How hard is it to get into medical school in Pennsylvania?
The eight Pennsylvania schools reporting both numbers took 79,195 applications for 1,637 seats, about 48 applications for every place. Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine has the shortest odds of the group at 27 applications per seat.
| School | Applications | Class size | Applications per seat | Share who enrol | Median MCAT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine | 7,274 | 271 | 27 | 3.7% | 504 |
| Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University | 11,089 | 275 | 40 | 2.5% | 514 |
| Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania | 6,346 | 157 | 40 | 2.5% | 522 |
| Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine | 5,991 | 115 | 52 | 1.9% | 511 |
| Drexel University College of Medicine | 15,980 | 304 | 53 | 1.9% | 512 |
| University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine | 8,392 | 148 | 57 | 1.8% | 516 |
| Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine | 12,757 | 222 | 57 | 1.7% | 512 |
| Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine | 11,366 | 145 | 78 | 1.3% | 511 |
Share who enrol is the class divided by the applications, so it sits below a school's acceptance rate, because schools admit more people than take up a place. It is the closest figure the published numbers support.
These are the odds across everyone who applied, so a score at or above a school's median shortens them considerably. The schools that admit at the lowest medians nationally and your own chances of getting in both go further into it.
Medical schools in Pennsylvania at a glance
All nine medical schools in Pennsylvania are below, with median MCAT and GPA, tuition in and out of state, class size and the share of applicants who reach interview. Each figure is the most recent one the school has published.
2026–27 cycle data. Last updated 30 August 2026.
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
| School | Degree | Apply through | Founded | Median MCAT | Median GPA | In-state tuition | Out-of-state tuition | Class size | Secondary essays | Interview rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania | MD | AMCAS | 1765 | 522 | 3.94 | $74,687 | $74,687 | 157 | n/a | N/A |
| University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine | MD | AMCAS | 1886 | 516 | 3.83 | $65,872 | $69,704 | 148 | 4 | 11% |
| Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University | MD | AMCAS | 1824 | 514 | 3.78 | $62,514 | $62,514 | 275 | 5 | N/A |
| Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine | MD | AMCAS | 1901 | 512 | 3.74 | $57,426 | $60,890 | 222 | 5 | n/a |
| Drexel University College of Medicine | MD | AMCAS | 1848 | 512 | 3.69 | $71,982 | $71,982 | 304 | 4 | N/A |
| Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine | MD | AMCAS | 2008 | 511 | 3.82 | $64,158 | $70,976 | 115 | 4 | N/A |
| Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine | MD | AMCAS | 1963 | 511 | 3.82 | $60,106 | $65,878 | 145 | 3 | N/A |
| Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine | MD | AACOMAS | 1899 | 504 | 3.5 | $65,408 | $65,408 | 271 | n/a | N/A |
| Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine | DO | AACOMAS | 1992 | 503 | 3.5 | $40,555 | $39,655 | 314 | 0 | N/A |
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What medical schools in Pennsylvania look for
Median MCAT across Pennsylvania runs from 503 at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine to 522 at Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Where your score sits in that spread shapes which of them to apply to, so application, so check it before you build a list. What counts as a good MCAT score sets out the national picture, and the percentile tables show what each scaled score means.
Between 3.50 and 3.94 is where median GPA sits. A GPA below that band is still in the conversation with a strong MCAT, and a single cycle is long enough to raise an MCAT score. If you have already tested, the retake calculator prices what another attempt would take, and the score calculator converts an AAMC practice test into a scaled score.
For residents, tuition starts at $40,555 at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and reaches $74,687 at Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Medical school tuition across the US and Canada puts those numbers in context.
They do not all use the same application. It is AMCAS for seven, AACOMAS for two. Applying across services means duplicating work, so check which one each school on your list takes before you start.
Secondaries are the next hurdle after the primary. The seven schools here we hold prompts for ask 25 essays between them, from 0 up to 5 at Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University. Our secondary prompt database carries the wording of every one for the 2026-27 cycle, so you can draft before they arrive.
Two of the nine award a DO alongside the MD programs. Both lead to licensure and residency, and DO programs generally admit at lower median scores, which is why they belong on most lists. The medical schools that admit at the lowest medians covers that ground nationally.
Between them these programs read about 79,195 applications a year for roughly 1,951 seats, near enough 41 applications per place. Those totals double-count anyone applying to more than one school, so treat the ratio as a measure of how much reading each committee does rather than as your odds. It is the reason a screening score matters before anyone reads a word of your essays.
On the US News research ranking, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania places highest at 6. Rankings shift little from year to year and matter far less than fit, funding and where you want to train, though they do shape how competitive a given cycle feels.
Free checklist
Pennsylvania's medical schools sit between a 503 and a 522 median MCAT. The checklist covers everything else your application is graded on.
Every phase of the application cycle, what is due when, and what to have ready before you open AMCAS.
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Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
Competitiveness: 9.8/10
Founded in 1765, Perelman School of Medicine isn’t just the nation’s first med school—it’s a trailblazer. A private powerhouse in Philly, it’s home to breakthroughs like mRNA vaccines and gene therapy. With world-class hospitals and a focus on turning bold ideas into real-world impact, Penn Med isn’t just training doctors—it’s shaping the future of medicine.
