Get in touch: +1-800-727-0780
Admissions Consulting
Test Prep
Resources
Admissions Consulting
About Us
Reviews & Admits
Sign up to our Newsletter
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Close
March 21, 2024
10 min read
Contents
What Are Med School GPA Requirements?Average GPA and MCAT Score for Every Medical School in the USComprehensive List of Medical School GPA RequirementsAccepted Students GPA in Medical SchoolWhat is the Minimum GPA For Med School?How Important Is GPA For Med School?Get the Grades to Get Into Med School How to Get Into Med School With a Low GPAFAQs: What Grades Do You Need for Medical School
Reviewed by:
Third-Year Medical Student, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
Reviewed: 3/21/24
Wondering what the GPA requirements for medical school are? Read on to learn how to turn a low GPA into a medical school acceptance!
Getting into medical school is tough. You must meet many prerequisites that serve as the foundation for a successful application, plus qualitative elements such as your personal statement. But what’s the GPA needed for med school acceptance?
Many medical schools promote their holistic selection methods, but attaining a high GPA and MCAT score boosts your chances of acceptance. It’s challenging to have a perfect GPA and MCAT score to match, so here are the medical school GPA requirements you must meet to ace to begin your medical school journey.
Get The Ultimate Guide on Writing an Unforgettable Personal Statement
Thank you! Look for the downloadable guide just sent to your inbox.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
What Are Med School GPA Requirements?
Med school GPA requirements are the minimum GPAs required by med schools to apply to programs. Although many schools don’t have explicit requirements, many applicants consider attaining a GPA above the incoming class’ lowest reported GPA as a school’s “requirement.”
Sign up to our Newsletter
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Average GPA and MCAT Score for Every Medical School in the US
The average GPA for U.S. medical schools is around 3.71 for science and 3.77 overall, with competitive MCAT scores typically at or above 510. However, exact averages vary by school, depending on their unique admissions criteria.
In this section, you'll find the average GPA and MCAT scores for every medical school in the US. It's a handy reference to gauge the academic expectations and competitiveness of each institution.
Medical School | Degree Type | Average GPA | Average MCAT | Minimum MCAT |
---|---|---|---|---|
University of Alabama School of Medicine* | MD | 3.83 | 509.5 | 494 |
University of South Alabama College of Medicine* | MD | 3.83 | 510 | For out-of-state applicants only: 70th percentile (~507.5) |
Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine | DO | 3.38 | 504.3 | NR |
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Auburn Campus | DO | 3.67 | 502 | 494 |
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine* | MD | 3.8 | 508 | NR |
Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine | DO | 3.5+ | 500+ | NR |
University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson* | MD | 3.74 | 508 | 498 |
Medical School | Degree Type | Average GPA | Average MCAT | Minimum MCAT |
---|---|---|---|---|
University of Arizona School of Medicine - Phoenix* | MD | 3.77 | 515 | 495 |
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine | MD | 3.94 | 521 | 508 |
A.T. Still University | DO | 3.45 | 505 | NR |
Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University | DO | 3.54 | 505 | NR |
California Northstate University College of Medicine | MD | 3.77 | 512 | 497 |
California University of Science and Medicine | MD | 3.61 | 514 | NR |
Drew/UCLA Joint Medical Program Drew University of Medicine and Science | MD | 3.42 | NR | NR |
Medical School | Degree Type | Average GPA | Average MCAT | Minimum MCAT |
---|---|---|---|---|
Loma Linda University School of Medicine | MD | 3.83 | 509 | NR |
University of California – Davis School of Medicine* | MD | 3.58 | 509 | NR |
Stanford University School of Medicine | MD | 3.89 | 518 | NR |
University of California – Irvine School of Medicine* | MD | 3.93 | 516 | NR |
University of California – Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine* | MD | 3.81 | 516 | NR |
University of California – Riverside School of Medicine* | MD | 3.60 | 509 | NR |
University of California – San Diego School of Medicine* | MD | 3.77 | 515.11 | NR |
Medical School | Degree Type | Average GPA | Average MCAT | Minimum MCAT |
---|---|---|---|---|
University of California – San Francisco School of Medicine* | MD | 3.87 | 517 | NR |
