Medical Schools in Colorado: What It’s Like (From an Insider) and How to Get In

Are you considering relocating to attend one of the two medical schools in Colorado? Well, you’re in for an adventure, both academically and personally! 

I moved here from out of state to attend The University of Colorado School of Medicine a few years ago, and although not everything was butterflies and rainbows, I definitely had a great time here! With the Rockies as your backdrop, you can trade in your textbooks for hiking boots or hit the slopes on weekends. It’s hard not to fall in love with the outdoor opportunities, the breathtaking scenery, and the natural beauty. But there is also a catch, sharing more in a bit! 

Colorado offers two distinct paths for medical school: The University of Colorado School of Medicine (UCSOM), a respected allopathic institution, and Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine (RVUCOM), the state’s first for-profit medical school, established in 2006. 

Both schools share a slight preference for in-state applicants, although they’re still quite welcoming to applicants outside Colorado. Although out-of-state tuition can be higher than average.

This post is all about medical schools in Colorado.

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Ultimate Tips When Applying To Medical Schools in Colorado

What’s It Like to Go to Medical School in Colorado?

When you think of Colorado, it’s hard not to picture the stunning Rocky Mountains, sunny blue skies, and vibrant cities filled with friendly faces. As someone going into her fourth year of medical school here, I can tell you that this state makes it easy to find a life balance between the academic experience and adventure, culture, and community. 

From snowboarding on pristine slopes to hiking in breathtaking national parks to Denver, which has a flourishing arts scene and plenty of great places to eat, your downtime can be far from ho-hum.

Benefits of Living in Colorado

So, what can you expect while pursuing your medical education in Colorado? Here are some of the many benefits.

• Colorado is pure bliss for outdoor enthusiasts. You can ski, snowboard, hike, mountain bike, rock climb, and snowshoe all in one week, depending on the season.
• So much to do! Visit museums, galleries, theaters, and music venues. Enjoy art walks, live performances, and cultural festivals year-round.
• With low humidity, abundant sunshine, and a focus on wellness, Colorado is one of the healthiest states in the U.S. Although be aware of altitude sickness.
• Denver is home to professional sports teams in football, baseball, basketball, soccer, and more, and the community is passionate about athletics. 
• Plenty of opportunities to attend music festivals, food and wine events, and other celebrations of local culture and the stunning natural surroundings
• You’ll find that the locals here are generally warm and welcoming. The sense of community adds an enjoyable layer to your experience and can lead to lasting friendships.
• Enjoy the beauty of Colorado’s four seasons, from the snow-capped mountains of winter to the brilliant colors of fall. 
• State and national parks, most notably Rocky Mountain National Park, are easily accessible, allowing for quick escapes into nature whenever you have free time.

A Different Perspective from a Medical Student in Colorado

“When I was torn between my top 4 choices for medical schools, people kept telling me “the mountains are in your backyard” and while that would definitely be the case if you lived in Boulder, that is not the case in Aurora, where I went to medical school. 

You have to drive quite far to step into all those fun, outdoorsy activities and need to expect some competition for the prime locations. Camping spots often get booked up within minutes of being released and you can regularly expect a crash on I-70 which is the only highway that leads to all the ski mountains. So you might end up being stuck in your car more than you are actually skiing/snowboarding.

I’m not a city person so if you are, you would probably have a totally different experience if you lived in Denver (like in a popular off-campus place like Wash Park), but personally Denver/Aurora just wasn’t for me! 

So living in Aurora for the first year wasn’t pretty! I definitely like it better now that I live 30 minutes from campus in a more suburban area. But overall my husband and I ended up not being big fans of Colorado (but that is a very unpopular opinion and most people totally like living here!). 
One thing I really liked about my time in Colorado was that in my 3rd year I got to do a sports medicine rotation at the Boulder campus in their sports med clinic and I loved going there!”

Maggie Waters

4th-year student at CUSOM

Living Costs as a Medical Student in Colorado

The cost of living in Colorado is about 6% higher than the national average. Housing can take a significant chunk of your budget, as it’s approximately 20% higher than other areas in the country. And count into your budget the elevated expenses, such as groceries and clothing, which run around 3% higher. However, on the bright side, utilities are more affordable, coming in about 8% lower than average.

Fun Facts About Colorado:

Living in Colorado can be a unique experience. Here are a few things you may not know about the state.

1. The name “Colorado” translates to “colored red” in Spanish, referring to the red silt carried by the Colorado River.
2. You can stand in four different states at once at the spot where the borders of Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah meet.
3. In the continental U.S., Colorado contains 75% of the land area that exceeds 10,000 feet in elevation. It has 58 peaks that soar above 14,000 feet!
4. The natural hot springs swimming pool in Glenwood Springs is  the largest of its kind in the world.
5. Colorado has the largest flattop mountain in the world, the Grand Mesa, which spans hundreds of square miles, stands more than 10,000 feet above sea level, and has an abundance of diverse wildlife and scenic beauty.

The University of Colorado School of Medicine

The University of Colorado School of Medicine (CUSOM) stands out with its innovative approach and impressive rankings, including the U.S. News ranking of Tier 1 for Best Medical Schools in Research and rank #33 of all medical schools in the US by College Consensus. 

• Location: Aurora, CO
• College Consensus Ranking: #33
• Average GPA: 3.7
• Average MCAT score: 517
• Percentage of in-state students: 52% 
• Acceptance Rate: 2.8%
• Tuition: $44,754 (in-state)/$70,709 (out-of-state)
• Public
• Allopathic

The University of Colorado School of Medicine (CUSOM) offers its Trek Curriculum, which integrates clinical training with basic science from the very start. Instead of the traditional two-year lecture-heavy curriculum followed by clinical rotations, CUSOM students complete clinical experiences during their second year. This curriculum emphasizes academic learning, leadership, and teamwork, preparing future physicians to excel in real-world healthcare settings.

