Medical Schools in Minnesota: How to Get In (2025)
/Which are the best medical schools in Minnesota? Learn how hard it is to get into Minnesota medical schools, plus admissions strategies to make it happen
There are two medical schools in Minnesota
Part 1: Introduction
Part 2: List of medical schools in Minnesota: 2024 rankings and admissions statistics
Part 3: Minnesota medical school profiles
Part 4: Minnesota medical school admissions strategies
Part 5: Frequently asked questions
Appendix A: Minnesota medical schools by degree type
Appendix B: Minnesota medical schools by institution type
Appendix C: Minnesota medical schools by region
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Part 1: Introduction
Located in the heart of the Upper Midwest, Minnesota is known for its 10,000+ lakes (most notably Lake Superior), the bustling Minneapolis–Saint Paul “Twin Cities” metropolis (home to 50% of Minnesotans), and its two internationally recognized medical schools: the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine and the University of Minnesota Medical School.
Whichever Minnesota medical school you choose to study and rotate through, you will graduate from a top institution known for its breadth and depth of clinical cases, research excellence, and commitment to medical education.
The goals of this guide are to provide you with an overview of the strengths of both Minnesota medical schools and to highlight unique qualities of each program’s curriculum and other offerings so you can decide if either would be a great fit for you. We’ll also offer admissions strategies to help you optimize your chances of receiving an acceptance from the Minnesota medical school of your choice.
Suggested reading: (How Hard Is It to Get into Medical School?)
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Part 2: List of medical schools in Minnesota: 2024 rankings and admissions statistics
Below you will find the latest statistics on Minnesota medical schools, such as rankings and average GPAs and MCAT scores, so you can easily compare the two schools side-by-side. While compiling this information, we noticed the following:
Both Minnesota medical schools are allopathic.
Minnesota medical schools are highly competitive. Both appeared in the top 50 on the 2023 U.S. News Best Medical Schools (Research) ranking, and one appears in the top 15. Both received high rankings in the 2024 U.S. News Best Medical Schools (Research) rankings as well.
While Minnesota residents enjoy higher interview rates at both Minnesota medical schools, Minnesota’s public medical school (the University of Minnesota Medical School) also matriculates an extremely high percentage of in-state residents.
In the ranking column below, numbers in parentheses show each medical school’s national ranking, whereas numbers outside parentheses reflect each Minnesota medical school’s relative rank. Relative rankings allow us to more easily answer the question, “Which are the ‘best’ medicals school in Minnesota?”
(Note: We strongly recommend that you sign up for MSAR for the most up-to-date information on MD programs and that you sign up for Choose DO for DO program data.)
(Note: U.S. News and World Report moved to a tier-based ranking system in fall 2024, in part due to a number of schools declining to participate. Schools that declined to share sufficient data with US News are now unranked, which is reflected in the table below with ‘UR.' Schools that did participate are given ‘tier’ rankings by U.S. News. We’ve reported rankings from both the prior and current cycles to more accurately reflect where medical schools in Minnesota stand.)
| Minnesota Medical Schools | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine | Tier 1 (Research) - 2024 |
$68,104 OOS |
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| University of Minnesota Medical School* | Tier 2 (Research) - 2024 |
Duluth |
$46,724 IS $69,638 OOS (Twin Cities) |
Note: GPA and MCAT averages are across both campuses. |
5.6% OOS |
(Including Duluth and Twin Cities MD program and MD-PhD program) |
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Part 3: Minnesota medical school profiles
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
Though the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine is comprised of three campuses across three states, its Minnesota campus is the oldest and largest. On top of this, it shares a home with the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, consistently ranked the best hospital in America.
One of the key aspects of Mayo’s medical program is its small first-year class size, which averages around 100 students. Students collaborate closely with one another and with faculty members, creating an environment conducive to mentorship and teamwork, which are integral to Mayo’s approach to medical education. In fact, approximately 40% of Mayo medical graduates choose to continue their residency training at Mayo, reflecting the strength of the program and the sense of belonging fostered among students.
The school places a strong emphasis on producing research-oriented physicians, and the majority of students graduate with a manuscript published in a respected, peer-reviewed journal.