University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine | MD | 3.80 | 517 | NR |
Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine | MD | 3.76 | 516 | NR |
Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine | DO | 3.56 | 509 | NR |
Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific | DO | 3.68 | 509 | NR |
California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine | DO | 3.48 | 506 | 498 |
University of Colorado School of Medicine* | MD | 3.82 | 516 | NR |
Medical School | Degree Type | Average GPA | Average MCAT | Minimum MCAT |
---|---|---|---|---|
Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine | DO | 3.61 | 506 | NR |
Quinnipiac University Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine | MD | 3.8 | 511 | NR |
University of Connecticut School of Medicine* | MD | 3.76 | 513 | NR |
Yale School of Medicine | MD | 3.92 | 522 | NR |
George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences | MD | 3.72 | 512 | NR |
Georgetown University School of Medicine | MD | 3.78 | 512 | NR |
Howard University College of Medicine | MD | 3.61 | 507 | 494 |
Medical School | Degree Type | Average GPA | Average MCAT | Minimum MCAT |
---|---|---|---|---|
Florida Atlantic University Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine* | MD | 3.81 | 516 | NR |
Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine* | MD | 3.76 | 509 | NR |
Florida State University College of Medicine* | MD | 3.68 | 507 | 498 |
University of Central Florida College of Medicine* | MD | 3.84 | 515 | 500 |
University of Florida College of Medicine* | MD | 3.79 | 514 | 500 |
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine | MD | 3.8 | 515 | NR - (510 for 3-year accelerated path) |
University of South Florida Health Morsani College of Medicine* | MD | 3.92 | 518 | NR |
Medical School | Degree Type | Average GPA | Average MCAT | Minimum MCAT |
---|---|---|---|---|
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine Bradenton Campus | DO | 3.73 | 506 | NR |
Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine | MD | 3.86 | 512 | NR |
Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine | DO | 3.60 | 506 | NR |
Emory University School of Medicine | MD | 3.78 | 515.4 | NR |
Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University* | MD | 3.80 | 512 | NR |
Mercer University School of Medicine | MD | 3.7 | 504 | 493–494 |
Morehouse School of Medicine | MD | 3.68 | 506 | NR |
Medical School | Degree Type | Average GPA | Average MCAT | Minimum MCAT |
---|---|---|---|---|
Georgia Campus Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine | DO | NR | 500 | NR |
University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine* | MD | 3.77 | 512 | NR |
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine* | MD | 3.81 | 514 | NR |
Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine | DO | 3.66 | 507 | NR |
Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine | DO | 3.6 | 506 | 501 |
Carle Illinois College of Medicine* | MD | 3.73 | 513 | 498 |
Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science | MD | 3.66 | 512 | 510 |
Medical School | Degree Type | Average GPA | Average MCAT | Minimum MCAT |
---|---|---|---|---|
Loyola University of Chicago Stritch School of Medicine | MD | 3.6 | 510 | NR |
Northwestern University The Feinberg School of Medicine | MD | 3.92 | 520 | NR |
Rush Medical College of Rush University | MD | 3.62 | 509 | NR |
Southern Illinois University School of Medicine* | MD | 3.7 | 508 | 498 |
University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine | MD | 3.91 | 521 | NR |
University of Illinois College of Medicine* | MD | 3.85 | 513 | NR |
Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University | DO | 3.69 | 509 | NR |
Medical School | Degree Type | Average GPA | Average MCAT | Minimum MCAT |
---|---|---|---|---|
Indiana University School of Medicine* | MD | 3.8 | 511 | NR |
Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine | DO | 3.71 | 504 | 491 |
University of Kansas School of Medicine* | MD | 3.79 | 508 | NR |
Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine | DO | 3.0 Minimum for consideration | NR | 500 |
University of Kentucky College of Medicine* | MD | 3.78 | 506 | 495 |
University of Louisville School of Medicine* | MD | 3.71 | 507 | NR |
University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine | DO | 3.50 | 500 | NR |
Medical School | Degree Type | Average GPA | Average MCAT | Minimum MCAT |
---|---|---|---|---|
Louisiana State University – New Orleans School of Medicine* | MD | 3.73 | 509 | NR |
Louisiana State University – Shreveport School of Medicine* | MD | 3.77 | 507 | NR |
