Easiest Medical Schools to Get Into (2026): GPA, MCAT & Acceptance Rates

No accredited medical school is truly easy to get into, but the easiest medical schools to get into for most applicants generally fall into three groups: in-state U.S. MD programs (especially public schools that rarely admit out-of-state students), U.S. osteopathic (DO) schools with lower AACOM-reported matriculant GPA and MCAT, and Caribbean MD programs with lower published entering-class averages, each with different residency-match trade-offs. In our 2026 comparison, examples include the University of Mississippi School of Medicine for in-state applicants (about 505 MCAT, 3.77 BCPM GPA), William Carey COM and LMU-DCOM among DO options (AACOM means near 498 and 497 MCAT), and AUC and Ross among Caribbean programs (verified direct-admit profiles around 493 and 492 MCAT).

Start here: “Easier” does not mean low standards. Every accredited U.S. MD and DO program still requires strong academics, clinical exposure, and a competitive application. Use this guide to find realistic targets, not shortcuts. Confirm every stat on the school's latest class profile or the AAMC MSAR before you apply.

5 things to know

• Nationally, about 44% of unique AMCAS applicants matriculate to some U.S. MD program in the 2024–25 cycle, but each individual school accepts far fewer than half of its applicants (AAMC FACTS).
• In-state public MD schools often look “easiest” on paper because they restrict or strongly prefer residents (Mississippi admits essentially in-state only).
• DO matriculants averaged about 3.62 GPA and 503 MCAT in 2025, versus roughly 3.79 GPA and 512 MCAT for MD matriculants in the 2024–25 cycle (AACOM and AAMC FACTS).
• Caribbean schools often admit applicants with lower published GPA/MCAT profiles, but graduates match to U.S. residencies as IMGs at lower rates than U.S. MD and DO seniors. Research match data before committing.
• A balanced list (safest, target, reach) matters more than chasing the single “easiest” name.

Table of contents

• Comparison table
• School profiles (verify stats)
• What surprised us (EDsmart analysis)
• Why acceptance rates mislead
• Best options for your profile
• What “easiest” means
• Easiest U.S. MD schools
• Easiest DO schools
• Caribbean medical schools
• MD vs. DO
• Low GPA and low MCAT
• What you should do next
• The Accessibility Formula
• School list strategy
• Related guides
• FAQ
• Sources

20 easiest medical schools to get into (2026 comparison)

The quick-reference table below lists 20 programs often cited on “easiest medical school” lists. GPA and MCAT come from each school's official class profile, admissions page, or AACOM Choose DO Explorer when published (2024–2025 entering classes unless noted). Where schools omit acceptance rates or class averages, we fill gaps from U.S. News Best Medical Schools or The Princeton Review, labeled (USN) or (PR) in the table. For U.S. MD schools, you can also cross-check on Admit.org.

School	State / location	Acceptance rate	Avg. GPA	Avg. MCAT
Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk COM	Harrogate, TN	Not published	3.60 (cum.)	497.0
William Carey University COM (WCUCOM)	Hattiesburg, MS	Not published	3.50 (cum.)	498.1
University of Pikeville KYCOM	Pikeville, KY	6% (PR)	3.51 (cum.)	498.6
Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (ARCOM)	Fort Smith, AR	Not published	3.56 (cum.)	498.7
Oklahoma State University COM	Tulsa, OK	Not published	3.75 (cum.)	500.9
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM)	Erie, PA (+ FL, PA, NY)	19% (PR)	3.64 (cum.)	502.3
Mercer University School of Medicine	Macon, GA	Not published	3.69 (cum.)	503
University of Mississippi School of Medicine	Jackson, MS	Not published	3.77 (BCPM)	505
Howard University College of Medicine	Washington, DC	3.2% (USN)	Not published	505 (mean)
LSU Health Shreveport School of Medicine	Shreveport, LA	Not published	3.77 (cum.)	507
University of New Mexico School of Medicine	Albuquerque, NM	7.5% (USN)	3.75 (cum.)	507
University of North Dakota SMHS	Grand Forks, ND	~4–5%†	3.7–3.8 (BCPM)	506–508
Wright State Boonshoft SOM	Dayton, OH	4.66%	3.63 (cum.)	508.6
Brody School of Medicine (ECU)	Greenville, NC	15.5% (USN)	3.77 (cum.)	510
UT Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine	Edinburg, TX	~1.2%‡	Not published	Not published
Meharry Medical College	Nashville, TN	Not published	Not published	Not published
Southern Illinois University SOM	Springfield, IL	13% (PR)	3.59 (PR)	Not published
American University of the Caribbean (AUC)	Sint Maarten	Not published	3.30 (cum.)	493
Ross University School of Medicine	Bridgetown, Barbados	Not published	3.30 (cum.)	492
St. George's University School of Medicine	True Blue, Grenada	Not published	3.50 (median)§	506 (median)§

