Minnesota may be well-known for its 10,000+ lakes, Lake Superior, and the dynamic Minneapolis–Saint Paul “Twin Cities” area. But you’ll also discover two outstanding medical schools in Minnesota, the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine and the University of Minnesota Medical School.
Both of these medical schools in Minnesota have consistently received top rankings (#26 and #27 in best medical schools) for their commitment to excellence in medical education, rich clinical experiences, and groundbreaking research. However, while they each provide allopathic programs, they have a few more differences than similarities, plus a ton of unique opportunities for your next step on your medical career journey.
So, are you curious to learn more about what these schools have to offer? Keep reading to explore what it’s like to live and go to medical school in Minnesota. Plus, I’ll share tailored tips for applying to each school.
This post is all about medical schools in Minnesota.
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Ultimate Application Tips For Medical Schools in Minnesota
List of Medical Schools in Minnesota
Medical School | MD/DO | Location | Average GPA | Average MCAT | Accep- tance rate | Type | Tuition |
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine | MD | Rochester | 3.94 | 521 | 4.20% | Private | $64,000 |
University of Minnesota Medical School | MD | Minneapolis | 3.76 | 512 | 6.80% | Public | $42,861 (in-state)/$64,257 (out-of-state) |
What’s It Like to Go to Medical School in Minnesota?
Minnesota consistently ranks as one of the happiest and healthiest states in the U.S. With its blend of natural beauty, community engagement, rich educational offerings, and an affordable lifestyle, Minnesota truly stands out as a fantastic place for medical students to thrive both personally and academically. Whether you’re hitting the books or enjoying the great outdoors, there’s always something to fall in love with here.
Benefits of Living and Going to Medical School in Minnesota
If you’re considering medical school in Minnesota, here’s a detailed list of the benefits that make Minnesota an exceptional place to live and study.
- High Quality of Life: Minnesota ranks as the 5th best state in the U.S. for overall quality of life. The average life expectancy here is around 80 years, 3 years higher than the national average of 77 years, thanks in large part to the health-conscious culture and lifestyle.
- Access to Nature: Known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” Minnesota offers a wide array of outdoor activities for nature lovers. Enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, hunting, canoeing, and biking, or simply relax with a picnic by one of the many stunning lakes.
- Four Distinct Seasons: From vibrant fall foliage to snowy winters and blooming springs, you’re in for a unique outdoor experience year-round.
- The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul: Enjoy urban amenities, including great restaurants, entertainment options, art, and cultural experiences without feeling overwhelmed by big city chaos.
- Affordability: You can dine out, enjoy drinks with friends, or partake in entertainment without breaking the bank.
4 Fun Facts About Minnesota
Whether you’re considering a career in medicine or simply curious about what makes this state special, I’ve gathered some fun facts that highlight Minnesota’s unique charm.
- Minnesota is the starting point of the world’s third-largest river—the Mississippi River flows 2,552 miles in total, with 680 miles winding through the state!
- The Trust for Public Land has ranked Minneapolis and St. Paul among the best cities in the U.S. for park access and quality.
- Minnesota is home to Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world. It serves as a key entry point for boats from around the globe through the St. Lawrence Seaway, landing right at the port of Duluth.
- Minnesota has produced some legendary figures, including music icon Prince, beloved actress Judy Garland, cartoonist Charles Schulz (of Peanuts fame), and folk music pioneer Bob Dylan.
Medical Schools in Minnesota: Two Allopathic Choices
While both medical schools in Minnesota offer MD programs, they have distinct differences that are worth considering as you decide which schools will make your list of places to apply. The privately-owned Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine is known for its competitiveness due to its high average GPA and MCAT scores as well as being very welcoming to out-of-state students. On the other hand, the University of Minnesota Medical School gives preference to in-state candidates and is a public institution.
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
The Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine is undoubtedly at the forefront as one of the best medical schools in the country. This national medical school has three campuses: one in Rochester, Minnesota, plus one (if you’re not a fan of cold weather) in Scottsdale/Phoenix, Arizona, and another in Jacksonville, Florida.
