40 Easiest Medical Schools to Get Into for US Students (MD, DO & Caribbean)

Introduction

Getting into a US medical school is hard. Students who started MD programs in recent years had an average GPA of about 3.77 and an average MCAT score of about 512, based on data from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Fewer than half of all applicants get a seat anywhere. Still, not every school looks for the same applicant. Some admit students with lower average scores. Others are much easier to get into if you live in their state or fit their mission, such as training doctors for rural towns.

This guide covers 40 schools in three groups: 15 MD programs, 15 DO programs and 10 Caribbean schools. For each one, you’ll see where it is, who it favors and who should think twice before applying.

One warning before you start. A school that is easy to enter is not always easy to finish, and it doesn’t guarantee a residency spot after graduation. Keep that in mind, especially in the Caribbean section.

What makes a medical school easier to enter?

No official list ranks schools by how “easy” they are. A school becomes easier for you when one or more of these factors work in your favor:

• Lower average scores. Some schools admit students whose GPA and MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) scores sit below the national average. The MCAT is the standardized exam every US medical school applicant takes, scored from 472 to 528.
  
• In-state preference. Public medical schools are funded partly by state taxes, so most of them save the majority of their seats for state residents. If you live in that state, your chances go up sharply. If you don’t, they can drop close to zero.
  
• Mission fit. Many schools exist to train doctors for rural, low-income or underserved areas. Applicants who grew up in those communities, or who plan to work there, get extra weight.
  
• Large class sizes. A school that admits 200 or more students a year simply has more seats to fill.
  
• Degree type. DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) schools usually admit students with lower average scores than MD (Doctor of Medicine) schools. Both degrees lead to a full, unrestricted license to practice medicine in the US. DO students also learn osteopathic manipulative treatment, a hands-on technique for diagnosing and treating muscle and joint problems.
  
• Flexible admissions. Most Caribbean schools accept students three times a year and review applications on a rolling basis, which means they decide as applications come in instead of waiting for one deadline.

To check the latest GPA and MCAT figures for any MD school, use the AAMC’s Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR) database. For DO schools, use the Choose DO Explorer from the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM). Both are updated every year, and the numbers shift from cycle to cycle.

15 US MD schools with more accessible admissions

The MD schools below are easier to get into mainly because of where you live or what kind of doctor you plan to be. Most are public schools with strong in-state preferences. If you live in one of these states, start here. If you don’t, focus on the few that welcome out-of-state applicants.

Most public MD schools also do not accept international applicants who aren’t US citizens or permanent residents. Check each school’s policy before you pay an application fee.

1. University of Mississippi School of Medicine

• Location: Jackson, Mississippi
• Who it favors: Mississippi residents only. The school does not admit out-of-state applicants.
• Why it’s accessible: It’s the state’s only public MD school, and its mission is to train doctors who will practice in Mississippi.
• Best for: Mississippi residents with solid but not top-tier scores

2. Mercer University School of Medicine

• Location: Macon, Georgia, with campuses in Savannah and Columbus
• Who it favors: Georgia residents only
• Why it’s accessible: Mercer is private, but it admits Georgians who want to work in rural and medically underserved parts of the state.
• Best for: Georgia residents interested in primary care or small-town practice

3. Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University

• Location: Greenville, North Carolina
  
• Who it favors: North Carolina residents only
  
• Why it’s accessible: Brody looks for applicants likely to practice primary care in eastern North Carolina, and it has one of the lowest tuition rates of any US medical school.
  
• Best for: North Carolina residents with community service in underserved areas

4. Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine

• Location: Dayton, Ohio
• Who it favors: Ohio residents, but out-of-state applicants are also admitted
• Why it’s accessible: Boonshoft has a community-based mission and puts heavy weight on service and fit, not just scores.
• Best for: Out-of-state applicants looking for a realistic MD option, especially those with strong volunteer records

5. University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences

• Location: Grand Forks, North Dakota
• Who it favors: North Dakota residents and applicants with strong ties to the state
• Why it’s accessible: The class is small, and the school’s goal is to keep doctors in North Dakota. Its Indians Into Medicine (INMED) program supports American Indian students.
• Best for: Applicants who grew up in or near North Dakota

6. Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport

• Location: Shreveport, Louisiana
• Who it favors: Louisiana residents. Almost every seat goes to in-state students.
• Why it’s accessible: In-state applicants compete against a smaller pool than at national schools.
• Best for: Louisiana residents, especially those from north Louisiana