Table notes: cum. = cumulative undergraduate GPA; BCPM = biology/chemistry/physics/math GPA. (USN) = U.S. News Best Medical Schools (2026); (PR) = The Princeton Review med school listings, used only when the school does not publish the stat. † UND publishes an estimated ~4–5% rate based on ~78 seats and ~1,800 applications. ‡ UTRGV's Class of 2026 PDF lists 4,738 applications, 510 interviewed, and 55 matriculants (~1.2% matriculant rate), not the same as acceptance rate; the PDF does not publish GPA or MCAT. § SGU medians from CAAM-HP accreditation disclosure (2023); not published on SGU's admissions site. DO GPA/MCAT means are from AACOM Choose DO Explorer (2024–25 matriculants). Official school and AACOM figures take priority when available.

School profiles: verify stats and mission fit

We verified average GPA and MCAT figures from official class profiles and AACOM data for all 20 programs below, then added school-by-school profiles with direct links so you can confirm every stat before you apply. Each card matches the table order above. We cite the official source we used for each stat, plus U.S. News or Princeton Review when those fill gaps the school does not publish. U.S. MD cards also link to Admit.org where available.

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What surprised us when comparing admissions data

When we lined up the 20 programs above against national AAMC and AACOM averages, two patterns stood out. Neither shows up if you only sort by acceptance rate.

First, most schools labeled “easy” are not less selective academically. University of Mississippi’s Class of 2028 averaged 3.77 BCPM GPA and 505 MCAT, below the national MD matriculant average (~3.79 / 511.8 per AAMC) but still rigorous. “Easier” usually means who can apply, not lower standards for those admitted.

Second, accessibility almost always traces to one of three mechanisms:

• Strong in-state or regional preference (Mississippi, Mercer, Brody, UND)
• Mission-based admissions (rural health, primary care, underserved populations: ARCOM, LMU-DCOM, UTRGV)
• Lower average MCAT expectations, especially among DO programs (WCUCOM, ARCOM, LECOM)

Why acceptance rates can fool applicants

Acceptance rate alone does not measure how hard it is for you to get in. Schools differ on factors that never appear in a single percentage:

• Residency restrictions: Some public MD schools accept zero or near-zero out-of-state students.
• Applicant self-selection: Fewer people apply to rural or mission-specific programs, which can inflate rates without lowering standards.
• Mission fit: A strong service record may matter more than one MCAT point at mission-driven schools.
• Interview yield: Schools with high post-interview acceptance may still reject most initial applicants.
• Average academic profile: A 15% acceptance rate with a 508 MCAT median can be harder than a 25% rate with a 500 median.
• Third-party databases: Tools like Admit.org report Apps, Interviews, and Admits for many U.S. MD schools, but figures may lag or differ from official class profiles. Use them to cross-check, not as a sole source.

Don't compare acceptance rates across different residency pools. A 40% in-state MD rate and a 12% national DO rate are not interchangeable metrics.

Best options if you…

Use this quick map to find where you likely belong before you build a full school list. Match your profile to each school's Primary advantage in the school profiles.

• Have a strong GPA but weaker MCAT (≈498–503): Prioritize DO programs: WCUCOM, ARCOM, LMU-DCOM, LECOM, and mission-driven MD programs (Meharry, Howard) with holistic review.
• Are a rural or primary-care committed applicant: ARCOM, LMU-DCOM, Pikeville KYCOM, Brody, UTRGV, OSU-COM (rural tracks).
• Are an in-state resident of MS, GA, NC, LA, ND, NM, IL, or OH: Start with your public MD school before any national list: Mississippi, Mercer, Brody, LSU Shreveport, UND, UNM, Southern Illinois, Wright State.
• Are a nontraditional applicant with deep clinical experience: HBCU MD programs (Meharry, Howard, Morehouse), DO schools with holistic review, and some private MD programs that value life experience over raw stats.
• Need holistic review more than stat alignment: ARCOM, Meharry, Howard, Burrell-style mission DO programs; avoid applying only to high-rate public schools where you lack residency ties.
• Have stats below typical U.S. MD/DO medians and limited time to improve: Research Caribbean options last, after post-bacc, SMP, or MCAT retake plans, and only with verified residency-match data.

What makes a medical school “easier” to get into?

