The phrase “top rated medical schools” can mean different things depending on who you ask. For some, it’s about research. For others, it’s about patient care or residency match rates. In this guide, you’ll learn how medical schools are ranked in the U.S. and Canada, what actually makes a med school “top,” and how to figure out which one fits you best.
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What Does “Top Rated” Really Mean?
When people search for the top rated medical schools, they usually mean one thing: prestige. But the truth is, what’s “top” for one person might not be top for someone else.
Research vs. Primary Care Rankings
Some schools are ranked highly for research — like Harvard or Stanford. Others are known for training excellent primary care doctors — like UNC or the University of Washington. Both serve different goals. If your plan is to work in underserved communities, a research powerhouse might not actually be your best fit.
Admissions Stats ≠ Quality
High average MCAT scores and GPAs can make a school look competitive — and they are. But competitive doesn’t always mean better. A “lower ranked” school may offer stronger clinical training, better student support, or a higher match rate in the specialty you want.
Rankings vs. Fit
It’s easy to get caught up in lists. But the best medical school for you will be the one that fits your learning style, your goals, and your needs. Curriculum, campus culture, and location all matter — and no ranking system can measure that.
How Are Medical Schools Ranked?
You’ve probably seen the lists: “Top 10 Medical Schools in the U.S.,” or “Canada’s Best Medical Schools.” But how are these lists created?
In the U.S., US News & World Report is the most cited source for med school rankings. It uses data like MCAT/GPA averages, peer surveys, and NIH research funding.
In Canada, Maclean’s used to publish medical school rankings, but no longer does. Today, applicants rely more on school-specific data or global rankings like Times Higher Education. The MSAR (Medical School Admission Requirements) database from AAMC is also a go-to tool for comparing U.S. programs.
Common Ranking Criteria
Most rankings use similar data points:
- Median MCAT and GPA of accepted students
- Research activity and grant funding
- Faculty-to-student ratios
- Selectivity (acceptance rate)
- Reputation among deans and faculty
Some include residency match outcomes, but this is less common.
Limitations of Rankings
Rankings don’t account for:
- Quality of teaching or mentorship
- Diversity and inclusion efforts
- Student well-being or mental health support
- What actually matters to you as a future doctor
Use rankings as a reference — not a rule.
Here's how to get into one of the top medical schools!
Top Rated Medical Schools in the US (Overview)
The U.S. has over 150 accredited allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO) medical schools. A few stand out consistently at the top for research and overall prestige.
Harvard Medical School
No surprise here. Harvard is often ranked #1 for research, and it’s one of the most well-funded med schools in the world. It’s known for groundbreaking research, elite clinical rotations in Boston hospitals, and unmatched name recognition.
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
Located in Baltimore, Johns Hopkins has a long legacy of innovation in medicine. It's especially strong in research and specialties like surgery, neurology, and public health.
Stanford School of Medicine
Stanford is known for its tech-focused approach, strong ties to Silicon Valley, and small entering class. If you're interested in innovation or dual-degree programs, it's a top pick.
Other Top Contenders
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons: Heavy on research and academic rigor.
- UCSF School of Medicine: Particularly strong in internal medicine and primary care.
- Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine: Small class size, full-tuition scholarships for most students, and unmatched clinical training.
Each of these schools is competitive, but they also vary in size, curriculum style, and what kinds of doctors they’re best at training.
Top Rated Medical Schools in Canada (Overview)
While the U.S. often dominates headlines for medical school rankings, Canada has its own list of outstanding institutions. In fact, many Canadian med schools rank among the top globally when it comes to research and clinical training.
University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine
The University of Toronto is often considered the best medical school in Canada. It’s one of the largest research institutions in North America and is closely tied to leading hospitals like Toronto General and SickKids. Students at U of T have access to diverse patient populations and a massive range of clinical opportunities.
McGill University
Located in Montreal, McGill’s Faculty of Medicine is world-renowned, especially for its research output. McGill’s bilingual setting (English and French) offers unique learning advantages, and its graduates often match into competitive residency programs both in Canada and internationally.
University of British Columbia (UBC)
UBC’s Faculty of Medicine has one of the largest distributed medical education programs in the world. Students train at multiple sites across British Columbia, from Vancouver to rural communities, providing rich clinical experience across settings.
Other Strong Canadian Programs
- McMaster University: Known for pioneering the problem-based learning (PBL) approach and a three-year MD program.
- Queen’s University: Offers strong clinical exposure and a growing reputation for innovative education.
- University of Alberta: One of the most research-intensive universities in Canada with excellent healthcare partnerships.
Canadian schools tend to focus more heavily on generalist training than on producing academic researchers — but their clinical training is second to none.
What Makes a Medical School "Top" — Beyond the Rankings
You can't understand the medical school application timeline without thinking about your destination. And the truth is, rankings barely scratch the surface of what makes a med school truly “top rated.”
Curriculum and Clinical Exposure
Some schools have innovative curricula that integrate clinical exposure from Day 1. Others stick to the traditional two-year pre-clinical, two-year clinical structure. If you're the kind of learner who thrives with hands-on experience early, schools like UCSF or McMaster may be better for you than purely lecture-heavy programs.
