Medical Schools in Maine: How to Get In (2024)
/Explore your chances of admission to medical schools in Maine, including average GPA and MCAT scores, school profiles, and success strategies.
learn everything you need to know about getting into medical schools in maine
Part 1: Introduction
Part 2: List of medical schools in Maine: 2024 rankings & admissions statistics
Part 3: Maine medical school profiles
Part 4: Maine medical school admissions strategies
Appendix A: Maine medical schools by degree type
Appendix B: Maine medical schools by institution type
Appendix C: Maine medical schools by region
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Part 1: Introduction
Maine, known for its picturesque landscapes and rich maritime heritage, is home to Acadia National Park and produces almost 90% of the nation’s lobster supply. Maine's unique geography—boasting a rugged coastline and vast forested areas—provides an ideal backdrop for outdoorsy medical students to engage with diverse populations, particularly in rural settings where healthcare access is often lacking.
While the “Pine Tree State” itself may not immediately spring to mind when you think of dynamic medical schools, this is likely because the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNE COM) is the only school actually located in the state. However, the Maine Track program at Tufts University School of Medicine in Massachusetts offers a path to an MD for students who wish to serve the residents of Maine.
If you’re seeking first-class MD or DO programs where you’ll engage directly with underserved populations while surrounding yourself with abundant natural beauty, a medical school in Maine could be exactly what you’re looking for.
In this guide, we’ll delve into the available programs at medical schools in Maine, highlighting their offerings, average GPA and MCAT scores required for entry, and strategies to maximize your chances of landing a spot at a Maine medical school.
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Part 2: List of medical schools in Maine: 2024 rankings & admissions statistics
The great state of Maine has only one medical school within its borders, the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNE COM), located in Biddeford. Since this is an osteopathic medical school, if you’re keen to study medicine entirely in Maine, you’ll also want to pursue a DO degree.
If you’re set on acquiring an MD but also want to study in Maine, the Maine Track Program at Tufts University School of Medicine, developed in cooperation with MaineHealth, is another option. Following this route would require you to become a Tufts University medical student, but you’d spend the majority of your time studying at clinical sites in Maine. We’ll cover more about how this program works and what its curriculum entails later in this guide.
It’s also worth noting that there is some discussion of founding a public MD-granting institution in Maine, but this is still in the early stages. A report on its feasibility is due in November 2025.
Whether the practice of holistic osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) or the more traditional allopathic practice excites you, there’s a medical school program in Maine that caters to you. However, gaining acceptance to a Maine medical school will take much more than just a passion for the subject.
In the table below, we’ve gathered some stats regarding the medical schools in Maine to give you an idea of your chances for entry, plus what it might cost. While we were researching this information, a few key points stood out to us.
UNE COM is currently located in Biddeford, Maine, but the construction of a new campus is underway in Portland.
UNE COM’s direct costs are in line with many other DO schools elsewhere in the country, but it’s still more expensive than public DO schools. Unfortunately, you won’t be at a cost advantage if you’re a Maine resident, and if that’s the case for you, it could be more cost-effective for you to study elsewhere.
While UNE COM lists a minimum GPA for consideration of your application, it’s clear from their average GPA that achieving near the minimum will not be enough to gain entry.
The Tufts University School of Medicine is highly regarded and more selective than UNE COM. Applying to the Maine Track Program means you’ll have to achieve much more competitive GPA and MCAT scores than if you’re applying to UNE COM.
Suggested reading: (What MCAT Score Do You Need to Get Into Medical School?)
(Note: We strongly advise you to sign up for MSAR for the most up-to-date and comprehensive data on individual MD programs and to sign up for Choose DO for DO program data.)
| Maine Medical Schools | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNE COM) | UR (Primary Care) (2024) |
(Currently planning to move to Portland) |
$71,630 OOS |
2.8 minimum for consideration |
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| Maine Track program at Tufts University School of Medicine | Tier 2 (Primary Care) (2024) |
2008 (Maine Track Program) |
$72,686 OOS |
38 (Maine Track) |
*Public medical schools in Maine | UR: Unranked | IS: In-state | OOS: Out-of-state | N/A: Not available
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Part 3: Maine medical school profiles
University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
The UNE College of Osteopathic Medicine is recognized nationally for its commitment to training physicians who are dedicated to serving the healthcare needs of Maine residents. As Maine’s only medical school, it plays a unique role in educating and supporting the community.
As a UNE COM student, you’ll have access to a high-fidelity patient simulation lab as well as learning laboratories for OMM and clinical skills. UNE COM places an emphasis on collaborative learning, and you’ll begin your journey acquiring foundational knowledge during your first two years before moving onto the clinical experiences phase of your studies, which are organized as a Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship (LIC). This means you’ll join a primary care clinic and have your own patients for a year rather than moving through six-week blocks that focus on a particular discipline.
If you’re looking to enhance your skills in working with rural and underserved communities, UNE COM offers a two-year honors program called A Care for the Underserved Scholars Program that you can engage in for additional skill building.
Maine Track program at Tufts University School of Medicine
The Maine Track program at Tufts University School of Medicine offers a way to earn an MD as if you attended a medical school in Maine. Graduates of this program earn a combined degree from Tufts and MaineHealth, and up to 20 students each year are considered for a $25,000 scholarship that could be renewable throughout your four years in the program. With 38 total Maine Track students in the most recent class, your chances of receiving a scholarship and offsetting the cost of an MD education are quite good!
