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US Medicine · 2027 Entry

Stanford University School of Medicine (MD) Medical School2027 Entry Requirements & Interview Format

Location Stanford, CA, United StatesEstablished 1908Interviews September–JanuaryDecisions March 30

Photo: Jawed · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Overview

About Stanford University School of Medicine (MD)

Stanford University School of Medicine, located on the main Stanford campus in the Bay Area, combines a rigorous MD curriculum with unparalleled access to Silicon Valley innovation and the Stanford University research enterprise. The school offers flexible curriculum tracks and emphasizes scholarly concentration in areas ranging from biomedical research to health policy. Stanford's proximity to leading biotech and technology companies creates distinctive opportunities for physician-innovator training.

What makes it different

All Stanford MD students complete a Scholarly Concentration — a structured deep-dive into a chosen academic field culminating in a publishable project. Partnerships with Stanford d.school (Hasso Plattner Institute of Design) allow students to develop health technology innovations. The school operates on a strong Pass/Fail grading system through preclinical years.

Course & teaching

Integrated curriculum. 4-year MD. Year 1–2: Core Principles (basic science + early clinical exposure). Year 3: Clinical Core rotations. Year 4: Scholarly Concentration project culminating in a capstone. All students complete a scholarly concentration in one of 11 tracks including basic science, clinical research, health policy, or medical education.

Research strengths

Stanford University School of Medicine (MD) has notable research strength in Genomics and precision medicine, Stem cell biology, Health equity, Biomedical engineering, Immunology.

Interview

Stanford University School of Medicine (MD) interviews via Hybrid: MMI scenario stations plus traditional one-on-one interview(s).

Intake

Approximately 90 students per year.

At a glance

Founded in 1908, based in Stanford, CA. Programmes offered: Biomedical Innovation, Oncology, Cardiovascular Medicine, Neuroscience, Health Policy.

Entry requirements

What you need to apply to Stanford University School of Medicine (MD)

Admission overview
Bachelor's degree and MCAT required. Stanford values research experience, intellectual curiosity, and a demonstrated commitment to improving health. Applicants are expected to have strong foundations in the natural sciences. The application uses AMCAS; a secondary application is required of all applicants.
MCAT median
518 (range 511–525)
GPA median
3.90 overall / 3.89 science (BCPM)
Acceptance rate
1.0%
Class size
90
In-state preference
None
CASPer
Not required
AAMC PREview
Not required
Holistic review emphasis
Research, intellectual depth, innovation, and commitment to health equity.
Notes
MCAT/GPA from Stanford class profile; approximate rounded values. Class size varies slightly year to year.
Specialities offered
Biomedical Innovation, Oncology, Cardiovascular Medicine, Neuroscience, Health Policy
Interview

How Stanford University School of Medicine (MD) interviews applicants

Format
Hybrid: MMI scenario stations plus traditional one-on-one interview(s)
Interview window
September–January
Decision date
March 30
Tutor insight
Stanford's MMI assesses collaborative problem-solving and innovation mindset alongside ethical reasoning. Prepare examples that show how you have engaged with complex systems-level problems — not just clinical or research achievements in isolation. The Scholarly Concentration is central to the program, so articulate a clear intellectual interest in your secondary essays. At ~90 seats with roughly 9,000 applications (around a 1% matriculation rate), competition is fierce: ensure your research or innovation narrative is specific and compelling rather than generic.
Practice

Practise for your Stanford University School of Medicine (MD) interview

PrometheusQuestion Bank621 medicine questions inside

Interview questions matched to Stanford University School of Medicine (MD)

Two questions our tutors flagged as a strong fit for Stanford University School of Medicine (MD)’s interview style. Try answering them out loud, then open Prometheus for the model answers and follow-up tips.

HardPanel · MMIQ1

US Healthcare Ethics: Medicare for All vs. Pluralist Healthcare

You are asked in an interview: 'Do you support Medicare for All?' This is a politically charged question. Some applicants decline to answer; others offer a position. Regardless of your personal view, how do you think a physician's relationship to health policy advocacy should be framed, and what does the evidence say about the comparative strengths and weaknesses of single-payer versus pluralist healthcare systems for population health outcomes?

Likely follow-up · What evidence from countries with single-payer systems — such as Canada or the UK — compares favourably or unfavourably to US outcomes on specific metrics?

3 expert tips in Prometheus
HardPanelQ2

US Healthcare Ethics: Conscientious Objection in Clinical Practice

A fourth-year medical student on an OB/GYN rotation tells you she has a sincere religious objection to participating in any procedure related to abortion, including first-trimester medical management. Her clerkship director says all students must complete these rotations as core competencies. The student argues her conscience rights should be respected. You are asked as a resident to share your perspective. What are the competing ethical frameworks here, and where do you stand?

Likely follow-up · What is the ACOG position on conscientious objection, and does it differ from the AAMC's position on clinical competency requirements?

3 expert tips in Prometheus
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FAQ

Stanford University School of Medicine (MD) — frequently asked questions

Apply to Stanford University School of Medicine (MD) with confidence

We've helped students turn their MCAT, personal statement and interview prep into offers from Stanford University School of Medicine (MD) and other US medicine schools.