Median GPA
3.94
Median MCAT
522
Location
Philadelphia
Degree
MD
In-State Tuition
$74,687
Out-of-State Tuition
$74,687
Class Size
157
US News Ranking (Research)
6
US News Ranking (Primary Care)
20
Total Applicants
6,346
Secondaries Required
Interview Rate
N/A
Interview Format
Hybrid MMI
Address
3400 Civic Center Blvd, PA 19104
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Competitiveness: 8.2/10
Founded in 1886, the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine is a public powerhouse in transplantation, immunology, and breakthrough research (hello, polio vaccine!). With deep ties to UPMC, students don’t just study medicine—they push it forward. Bold, innovative, and built for impact—that’s Pitt Med.
Median GPA
3.83
Median MCAT
515
Location
Pittsburgh
Degree
MD
In-State Tuition
$65,872
Out-of-State Tuition
$69,704
Class Size
148
US News Ranking (Research)
Tier 1
US News Ranking (Primary Care)
Tier 2
Total Applicants
8,392
Secondaries Required
Interview Rate
11%
Interview Format
A virtual faculty interview, student interview and team exercise are required.
Address
3550 Terrace Street, PA 15213
Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
Competitiveness: 5.6/10
Founded in 1824, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University is a private institution with a legacy of shaping the future of medicine. Located in the heart of Philadelphia, it’s home to cutting-edge research, top-tier clinical training, and a patient-first mindset. With deep ties to Jefferson Health, students don’t just learn medicine—they live it.
Median GPA
3.78
Median MCAT
514
Location
Philadelphia
Degree
MD
In-State Tuition
$62,514
Out-of-State Tuition
$62,514
Class Size
275
US News Ranking (Research)
Tier 2
US News Ranking (Primary Care)
Tier 3
Total Applicants
11,089
Secondaries Required
Interview Rate
N/A
Interview Format
One-on-one, open file (faculty) and closed file (student)
Address
1025 Walnut Street #100, PA 19107
Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine
Competitiveness: 4.4/10
Founded in 1901, Temple’s Lewis Katz School of Medicine is a public institution known for its cutting-edge research, hands-on training, and deep community focus. With strong ties to Temple Health and a mission to serve, Katz Med prepares future physicians to lead with skill, innovation, and purpose.
Median GPA
3.74
Median MCAT
512
Location
Philadelphia
Degree
MD
In-State Tuition
$57,426
Out-of-State Tuition
$60,890
Class Size
222
US News Ranking (Research)
Tier 4
US News Ranking (Primary Care)
88
Total Applicants
12,757
Secondaries Required
Interview Rate
n/a
Interview Format
three interviews
Address
3500 North Broad Street, PA 19140
Drexel University College of Medicine
Competitiveness: 3.7/10
Founded in 1848, Drexel University College of Medicine is a private institution built on innovation, inclusion, and hands-on training. With roots in Hahnemann and Woman’s Medical College, it blends tradition with tech-driven education and groundbreaking research, preparing doctors to lead the future of medicine.
Median GPA
3.69
Median MCAT
511
Location
Philadelphia
Degree
MD
In-State Tuition
$71,982
Out-of-State Tuition
$71,982
Class Size
304
US News Ranking (Research)
85
US News Ranking (Primary Care)
94-124
Total Applicants
15,980
Secondaries Required
Interview Rate
N/A
Interview Format
1 faculty interview-open-file, group interview with student-closed-file
Address
2900 W Queen Lane, PA 19129
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Competitiveness: 7.0/10
Founded in 1992, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) is the largest private medical school in the U.S., known for its innovative, student-centered approach. With campuses in PA, FL, and NY, LECOM offers flexible learning pathways and a strong focus on preventative, patient-first care—making healthcare more accessible and forward-thinking.
Median GPA
3.5
Median MCAT
503
Location
Erie
Degree
DO
In-State Tuition
$40,555
Out-of-State Tuition
$39,655
Class Size
314
US News Ranking (Research)
Tier 4
US News Ranking (Primary Care)
Tier 3
Total Applicants
Secondaries Required
Interview Rate
N/A
Interview Format
Traditional interviews
Address
1858 W Grandview Blvd, PA 16509
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
Competitiveness: 3.2/10
Founded in 2008, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine is a private institution built on community-focused, patient-first care. Backed by Geisinger Health, it offers hands-on training and real-world impact, preparing doctors to serve where they’re needed most.
Median GPA
3.82
Median MCAT
512
Location
Scranton
Degree
MD
In-State Tuition
$64,158
Out-of-State Tuition
$70,976
Class Size
115
US News Ranking (Research)
Tier 3
US News Ranking (Primary Care)
Tier 2
Total Applicants
5,991
Secondaries Required
Interview Rate
N/A
Interview Format
VIRTUAL INTERVIEW
Address
525 Pine Street, PA 18510
Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine
Competitiveness: 3.0/10
Founded in 1963, Penn State College of Medicine is a public institution in Hershey, PA, known for cutting-edge research, hands-on training, and community impact. With strong ties to Penn State Health, it’s where medicine meets innovation.
