Easiest Medical Schools to Get Into: What You Should Know First

What Does "Easiest to Get Into" Actually Mean?

"Easiest" doesn't mean easy. Even schools with the highest acceptance rates still turn down most applicants. But some schools do admit a larger percentage of students each cycle.

These schools often:

• Have lower average MCAT and GPA thresholds
• Strongly prefer in-state applicants
• Focus on mission-based admissions (e.g., rural medicine, underserved populations)
• May not require CASPer or have fewer supplemental essays

The key takeaway? These schools offer opportunities for applicants who might not have perfect numbers but still have solid experiences and a compelling reason to become a physician.

10 Easiest Medical Schools to Get Into

Here’s a list of U.S. and Canadian medical schools known for being more accessible based on public data. Remember, "easier" is relative, and you still need a strong application.

1. University of North Dakota School of Medicine

This school prioritizes North Dakota residents. If you're from the state and passionate about serving rural communities, your chances here are much higher. The average MCAT hovers around 509 and GPA is about 3.8. UND has strong ties with rural hospitals and a clear mission to serve underserved areas.

2. University of Mississippi Medical Center

Known for having one of the highest in-state acceptance rates, this school favors Mississippi residents and applicants with ties to rural health. Average MCAT: 506. GPA: 3.87. The school emphasizes primary care and has initiatives aimed at improving access in medically underserved areas.

3. Louisiana State University School of Medicine - Shreveport

Applicants from Louisiana are strongly preferred. With a mission-driven focus and a need for local physicians, they accept students who fit their goals. Average MCAT: 507. GPA: 3.85. The school has partnerships with hospitals across the state and emphasizes service in high-need communities.

4. Central Michigan University College of Medicine

With a strong focus on producing physicians for underserved areas in Michigan, this school supports mission-aligned applicants. The average GPA is 3.78 and MCAT around 507. CMU offers community-based clinical training and prefers applicants with a background in public health or rural work.

5. University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine

Most applicants are residents of Puerto Rico. The average GPA is about 3.9 and MCAT around 504. It’s a good fit for bilingual students interested in community medicine. The school encourages Spanish-speaking applicants and has a strong reputation in culturally competent care.

6. Mercer University School of Medicine

Open only to Georgia residents. If you meet that requirement, it's more accessible than many schools. GPA: 3.72, MCAT: 503. The school operates regional campuses and focuses on producing doctors who will stay and serve in Georgia’s rural areas.

7. East Carolina University (Brody School of Medicine)

Brody is only open to North Carolina residents and has a mission to train primary care physicians. GPA: 3.73, MCAT: 507. They value applicants with significant community service and a demonstrated commitment to primary care.

8. Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM)

With multiple campuses and a large class size, LECOM admits a higher number of applicants. They’re also known for low tuition and flexibility in learning pathways including problem-based, lecture-based, and self-directed tracks. GPA and MCAT requirements are more forgiving than most MD programs.

9. West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

Focused on rural healthcare and primary care, this DO school offers a supportive path to medical training. Applicants with experience in rural medicine get a boost. It emphasizes hands-on experience and early patient contact.

10. University of Saskatchewan (Canada)

For Canadian citizens only. It offers a higher acceptance rate for Saskatchewan residents and places strong emphasis on service to the province. GPA ranges vary, but the school emphasizes personal characteristics and experience.

Note: Always verify requirements and stats on each school’s official website. Data changes year to year.

What to Know Before Applying to These Schools

Before you apply, make sure you meet basic requirements like citizenship, prerequisite courses, and residency. Many of these schools heavily favor applicants from their home province or state. For example, Brody doesn’t even consider out-of-state applicants.

Also, understand each school's mission. If a school’s goal is to train rural physicians, and all your experiences are in research labs, your app may not match—even if your numbers do.

Use the MSAR or the school’s admissions pages to check details. Build a spreadsheet to track GPA, MCAT, secondaries, and deadlines.

Some schools also require unique materials—like manual application forms, extra recommendation letters, or regional interviews. Stay organized.

What If You Don’t Meet the Cutoffs?

If your stats fall below the average MCAT or GPA range for the schools above, don’t panic. Many applicants each year take alternative paths to med school.

• Consider a post-bacc or Special Master’s Program (SMP): These programs help boost your academic credentials and can show schools you’re ready for rigorous coursework.
• Strengthen your clinical experience: Even if your GPA is low, meaningful clinical work—like scribing, EMT work, or long-term hospital volunteering—can make a huge difference.
• Reframe your story: If there’s a valid reason for your lower GPA (family emergency, illness, adjustment struggles), include it in your secondary essays or interviews.
• Get feedback on your application: A second set of eyes can identify weak points you might have missed. Consider consulting with someone who understands med school admissions.

Here are some tips on getting into med school with less than perfect stats!

How to Boost Your Chances — Even at Competitive Schools

Just because a school has a lower MCAT average doesn’t mean you should slack. You’re still competing against hundreds or thousands of applicants.

Here’s how to strengthen your application:

• Apply early. Submitting in June or early July gives you a better shot before interview spots fill.
• Pre-write your secondaries. Even schools with higher acceptance rates expect fast turnaround. Don’t wait until you receive the prompts.
• Tell a real story. Your personal statement should connect your past experiences with why you want to become a physician—and why now.
• Match the mission. If a school prioritizes underserved care, your experience should reflect that. Think volunteering, shadowing, or working in a relevant clinic.
• Use your secondaries wisely. Most schools want to know why you chose them. Make it specific. Refer to their programs, community involvement, or values.
• Get strong letters. Choose recommenders who know you well, not just those with impressive titles. Give them your resume and personal statement so they understand your goals.

DO vs MD Schools: What to Know

If you're worried about competitiveness, consider applying to both MD and DO programs. DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) schools often have lower average MCAT and GPA requirements but provide the same core training.

DO schools also:

• Focus more on holistic review
• Emphasize primary care
• Include osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) in training

Residency matching for DOs has improved significantly, especially in primary care, emergency medicine, and internal medicine. If you want to practice medicine and serve patients, DO programs are a smart and respectable path.

Popular DO schools with more accessible admissions include:

• LECOM
• WVSOM
• A.T. Still University SOMA
• Kansas City University COM

What These Schools Look for Beyond Stats

Even "easier" schools want more than numbers. They're looking for applicants who are mature, mission-aligned, and ready to work in challenging healthcare environments.

They often prioritize:

• Experience in underserved or rural communities
• Bilingual ability (especially Spanish in some regions)
• Resilience and grit — overcoming adversity
• Leadership and community engagement

If you don’t have a 4.0 GPA, you can still stand out by showing you're grounded, motivated, and genuinely committed to the work of medicine.

Should You Apply to Only “Easier” Med Schools?

Short answer: no.

Even schools with high acceptance rates reject most applicants. If you apply to only a few "easier" schools, you're putting your whole cycle at risk.

Instead, build a balanced list:

• 3–5 reach schools
• 5–10 target schools
• 3–5 safety schools (if such a thing exists in med school apps)

Use data, mission statements, and your own readiness as filters. And if you’re unsure, talk to a mentor or advisor who’s helped students get in.

Final Thoughts: “Easy” Doesn’t Mean You Should Lower Your Standards

Getting into med school—any med school—requires work. What you can do is apply smart.

Pick schools that align with your stats and your story. Understand their values. Submit everything early. Ask for help when you need it. And remember that easier doesn't mean less valuable—every med school produces doctors.

If you keep that in mind, you’ll focus less on shortcuts and more on building a strong, real application.

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To your success,

Your friends at BeMo

BeMo Academic Consulting