Discover the best pre-med colleges

If you’re aiming for a career in medicine, selecting one of the best pre-med schools can set the foundation for your success. While the journey to medical school is highly competitive, attending a top undergraduate institution can open doors and give you a significant advantage. The best pre-med schools offer robust science curricula, strong pre-medical advising, and research opportunities that help you stand out during the application process.

We’ll guide you on what makes a college exceptional for pre-med students and introduce you to some of the best pre-med colleges out there today.

What is pre-med?

Pre-med, sometimes written as premed or pre med, stands for pre-medical or pre-medicine. Rather than being a set college major, pre-med refers to a specific sequence of courses that students must complete to be eligible for medical school admission. Some popular pre-med majors include biology, chemistry, and psychology.

Students on the premed track benefit from dedicated academic advising, access to valuable internships and clinical training opportunities, and comprehensive MCAT preparation resources. The best pre-med programs also provide strong connections to an accomplished alumni network, including current medical students and practicing physicians, helping pre-med students succeed on their journey to medical school.

What makes a school great for pre-med?

Choosing the best pre-med school goes far beyond national rankings. When evaluating schools, focus on what truly impacts your path to meeting medical school requirements:

• Strong science departments: Top pre-med schools offer rigorous biology, chemistry, and physics courses that fulfill essential medical school prerequisites. Excelling in these areas is critical for meeting pre-med requirements.
  • A top school should also offer strong tutoring programs to help you get through even the most advanced science courses.
• Comprehensive pre-med advising: Expert pre-med advisors guide you through every step, from preparing for the MCAT to nailing your medical school interviews.
• Clinical exposure opportunities: Top pre-med schools provide access to clinical internships, hospital volunteering, and healthcare experiences. These real-world opportunities help you strengthen your medical school application.
• Research opportunities: Gaining research experience is a key component of many pre-med programs. Top programs offer abundant research positions to help you stand out as an applicant.
• High medical school acceptance rates: A strong track record of graduates entering med school reflects how effectively a college supports its pre-med students in navigating the competitive application process.

Selecting from the best pre med schools means prioritizing those that help you excel in every aspect of your future medical career.

Top pre-med schools in the U.S.

Harvard University - Cambridge, MA

Aside from the prestige, what really makes Harvard a great pre-med school is its Office of Career Services, which offers top-notch pre-med advising. You’ll be surrounded by high achievers, with access to world-class hospitals like Massachusetts General Hospital and research opportunities across every discipline. It’s rigorous, but if you thrive in high-pressure environments, this place could help your med school dreams take flight.

Why it’s great for pre-med:

• Strong pre-med community
• Research at Harvard Medical
• Clinical shadowing in Boston’s hospital network

Stanford University - Stanford, CA

If sunshine, startups, and a side of surgery appeal to you, Stanford is the dream. The school’s CareerEd career center offers personalized pre-med advising. It’s research-heavy, and with the Stanford Medical School right there, you’ll have the chance to shadow physicians, join labs, and get involved in cutting-edge health innovation.

Why it’s great for pre-med:

• Access to Stanford Med resources
• Focus on student wellness and mental health
• Amazing clinical and volunteer opportunities

Duke University - Durham, NC

Duke offers a close-knit community where students aren’t just numbers. Their pre-health advising is solid, and the Duke University Medical Center is literally on campus, so clinical exposure is easy. You’ll also find lots of research assistantships, even as a freshman.

Why it’s great for pre-med:

• Research and patient care exposure early on
• Supportive faculty and tight pre-med peer groups
• Warm weather and a collaborative environment

Johns Hopkins University - Baltimore, MD

When it comes to the best pre med schools in the United States, Johns Hopkins University is always at the top of the list. Renowned as a gold standard for medical education and breakthrough research, the university attracts aspiring physicians from across the country. Students benefit from hands-on opportunities at the acclaimed Johns Hopkins Hospital and receive comprehensive support from dedicated Pre-Professional Advising staff, who expertly guide future doctors throughout their pre-med journey.

Why it’s great for pre-med:

• Premier center for biomedical research advancement
• Guaranteed access to shadowing and volunteer experiences in top healthcare settings
• Challenging, med school-level coursework that prepares students for success at the best pre med schools

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - Cambridge, MA

Not everyone associates MIT with medicine, but surprise: it’s a powerhouse for pre-med. If you love science, problem-solving, and have a research-driven mindset, MIT’s science curriculum will prepare you deeply for the MCAT and med school. With a great pre-health advising team, you’ll get the direction you need to succeed. Bonus: it’s in Boston, a healthcare hub.

Why it’s great for pre-med:

• Emphasis on biology, neuroscience, and chemistry
• Access to Harvard Medical and Boston’s hospitals
• One-on-one pre-med advising

University of Pennsylvania (Penn) - Philadelphia, PA

Penn’s connection with the Perelman School of Medicine gives its pre-med students a strong advantage. There’s a balance of Ivy League intensity and East Coast support here. The Pre-Medicine Advising Office is proactive, and the urban setting means you can volunteer or work in nearby hospitals with ease.

Why it’s great for pre-med:

• Ivy League + urban clinical exposure
• Research and service opportunities
• Great placement into med schools

UC Berkeley - Berkeley, CA

Berkeley is known for its strong STEM programs, especially in biology, and is part of the renowned UC system. The Berkeley Career Engagement center offers focused support to pre-health students. You’re also a short ride from UCSF, one of the country's top medical schools and research centers.

