If you've got your sights set on working in healthcare and want to get into medical school, then you're probably looking for the best universities with renowned pre-med programs.
But don't let high tuition prices or GPA selectivity be the only criteria that guide your school search. Those things alone don't determine whether or not an institution is right for you and if it will prepare you for a successful future.
To ensure that all of your hard work at high school pays off, look no further than our list of the top pre-med colleges in the United States.
We'll show you which universities are known for their quality undergrad education, top faculty, quality clinical experience, and excellent reputation for aspiring medical professionals.
We'll also cover the surrounding areas - the cities, towns, and the quality of life nearby to make sure you live in a place you love.
In no particular order, here's an in-depth look into some of the country's best pre-med colleges in 2023.
University of Pennsylvania
If you want to be a part of the medical profession, there's no better stamp of approval than graduating from one of the top colleges for pre-med in America - the University of Pennsylvania.
Located in Philadelphia, this Ivy League university has highly ranked undergraduate programs, such as natural sciences and engineering. It's one of the go-to choices for aspiring medical professionals, hosting approximately 11,155 undergraduate students and 15,397 graduate students.
If you're part of the 9% accepted, you'll find excellent faculty, world-class research opportunities, comprehensive pre-med courses, and access to a wide variety of extracurricular activities.
Stanford University, California
Stanford University on the West Coast is not only one of California's most prestigious research universities but also a top pre-med college.
With world-renowned faculty members and resources, rigorous academics, and state-of-the-art facilities, Stanford is sure to set you up for success in the medical field. Its 5% acceptance rate is nothing to laugh at, though the university has nearly 16,000 students enrolled.
Located in Palo Alto - one of Silicon Valley's jewels - this university offers students access to an incredible lineup of employers as well as world-class amenities such as art galleries and gourmet restaurants.
University of Chicago
When it comes to pre-med college rankings in the United States, the University of Chicago is definitely near the top. Located on Lake Michigan, UChicago boasts a wide range of extracurriculars.
This state university prepares future medical professionals for success after graduation with all the necessary prerequisites. On average, alumni earn over $100,000 within a decade post-graduation - and with a 90%+ graduation rate, the future is bright.
It also boasts some of America's best research opportunities, outstanding research facilities, and an opportunity for the 7% of admitted students to join one of the country's oldest and largest medical affiliations: the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).
University of Washington
The University of Washington is one of the top public universities in the country for pre-med students to enroll, hosting almost 50,000 students in total.
UW offers outstanding research opportunities, high-profile faculty members, and a close relationship with one of America's best academic medical centers - the University of Washington Medical Center. You'll find UW far easier to get into compared to other schools on this list with its 56% admission rate.
The school of medicine at UW provides everything an aspiring doctor could need to get them ready to rock med school. Plus, the city of Seattle is unbelievably close and offers outdoor activities, breweries, music festivals, and amazing food.
Johns Hopkins University, Maryland
Johns Hopkins University is one of the most distinguished universities in the country, admitting about 11% of applicants. The college is highly respected for its academic rigor and unbeatable pre-med program.
Hosting nearly 30,000 students across 140 acres, a wide range of extracurriculars, and world-class research opportunities, you'd be hard-pressed not to find something that meets your needs at JHU.
Baltimore also provides plenty of things to do outside of class, including unique eateries, arts and music festivals, and sports games, too.
Harvard University, Massachusetts
Harvard University is the place to go for English, Liberal Arts, Humanities, Sciences, and of course, Medicine (among many others). Located in Cambridge and not far from Boston, this Ivy League institution offers its student body an incredibly tight-knit community, intense academic challenges, and first-class facilities.
Though it requires a serious financial commitment (approximately $60,000 per year), a rigorous application process, and has only a 5% acceptance rate, its return on investment is amongst the highest in America.
Harvard gets ambitious medical majors on the right pre-med track through internships, admissions consultants, and intensive study-abroad experiences.
Duke University, North Carolina
Duke University is a top-notch early college renowned for its pre-med program and science courses. It ranks impressively among students for the quality of life and job placement upon graduation.
With expert faculty members and research opportunities at nearby Duke Medical Center, Duke will prepare you to dominate medical school applications.
Duke has less than 7,000 students completing a bachelor's degree, reflected in its 8% acceptance rate. The city of Durham has plenty to keep students entertained outside of class - from live music venues to avant-garde restaurants, there's no shortage of fun!
Northwestern University, Illinois
Northwestern University in Illinois is an outstanding pre-med college. Tucked away in small-town Evanston, Northwestern offers world-class faculty and pre-med majors that rival some of the nation's best colleges.
NU also provides immersive, hands-on experiences outside of coursework - from community service projects to pre-med internships and job shadowing. Don't let the 9% acceptance rate deter you from applying; it's currently the 9th highest-ranked school in the country.
Plus, with Chicago less than an hour away, you'll have the city's vast art collection, eateries, and remarkable architecture to keep you busy in between classes.
Columbia University, New York
The last stop on our best pre-med college tour is Columbia University in Manhattan, a known ideal choice for studying medicine, biological sciences, biochemistry, and more.
Don't let the price tag fool you - Columbia's scholarships are as competitive as its admissions. Its selective 7% acceptance rate is complemented by the fact that only 19% of students end up taking out loans to pay for school.
With top-ranking faculty and research opportunities that are second to none, Columbia gives passionate medical majors an amazing chance to investigate their field further before med school admissions.
Honorable mentions
If these top medical schools don't quite fit your needs, don't stress! Here are some honorable mentions to consider on your college journey:
- Georgetown University, Washington D.C. This institution has consistently maintained a top ranking for pre-med studies with roughly 80% of its graduates accepted into medical school.
- Cornell University, New York. This Ivy League school comes with a hefty price tag but has an excellent pre-med program focusing on research opportunities and community work through the David M. Einhorn Center for Community Engagement.
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. An east coast option that offers a strong pre-med program coupled with a superior financial aid program. If you're worried about tuition, look here!
- Washington University in St. Louis, Illinois. With over 70% of its pre-med students being accepted into medical school, you can count on this university to set you up for success in healthcare.
Regardless of the school you apply for, be sure to prepare all the necessary documents in advance -letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and records of your GPA and MCAT score.
Paving your path to medical excellence. Get started with College Rover!
College admissions season is quite a stressful time for high school graduates and aspiring pre-med students. The process of researching and applying to the perfect school can be overwhelming, even if you have some in the health professions advising you or have a high GPA.
That's why we created College Rover - to make it easier for a future medical student (like you) to explore your options and make the best choice for an unforgettable college experience. The application process was once daunting, but we've made it our mission to help students find their ideal education destination.
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With us, you'll get everything you need in one place,no guesswork needed. So go ahead - take a look around College Rover and kickstart your medical school admissions journey in 2023!
College Rover gets the majority of its data directly from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). The DOE publishing schedule "lags" the most current data which some colleges post on their official websites. This may cause there to be a difference in the data you see on College Rover and an individual college website. College Rover's website is updated as the DOE data becomes available and is configured for the College Rover website.