Tulane University School of Medicine | MD | 3.64 | 510 | NR |
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Louisiana Campus | DO | 3.67 | 502 | 496 |
Boston University School of Medicine | MD | 3.74 | 517 | NR |
Harvard Medical School | MD | 3.90 | 520.59 | NR |
Tufts University School of Medicine | MD | 3.76 | 514 | NR |
Medical School | Degree Type | Average GPA | Average MCAT | Minimum MCAT |
---|---|---|---|---|
University of Massachusetts Medical School* | MD | 3.81 | 514 | NR |
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine | MD | 3.92 | 521 | NR |
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine* | MD | 3.70 | 511 | 496 |
University of Maryland School of Medicine* | MD | 3.7 | 513 | NR |
University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine | DO | 3.57 | 502 | 490 |
Central Michigan University College of Medicine* | MD | 3.7 | 508 | NR |
Michigan State University College of Human Medicine* | MD | 3.77 | 510 | NR |
Medical School | Degree Type | Average GPA | Average MCAT | Minimum MCAT |
---|---|---|---|---|
Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine | MD | 3.88 | 510 | NR |
University of Michigan Medical School* | MD | 3.84 | 515 | NR |
Wayne State University School of Medicine* | MD | 3.80 | 514 | NR |
Western Michigan University School of Medicine | MD | 3.69 | 514 | 497 |
Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine* | DO | 3.50–3.70 | 506–508 | NR |
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine | MD | 3.94 | 521 | NR |
University of Minnesota Medical School - Twin Cities* | MD | 3.76 | 512 | NR |
Medical School | Degree Type | Average GPA | Average MCAT | Minimum MCAT |
---|---|---|---|---|
University of Minnesota Medical School - Duluth* | MD | 3.76 | 506 | 495 |
University of Missouri – Columbia School of Medicine* | MD | 3.77 | 508 | 494 |
Saint Louis University School of Medicine | MD | 3.86 | 513 | NR |
University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Medicine* | MD | 3.45 | 498 | 495 |
Washington University School of Medicine | MD | 3.88 | 519.5 | NR |
A.T. Still University of Health Sciences Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine | DO | 3.63 | 503 | NR |
Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine | DO | 3.62 | 505 | NR |
Medical School | Degree Type | Average GPA | Average MCAT | Minimum MCAT |
---|---|---|---|---|
University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences* | MD | 3.80 | 507 | NR |
Creighton University School of Medicine | MD | 3.84 | 513 | NR |
University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine | MD | 3.75 | 515 | NR |
Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth | MD | 3.77 | 516 | NR |
Cooper Medical School of Rowan University* | MD | 3.77 | 511 | NR |
Rutgers New Jersey Medical School* | MD | 3.70 | 515 | NR |
Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School* | MD | 3.70 | 512 | NR |
Medical School | Degree Type | Average GPA | Average MCAT | Minimum MCAT |
---|---|---|---|---|
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine | MD | 3.71 | 513 | NR |
Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine* | DO | 3.67 | 506 | NR |
University of New Mexico School of Medicine* | MD | 3.72 | 507 | 494 |
Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine at New Mexico State University | DO | 3.48 | 501.4 | 493 |
University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine* | MD | 3.68 | 509 | 500 |
University of Nevada Las Vegas School of Medicine* | MD | 3.73 | 509 | NR |
Touro University – Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine | DO | 3.54 | 506.9 | 500 |
Medical School | Degree Type | Average GPA | Average MCAT | Minimum MCAT |
---|---|---|---|---|
Albany Medical College | MD | 3.7 | 510 | NR |
Albert Einstein College of Medicine | MD | 3.82 | 516 | NR |
Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons | MD | 3.90 | 522 | NR |
Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine | MD | 3.86 | 518 | NR |
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai | MD | 3.81 | 519 | NR |
New York Medical College | MD | 3.60 | 515 | NR |
New York University Grossman School of Medicine | MD | 3.97 | 523 | NR |
Medical School | Degree Type | Average GPA | Average MCAT | Minimum MCAT |
---|---|---|---|---|
New York University Long Island School of Medicine | MD | 3.78 | 515 | NR |
SUNY – Downstate Medical Center College of Medicine* | MD | 3.73 | 513 | NR |
University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences* | MD | 3.58 | 507 | NR |
SUNY – Upstate Medical University* | MD | 3.64 | 509.86 | NR |
Stony Brook University School of Medicine* | MD | 3.89 | 515 | NR |
