How to Get Into Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine 2025: Requirements & Tips

Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago is one of the nation’s top-ranked research-focused medical schools. Known for its innovative curriculum and diverse program offerings, Feinberg attracts thousands of highly qualified applicants each year. This guide explores the school’s programs, admissions requirements, acceptance rates, and how to strengthen your application.

If you are a pre-med student looking to boost your clinical experience before applying, opportunities such as Go Elective’s pre-med internships abroad can help you stand out with hands-on patient care and cross-cultural exposure.

About the Feinberg School of Medicine

Feinberg’s mission is to educate the next generation of physicians and scientists while advancing medical research. Located in the heart of Chicago, the school provides access to world-class hospitals, research institutes, and a rich cultural environment. In 2002, it was named in honor of a $75 million gift from the Joseph and Bessie Feinberg Foundation.

Degree and Dual-Degree Programs

Northwestern offers several pathways for students pursuing medical education:

• MD Program – A four-year curriculum built around science in medicine, clinical medicine, health and society, and professional development.
• Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) – An eight-year combined MD/PhD track for those pursuing careers in biomedical research.
• MD/MPH – Allows students to earn a Master of Public Health alongside their MD, with a focus on public health leadership and research.
• MD/MS in Health Services & Outcomes Research – Designed for students interested in improving health policy and patient outcomes.
• MD/MS in Healthcare Quality & Patient Safety – Prepares students to lead improvements in healthcare delivery systems.
• MD/MBA – Combines clinical training with business management expertise.
• MD/MA in Medical Humanities & Bioethics – Explores ethical, social, and cultural issues in healthcare.
• Linkage and Early Acceptance Programs – Including the Northwestern University Pre-Medicine Linkage Program (NUPLP) and Undergraduate Premedical Scholars Program (NUPSP), which offer accelerated pathways for exceptional students.

Northwestern Medical School Requirements and Statistics

• Average GPA: 3.91
• Average MCAT: 520.5
• Acceptance Rate: ~1.7%
• Applications Received: 8,138

Applicants must complete at least 90 semester hours at an accredited U.S. or Canadian institution, including year-long coursework in biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics. Additional recommended courses include statistics, writing, and social sciences.

MCAT Expectations

While Feinberg does not set a minimum MCAT score, successful applicants tend to score very high. The average for recent matriculants is 520.5. The MCAT tests biological sciences, chemical and physical sciences, psychology and sociology, and critical analysis. Applicants are encouraged to take the MCAT no later than May of the application year.

Admissions Process and Timeline

Feinberg follows a holistic admissions review, considering academic performance, extracurricular involvement, leadership, research, and clinical exposure.

• Primary AMCAS Application Opens: Late May
• Secondary Applications Sent: Mid-July onward
• Interview Season: August to February (virtual format)
• AMCAS Deadline: Early November
• Secondary Application Deadline: Mid-November
• Commit to Enroll Deadline: July

How to Strengthen Your Application

Given the competitive nature of Feinberg, applicants should aim to present a well-rounded profile that includes:

i. Strong academic performance 

Aim for a GPA and MCAT close to or above the school’s average.

ii. Clinical experience 

Direct patient exposure demonstrates commitment to medicine. Go Elective’s medical internships offer experience in high-volume hospitals abroad, giving you unique cases to discuss in your application and interviews.

iii. Leadership 

Whether leading a research project, starting an organization, or championing a community health initiative, leadership experience strengthens your candidacy.

iv. Research involvement 

Feinberg values scholarly inquiry, and applicants with research backgrounds have a competitive edge.

v. Community service 

Volunteering, especially with underserved populations, reflects the school’s values of patient-centered care and social responsibility.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Annual tuition is approximately $71,946, with additional fees bringing the total cost to just over $80,000. Feinberg offers merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, and access to external funding sources.

Final Thoughts

Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine seeks applicants who demonstrate intellectual excellence, compassion, leadership, and a commitment to advancing healthcare. Combining a strong academic profile with meaningful extracurriculars and unique clinical experiences can significantly improve your chances of acceptance.

For pre-med students preparing their application, consider building global health experience through Go Elective’s healthcare internships in Africa, which can help you develop cultural competence and clinical skills that set you apart.

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Recent Articles , Pre-health, Med Schools,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Sep 9, 2025