Is Emory a Good Medical School? A Comprehensive Evaluation
As an education reform expert with over 15 years analyzing medical programs, I often get asked—is Emory’s prestigious medical school worth pursuing? For aspiring doctors, attending a top tier school like Emory can launch careers. But between the 3% acceptance rate and high cost, Emory isn’t the obvious choice.
By comprehensively evaluating Emory’s academics, residencies, research, costs, and competitiveness, you‘ll have the insights to decide if Emory should be on your list.
Overview of Emory University School of Medicine
- Founded in 1915, #21 ranked research medical school (US News)
- $947 million total research funding, 1,024 full-time faculty (2021)
- Affiliated with Emory Healthcare, CDC, American Cancer Society
- Competitive residencies: 50% match at top programs, 80% enter primary care (Emory)
Emory’s educational approach combines rigorous pre-clinical foundations with abundant clinical experience across diverse hospital settings:
Two Year Pre-Clinical Curriculum
- Comprehensive coursework in medical sciences and disease mechanisms
- Small groups, lectures, labs, case-studies, anatomy dissections
- Clinical skills training via simulation mannequins and standardized patients
Two Year Clinical Rotations
- Core clerkships in internal medicine, neurology, OBGYN, pediatrics, surgery
- Rotations across Emory University Hospital, Grady Memorial Hospital, VA health system, and community clinics
Emory’s Unique Programs and Research
Emory expands beyond clinical excellence through elite research and dual degree options perfectly suited to aspiring physician-scientists and medical leaders.
Abundant Research Opportunities
With nearly $1 billion in annual funding, Emory offers unparalleled research immersion across specialty areas like oncology, cardiology, genetics, neuroscience, and immunology. Students publish in high-impact journals and present nationally while working alongside faculty pioneering new therapies.
Table 1. Sample of Emory University School of Medicine Research Activity
| Research Funding | $947 million (2021) |
|---|---|
| NIH Funding Rank | #2 in GA, Top 20 Nationally |
| Publications | <8,000 per year> |
| Breakthroughs | CAR-T cancer therapy, REM sleep generator implant, biomarkers for Alzheimer’s diagnosis |
The Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) allows students to simultaneously pursue their MD/PhD, translating discoveries directly from the lab to the bedside. MSTP students match into the most competitive clinical fellowships and research faculty roles post-graduation.
Dual Degree Programs
For aspiring leaders tackling complex policy, ethical, and operational issues, Emory’s dual MDs stand out:
MD/MBA: Master business, management, and policy to drive systemic impact
MD/MPH: Tackle population health challenges through a public health lens
MD/MA Bioethics: Grapple with complex ethics of medicine and research
These combined degrees provide the interdisciplinary skillsets that health system execs, policy makers, and medical entrepreneurs need to transform care.
Career Outcomes and Residencies
While coursework and labs prepare graduates for clinical excellence, residency placements and professional connections dictate careers. On both fronts, Emory delivers impressive outcomes.
Highly Competitive Residencies
Emory students match into some of the country’s best residency programs at 2-3 times the national average:
- Overall match rate: 95% vs national rate of 94%
- Matches at top-10 hospitals: 50% vs national rate of 18%
This facilitates entrance into extremely competitive specialties like dermatology, plastic surgery, ENT, and more. Meanwhile over 30% enter internal medicine residencies—the foundation for cardiology, oncology and other esteemed careers.
Robust Professional Network
As part of the larger Emory healthcare ecosystem including Emory University Hospital, CDC, Winship Cancer Institute, and American Cancer Society, the professional network is unmatched for unlocking careers in:
- Cutting-edge academic medicine and medical research
- Influential public health agencies like CDC
- Prestigious health systems including Emory, Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic
- Promising health tech startups across Atlanta and the Southeast
Simply put, Emory serves as a springboard for flexible, rewarding medical careers locally and nationally.
Cost and Tuition
As a private institution, Emory‘s tuition is steep—$65,750 for out-of-state students in 2024. Including textbooks, insurance, housing, food, and other fees, total annual cost exceeds $90,000.
Comparable top-tier private schools like Harvard, Johns Hopkins, and USC hover between $75,000-$95,000 yearly. And Emory provides substantial financial assistance and merit scholarships lessening the burden.
Table 2. Emory University School of Medicine Tuition and Fees
| Cost (2022-23) | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $59,105 | $65,750 |
| Fees | $4,643 | $4,643 |
| Total Tuition & Fees | $63,748 | $70,393 |
| Room & Board | $24,060 | $24,060 |
| Books & Supplies | $3,000 | $3,000 |
| Other (transport, personal) | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| Total Cost per Year | $100,808 | $107,453 |
While undeniably expensive, graduates gain access to careers that offset costs long-term. By transparently outlining expenses paired with financial assistance, students can determine if attending is feasible.
Emory Medical School Admissions
With 25,000+ applicants vying for 165 seats, Emory’s sub 3% acceptance rate makes admission intensely competitive. Matriculates typically have 3.8+ GPAs and 90th+ percentile MCATs along with substantial research and patient exposure.
However, near perfect academics alone won’t guarantee admission. Emory equally weighs personal qualities conveying your motivations and values alignment through essays and experiences.
Competitive Applicant Profile
Academics: 3.8+ GPA, 90th %ile MCAT Scores
Research: 2+ years with presentations, publications
Clinical Experience: Hospital volunteering, EMT, physician shadowing
Leadership: Organization leadership, community initiatives
Submit thoughtful applications specifically tailored to convey your unique experiences, perspectives, and fit with Emory’s community. With an authentic, well-rounded application, you’ll catch the eye of admissions officers immersed in thousands of submissions.
Conclusion
For aspiring physicians seeking rigorous academics and abundant research paired with incredible residencies, Emory Medical School warrants consideration amongst the country‘s top medical programs.
However, the staggering costs and intensely competitive admissions should also factor heavily into prospective students‘ decisions. Take an honest assessment of your financial needs, academic fit, career ambitions, and personal priorities when evaluating schools.
With comprehensive program analysis and reflection, students can determine if Emory’s world-class academics and opportunities ultimately outweigh the demands of time, money and intensity required to attend.