- Location: Rochester, MN
- US News Ranking: Tier 1 in Best Medical Schools: Research (US News), #26 in best medical schools (College Consensus)
- Average GPA: 3.94
- Average MCAT score: 521
- Percentage of in-state students: 9.4%
- Acceptance Rate: 4.2%
- Tuition: $64,000
- Private
- Allopathic
The curriculum at the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine emphasizes patient care and clinical experiences alongside foundational biomedical research. This approach intends to shape well-rounded healthcare leaders prepared for modern challenges in medicine. Here, students don’t just study medicine—they dive headfirst into a dynamic environment where they have the chance to affect change from day one. Hence, an incredible 80% of medical students at Mayo Clinic graduate with their research projects published in a peer-reviewed journal.
“One of the great things about being a student at Mayo Clinic is the small class size in relation to the number of faculty. This has made it easy to make connections with the doctors teaching our courses and to connect with mentors in fields of interest.”
Bradley Richards
Class of 2024, Minnesota CampusThe application review process employs a holistic approach. So, while you may be stressing as you notice the particularly high average GPA and MCAT scores listed above, remember that when you apply, the Mayo Clinic admissions committee will also seriously evaluate your other experiences, personal statements, and letters of recommendation in the final decision-making process.
Acceptance Tips
To help you boost your chances of acceptance at the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, here are some helpful tips to consider.
- Excel academically by maintaining a strong GPA and earning a competitive MCAT score.
- Engage in community service, leadership roles, and research opportunities to showcase a well-rounded background.
- Use your personal statement to articulate why you’re drawn to medicine and how your experiences have shaped your desire to pursue a career in healthcare.
- Obtain letters from professors, shadowed physicians and supervisors who can speak to your strengths, character, and commitment to the medical field.
- Practice common interview questions and be ready to discuss your experiences in depth. Focus on demonstrating how they align with the school’s values.
University of Minnesota Medical School
The University of Minnesota Medical School (MMS) stands out as one of the largest medical schools in the U.S., with three campuses located in the Twin Cities, Duluth, and St. Cloud. Whether you’re looking to earn a traditional MD or exploring options like a joint MD/PhD degree, or even a PhD or MS in Biomedical Sciences, MMS has a lot to offer.
- Location: Minneapolis, MN
- Tier 1 in Best Medical Schools: Primary Care (US News), #27 in best medical schools (College Consensus)
- Average GPA: 3.76
- Average MCAT score: 512
- Percentage of in-state students: 85%
- Acceptance Rate: 6.8%
- Tuition: $42,861 (in-state)/$64,257 (out-of-state)
- Public
- Allopathic
The University of Minnesota’s MD program extensively covers anatomy and physiology over four years. All these while also emphasizing professionalism and leadership skills. You’ll get hands-on experience with patients well before graduation, thanks to engaging, interactive classes that promote teamwork and creative problem-solving.
As the only MD program in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, MMS offers unique clinical training opportunities across diverse settings. This aim to help you gain valuable real-world experience. Plus, the program encourages exploration in research. Fun fact: this is where the very first cardiac pacemaker was implanted, thanks to some innovative clinical research.
Admissions committee members seek candidates who excel academically and display leadership potential and maturity. Successful applicants typically possess intellectual curiosity, a commitment to service, and research backgrounds. Also, be aware that MMS does give preference to in-state applicants.
Acceptance Tips
Here are a few more tips to increase your chances of acceptance.
- Engage in research projects during your undergraduate studies or seek opportunities in health-related fields to build a strong foundation.
- Volunteer or gain work experience in clinical settings to demonstrate your ability to connect with diverse patient populations.
- Excel academically, particularly in science courses, to show your readiness for medical school rigor.
- Cultivate relationships with professors who can provide detailed and supportive letters of recommendation reflecting your capabilities.
- Share your passion for medicine and personal experiences that shape your motivation to pursue a medical career.
Wrapping Up the Medical Schools in Minnesota Search
So, are you ready to take that next step in your medical journey? While you won’t have many options, you will have excellent choices. The two highly regarded medical schools in Minnesota offer exceptional training and opportunities, from world-class faculty and cutting-edge research to diverse clinical experiences. These aim to prepare students for the challenges they will face in their medical careers.
Whether you’re drawn to the Mayo Clinic’s commitment to community health and public service or the University of Minnesota’s renowned reputation for integrating research and clinical practice, hopefully, you’ve discovered a program that aligns with your passion for medicine.
As you consider your options, I hope this guide has equipped you with valuable insights. Sames goes for the tips to navigate the application process at these distinguished institutions. Remember to reflect on your own interests and aspirations. Reach out to current students or alumni, and immerse yourself in the vibrant medical community that Minnesota has to offer.
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