Median GPA
3.82
Median MCAT
512
Location
Hershey
Degree
MD
In-State Tuition
$60,106
Out-of-State Tuition
$65,878
Class Size
145
US News Ranking (Research)
UNRanked
US News Ranking (Primary Care)
unranked
Total Applicants
11,366
Secondaries Required
Interview Rate
N/A
Interview Format
VIRTUAL INTERVIEW
Address
500 University Drive, PA 17033
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Competitiveness: 1.0/10
Founded in 1899, PCOM is a private institution known for its whole-person healthcare approach. With campuses in Philadelphia, Georgia, and South Carolina, it shapes compassionate, innovative physicians through hands-on training and community impact.
Median GPA
3.5
Median MCAT
505
Location
Philadelphia
Degree
MD
In-State Tuition
$65,408
Out-of-State Tuition
$65,408
Class Size
271
US News Ranking (Research)
UNRanked
US News Ranking (Primary Care)
UNRanked
Total Applicants
7,274
Secondaries Required
Interview Rate
N/A
Interview Format
Open file panel interview
Address
4170 City Avenue, PA 19131
Common questions about medical schools in Pennsylvania
How many medical schools are in Pennsylvania?
Nine medical schools. Seven award an MD and two award a DO. Every one is listed in the table above with its median MCAT, median GPA and tuition.
What MCAT score do you need for medical school in Pennsylvania?
Median MCAT runs from 503 to 522, so a score at or above 512 puts you in range at about half of them. A median is the midpoint rather than a cut-off, and roughly half of each admitted class scored below it. What counts as a good MCAT score goes through how to read those numbers, and our guide to raising a score covers how to raise one.
What GPA do you need for medical school in Pennsylvania?
Medians land between 3.50 and 3.94. A GPA under that band is workable when the MCAT is strong, which is the part of the application still open to change once your transcript is fixed.
How much does medical school cost in Pennsylvania?
In-state tuition runs from $40,555 a year at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine to $74,687 at Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, before living costs. Tuition across the US and Canada sets those against the national range.
Which Pennsylvania medical school is easiest to get into?
By median MCAT, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine admits at the lowest score of the group at 503. That makes it the most forgiving on numbers, though secondaries, interviews and mission fit still decide the outcome. Our secondary prompt database carries the essays each school asks for.
What is the acceptance rate at medical schools in Pennsylvania?
Schools here report roughly 79,195 applications against about 1,951 seats, which works out near one place for every 41 applications. That is not a per-applicant acceptance rate, because most people apply to fifteen or twenty schools and get counted at each one. Read it as a measure of how crowded each committee's desk is, and as the reason a screening MCAT and GPA come first. Individual schools publish their own rates, and the in-state and out-of-state figures usually differ sharply.
Which application service do Pennsylvania medical schools use?
Amcas for seven, aacomas for two. The table above lists it per school, so you can group your list by service before you start writing.
What secondary essays do Pennsylvania medical schools ask for?
Across the seven we hold prompts for, 25 in total, ranging from 0 to 5 at Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University. Secondaries arrive within days of a verified application and the turnaround runs to about two weeks, so prewriting is the difference between a considered essay and a rushed one. Our secondary prompt database carries the wording of every one for the 2026-27 cycle.
Are there DO schools in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine award a DO rather than an MD. Osteopathic programs lead to the same licensure and compete for the same residencies, and they generally admit at lower median MCAT and GPA, so leaving them off a list narrows your options for no good reason. The table above shows their numbers beside the MD programs.
Can you get into a medical school in Pennsylvania with a low GPA?
It happens, and the MCAT is usually what carries it. With medians between 3.50 and 3.94, a GPA a few tenths under still gets read when the test score sits at or above the median and the rest of the application is strong. An upward trend across your transcript reads better than a flat average, and a post-bacc or a master's is the standard route when the gap is wider than that. Raising an MCAT score is the faster of the two levers.
When should you apply to medical school in Pennsylvania?
AMCAS opens in May and submitting in the first weeks of June is the strongest position, because most schools review on a rolling basis. Work back from that to pick a test date on the AAMC calendar, leaving room for a retake if the first score comes in short.
Medical schools in other states
Every state in Northeast with a medical school, on the same figures: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont.
The medical school hub carries all 59, including the South, the Midwest, the West, Canada.
Where to go next
- Studying for the MCAT now? The live MCAT course runs one cohort at a time with 515+ scorers teaching it.
- Want one-on-one help? MCAT tutors in Pennsylvania are matched on the section costing you points, and our tutoring packages list what each one includes.
- Building an application rather than a score? Medical school admissions coaching covers the list, the essays and the interviews.
- Deciding whether to sit it again? The retake calculator gives you a verdict and a date.
- Just browsing? The free MCAT resources are a good place to start, and our reviews and student score stories show what the jumps look like.
- Looking beyond the medical schools in Pennsylvania? The medical school hub lists every state and province with a program.