The curriculum at Mayo is designed to be flexible and individualized, offering opportunities for students to pursue academic enrichments that align with their specific professional goals. These enrichments provide avenues for students to gain additional expertise in their areas of interest, such as through further experience in a chosen specialty, conducting dedicated research, or engaging in global health initiatives. One example is the Mayo International Health Program (MIHP), which provides students with the chance to participate in global health studies, as well as the Global Surgery: Part 1 initiative, which focuses on addressing surgical care disparities in underserved regions.
In addition to the traditional preclinical curriculum, Mayo offers students selectives—periods during their four years of medical school where they can explore different aspects of healthcare and medical delivery that interest them. Students are also encouraged to propose their own selectives, allowing them to shape their medical training in a way that is meaningful to them.
(Suggested reading: How to Get Into Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine: Requirements and Strategies)
University of Minnesota Medical School
With campuses located in the Twin Cities and Duluth, the University of Minnesota Medical School’s curriculum is known for its active learning and integrated curriculum. Students will study both the foundational sciences and clinical skills courses in their first two years of medical school within a curriculum that promotes student engagement through a variety of teaching methods, including case-based learning, problem-solving sessions, and hands-on clinical experiences.
In the first two years of medical school, students at the University of Minnesota will immerse themselves in both foundational science courses and clinical skills training. The clinical phase of the program offers students the opportunity to rotate through a wide array of clinical sites—over eighteen in total—across various cities throughout Minnesota.
As Minnesota’s public medical school, the University of Minnesota Medical School is committed to serving the state’s diverse populations. The medical school places a strong emphasis on addressing health disparities and providing care to underserved communities. This commitment is particularly evident in the school’s focus on Native American health education and rural medicine initiatives, especially at its Duluth campus. The Duluth campus is known for its robust programs aimed at preparing students to work in rural and Indigenous communities, ensuring that future physicians are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the healthcare needs of these populations.
The University of Minnesota Medical School has a remarkable track record of producing a significant proportion of the state’s physicians. Currently, 70% of Minnesota’s physicians are graduates of the University of Minnesota Medical School, underscoring its impact on the local healthcare workforce.
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Part 4: Minnesota medical school admissions strategies
Strategy 1: Utilize statistics when deciding which Minnesota medical schools to apply to
As evidenced by the data listed above, it is clear that both Minnesota medical schools are highly competitive. For admissions success at either school, you should score highly on your MCAT and achieve an average GPA of 3.8 or higher.
It is also beneficial to note any connections you may have to Minnesota or your desire to work in Minnesota as a physician. In particular, the University of Minnesota Medical School has a strong preference for in-state applicants and those who wish to practice in Minnesota after medical school graduation.
(Suggested reading: How Many Medical Schools Should I Apply To? Which Ones?)
Strategy 2: Learn what makes each Minnesota medical school unique, and make sure to communicate fit with these key features
Take time to consider your achievements, strengths, and career goals when deciding if you should apply to either Minnesota medical school.
For example, if you are eager to pursue in-depth research and be exposed to many sub-specialty areas of medicine, Mayo likely fits what you are looking for. On the other hand, if you are keen to practice community-oriented medicine and stay in Minnesota once you are done attending, you may benefit more from attending the University of Minnesota Medical School.
Then, make sure to effectively incorporate this fit into your secondary essays and medical school interview responses.
Strategy 3: Plan your writing process
We recommend that students apply to 15–25 carefully selected medical schools for the best chance of success. After you’ve completed your primary application (personal statement, AMCAS Work and Activities, etc.) it will then be time to work on your secondary essays and each school will have varying numbers of required essays with different limits. If you’re applying to 15+ schools, the number of essays you’ll have to write can add up quickly!
That’s why it’s prudent to plan how you will approach this task according to your personal working style. To do this, look at the numbers of essays required for each school and consider their word counts. You may want to tackle longer essays or shorter ones first—the choice is up to you.