When applicants search for the easiest med school to get into, they usually mean one of five traits, explained in depth in What surprised us and Why acceptance rates mislead above:

• Residency or mission fit that narrows who can realistically apply
• Lower average GPA and MCAT among matriculants (especially DO programs)
• Holistic review that weighs experience and service, not stats alone
• Broader or rolling admissions (some DO and Caribbean programs)
• Higher acceptance rates within a defined pool, not necessarily nationally

None of this makes medical school easy. Even the least competitive medical schools still expect rigorous science coursework, clinical exposure, and strong letters. Use the Accessibility Formula later in this guide to judge fit school by school.

Easiest U.S. MD (allopathic) medical schools to get into

U.S. MD programs accredited by the LCME are the standard path to physician licensure in the United States. The programs below often appear on “easiest MD” lists because they combine relatively lower MCAT/GPA averages with strong in-state preference. If you are not a resident, treat them as reach or unavailable, not safety schools. See verified stats and residency rules in each school profile (Mercer, Mississippi, Howard, LSU Shreveport, UNM, UND, Wright State, Brody, UTRGV, Meharry, and SIU).

State residency often matters more than a one-point GPA difference. A Mississippi resident with a 3.7 GPA may have a stronger shot at UM than an out-of-state applicant with a 3.9. Mississippi's Class of 2028 averaged 3.77 BCPM and 505 MCAT. Verify on UMMC's official profile.

Applicants also research Florida State University College of Medicine and Michigan State University College of Human Medicine for heavy in-state bias. Private HBCU programs Morehouse School of Medicine (not in our table) follow a similar holistic mission to Meharry and Howard.

Easiest DO schools to get into

Osteopathic medical schools grant the DO degree and typically matriculate students with lower average GPA and MCAT scores than MD programs. If you searched for easiest do schools to get into or easiest osteopathic schools to get into, start with these programs (stats from recent AACOM and school profiles):

• William Carey COM (WCUCOM): Hattiesburg, MS; 3.50 GPA, 498.1 MCAT (profile · AACOM)
• Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (ARCOM): Fort Smith, AR; 3.56 GPA, 498.7 MCAT (profile)
• Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk COM: Harrogate, TN; 3.60 GPA, 497.0 MCAT (profile)
• University of Pikeville KYCOM: Pikeville, KY; 3.51 GPA, 498.6 MCAT (profile)
• Lake Erie COM (LECOM): Erie, PA (+ FL, PA, NY); 3.64 GPA, 502.3 MCAT (profile)
• Oklahoma State University COM: Tulsa, OK; 3.75 GPA, 500.9 MCAT (profile)

DO schools use holistic review and often value clinical hours, community service, and alignment with osteopathic principles. A DO degree leads to the same residency match system as MD graduates (NRMP), with nearly identical overall match rates in recent cycles.

DO schools typically report lower average MCAT scores than MD schools. AACOM's 2025 entering-class average is 503 MCAT and 3.62 GPA versus 512 MCAT and 3.79 GPA for U.S. MD matriculants (AAMC 2024–25), but individual DO programs still expect competitive applications.

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Caribbean medical schools: an alternative path

Caribbean medical schools admit many U.S. applicants who fall below typical U.S. MD GPA and MCAT medians. Ross University (3.30 GPA, 492 MCAT for 2024–25 direct admits) and American University of the Caribbean (3.30 GPA, 493 MCAT) publish the lowest verified stat profiles in our comparison. St. George's University does not publish class averages on its site; CAAM-HP disclosure reported median 3.50 GPA and 506 MCAT (2023). None of these schools publish official acceptance rates.

Important caveats:

• Caribbean graduates apply for U.S. residencies as international medical graduates (IMGs), with lower overall match rates than U.S. MD and DO seniors (NRMP).
• Tuition is often higher than in-state public U.S. schools, and federal loan options may differ.
• Research each school's USMLE Step 1 pass rate, attrition, and verified residency placement, not marketing acceptance rates alone.
• Only consider schools with clear accreditation recognized for U.S. licensure pathways.

Caribbean programs can be a legitimate path for determined students who understand the trade-offs. They are not a substitute for building a strong U.S. MD or DO application when your stats are competitive.

Before choosing Caribbean: compare verified residency-match outcomes to U.S. DO programs with similar stat profiles. See our FAQ: Is a Caribbean medical school worth it?

MD vs. DO: which path is more accessible?

Both MD and DO graduates can practice medicine in all 50 states after residency. The practical difference for admissions:

• MD (allopathic): 3.79 average GPA and 512 average MCAT for 2024–25 matriculants (AAMC FACTS).
• DO (osteopathic): 3.62 average GPA and 503 average MCAT for 2025 entering class (AACOM).
• Residency: NRMP reported ~93.5% match for MD seniors and ~93.2% for DO seniors in 2026, nearly identical overall.