The curriculum is focused on ‘community-based healthcare’ and will have you beginning your studies in Boston for the first year, then continuing at clinical sites throughout Maine. Similar to UNE COM, an LIC option is available during your third year, but you can also choose to participate in traditional block clerkships.
It’s possible to apply to both the Maine Track program and the normal Tufts MD program. Since there’s only space for a few Main Track students each year, even if you’re rejected you can still be considered for the traditional MD program. Furthermore, if you’re sure the Maine Track program is for you, there is an early assurance program for students at certain institutions in Maine.
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Part 4: Maine medical school admissions strategies
Strategy 1: Highlight the unique attributes of Maine medical schools and connect them to your skills and experiences
When applying to medical schools in Maine, it's essential to research the distinctive qualities of each institution. By understanding what makes each school unique, you can tailor your personal statement and essays to reflect specific opportunities that resonate with your background and aspirations.
For instance, the University of New England (UNE) emphasizes a team-based approach in its curriculum. If you have experience working collaboratively in academic or professional settings, be sure to highlight this in your application. For example, this could relate to a shadowing experience you had or even a research project you participated in during undergrad. Think back to any lab work you did and consider if there are any moments where teamwork would help you stand out on your application. Then, connect this experience to UNE COM's educational philosophy and how it prepared you to support their campus community.
If you’re applying to the Maine Track program at Tufts, refocus your essays to target their ideals of community-based healthcare and be sure to showcase your ties to Maine. If you’ve engaged in volunteer work or research related to rural health or primary care, this could help you make a compelling case for why you would thrive in this program.
The important thing is to make sure you’re connecting your experiences and extracurriculars to the missions of medical schools in Maine. Adcoms like to see a thread within your application that reads like a narrative where the next logical step is a place in their program.
Strategy 2: Thoroughly prepare for interviews at medical schools in Maine
Your medical school interview is the final barrier between you and a white coat, but all too often students don’t take the time to thoroughly prepare for their interview day.
First, ensure that you have familiarized yourself with the interview format you will encounter. The University of New England (UNE) typically conducts traditional one-on-one interviews, while the Maine Track program at Tufts University School of Medicine may incorporate elements of the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format. Additionally, consider whether your interview is in-person or virtual.
In a traditional interview at UNE, you might be asked questions like, “What work have you done with underserved populations, and do you wish to continue doing that?” or, “Tell me about a time when you advocated for a patient.” Conversely, if you participate in an MMI for the Maine Track program, you could face ethical dilemmas or situational questions that require quick thinking and adaptability.
Regardless of the format, it’s crucial to review common interview questions and practice your responses. Admissions committees are looking to see how you engage with others, so practicing your style of delivery will go a long way to giving off a confident, assured, and positive impression to adcoms.
Additionally, take time to understand the unique aspects of each program. For example, the Maine Track program focuses on training physicians who are committed to serving rural and underserved communities. If you have relevant experiences—such as volunteer work or research in community health—be sure to highlight these during your interview to illustrate your fit with their mission.
Suggested Reading: (How to Ace Medical School Interviews (Questions Included))
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Strategy 3: Organize your efforts around secondary essays for medical schools in Maine
Your GPA and MCAT scores may be the first indicator of your suitability for medical school that adcoms see, but it’s your secondary essays where you differentiate yourself from other candidates. To make sure you submit the best work possible and maximize your chances of entry, you’ll need to set aside time for first, second, and third drafts (possibly even more!). This can be a difficult task given your limited schedule, but with a proper plan of attack, your writing can go much more smoothly.
Currently, the UNE COM mandates several secondary essays as part of its application process. Before diving into your writing, take the time to familiarize yourself with UNE’s specific secondary application requirements and develop a strategic plan. This will give you a clearer picture of the workload ahead and enable you to approach your writing in a way that aligns with your personal style.
If you're also considering the Maine Track program offered by Tufts University School of Medicine, be sure to review its distinct essay prompts as well. By having a well-defined plan, you can effectively present your best self through these essential elements of your application.
Suggested Reading: (Medical School Secondary Essays: The Complete Guide)
| Delaware Medical Schools | |
|---|---|
| University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNE COM) | |
| Tufts University School of Medicine |
Looking for medical school secondary essay examples? We have a sample essay in response to every prompt required by every medical school in the US and Canada. You can subscribe below.
Gain instant access to med school secondary essay examples for every single prompt required by every medical school in the United States and Canada. Subscribe today to lock in the current investments, which will be increasing in the future for new subscribers.
Final thoughts
Getting into either path through the medical schools in Maine will require a high degree of persistence and dedication. By showcasing your commitment to serving local communities as well as demonstrating the experiences that have shaped your desire to pursue a career in medicine you can drastically enhance your chances of one day wearing your own white coat.
About the Author
Dr. Shirag Shemmassian is the Founder of Shemmassian Academic Consulting and one of the world's foremost experts on medical school admissions. For nearly 20 years, he and his team have helped thousands of students get into medical school using his exclusive approach.
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Appendix A: Maine medical schools by degree type
Allopathic medical schools in Maine (MD)
Maine Track program at Tufts University School of Medicine (Boston, MA)
Osteopathic medical schools in Maine (DO)
University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNE COM)
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Appendix B: Maine medical schools by institution type
Public medical schools in Maine
Maine Track program at Tufts University School of Medicine (Boston, MA)
Private medical schools in Maine
University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNE COM)
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Appendix C: Maine medical schools by region
Medical Schools in Greater Portland & Casco Bay
There are no medical schools in Geater Portland and Casco Bay, however, UNE COM is in the process of moving to Portland.
Medical Schools in southwestern Maine
University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNE COM)