Why it’s great for pre-med:

• Affordable (especially in-state)
• Tough but rewarding academics
• Huge research network and internships

Columbia University - New York, NY

Want to study in the heart of NYC? Columbia gives you Ivy League prestige and access to places like NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Their Office of Preprofessional Advising offers consistent support, and the city offers endless clinical, volunteer, and research experiences.

Why it’s great for pre-med:

• Big city, big opportunities
• Internships at world-renowned hospitals
• Great networking and alumni network

Washington University in St. Louis (WashU)

Along with having a great med school, WashU nurtures undergrad pre-med students with tons of care. Their PreHealth program connects you with peer mentors, faculty, and early research. It’s a strong community, and their med school acceptance rates are consistently high.

Why it’s great for pre-med:

• PreHealth advisors who actually care
• Lots of clinical partnerships
• Welcoming vibe + serious academics

UNC Chapel Hill - Chapel Hill, NC

UNC offers one of the most affordable, well-rounded pre-med experiences in the country. With the UNC School of Medicine nearby and an advising office dedicated to health professionals, students can easily find shadowing, volunteering, and research work without breaking the bank.

Why it’s great for pre-med:

• Low tuition (especially in-state)
• Well-supported pre-med track
• Access to hospitals and public health research

Medical school requirements

No matter which college or university you attend, you must complete a specific set of premed requirements to successfully apply to med school:

• Fulfill your medical school prerequisites. These essential pre-med course requirements typically include several classes in the sciences, and most pre-med schools also require humanities classes.
  • You are not required to be a science major for med school requirements; any major is acceptable as long as you meet your premed coursework. However, common pre-med majors include biology, chemistry, and psychology because they make it easier to complete core pre-med requirements and take more advanced courses.
  • Non-science majors should take some recommended but not required premed courses to round out their studies, such as Cell Bio, Genetics, Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, or Immunology. These classes teach key content for fast-paced first-year medical school courses.
• Take the MCAT exam. The MCAT is the standard admissions test for all premed students and is a crucial part of medical school requirements. It evaluates your critical thinking skills as well as your understanding of fundamental scientific and psychosocial concepts.
• Acquire meaningful research, clinical volunteering, and shadowing experience. While there is no strict minimum, most experts recommend at least 100 hours each of clinical and volunteer work. Finding a paid role as a medical assistant, scribe, or phlebotomist is a great way to meet financial needs and build clinical hours in the process. Choose impactful extracurricular activities and leadership opportunities related to medicine, as these can enhance your premed application.
• Submit strong letters of recommendation along with your application materials. Most med school requirements specify 3-5 letters from professors, advisors, or professionals who can attest to your abilities and potential as a future medical student.
• Complete all written components, such as your personal statement and secondary essays, and participate actively in interviews. Each element plays a vital role in your medical school application process and demonstrates your readiness for medical education.
• Monitor application deadlines and important dates. To meet key pre med requirements, plan to submit MCAT scores and initial applications in late spring or early summer if you wish to begin medical school in the fall of the next year.

By systematically addressing these premed requirements throughout your undergraduate journey, you’ll position yourself to meet all major med school requirements and stand out among applicants to leading premed schools.

Tips to make the most of any pre-med program

1. Master the science courses

Your GPA matters a lot. Focus on doing well in biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics. Ask for help early, whether it’s from tutoring, study groups, or professors.

2. Get research experience

Join a lab or participate in faculty-led research projects. It doesn’t have to be medical-specific; research in psychology, public health, or a different scientific discipline counts. Admissions committees love curiosity and commitment to science.

3. Shadow doctors and volunteer

Real-world exposure to healthcare is essential for aspiring medical students. Gain hands-on experience by shadowing different types of doctors and volunteering in hospitals or clinics. These experiences not only strengthen your application and resume but also provide valuable insights into which area of medicine aligns with your interests.

By accumulating sufficient shadowing hours for medical school, you demonstrate a genuine commitment to the field and clarify your future path in healthcare.

4. Build relationships with professors and advisors

To apply to med school, you’ll need strong letters of recommendation. Start building those connections early, attend office hours, participate in class, and be genuinely engaged. Advisors are key resources for answering questions like how to study for the MCAT, how many shadowing hours you should complete for medical school, and how to choose your schools.

5. Develop emotional resilience

Pre-med life can be intense. Practice time management, learn stress coping techniques, and don’t be afraid to seek mental health support. Your well-being matters just as much as your grades.

6. Plan for the MCAT early

Don’t wait until your junior year to start prepping. Begin reviewing concepts by sophomore year, consider a prep course, and schedule your test when you feel most prepared. A high MCAT score can offset a slightly lower GPA.

7. Stay involved on campus

Join clubs, participate in student organizations, or take leadership roles. Medical schools want to see that you’re well-rounded and passionate.

8. Keep track of your activities

Create a running document of everything you do: shadowing hours, research projects, volunteering, leadership roles, and more. Keeping a detailed record will help you easily track how many shadowing hours for medical school you’ve completed, which is crucial when preparing your AMCAS or AACOMAS application. Documenting your shadowing experiences and knowing how many shadowing hours for medical school are on your resume will save you significant time later in the application process.

9. Find a mentor

Whether it’s a professor, a med student, or a physician, mentorship is powerful. They’ll offer advice, feedback, and encouragement when you need it most.

10. Remember your why

This journey can be long and challenging. Keep reminding yourself why you want to pursue medicine. Write it down. Keep it close. Let it guide you.

Final thoughts

At the end of the day, no school can guarantee a med school spot. But picking a school that truly supports its pre-med students can set the tone for your entire career. Whether you choose an Ivy League, a top public university, or a hidden gem, what matters most is how much you put into the experience.

Just believe in yourself, work hard, and the white coat will follow.