DO programs include training in osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM). If your MCAT sits near 500–505 and your GPA is below 3.7, DO schools may offer more realistic targets than top MD programs, while still requiring a complete, competitive application.

Don't compare acceptance rates across residency pools. A high-rate in-state MD school you cannot apply to is not a realistic “easy” option. Weight open-admission DO and private programs in your tier instead.

Medical schools with low GPA or low MCAT requirements

There is no universal minimum GPA or MCAT for all medical schools. Schools publish ranges, not guarantees. That said, applicants searching for medical schools with low mcat, med schools with low gpa, or medical schools that accept low mcat scores should focus on:

• DO programs with AACOM-reported matriculant MCAT near 497–503 (LMU-DCOM, WCUCOM, ARCOM, KYCOM, LECOM).
• HBCU MD programs (Meharry, Howard) with holistic review; verify stats on each school profile or MSAR.
• In-state public MD schools where your residency gives you a statistical advantage (Mississippi, Mercer, Brody, UND, UNM).
• Caribbean MD programs if you accept IMG residency competition (AUC 493 MCAT; Ross 492 MCAT per official admissions data).

Strategies that help borderline stats: post-bacc or special master's programs (SMPs), an upward GPA trend, retaking the MCAT, deep clinical experience, and applying broadly across MD, DO, and (if appropriate) Caribbean tiers. See what you should do next for GPA and MCAT-specific guidance.

What should you do next?

Use your current GPA and MCAT to choose a strategy, not just a longer school list. These tiers reflect national matriculant averages (AAMC/AACOM); adjust for in-state ties and mission fit using the table above.

If your GPA is…

• Above 3.8: Prioritize U.S. MD programs: include your in-state public school, mission-aligned privates, and a mix of target and reach schools. DO programs remain viable but may not be necessary unless your MCAT is also below MD medians.
• 3.5–3.8: Apply broadly across MD and DO. Include every in-state public MD school, several DO targets (WCUCOM, ARCOM, LECOM), and mission-driven MD programs with holistic review.
• Below 3.5: Focus first on grade repair: formal post-bacc or SMP programs, before adding applications. Pair selected DO schools and, only after improvement, consider Caribbean options with verified match data.

If your MCAT is…

• 510+: You are competitive at many MD programs; residency status and mission fit matter more than finding the “easiest” name.
• 500–509: Balance MD targets with DO programs; in-state public MD schools may still work if your GPA is strong.
• Below 500: Retesting usually offers a better return than adding more applications. A meaningful MCAT improvement often opens more doors than one extra Caribbean application.

The Accessibility Formula

Instead of focusing on a single acceptance rate, score every school on your list with four questions. Schools that check all four boxes are usually your strongest targets, not necessarily the ones with the highest published rates.

1. Does the school heavily favor residents? If yes, out-of-state applicants should treat it as a reach regardless of the headline acceptance rate.
2. Is your GPA near the school's median? Within ~0.2 of the published average is a reasonable target band.
3. Is your MCAT competitive? Compare against the school's matriculant average, not the national MD average alone.
4. Does your experience match the school's mission? Rural service, primary care commitment, or underserved-community work can outweigh a small stat gap at mission-driven programs.

Apply the formula using AAMC MSAR data and each school's latest class profile. Pair it with the Primary advantage notes in our school profiles to see which mechanism (residency, mission, or lower stat averages) drives accessibility at each program.

How to build a balanced medical school list

One reason qualified applicants miss acceptance on the first try is a top-heavy school list. After running the Accessibility Formula, use AAMC MSAR data to sort programs into:

• Safest schools: Your GPA is ≥0.25 above the school's average, or your MCAT is ≥3 points above, and you meet residency/mission criteria.
• Target schools: Your stats fall within ~0.25 GPA or ~3 MCAT points of the school's averages.
• Reach schools: Your stats fall meaningfully below averages, or the school accepts almost no out-of-state applicants and you lack ties.

Most counselors suggest applying to roughly 20–25 schools for a balanced cycle: about 30–45% safest, 40–50% target, and 15–20% reach. Always include every public MD school in your home state.

