Harvard University Medical School

Harvard University Medical School was founded in 1782 and is the third oldest medical school in the United States. Located in Boston, Massachusetts, it is one of the most prestigious medical schools in the world and has been a leader in medical education for over two centuries. The school has trained some of the most influential figures in medicine, including James Jackson, Oliver Wendell Holmes, and Abraham Flexner. Harvard Medical School has played a major role in shaping American medicine through its innovative research and teaching methods. It has been instrumental in establishing a strong foundation for modern medical practice by developing new techniques, therapies, and treatments that have been adopted by other institutions. Harvard Medical School also holds an important place in history as it was the first to introduce the now-standard four-year curriculum for medical students. Throughout its long history, Harvard Medical School has remained committed to advancing medical knowledge through rigorous research and training future generations of physicians.

Harvard University Medical School

Harvard Medical School, abbreviated as HMS, is one of the top-ranked U.S. medical schools located in Boston, MA. Keep reading to see admissions application information including average GRE scores, admissions selection factors and dual degree programs of Harvard Medical School.

25 Shattuck Street
Boston, MA 02115-6092
(617) 432-1550

Admissions E-mail: admissions_office@hms.harvard.edu
Web site: http://www.hms.harvard.edu
Electronic application: http://www.hms.harvard.edu/education.html

Fall 2008 Admissions Information
AMCAS application accepted? Yes
Earliest application date: 06/01
Application deadline: 10/15
Oldest MCAT considered: 2004
Application fee: $85
Director of admissions: Joanne M. McEvoy
Does this school ask for a secondary application as part of the admissions process? Yes

This school requires undergraduate work in these subjects in order to apply: biology, English, organic chemistry, inorganic (general) chemistry, physics, molecular and cell biology, mathematics, demonstration of writing skills, calculus, general chemistry

Is a personal interview required for admission? Yes
Are interviews conducted at the medical school? Yes

Acceptance notice to regular application for the 2007-2008 first-year class:
-Earliest date: July 1
-Latest date: November 15

Applicant’s response to acceptance offer for the 2007-2008 first-year class:
-Maximum time in weeks: 3 weeks
-Does the school consider requests for deferred entrance? Yes
-Deposit to hold place in class: None
-Deposit due: N/A
-Deposit refundable prior to: N/A
-Starting month for the class of 2007-2008: August

Early Decision Plan application period for the 2007-2008 first-year class:
-Does the school have an Early Decision Plan (EDP)? No
-EDP application period begins: N/A
-EDP application period ends: N/A
-EDP applicants notified by: N/A

Fall 2005 Admissions Statistics

Harvard University Medical School is one of the most prestigious medical schools in the world. The admissions process is highly competitive, and only a small percentage of applicants are accepted each year. In 2020, Harvard accepted 2,919 out of 8,797 applicants for its MD program, giving it an acceptance rate of 33.2%. Of those accepted students, around 28% were from underrepresented minority groups. The average GPA of accepted students in 2020 was 3.89 and the average MCAT score was 519. Additionally, over 50% of matriculants had research experience and almost 70% had participated in community service activities prior to applying to Harvard Medical School. With its high academic standards and commitment to diversity and inclusion, Harvard University Medical School is a top destination for aspiring medical students.

Applied Interviewed Accepted Enrolled
Total: 4,717 912 220 165
In-state: N/A N/A N/A N/A
Out-of-state: N/A N/A N/A N/A
Women: 2,118 N/A 114 88
Minorities: 2,109 N/A 92 28
International: 298 N/A 21 18

Acceptance rate: 4.7%

GPA
Average undergraduate GPA: 3.81

MCAT
Overall score (composite): 11.7
Verbal reasoning: 11.1
Physical sciences: 11.9
Biological: 12.1
Writing: R

Undergraduate Majors
Biological sciences (biology, microbiology, zoology, etc.): 56%
Physical sciences (biochemistry, chemistry, engineering, etc.): 16%
Non-sciences (sociology, economics, English, etc.): 16%
Other health professions (nursing, pharmacy, etc.): 0%
Mixed disciplines and other: 12%

Biological sciences (biology, microbiology, zoology, etc.): 56%
Physical sciences (biochemistry, chemistry, engineering, etc.): 16%
Non-sciences (sociology, economics, English, etc.): 16%
Other health professions (nursing, pharmacy, etc.): 0%
Mixed disciplines and other: 12%

Combined Degree Programs
Combined degree programs offered: M.D./Ph.D., M.D./M.B.A., M.D./M.P.H.

Does the school have a combined college/M.D. program? No
Number of years to complete combined college/M.D. program: N/A
Web site for combined college/M.D. program: N/A

Selection Factors
Details on the policies, preferences, criteria, factors and procedures used in the M.D. admission process:
(Data appear as originally submitted by this school)
Academic excellence is expected. Committee members consider the entire application, including the essay, extracurricular activities, life experiences, research, community work, and letters of recommendation. HMS looks for evidence of integrity, maturity, humanitarian concerns, leadership potential, and an aptitude for working with people. The 2006; entering class came from 65 different colleges.