Key Takeaways
- Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU) Acceptance Rate is estimated at approximately 8 to 10 percent, making it highly competitive.
- Average accepted student profile: GPA around 3.6 to 3.7 and MCAT scores ranging from 510 to 513.
- Chicago Medical School uses a holistic admissions process that values community service, leadership, and clinical exposure.
- Secondary application quality and interview performance heavily influence final decisions.
- Strategic preparation tailored to your academic profile can significantly improve your odds.
Understanding Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, located in North Chicago, Illinois, is home to the Chicago Medical School (CMS). Founded in 1912, CMS has a long-standing reputation for inclusive admissions and training physicians committed to service, research, and interdisciplinary care.
RFU offers MD programs along with pharmacy, podiatry, physician assistant, physical therapy, and biomedical sciences degrees. However, the majority of applicants researching acceptance rates focus on the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program at Chicago Medical School.
Rosalind Franklin University Acceptance Rate
The estimated acceptance rate for Chicago Medical School at RFU is between 8 and 10 percent. This places it among moderately selective U.S. medical schools.
While thousands of students apply each year, the entering class typically includes around 190 to 200 students. With application numbers continuing to rise nationwide, acceptance rates have gradually tightened over the past several cycles.
Acceptance Rate Trends
Like most U.S. medical schools, RFU has experienced:
- Increasing application volume
- Slight upward trends in average MCAT scores
- More emphasis on mission alignment and service activities
This means competitive numbers alone are not sufficient. Applicants must demonstrate a clear fit with RFU’s service-oriented mission.
Class Profile: GPA, MCAT, and Demographics
Understanding the academic metrics of admitted students helps benchmark your competitiveness.
Metric Average Admitted Student Cumulative GPA 3.6 to 3.7 Science GPA 3.6+ MCAT Score 510 to 513 Class Size 190 to 200 students
What These Numbers Mean for You
- Above 513 MCAT: Academically competitive. Focus heavily on mission fit and service impact.
- 508 to 510 MCAT: Within striking distance. Strong extracurriculars and essays are critical.
- Below 507 MCAT: Consider post-baccalaureate coursework or retesting unless the remainder of your application is exceptional.
Admissions Requirements
Academic Prerequisites
Applicants must complete standard pre-med coursework, typically including:
- Biology with lab
- General and Organic Chemistry with lab
- Physics with lab
- Biochemistry
- English composition
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. or Canadian institution is required before matriculation.
MCAT Requirements
RFU accepts MCAT scores within a specified timeframe, usually within three years of the application cycle. Competitive applicants typically score at least 510.
Letters of Recommendation
Strong letters from science faculty and physicians are expected. A committee letter, if available, is preferred.
Application Process and Timeline
Primary Application
Submit via AMCAS. Early submission in June significantly improves interview chances.
Secondary Application
RFU sends secondary applications to selected applicants. Essays typically explore:
- Commitment to service
- Cultural competency and diversity
- Motivation for medicine
Turnaround time should ideally be within two weeks.
Interview Format
Chicago Medical School utilizes a traditional interview format. Applicants may participate in:
- One-on-one faculty interviews
- Virtual interview days with presentations
- Discussions assessing ethical reasoning and communication skills
Interview performance significantly influences the final decision.
Holistic Review: What RFU Looks For
RFU emphasizes educating physicians who are community-focused and compassionate. Strong candidates demonstrate:
- Consistent clinical exposure
- Volunteer service to underserved populations
- Leadership experiences
- Cultural humility
- Interprofessional collaboration readiness
Unlike purely research-driven institutions, RFU values applied service experiences alongside academics.
How to Strengthen Your Application
For Traditional Applicants
- Maintain GPA above 3.6
- Gain 200+ hours of clinical exposure
- Secure strong physician shadowing
- Engage in sustained community service
For Non-Traditional Applicants
- Complete recent upper-level science coursework
- Highlight career transitions clearly in personal statement
- Demonstrate maturity and leadership
- Address academic weaknesses proactively
Secondary Essay Strategy
Strong essays should:
- Reference RFU’s mission directly
- Include measurable impact from service work
- Show growth through challenge
- Avoid generic statements about wanting to help people
RFU Compared to Similar Medical Schools
School Acceptance Rate Average MCAT Mission Emphasis Rosalind Franklin University 8 to 10% 510 to 513 Community service, interprofessional care Loyola Stritch 9 to 11% 511 to 513 Jesuit values, service Rush Medical College 5 to 6% 511+ Extensive service commitment
RFU sits in a competitive but attainable tier for strong applicants who align with its patient-centered model.
Tuition and Financial Aid Overview
Annual tuition for the MD program at RFU is approximately $60,000 to $65,000, excluding living expenses. Total cost of attendance can exceed $85,000 annually.
Financial aid options include:
- Federal student loans
- Institutional scholarships
- Merit-based awards
- Service commitment programs
Applicants should complete the FAFSA early and explore scholarship deadlines carefully.
Estimating Your Chances
You are highly competitive if you meet most of the following criteria:
- GPA 3.7+
- MCAT 512+
- Long-term community service involvement
- Strong clinical exposure
- Clear alignment with RFU’s mission
If you fall below academic averages, strong upward trends, post-baccalaureate success, or exceptional service may offset weaknesses.
Expert Insight
Admissions committees increasingly prioritize mission alignment over raw numbers. At RFU, applicants who demonstrate sustained service to underserved populations and thoughtful reflection on patient-centered care consistently outperform applicants with slightly higher metrics but less commitment.
Early application submission, strategic secondary essays, and authentic interview preparation remain the most controllable factors in a competitive cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rosalind Franklin University Acceptance Rate
What is the acceptance rate for Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University?
The estimated acceptance rate for Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University is about 8 to 10 percent, with a class size of roughly 190 to 200 students each year.
What GPA and MCAT do you need for Rosalind Franklin University medical school?
You are competitive with a cumulative GPA around 3.6 to 3.7, a science GPA of 3.6 or higher, and an MCAT score between 510 and 513. A 512+ MCAT and 3.7+ GPA place you in a stronger position.
How hard is it to get into Rosalind Franklin University’s Chicago Medical School?
It is selective, with about 8 to 10 percent of applicants admitted. Strong academics, meaningful clinical and volunteer experience, and clear fit with the school’s service-focused mission are important for admission.
What does Rosalind Franklin University look for beyond GPA and MCAT?
The admissions committee uses a holistic review. It values community service, clinical exposure, leadership, cultural humility, and strong secondary essays and interviews that reflect the school’s mission.
How can you improve your chances of getting into Chicago Medical School at RFU?
You can improve your chances by applying early, keeping your GPA near or above 3.6, aiming for at least a 510 MCAT, gaining 200+ hours of clinical experience, engaging in long-term community service, and tailoring your secondary essays to RFU’s mission.
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