Related EDsmart guides

Building a competitive application starts long before you submit AMCAS or AACOMAS. These guides can help with undergraduate planning, affordability, and parallel health-career paths:

• Best colleges and universities: compare schools for pre-med coursework and overall value
• Affordable online colleges: lower net price options for prerequisite and degree completion
• Best online colleges: accredited online programs for flexible undergraduate study
• Cheapest pre-med schools: affordable undergraduate paths before medical school
• Best degrees to get: majors and fields with strong career outcomes (including pre-med-friendly paths)
• Our rankings methodology: how EDsmart grades schools on completion, affordability, and outcomes

For test prep and financing medical school, consult official AAMC resources on the MCAT and federal student aid guidance at StudentAid.gov before you commit to a program.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the easiest medical school to get into?

No accredited U.S. medical school is truly easy. For Mississippi residents, the University of Mississippi School of Medicine is often the most accessible U.S. MD program because it admits essentially in-state applicants only (Class of 2028: 3.77 BCPM, 505 MCAT). Nationally, DO schools such as LMU-DCOM and WCUCOM report lower AACOM mean MCAT scores than MD programs. Caribbean schools like AUC and Ross publish lower entering-class GPA/MCAT averages but different IMG residency-match outcomes.

What are the easiest medical schools to get into in 2026?

For 2026 applicants, use our comparison table and school profiles to verify stats: in-state MD programs (Mississippi, Mercer, Brody), lower-mean-MCAT DO programs (LMU-DCOM, WCUCOM, ARCOM), and Caribbean options (AUC, Ross) with official source links. State residency and mission fit matter as much as GPA and MCAT.

What are the easiest DO schools to get into?

Programs often cited include William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk COM, University of Pikeville KYCOM, and Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. AACOM-reported mean MCAT scores at these schools range from about 497 to 502.

Are DO schools easier to get into than MD schools?

On average, yes. DO programs matriculate students with lower GPA and MCAT scores than MD programs. DO schools remain competitive, and graduates match to residencies at rates comparable to MD graduates in recent NRMP data.

Which medical schools have the highest acceptance rates?

Among U.S. LCME schools, in-state public programs such as Mississippi give preference to residents but do not publish acceptance rates. Wright State publishes 4.66% (Class of 2027). Caribbean schools such as Ross and SGU do not publish official acceptance rates. Verify residency-match outcomes instead outcomes instead.

What is the average GPA and MCAT to get into med school?

For 2024–25 matriculants, AAMC FACTS reports roughly 3.79 GPA and 512 MCAT for MD programs; AACOM reports 3.62 GPA and 503 MCAT for the 2025 DO entering class. Individual schools vary. Check each official class profile linked in our table class profile linked in our table.

Can I get into med school with a low GPA or low MCAT?

Possible, but not guaranteed. Focus on DO schools, mission-driven MD programs, post-bacc or SMP grade repair, a strong MCAT retake, and extensive clinical experience. Caribbean programs may accept lower stats with residency trade-offs.

Are Caribbean medical schools easier to get into?

They often admit students with lower GPA and MCAT than typical U.S. MD and DO programs. Graduates match as IMGs at lower rates than U.S. MD and DO seniors. Research USMLE pass rates, attrition, and verified residency placement before enrolling.

Is a Caribbean medical school worth it?

It can be, for students who understand the trade-offs. Caribbean programs may accept lower stats and offer a path to U.S. licensure, but graduates compete as international medical graduates (IMGs) with lower overall residency match rates than U.S. MD and DO seniors. It is usually worth considering only after you have exhausted grade repair, MCAT retakes, and a broad U.S. MD/DO list, and only at schools with verified USMLE pass rates, low attrition, and transparent residency placement data. For many applicants, improving stats or applying broadly to DO programs is a better first strategy.

What is the least competitive medical school?

“Least competitive” depends on your residency. For Mississippi residents, UM School of Medicine is often least competitive among U.S. MD programs. For out-of-state applicants, private and DO programs with mid-range stats may be more realistic than high-rate public schools you cannot apply to.

How many medical schools should I apply to?

Most counselors suggest applying to about 20–25 schools mixing safest, target, and reach programs. AAMC data historically show the average applicant submits about 16–17 AMCAS applications, but a broader list can improve odds when stats are near national averages or below.

Sources

• AAMC FACTS 2024–2025 (Tables A-16, A-20)
• AACOM Choose DO Explorer (individual COM profiles)
• AACOM Admissions Requirements (2025 entering-class averages)
• NRMP Main Residency Match Data
• AAMC MSAR (subscription; Meharry, SIU, and other schools without public class stats)
• Admit.org Medical School Statistics (third-party cross-check for U.S. MD Apps, Interviews, Admits, GPA, MCAT)
• Individual medical school class profiles linked in each school card above

EDsmart publishes college and career guides using federal data and editorial analysis. This article is for informational purposes, not medical or admissions advice. Verify all requirements with each school and the AAMC or AACOM.