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Feinberg FAQ

See the About Us section of our main site to learn more about Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

Is Feinberg an osteopathic or an allopathic medical school?

Feinberg is an allopathic medical school.

How many applications does Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine receive?

Each year, Feinberg receives about 8,000 applications for an entering class of 140.

What are the average GPAs and MCAT scores of candidates accepted to Feinberg? Are there any GPA or MCAT cut-offs?

The undergraduate median GPA for the 2024 entering class was 3.92, and the median score on the MCAT was 520. There are no minimum MCAT or GPA scores required for entrance to Feinberg School of Medicine. Our admissions committee completes a holistic review, including the academic course load and rigor, academic honors, extracurricular activities, community service, clinical and research experience and letters of recommendation.

How does U.S. News & World Report rank Feinberg?

The most recent U.S. News & World Report listed Feinberg in the top tier of research-intensive schools. These rankings are but one criterion applicants should consider when applying to medical schools.

Is Feinberg a clinical- or research-oriented medical school?

Feinberg’s mission is to educate the next generation of physicians and scientists. It is a research-intensive institution that prioritizes taking scientific discovery from the bench to the bedside to improve patient care and outcomes. However, the strength of our academic medical center lies in striking an important balance between education, clinical and research activities, blending them together in a collaborative study and work environment. In part, this is made possible by the co-location of our teaching and research facilities with our strong clinical affiliates on Northwestern University's Chicago campus. Our medical students, residents and fellows obtain the bulk of their clinical training at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Prentice Women's Hospital, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Jesse Brown Veterans Administration Medical Center, and John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County.

What are Feinberg’s hospital affiliations?

Learn about Feinberg’s clinical affiliations via our main Patient Care page.

What research opportunities exist for Feinberg MD students?

Feinberg medical students have access to the school’s wide variety of basic science and clinical research programs and centers. See our main Institutes and Centers page to learn more about the breadth of our work.

Can I visit Feinberg and its affiliated hospitals?

Please contact the Office of Admissions regarding the availability of tours for college and university groups. We are unable to accommodate walk-in visits or individual tours.

How many Feinberg faculty members are there, and what is the faculty-to-student ratio?

Feinberg offers a premier medical education and top-notch research programs in large part because of the expertise, experience and dedication of its faculty. Numbering around 4,930, the medical school's faculty roster includes some of the best minds and hearts in medicine and biomedical research. Many have gained national and international prominence. Full-time or part-time faculty who also conduct research teach much of the core material in our clinical clerkships. Feinberg students enjoy a 3.4:1 faculty-to-student ratio.  See the Facts and Figures page to learn more.

How do Feinberg medical students fare in the annual Residency Match?

Outcomes for Feinberg students in the National Residency Match Program are exceptionally good, with 68% matching at top-25 U.S. News-ranked residency programs.  Learn more on the Career Outcomes page.