MED SCHOOL PREP: The ultimate guides to getting into the top medical schools in the world

• Frontline workers and public health officials like Dr. Anthony Fauci are inspiring a new wave of medical school hopefuls: The number of applicants is up 18% this year over last year, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). 
• A more competitive pool of applicants will require candidates to shine throughout the recruitment process if they want to get accepted into the top medical schools in the world.
• These guides show you what it takes to land a coveted seat at some of the most competitive programs, including Harvard, Stanford, and the University of Oxford.
• Business Insider regularly interviews students, admissions consultants, and deans about getting into medical school. You can read them all by subscribing to Business Insider.

Check out the advice below from current and former students, admissions directors, consultants, and others to help you navigate the medical school application process at top programs in the US, including Harvard, Stanford, and Johns Hopkins, as well as the best programs abroad.

US medical schools

• Harvard Medical School: 5 current and former students reveal what it takes to get accepted into Harvard Medical School
• Stanford University School of Medicine: Here's exactly how to get accepted into Stanford University's School of Medicine, according to 3 grads, 2 admissions consultants, and the dean of MD admissions
• The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine: Students and recent grads of The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine share what it takes to get into one of the top 3 best medical programs in the US
• The University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine: Current students of the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine share how applicants can stand out and get into the prestigious medical program

International medical schools

• The University of Cambridge School of Medicine: How to get into the University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, one of the top 5 best medical schools in the world
• The University of Oxford Medical School: How to get accepted into the University of Oxford's medical school - one of the top 10 best programs in the world - according to students and admissions consultants