How Hard is it to Get into Medical School - Xavier University

How Hard is it to Get into Medical School?

“How hard is it to get into medical school?” For aspiring physicians, this is one of the first questions they ask themselves. And for good reason. If you’ve checked the latest acceptance rates of medical schools, then you already know the answer may be—very difficult. With thousands of qualified applicants competing for limited seats, even strong candidates are left wondering if it is even possible to get into medical school with a lower GPA and an average MCAT.

What many future physicians don’t realize, however, is that looking beyond U.S. borders toward the best Caribbean medical schools—like Xavier University School of Medicine in Aruba—can open an attainable, accredited, and affordable path to becoming an MD.

2025 Medical School Acceptance Rates

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the 2024–2025 application cycle saw 51,946 applicants competing for MD program seats in the U.S.—and only 23,048 were accepted as first-year matriculants. That means only 44.4% of applicants secured a place, while a striking 55.6% were not admitted, even though many possessed the passion, qualifications, and commitment needed to excel in medical school. Were you an applicant who was not accepted? While these numbers may sound discouraging, the truth is that not being accepted into a U.S. program doesn’t mean your medical career is over. In fact, it may just be your ticket to paradise where your dream of becoming a doctor could become a sunny reality by attending a respected Caribbean medical school. For students with non-traditional backgrounds, lower GPAs, or who don’t have MCAT scores, Caribbean medical schools are an excellent alternative.

Caribbean Medical Schools are a Trusted Pathway to Your Career as an MD

Caribbean medical schools have become a trusted pathway for U.S. and Canadian students because:

  •       You can be accepted with a lower GPA
  •       The MCAT is not always required
  •       It is generally easier to get accepted
  •       Clinical rotations can still be completed in U.S. hospitals
  •       The curriculum is accredited and aligned with U.S. standards

But not all Caribbean medical schools are the same. It’s essential to choose one like Xavier University School of Medicine since it is:

Choose a Caribbean Medical School that Checks These Boxes

No MCAT Required

Xavier removes one of the largest barriers to medical school. Students may still submit MCAT scores, but these are not required for admission. This allows capable applicants, especially those who’ve either tested poorly or faced personal challenges, to still pursue their medical career.

Fully Accredited

The recognition from the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine (ACCM)’s WFME ensures that Xavier graduates remain fully eligible for Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certification, U.S. residencies, and licensure. This is a critical differentiator, as not all Caribbean schools meet these standards.

  •     Fully accredited by ACCM, an accrediting body recognized by WFME
  •       Approved by the New York State Education Department (NYSED)
  •       Recognized for U.S. medical licensure pathways

Exceptional Clinical Training that Leads to Residencies

Xavier supports students from day one through residency matches. Students complete clinical rotations in hospitals affiliated with the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), and graduates match into several specialties that include internal medicine, family medicine, survey, pediatrics, psychiatry, and OB/GYN, among others.

Affordable

Xavier is the most affordable New York State–approved medical school in the Caribbean. In addition to Xavier’s affordable tuition, the university offers several financial aid options to help fund a student’s education, including:  

  •       Student Loan Programs (MedInvest)
  •       Payment Plans
  •       U.S. & Canadian financial aid pathways
  •       Veterans (VA) benefits

Xavier also offers a wide variety of scholarships for students who qualify, such as a Dean’s Scholarship, Congressman John Lewis Memorial Scholarship, Veterans Scholarship, Medical Field Work Scholarship, and Fofoti Scholarship (for those who reside in Aruba), among many others. This financial accessibility is a major reason students choose Xavier.

Pre-Med and MD Pathways

Xavier offers a Pre-Med Program for recent high school graduates who wish to begin medical training right away. Pre-med graduates can then seamlessly transition into the four-year MD program. Students repeatedly highlight how Xavier’s orientation, faculty mentorship, and academic support make these transitions smooth.

One Health Mission: Medical, Veterinary, Nursing and Health Sciences

Xavier is the only Caribbean medical school with a One Health mission that offers medicine, veterinary medicine, nursing, and health sciences in one place. This unique interdisciplinary approach strengthens research, collaboration, and global healthcare impact.

Resort-Style Grounds, Residence Hall, and New Academic Campus Opening in 2026

Xavier is expanding rapidly, with a state-of-the-art academic campus set to open soon. This campus will feature a walk-in clinic, modern lecture halls with state-of-the-art technology, simulation labs, library, and research facilities. It is positioned next to Xavier’s residential campus which includes fully loaded suite-style dorms and a recreational area with a pool, fitness complex, and sports fields—all protected by 24/7 security.

Is a Caribbean Medical School Right for You?

A Caribbean medical school may be right for you but do your homework! Make sure you research all the schools you’re interested in and schedule meetings with their admissions counselors. You’ll know which school will feel like the right fit for you.

Thousands of practicing physicians in the U.S. graduated from Caribbean medical schools. In fact, approximately 25% of U.S. doctors are international medical graduates. Become one today! Schedule a one-on-one session with Xavier’s admissions team today and see if it is right for you.