Northern Ontario School of Medicine University (NOSM)

• Acceptance Rate: ~10–12%
• Avg GPA: 3.8 | No MCAT required
• Prioritizes rural, northern, and Indigenous applicants.
  
  

#2. University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine

• Acceptance Rate: ~13%
• Avg GPA: 3.7 | Avg MCAT: 505
• Preference for Saskatchewan residents.
  
  

#3. University of Manitoba Max Rady College of Medicine

• Acceptance Rate: ~12%
• Avg GPA: 3.8 | Avg MCAT: 508
• Rural and Indigenous students encouraged to apply.
  
  

#4. Memorial University Faculty of Medicine

• Acceptance Rate: ~10%
• Avg GPA: 3.85 | Avg MCAT: 508
• Prioritizes applicants from Newfoundland and Atlantic Canada.

Note: Most Canadian schools require Canadian citizenship or permanent residency. U.S. citizens typically apply through international or U.S.-based options.

Strengthening Your Application Beyond Stats

Even if you're targeting schools with higher acceptance rates, competitive applicants still stand out with strong experiences, letters, and personal stories.

Here’s where a Go Elective internship can help:

• Earn real clinical exposure in a public hospital
• Shadow physicians in surgery, pediatrics, OB/GYN, and internal medicine
• Reflect on global health and cross-cultural care in your personal statement
• Gain a letter of recommendation from a supervising doctor
• Demonstrate maturity, service, and adaptability

Final Thoughts

Targeting medical schools with higher acceptance rates is a smart strategy—but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. To succeed, you still need meaningful clinical experience, strong academics, and a compelling story.

Whether you’re applying in the U.S. or Canada, supplementing your application with an international internship shows initiative and gives you something most applicants don’t have: global health perspective and real-world clinical insight.

Ready to build your edge? Inquire today or contact our team via hello@goelective.com 

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Jun 29, 2025