7. University of New Mexico School of Medicine

• Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
• Who it favors: New Mexico residents and applicants with strong ties to the state
• Why it’s accessible: UNM wants doctors who reflect New Mexico’s rural, Hispanic and Native American communities, and it values that background highly.
• Best for: New Mexico residents, particularly those from rural areas

8. University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine

• Location: Vermillion and Sioux Falls, South Dakota
• Who it favors: South Dakota residents and applicants with strong ties to the state
• Why it’s accessible: Its Frontier and Rural Medicine (FARM) program trains students in small South Dakota towns.
• Best for: Applicants planning a career in rural Midwest medicine

9. Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University

• Location: Augusta, Georgia, with regional campuses across the state
• Who it favors: Georgia residents. Only a small number of out-of-state students are admitted.
• Why it’s accessible: It has one of the largest entering classes in the country, so in-state applicants have many seats to compete for.
• Best for: Georgia residents who want a large public school

10. University of Missouri School of Medicine

• Location: Columbia, Missouri
• Who it favors: Missouri residents
• Why it’s accessible: Its Rural Track Pipeline and Bryant Scholars programs give rural Missouri students an early path into the school.
• Best for: Missouri residents from small towns

11. University of Oklahoma College of Medicine

• Location: Oklahoma City, with a campus in Tulsa
• Who it favors: Oklahoma residents, with a limited number of out-of-state seats
• Why it’s accessible: Most of the class comes from inside the state, which shrinks the competition for residents.
• Best for: Oklahoma residents and applicants with family or school ties to the state

12. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine

• Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
• Who it favors: Arkansas residents, plus a small number of out-of-state applicants with ties to the state
• Why it’s accessible: It’s the only public MD school in Arkansas, and it fills most seats with residents.
• Best for: Arkansas residents with average to above-average scores

13. University of Kentucky College of Medicine

• Location: Lexington, Kentucky, with campuses in Bowling Green, Northern Kentucky and Morehead
• Who it favors: Kentucky residents, though it admits a meaningful share of out-of-state students
• Why it’s accessible: The regional campuses add seats and look for students interested in practicing in Kentucky.
• Best for: Kentucky residents and out-of-state applicants from nearby states

14. University of Louisville School of Medicine

• Location: Louisville, Kentucky
• Who it favors: Kentucky residents, but out-of-state applicants are also admitted
• Why it’s accessible: It’s more open to nonresidents than many public schools in the region.
• Best for: Out-of-state applicants who want an urban academic medical center

15. Ponce Health Sciences University School of Medicine

• Location: Ponce, Puerto Rico
• Who it favors: Applicants from Puerto Rico and the US mainland
• Why it’s accessible: Ponce is fully accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), the body that accredits US MD programs, and its reported MCAT averages are among the lowest of any LCME school.
• Watch out for: Many patients speak Spanish, so you’ll need working Spanish during clinical training.
• Best for: Bilingual applicants who want a US MD degree with a lower score threshold

15 US DO schools worth considering

DO schools have grown fast over the last 20 years, and many admit students with GPA and MCAT scores below MD averages. Since 2020, MD and DO graduates have applied to the same residency programs through one national system, called the Match. Residency is the hospital-based training every doctor completes after medical school.

DO doesn’t automatically mean easy, though. A few schools on this list, such as Kansas City University, Des Moines University and PCOM, are quite competitive. They’re included because they admit large classes and are open to applicants from many states.

16. Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM)

• Location: Erie and Greensburg, Pennsylvania; Bradenton, Florida; Elmira, New York
• Who it favors: Applicants from any state
• Why it’s accessible: LECOM is one of the largest medical schools in the country. It also offers three learning styles: lectures, small-group problem-based learning or guided independent study.
• Best for: Applicants who want a large school with tuition below many private schools

17. William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine

• Location: Hattiesburg, Mississippi
• Who it favors: Applicants committed to serving the Gulf South
• Why it’s accessible: The school is part of a Christian university with a mission to train doctors for underserved areas of Mississippi and nearby states.
• Best for: Southern applicants interested in primary care and faith-based education

18. Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine

• Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas
• Who it favors: Applicants interested in rural and underserved care in Arkansas and the surrounding region
• Why it’s accessible: ARCOM opened in 2017, and newer schools often look closely at mission fit alongside scores.
• Watch out for: A newer school has a shorter record of residency outcomes to review.
• Best for: Applicants from Arkansas, Oklahoma and nearby states

19. Lincoln Memorial University–DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine

• Location: Harrogate and Knoxville, Tennessee
• Who it favors: Applicants interested in serving Appalachia
• Why it’s accessible: LMU-DCOM admits a large class every year and values ties to rural communities.
• Best for: Applicants from Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia and other Appalachian states

20. University of Pikeville–Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine

• Location: Pikeville, Kentucky
• Who it favors: Applicants from rural Appalachia
• Why it’s accessible: KYCOM’s mission is to train primary care doctors for eastern Kentucky and the surrounding mountain region.
• Best for: Applicants who plan to practice family medicine or other primary care in small towns

21. Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine

• Location: Dothan, Alabama
• Who it favors: Applicants interested in the rural Southeast
• Why it’s accessible: ACOM focuses on primary care and rural practice in Alabama and the wider Southeast.
• Best for: Southern applicants with strong community service

22. Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine

• Location: Kansas City and Joplin, Missouri
• Who it favors: Applicants from any state
• Why it’s accessible: KCU admits one of the largest DO classes, and its Joplin campus focuses on rural care.
• Watch out for: KCU’s average scores are on the higher end for DO schools.
• Best for: Applicants with DO-average or stronger scores

23. A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona

• Location: Mesa, Arizona
• Who it favors: Applicants committed to community health
• Why it’s accessible: After the first year on campus, students train at community health centers across the US. The school values service experience highly.
• Best for: Applicants interested in caring for underserved patients

24. A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine

• Location: Kirksville, Missouri
• Who it favors: Applicants from any state, especially those interested in rural care
• Why it’s accessible: Founded in 1892, it’s the first osteopathic medical school in the world and has a large, established network of clinical sites.
• Best for: Applicants who want a long track record of graduate outcomes

25. Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine

• Location: West Des Moines, Iowa
• Who it favors: Applicants from any state
• Why it’s accessible: DMU is one of the oldest DO schools and admits a large class.
• Watch out for: Its admissions are competitive by DO standards.
• Best for: Applicants with strong academics who want an established DO program

26. Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine

• Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
• Who it favors: Applicants interested in serving Indiana and the Midwest
• Why it’s accessible: Marian is a newer Catholic school that uses holistic review, meaning it looks at your experiences and values along with your scores.
• Best for: Midwest applicants with strong service and clinical experience

27. Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

• Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with campuses in Suwanee and Moultrie, Georgia
• Who it favors: Applicants from any state
• Why it’s accessible: Three campuses mean more seats overall, and the Georgia campuses focus on the Southeast.
• Watch out for: The Philadelphia campus is competitive.
• Best for: Applicants who want options in both the Northeast and the South

28. Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine

• Location: Fort Lauderdale and Clearwater, Florida
• Who it favors: Applicants from any state, with interest in Florida
• Why it’s accessible: Two campuses and a large entering class give applicants more chances.
• Best for: Applicants who want to train and possibly practice in Florida

29. Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine

• Location: Henderson, Nevada
• Who it favors: Applicants interested in practicing in Nevada and the Southwest
• Why it’s accessible: Nevada has a shortage of doctors, and the school looks for applicants likely to stay in the region.
• Best for: Applicants with ties to Nevada or the Southwest

30. Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine

• Location: Las Cruces, New Mexico
• Who it favors: Applicants interested in the US-Mexico border region
• Why it’s accessible: Burrell’s mission centers on Hispanic and underserved communities in the Southwest.
• Best for: Applicants from the Southwest, especially those who speak Spanish

10 Caribbean medical schools with flexible admissions

Caribbean schools usually accept lower GPA and MCAT scores than US schools, and many have several start dates each year. That makes them the easiest group on this list to get into. It also makes them the riskiest.

Graduates of these schools are international medical graduates (IMGs). To train in the US, they must pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), get certified by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) and then compete for residency. In the Match, IMGs land a residency spot at a lower rate than graduates of US MD and DO schools.

