MBBS colleges in the USA: Top 10 Medical Colleges in the USA for International Students in 2025

Requirements for Best Medical Universities in the USA for International Students

We have discussed the important points of top colleges; we will now look at the requirements for international students to get into these colleges.

1. Academic Prerequisites

There are some academic prerequisites that one must maintain to get to med school; you will obviously need a high school degree from a board that is recognized by the medical school you are planning to apply. Next up, you need a bachelor’s degree also from a recognized university, but it must be in the course that the medical school requires; majorly, these include undergrad courses in Chemistry, Physics, biology, and maths, so mainly the traditional science courses.

Also, although there are no minimum GPA requirements, one should expect that the higher the GPA, the better the chance of getting in. Statistically speaking, one should maintain a GPA of at least 3.90 to have a Shot at Ivy League colleges. 

2. MCAT Exam

MCAT is an essential requirement when it comes to medical school admission. The Medical College AdmissioTest (MCAT) assesses problem-solving knowledge of natural behavioral and social science principles and concepts. Along with a good GPA, it is essential to get a high MCAT score. Statistically speaking, you will require 520 plus on your MCAT to get into an Ivy League college.

3. Language Requirements

Universities in the USA expect you to be Proficient in English; in order to show that, you need to appear for a standardized test such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or The International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
How much to score? The more, the better; individual scores vary from college to college; however, it is generally advised that you give your best.

4. Extracurriculars

Extracurricular activities also play a major role in your college application. The better your extracurricular activities are, the better your chance of getting that acceptance letter is.
Activities like working in an NGO, sports team, and musical activity are looked upon favorably. Also, since you’re applying to a medical program, your extracurricular activity must have something related to the medical line, like working under a doctor or shadowing, volunteering in a clinic, or doing part-time jobs. Everything showcases that you are interested in the field of medicine and want to contribute positively to it.

However, whatever you do must be done under an authentic institution so as to not have any unfavorable remarks on your visa application.

5. Letters of recommendation

The number of letters required varies from college to college. However, we will advise you to keep at least three to six essays with you. Since you are planning for a medical program, your LOR must have that aspect in it, which means you must arrange for LOR from your medical professor, the doctor you have shadowed under, and clinics from where you did your volunteering or part-time job.
Basically, go for only relevant LORs; it won’t make sense to submit a LOR from your music teacher. Also, just do not stick to academics. You need LORs, which shows that you are a medical enthusiast both in the class and outside of it.

6. Secondary application requirements 

After applying through AMCAS, all candidates are given a secondary application by colleges; these are designed to get to know you better as a prospective attendee to their college program.

This secondary application contains a diversity essay, and this is where students can make a case for themselves. It is important because you can show the colleges what you bring to the table, apart from your MCAT and GPA scores.
Answering a diversity essay is a difficult task. You could provide how your daily experiences since childhood have inculcated in you a desire to become a physician. 

7. Research

It is also expected that all pre-med students have a research interest and have contributed to the research community through articles and journals. While the research itself must not be groundbreaking, it must show the admission authority that you have a keen interest in furthering your knowledge and that you are not afraid to dig deeper.

You can opt for a summer college internship or contact your professor while you are in your undergraduate studies.

Scholarships at the Best Medical Universities in USA for International Students

 Financial resources or lack thereof can parade your dreams of attending a medical college. It is such a daunting task, so much so that AAMC says, “require applicants to prove they have sufficient financial resources to pay for all four years of medical school or will require applicants to have the full amount in an escrow account.”
In such a scenario, one must not lose hope because scholarship aid is available, even at top-ranked medical schools like Yale, John Hopkins, and Harvard.

There are also databases wherein you can check for scholarships;

Finaid: it is a searchable database of scholarships from high school to graduate school.

Tylenol Future Care Scholarship

White Coat Investor scholarship: In order to get this scholarship, you need to be already enrolled in a professional course. If your college application is accepted, you have a significant chance to get this scholarship.

FAQ on Medical Colleges in the USA for International Students in 2024

1. Can International students study Medicine in the USA?

Ans. Yes, International students can study medicine in the USA. Although it is a challenging task to get into a medical program, as only 62 medical schools accept international students with excellent GPAs and MCAT scores along with detailed and tailored essays, one can expect a callback.

2. How can I apply to medical schools in the USA as an international student?

Ans. The admission procedure is not totally different from that of candidates in the USA. International students will have to submit English proficiency tests such as TOEFL or IELTS. Furthermore, being an international student gives you possession of knowledge that is situated in your culture, and you should use that knowledge positively.  

3. What are the Documents Required for MBBS in the USA?

•  Academic transcripts of prior studies. An approved agency evaluates international transcripts.
• Relevant test results like MCAT.
• Copy of a valid passport
• F1 Visa for students
• Statement of Purpose.

4. Are there any scholarships or grants available for MBBS students in the USA?

Ans. Yes, there are scholarships available for MBBS students; top schools like Yale, Harvard, etc., provide financial help. One should visit these colleges’ websites individually to keep track of it. Furthermore, there are websites like Finaid that keep a database of scholarships.