Student Support and Match Rates
Top-rated schools usually have strong advising systems, career support offices, and high residency match rates. But again, this varies. Some lower-ranked schools have phenomenal match outcomes because they invest heavily in personalized mentorship.
Mission, Values, and Diversity
Look beyond the brochure. A top school for you should align with your values. Are you passionate about social justice? Rural medicine? Global health? Pick a school that supports your passions — not just one with a famous name.
US vs Canada: Key Differences at Top Medical Schools
Thinking about applying in both countries? Here's what you need to know.
Admissions Requirements
- US: Requires MCAT (almost always), strong GPA, clinical experience, volunteering, research, letters, and often CASPer.
- Canada: Also requires MCAT (for most schools outside Quebec), but many Canadian schools weigh GPA more heavily than MCAT scores.
Canadian schools often prioritize Canadian citizens or residents. Some programs (like UBC and University of Calgary) are extremely competitive for out-of-province applicants.
Application Process (AMCAS vs OMSAS)
- U.S.: Use AMCAS (or AACOMAS for DO schools).
- Canada: In Ontario, applicants use OMSAS; outside Ontario, each school has its own system.
Secondary applications (extra essays) are common in the U.S., but much less common in Canada.
Tuition and Financial Aid
- U.S. Schools: Tuition is very high — often $50,000–$70,000 USD per year before living expenses.
- Canadian Schools: Tuition is generally lower for Canadian citizens — around $15,000–$25,000 CAD annually. However, for international students, some Canadian programs can cost as much as U.S. schools.
Financial aid options differ significantly. Canadian schools tend to offer fewer scholarships but lower baseline costs.
How to Choose the Right Top School for You
Forget the list-chasing. Here’s what actually matters when picking from the top rated medical schools:
Don’t Chase Rankings — Find Fit
A famous name won't help if you’re miserable every day. Think about learning environment, class size, support systems, location, and lifestyle. Would you rather be at a smaller, tight-knit school or a large research powerhouse?
Questions to Ask Yourself
- Do I want early clinical exposure?
- Am I interested in research or dual-degree options (MD-PhD, MD-MPH)?
- How important is location — urban vs rural?
- What are the curriculum styles: traditional, flipped classroom, or problem-based learning?
- How diverse is the school and its clinical sites?
The more honest you are now, the easier the decision becomes later.
Making a Smart, Personalized School List
Apply broadly, but intentionally.
Don’t apply to 40 schools because you’re afraid. Apply to a strong mix of reaches, matches, and safeties — all schools where you can truly see yourself thriving.
Use tools like MSAR (for U.S. schools) and school websites to dig into class profiles, curricular models, and clinical training sites.
Tips for Getting into Top Rated Medical Schools
Getting into a top rated medical school isn’t just about numbers — but let’s be honest, the numbers do matter. Still, the most competitive applicants understand how to build an application that goes beyond grades.
GPA and MCAT Expectations
Most top medical schools in the U.S. report average GPAs around 3.85–3.95 and MCAT scores between 515–522. In Canada, schools like U of T or McGill also expect high stats, especially for in-province applicants.
But remember: averages are not cutoffs. Students below those numbers still get accepted — especially when they bring something unique.
Building a Strong Application
Top schools look for evidence of commitment, growth, and impact. That means:
- Long-term clinical involvement (not just shadowing)
- Research with clear roles and outcomes (not just lab hours)
- Meaningful volunteer or leadership experiences that show maturity and initiative
Consistency matters more than volume. You don’t need to do 20 activities. You need to show that you’ve really invested in the ones you’ve chosen.
Standing Out Beyond the Numbers
Here’s where most applicants fall short: they write essays that sound like everyone else. You need to be honest and specific — not impressive.
Talk about what made you curious about medicine, what challenged you, what changed you. The best applicants write like people, not like applications.
And during interviews, focus on conversation, not performance. Admissions teams aren’t hiring a résumé — they’re trying to find future colleagues they’d trust with patients.
1. What is the #1 medical school in the US?
According to most rankings, Harvard Medical School consistently ranks #1 for research. Johns Hopkins and Stanford are often close behind.
2. What is the best medical school in Canada?
The University of Toronto is widely considered Canada’s top-ranked medical school for research and overall resources. McGill and UBC are also among the most competitive.
3. Are rankings important when choosing a medical school?
They can be — but only to a point. Fit, curriculum, location, and support matter more once you're in. Most residency directors care more about how well you perform than where you went.
4. Is it harder to get into top ranked schools?
Yes. Acceptance rates at top schools can be under 3%. But strong, well-rounded applicants still get in — even without perfect scores.
5. What GPA do I need for top med schools?
Aim for a GPA of 3.8 or higher. Some schools will consider lower GPAs if other parts of your application stand out.
6. What MCAT score do top medical schools want?
Generally 515–522. That said, some admitted students fall outside that range — especially if they have strong research or unique experiences.
7. Are Canadian medical schools easier to get into?
Not really. Most Canadian schools have very low acceptance rates and prioritize in-province applicants. In some ways, they’re even harder to access for international students.
8. What makes a medical school “prestigious”?
Reputation, research output, faculty, and residency match history all play a role. But prestige is subjective — and not always aligned with student experience or educational quality.
To your success,
Your friends at BeMo
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