Duke University School of Medicine: what it looks for, GPA and MCAT
Duke University School of Medicine is a private medical school in North Carolina (Durham).
What Duke University School of Medicine says it looks for
Experiences
Long-standing in-person patient care, community service and active research engagement; understanding research methods/findings.
Qualities
Empathy, compassion, growth, teamwork and collaboration.
Mission and background
Broad education and productive life experiences encouraged.
The school names these on its own admissions pages. It is not a full list of how it decides. Summarized from the school's admissions page, checked October 2026. Not a ranking, a rubric or a prediction of admission.
Admissions statistics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median GPA of admitted students | 3.95 |
| Median MCAT of admitted students | 520 |
| Interview invite rate | 7.0% |
| School type | Private |
| State | North Carolina |
| Applications (AAMC FACTS Table A-1, 2025-2026) | 9,234 |
| Matriculants | 123 |
| In-state share of entering class | 15.4% |
Sources: GPA, MCAT and interview rate: 2026 school dataset (dataset updated 2026-08-04). Applications and entering class: AAMC FACTS Table A-1, 2025-2026. Not a ranking or a prediction of admission. AesculaMD is not affiliated with Duke University School of Medicine, the AAMC or AACOM.
Common questions
What does Duke University School of Medicine look for in applicants?
From Duke University School of Medicine's own admissions pages (checked October 2026): Experiences: Long-standing in-person patient care, community service and active research engagement; understanding research methods/findings. Qualities: Empathy, compassion, growth, teamwork and collaboration. The school names these on its own admissions pages. It is not a full list of how it decides.
What is Duke University School of Medicine's mission focus?
Broad education and productive life experiences encouraged. Summarized from the school's published guidance, checked October 2026.
What GPA and MCAT do students admitted to Duke University School of Medicine have?
The median GPA is 3.95 and the median MCAT is 520 (2026 school dataset). A median is the middle of the admitted class, not a minimum: half were admitted below it.
Related: Why strong applicants are still rejected · How many schools to apply to · Where applications fall short