The Journey Before Medical School
The Class of 2025 began their application journey in May 2020, amid the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. That year, 62,443 applicants applied to medical school, with 23,711 accepted and 22,666 enrolled. Of those that applied, the average Medical College Admission Test® (MCAT®) score was 511.9.
The AAMC firmly believes that the cost of applying to medical school should not deter aspiring physicians from pursuing their dreams. In 2020, the AAMC Fee Assistance Program awarded $22 million in total benefits to 15,987 students; 2,680 from the class of 2025. Learn more about the Fee Assistance Program and its benefits.
The Class of 2025 at a Glance
Most students in the class of 2025 entered medical school in fall 2021. That year, women made up the majority across all stages of the application process: 56.8% of applicants, 55.5% of those accepted, and 55.5% of those enrolled. The class reflects a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. 25% of the class self-identified as one or more race/ethnicity traditionally underrepresented in medicine and 75% speak more than one language.
Several students (12.4%) are paving the way for future generations by being the first in their families to go to college. Explore resources available to first-generation students, their advisors, and families.
Evolving Career Choices and Paths
Throughout medical school, students’ career interests evolved. By their final year, 42.7% expressed interest in primary care or related subspecialties, up from 36% in their first year of medical school. Teaching aspirations also surged—from 54.9% in year one to 80.5% in year four—while interest in research declined. Work/life balance emerged as the top “essential” career consideration, indicated by 54.6% of students in year two.
Over 50% of the class completed at least one clinical away rotation. Many through the AAMC Visiting Student Learning Opportunities™ (VSLO®) program—broadening their skills and perspectives. These experiences and resources (self-assessments, specialty profiles, and more) from the AAMC Careers in Medicine® (CiM) program support students in finalizing their specialty choices.
From Graduation to Residency: The Next Chapter
51,717 students submitted residency applications in 2024 through the Electronic Residency Application Service® (ERAS®) system—42.2% U.S. medical school graduates, 39.7% international medical school graduates, and 18.1% DO-granting medical school graduates. Even better this year, 11.1% fewer applications per applicant were submitted; however, match rates remained steady.
Of the 131 specialties and subspecialties, 32% applied to more than one specialty. Learn more about the residency application process and how to find the right programs for you.
As 21,590 MD graduates' step into residency, they carry with them a wealth of experience, resilience, and a deep commitment to patient care. The class of 2025 accomplished so much throughout their medical school journey, and we can’t wait to see how they shape the future of medicine.
To access the infographic data, visit aamc.org or check out the links on the infographic webpage.