Before you apply to any Caribbean school, check these points:

• Accreditation. Since 2024, ECFMG only certifies graduates of schools accredited by an agency recognized by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME). Confirm your school meets this rule.
• Attrition rate. This is the share of students who leave or are dismissed before graduating. At some schools it’s high, and students lose years and tuition money.
• USMLE pass rates and residency outcomes. Ask for first-attempt pass rates and a full residency list, not just highlights.
• Clinical rotations. Find out where the school places students for hospital training in the US and whether those spots are guaranteed.
• State approval. Some US states have extra rules for licensing doctors from certain international schools.
• Total cost. Add tuition, living costs and travel. Check whether US federal student loans are available.

31. Ross University School of Medicine

• Location: Bridgetown, Barbados
• Why it’s accessible: Ross admits large classes, and it’s one of the four oldest and largest Caribbean schools, often called the “Big Four.”
• What to verify: Attrition, first-attempt USMLE pass rates and current clinical rotation sites
• Best for: US applicants who want a school with a long record of graduates in US residency

32. St. George’s University School of Medicine

• Location: True Blue, Grenada
• Why it’s accessible: SGU is one of the largest Caribbean schools and admits students from many countries.
• What to verify: Total cost of attendance and residency outcomes by specialty
• Best for: Applicants who want a well-established international school with a large alumni network

33. American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine

• Location: Cupecoy, Sint Maarten
• Why it’s accessible: AUC is another Big Four school with multiple start dates.
• What to verify: How many entering students reach graduation and match
• Best for: Applicants comparing the established Caribbean options side by side

34. Saba University School of Medicine

• Location: Saba, Caribbean Netherlands
• Why it’s accessible: Saba has smaller classes than the other Big Four schools and a long operating history.
• What to verify: Living conditions on a very small island and clinical rotation arrangements
• Best for: Students who prefer a small, quiet setting with fewer distractions

35. American University of Antigua College of Medicine

• Location: St. John’s, Antigua
• Why it’s accessible: AUA reviews applications on a rolling basis and offers several start dates.
• What to verify: Accreditation status, attrition and recent residency lists
• Best for: Applicants who need a flexible start date and have checked outcomes carefully

36. Medical University of the Americas

• Location: Nevis, St. Kitts and Nevis
• Why it’s accessible: MUA has smaller classes and flexible admissions.
• What to verify: USMLE pass rates and where students complete clinical training
• Best for: Applicants who want a smaller school and more contact with faculty

37. University of Medicine and Health Sciences

• Location: Basseterre, St. Kitts
• Why it’s accessible: UMHS keeps class sizes small and admits several times a year.
• What to verify: Graduation rates and how clinical rotations are assigned
• Best for: Students who learn better in small groups

38. St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine

• Location: Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
• Why it’s accessible: Admissions are flexible, with rolling review.
• What to verify: Accreditation, attrition and residency outcomes for recent graduates
• Best for: Applicants who have compared it closely against larger Caribbean schools

39. Trinity School of Medicine

• Location: St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Why it’s accessible: Trinity is a smaller school that reviews applicants holistically.
• What to verify: Clinical rotation locations and recent USMLE results
• Best for: Applicants who want small classes and have confirmed the school’s outcomes

40. Xavier University School of Medicine

• Location: Oranjestad, Aruba
• Why it’s accessible: Xavier has flexible admissions and a smaller student body.
• What to verify: Accreditation status, ECFMG eligibility and independent residency data
• Best for: Applicants who have done thorough research and have backup plans

MD vs. DO vs. Caribbean schools at a glance

The three groups differ in more than scores. This table shows how they compare on the factors that matter most when you apply. GPA and MCAT figures are approximate national averages from recent AAMC and AACOM reports; individual schools vary.

Factor	US MD schools	US DO schools	Caribbean schools
Average GPA of admitted students	About 3.77	About 3.6	Lower and varies widely
Average MCAT of admitted students	About 512	About 504	Lower and varies widely
In-state preference	Strong at most public schools	Mild at most schools	None
Start dates	Once a year	Once a year	Two or three times a year at most schools
Licensing exams	USMLE	COMLEX-USA (many students also take the USMLE)	USMLE
Chance of matching into US residency	Highest	High	Lower
Main risk	Hard to get in	Fewer seats in some specialties	High attrition and lower match rates

How to choose the right school for you

The easiest school to get into is the one where your profile fits what it’s looking for. Use these steps to build your list:

