Admission to these programs is very competitive, so you have to be a top notch student with several AP courses.

As to it being difficult–of course it is. That’s why the schools are very selective. They will only admit students who have a proven track record of succeeding at taking a heavy credit load.

Unless you live in one of the four states that do not have a medical school, all state universites have pre-med programs and medical schools. You stand the best chance of being accepted if you apply to your own state university (approximately 70% of matriculants are state residents).