U.S. Medical School Data for International Applicants
International students often ask if they can be competitive for medical school. The answer is yes! We have international students who are admitted to medical school every year.
That said, successful application to medical school is a little less likely for international students. Of the 171 medical schools in the Association of American Medical Colleges, only 49 admit international students, although Canadian students are accepted at 70.
Between 2019 and 2024, 24 WashU students who were not U.S. citizens or permanent residents applied to U.S. medical schools. Only 41% were admitted in their first application cycle. This is a lower success rate than other WashU students applying to medical school, however this is comparable to the overall acceptance rate to medical school for all applicants to all medical schools in the U.S. last year (2024 AAMC data findings). On the other hand, for international applicants to all medical schools in the U.S. last year, only 293 out of the 1852 that applied were accepted (16%). So the rate of acceptance for WashU international students is comparable to the overall acceptance rate; there is no reason for international students to rule out medical school if it is truly right for them.
Some characteristics of the WashU applicants from 2019 to 2023 are detailed below:
Applicants | Admitted | Not Admitted | |
| N | 24 | 10 | 14 |
| Average GPA | 3.76 | 3.84 | 3.71 |
| Average MCAT | 516 | 518 | 515 |
The table above strongly implies that successful applicants usually have the academic credentials to be admitted at the most selective medical schools. But, for all students, not just international applicants, numbers are not enough. All applicants need to demonstrate mastery of the premedical competencies, including a strong ethic of service. All applicants must also acquire enough clinical experience to show that they are making a mature and informed decision to pursue medicine. Realistic self-assessment, and a willingness to identify and improve weaker competencies are crucial for all applicants.