1. Start with your home state. Look up every public MD and DO school in your state. In-state schools are usually your best odds and your lowest tuition.
2. Compare your scores honestly. Use MSAR or Choose DO Explorer to see each school’s median GPA and MCAT. Apply mostly to schools where your numbers are close to or above the median.
3. Check eligibility before you pay. If you’re out of state or an international applicant, confirm that the school admits people like you. Many don’t.
4. Match your story to the mission. If you grew up in a rural town or speak Spanish, look for schools that value those experiences.
5. Apply to both MD and DO schools. Most advisors suggest this for applicants with average scores. It widens your options without lowering your goals.
6. Treat the Caribbean as a careful last step. Only consider it after you’ve checked accreditation, attrition and residency data for each school.

What to do if your GPA or MCAT is low

A low score doesn’t end your chances, but it does mean you need a plan before you apply:

• Retake the MCAT if your score is well below a school’s median and you have time to prepare properly.
• Take extra science courses. A postbaccalaureate (postbac) program lets you take college science classes after graduation to raise your GPA.
• Consider a special master’s program. These one- or two-year graduate programs in medical sciences show schools you can handle a medical school workload.
• Build clinical experience. Working as a medical scribe, EMT or medical assistant gives you real patient contact and strong material for your application.
• Apply early. Most US schools review applications on a rolling basis, so an application submitted in June has more open seats to compete for than one sent in October.

Think about residency before you enroll

Getting into medical school is only the first step. After you graduate, you need a residency position to become a licensed, practicing doctor in the US. US MD and DO graduates match at much higher rates than IMGs. If you choose a Caribbean school, plan for strong USMLE scores, US clinical experience and a well-built residency application from your first year.

Frequently asked questions

Q1. What is the easiest medical school to get into in the US?

There’s no single answer, because it depends on where you live. For many applicants, the easiest school is their own state’s public medical school. If you live in Mississippi, North Carolina or Georgia, for example, schools like the University of Mississippi, Brody or Mercer admit only residents, so you face far less competition there.

Q2. Is it easier to get into a DO school than an MD school?

On average, yes. Students admitted to DO schools have lower average GPA and MCAT scores than students admitted to MD schools. Both degrees let you practice as a fully licensed physician in the US.

Q3. Can I get into medical school with a 3.0 GPA?

It’s possible, but difficult. Your chances improve if your grades rose over time, your MCAT score is strong or you complete a postbac or special master’s program. DO schools are often more open to applicants in this range than MD schools.

Q4. What MCAT score do I need for a less competitive medical school?

Aim for a score close to the median of the schools on your list. For DO schools, the national average for admitted students is about 504. For MD schools, it’s about 512. Check MSAR or Choose DO Explorer for each school’s exact figures.

Q5. Do Caribbean medical school graduates match into US residencies?

Many do, but at a lower rate than graduates of US MD and DO schools. Results vary a lot between schools. Ask each school for its first-attempt USMLE pass rates, attrition rate and full residency list before you enroll.

Q6. Can international students apply to US medical schools?

A small number of US schools accept international applicants, and most of them are private. Many require that your prerequisite courses were taken at a US or Canadian college. Some also ask for proof that you can pay for your full education in advance. Check each school’s policy before applying.

Q7. Are new medical schools easier to get into?

Sometimes. New schools may weigh mission fit heavily and have less name recognition, which can mean fewer applicants. The tradeoff is a shorter record of graduation and residency results for you to judge.

Q8. Does being an in-state applicant really make a difference?

Yes, often a big one. Many public medical schools fill most or all of their seats with state residents. Applying to your in-state schools is usually the single best way to improve your odds.

Final thoughts

The easiest medical school for you is the one that matches your state, your scores and your goals. Start with your in-state options, add DO schools that fit your profile and treat Caribbean schools as a choice that needs extra research. Before applying anywhere, check the latest admissions data on the school’s official website, because requirements change every cycle.

Visit IMG Helping Hands to get clear, practical guidance from people who understand the IMG path and start planning your route to a US residency today.

Disclaimer:

Articles published by IMG Helping Hands are prepared by our team using information from direct experience, publicly available resources, and educational references. AI tools may be used to assist with drafting, proofreading, and formatting; however, all content undergoes review and approval before publication.
The information provided is intended for educational purposes only. Requirements, policies, and processes may change over time. Readers should consult official sources for the most current information.