The CUSOM admissions committee takes a holistic approach. They look for applicants who demonstrate a genuine commitment to medical research and community service. But also evaluate each candidate’s academic achievements alongside their personal experiences. The university also states that it is dedicated to supporting diversity and inclusion by recruiting women and underrepresented students.

CUSOM Student Experience

“CU was one of my top choices because of the good vibes I got on my (virtual) interview day. It seemed like a supportive and collaborative atmosphere with great people. The location was an interest to us because from what we heard (had never visited in person) it was a really outdoorsy area with lots to do. 
I LOVED that we had weekly quizzes every single Friday. I feel like this stressed some students out, but for me who inevitably pushes things off until the last minute, I thrived on this setup and it made me get into such a solid study routine where I was studying a few hours each morning instead of cramming in the evenings and weekends when finals came around. 

We had one year of didactics and started clinical rotations a year early during our second year. We were the first class to fully go through the switch to their brand new curriculum so there were definitely some pros, but of course some big cons that went along with it. Now though, they have had a few years to implement feedback so honestly my experience will be a lot different than what a new incoming med student would experience. 

I had picked VA as my 4th choice for my LIC and was initially bummed when I got it, but it ended up being the BEST and by the end of 2nd year I was SO happy I got the VA. I think it is an absolutely amazing learning environment and if I were to go back I would have ranked it first!“

Maggie Waters

4th-year medical student at CUSOM

To help improve your chances of acceptance to the CUSOM, follow these tips tailored to their admissions process. 

• Make sure you have plenty of clinical experience, including shadowing hours to show your commitment to your medical career.
• Focus on gaining bench research experience to showcase your commitment and capability in medical research.
• Cultivate meaningful relationships with your mentors and professors so they can provide detailed and genuine letters of recommendation.
• Practice your interviewing skills to clearly communicate your passion for medicine and personal experiences effectively.
• Share examples in your essays and during your interview of how you’ve demonstrated leadership and collaborative skills in past activities or projects.

Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine (RVUCOM) emphasizes the osteopathic philosophy with a mission to blend the art and science of medicine. It’s located across three campuses in Colorado, Utah, and Montana.

• Location: Parker, CO
• College Consensus Ranking: Unranked
• Average GPA: 3.55
• Average MCAT score: 504
• Percentage of in-state vs. out-of-state students: 38% (In-State)/ 62% (Out-of-State)
• Acceptance Rate: 7.9%
• Tuition: $66,604
• Private
• Osteopathic

The DO program at Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine (RVUCOM) features a well-structured integrated curriculum. Students explore each bodily system from normal function and clinical perspectives. In the first year, you’ll focus on normal anatomy and physiology. Then, the second year covers pathophysiology and clinical applications. The early clinical exposure in the first semester and increased interactions with standardized patients significantly prepare students for real-world medical practice. RVUCOM prioritizes knowledge and the experience needed to thrive in healthcare.

RVUCOM carefully selects candidates who are committed to osteopathic principles and community-based care. They are particularly interested in individuals ready to adapt to a rapidly evolving healthcare environment. The admissions team also looks for academically qualified applicants with the interpersonal skills and dedication necessary to excel. 

If you want to enhance your chances of acceptance to RVUCOM, here are some helpful tips to remember.

• Familiarize yourself with the core tenets of osteopathic medicine, and be prepared to discuss why you align with this philosophy.
• Gain clinical experience by seeking out opportunities for hands-on patient care, whether through volunteering, employment, or internships in healthcare settings.
• Maintain a strong GPA and aim for competitive MCAT scores to demonstrate your aptitude for the rigors of medical school.
• Showcase your commitment to serving diverse populations in your community and highlight how this experience has shaped your desire to become a primary care physician.
• Prepare for interviews by practicing articulating your personal experiences, motivations for entering medicine, and your understanding of the osteopathic approach 

Inside Tips for Enjoying Colorado as a Medical Student

“When family comes to visit, fun things to do are Estes Park (my whole fam went on a guided horseback riding trail ride and everyone loved it), Rocky Mountain National Forest and shopping at the Denver outlet malls. You MUST try the salted Oreo ice cream flavor (I’m blanking on where my fave place to get it was, but Little Man’s is one too). 

Cherry Creek State Park has the best dog park if you have a dog. Definitely take advantage of the student discount for the Icon pass to ski or snowboard… just make sure you are on the road BEFORE 5am if you want to beat the traffic to the mountain when leaving on a weekend day. Union Reservoir is a fun place to paddle board!“

Maggie Waters

4th-year medical student at CUSOM

Final Thoughts on Medical Schools in Colorado 

You’re in for an incredible journey if you choose to move to Colorado for medical school! The combination of rigorous academics and stunning nature makes this state truly special. 

I love that I have the option to take a break from studying to go on an exhilarating hike in the Rockies or spend a day on the slopes. Keep in mind though, the nicest spots are very popular! So it can get crowded and you might need to drive quite a while to reach them from the Denver area. 

The University of Colorado and Rocky Vista University offer unique pathways into the medical field, depending on whether your interest lies. While tuition can be a consideration, especially for out-of-state students, the experience and opportunities available here often far outweigh the costs.

From the innovative curriculum at UCSOM to the holistic approach of RVUCOM, Colorado could very well be the perfect fit for you. Get ready for a thrilling chapter in your life filled with learning, exploration, and the breathtaking beauty of the Centennial State!

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