We’ve placed the number of secondary essays for each of the medical schools in Minnesota in the table below, noting how many are required. Often, schools will have optional essay prompts as well, but it’s a good idea to try and answer as many as you can.
| Minnesota Medical Schools | |
|---|---|
| Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine | |
| University of Minnesota Medical School |
Looking for secondary essay examples? Click below to access sample secondary essays for every prompt required by every MD and DO program in the United States and Canada. 1500+ essays and counting.
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Strategy 4: Think ahead to the interview
The final stage of the admissions process is interview day, and if you make it that far it’s truly cause for celebration. However, don’t break out the champagne just yet. You have one final obstacle to overcome before you’ve got an open path to a white coat.
Interviews vary at every school. Will it follow a traditional or MMI format? What questions will you be asked? Will your interview be open or closed file? Will it be in-person or virtual?
Planning for each of these situations is crucial to your success and to leave adcoms with a positive impression of what you will bring to their institution. Make sure you think through your responses to common questions such as, “Why do you want to be a doctor?” Review your application materials so that you can readily speak to your extracurricular activities or academic interests.
Everything will be on the table on interview day, so be sure you’re prepared and can confidently handle anything they may ask of you.
Invited to a med school interview? Congrats! There's no need to land in waitlist purgatory or the rejection pile. Learn how to craft memorable, acceptance-worthy responses using the resource below.
Gain instant access to the most common traditional and MMI interview questions, plus sample responses for each, to help you craft responses that lead to acceptances. Subscribe today to lock in the current investments, which will be increasing in the future for new subscribers.
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Part 5: Frequently asked questions
Is Minnesota a good state for doctors?
If you’re considering a medical school in Minnesota, you may be wondering if it’s a good state in which to practice medicine. According to WalletHub’s ranking of the best states for doctors, Minnesota ranks sixth out of 51 (including the District of Columbia) meaning for factors such as opportunity (including salary) and the overall medical environment Minnesota is one of the best states in the nation to be a doctor.
It’s known for low malpractice rates and generally high compensation. Physicians Thrive ranks Minnesota ninth in their list and mentions an average salary of $248,110 per year. Keep in mind, this compensation can vary based on your specialty.
On the other hand, the dynamic Twin Cities region will have a higher cost of living than other areas in the country and Minnesota is known to have winters that are long and harsh. There is also a demand for physicians and while that means more opportunity and flexibility in your job search, it could also contribute to long hours and burnout.
Will a 3.7 GPA get me into med school in Minnesota?
Students are constantly wondering exactly what GPA they need to be assured of entry to medical school—whether in Minnesota or anywhere else. The answer is that hitting a certain number or score on its own is not enough to guarantee you entry anywhere. Since medical schools practice holistic admissions, you’ll need to have a high GPA and MCAT score while still showcasing an impressive extracurricular profile.
That said, of the two medical schools in Minnesota, both report average GPAs among matriculants above 3.7. However, it’s important to remember that if 3.7 is the average, there are plenty of matriculants with GPAs above that as well as below. Practicing good study habits as a premed is the best course of action to keep your GPA up and your chance of wearing a white coat high.
Your GPA is important to admissions committees in evaluating your application, but you should use it as a barometer to gauge your likelihood of entry and determine strategically where to apply to give yourself the best chance of success.
Final thoughts
There are only two medical schools in Minnesota; however, they are both world-renowned and differ from one another along lines such as curricula, locations, and missions. By strategically shaping your medical school list and submitting tailored application materials, you will position yourself to be successful when applying to either medical school in Minnesota.
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: Minnesota medical schools by degree type
Allopathic medical schools in Minnesota (MD)
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
University of Minnesota Medical School
Osteopathic medical schools in Minnesota (DO)
There are no osteopathic medical schools in Minnesota.
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Appendix B: Minnesota medical schools by institution type
Public medical schools in Minnesota
University of Minnesota Medical School
Private medical schools in Minnesota
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
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Appendix C: Minnesota medical schools by region
Medical schools in Minneapolis–Saint Paul (Twin Cities)
University of Minnesota Medical School (Twin Cities campus)
Medical schools outside of Minneapolis–Saint Paul (Twin Cities)
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
University of Minnesota Medical School (Duluth campus)
