Kaplan survey finds 94% of US medical schools expect admissions competition to stay intense
GHC•A Kaplan survey found 94% of US medical schools expect admissions for 2026-2027 to be at least as competitive as the previous cycle. Applicants to MD-granting schools rose 5.3% to 54,699 for 2025-2026, while applicants to DO-granting schools increased 4.6% to 23,114.
1. Applicant numbers rise
Applicants to US MD-granting medical schools rose 5.3% to 54,699 for 2025-2026, reversing three consecutive years of declines. Applicants to DO-granting schools increased 4.6% to 23,114; fewer than half of applicants matriculate across US medical schools, and some highly selective institutions enroll fewer than 5%.
2. MCAT scores matter
Low MCAT scores were the biggest application deal breaker for 44% of admissions officers surveyed, and 98% considered scores important when evaluating candidates.