University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry | MD | 3.82 | 516 | NR |
Weill Cornell Medical College | MD | 3.91 | 519 | NR |
Medical School | Degree Type | Average GPA | Average MCAT | Minimum MCAT |
---|---|---|---|---|
New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine | DO | 3.62 | 506 | NR |
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine - Middletown Campus | DO | 3.48 | 502.68 | 498 |
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine - Harlem Campus | DO | 3.47 | 506.75 | 498 |
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine | MD | 3.83 | 518 | NR |
Northeast Ohio Medical University* | MD | 3.68 | 510 | NR |
The Ohio State University College of Medicine* | MD | 3.81 | 514 | NR |
The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences* | MD | 3.75 | 509 | NR |
Medical School | Degree Type | Average GPA | Average MCAT | Minimum MCAT |
---|---|---|---|---|
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine* | MD | 3.83 | 515 | NR |
Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine* | MD | 3.63 | 508.6 | NR |
Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine* | DO | 3.66 | 503.44 | NR |
University of Oklahoma College of Medicine* | MD | 3.86 | 509 | 492 |
Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine* | DO | 3.60 | 500 | 492 |
Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine* | MD | 3.66 | 509 | 497 |
Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Northwest | DO | 3.62 | 507 | NR |
Medical School | Degree Type | Average GPA | Average MCAT | Minimum MCAT |
---|---|---|---|---|
Drexel University College of Medicine | MD | 3.66 | 511 | NR |
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine | MD | 3.79 | 511 | NR |
Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine* | MD | 3.75 | 511 | NR |
Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania | MD | 3.92 | 520.8 | NR |
Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University | MD | 3.73 | 514 | NR |
Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine* | MD | 3.74 | 512 | NR |
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine* | MD | 3.79 | 514 | NR |
Medical School | Degree Type | Average GPA | Average MCAT | Minimum MCAT |
---|---|---|---|---|
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine | DO | 3.41 | 503 | NR |
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine | DO | 3.50 | 505 | NR |
Ponce School of Medicine and Health Sciences | MD | 3.50 | 499 | 494 |
San Juan Bautista School of Medicine | MD | 3.57 | 499 | 492 |
Universidad Central Del Caribe School of Medicine | MD | 3.80 | 501 | 495 |
University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine* | MD | 3.86 | 506 | 495 |
Brown University The Warren Alpert Medical School | MD | 3.83 | 516 | NR |
Medical School | Degree Type | Average GPA | Average MCAT | Minimum MCAT |
---|---|---|---|---|
Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine* | MD | 3.82 | 511 | 500 |
University of South Carolina School of Medicine – Columbia* | MD | 3.78 | 508 | NR |
University of South Carolina School of Medicine – Greenville* | MD | 3.7–3.75 | 511 | NR |
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Carolinas Campus | DO | 3.70 | 500-506 | 496 |
University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine* | MD | 3.82 | 508 | 496 |
East Tennessee State University Quillen College of Medicine* | MD | 3.73 | 507 | NR |
Meharry Medical College School of Medicine | MD | 3.46 | 503 | NR |
Medical School | Degree Type | Average GPA | Average MCAT | Minimum MCAT |
---|---|---|---|---|
University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine* | MD | 3.89 | 511 | NR |
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine | MD | 3.5-4.0 | 509-528 | NR |
Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine | DO | 3.50 | 499 | 494 |
Baylor College of Medicine | MD | 3.91 | 518 | NR |
TCU and UNTHSC School of Medicine | MD | 3.77 | 511 | NR |
Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine* | MD | 3.86 | 513 | NR |
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Paul L. Foster School of Medicine* | MD | 3.82 | 509 | NR |
Medical School | Degree Type | Average GPA | Average MCAT | Minimum MCAT |
---|---|---|---|---|
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine – Lubbock* | MD | 3.85 | 509 | NR |
University of Houston College of Medicine* | MD | 3.59 | 506 | NR |
University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School* | MD | 3.78 | 514 | NR |
University of Texas Medical Branch School of Medicine* | MD | 3.80 | 511 | NR |
University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston* | MD | 3.88 | 512 | NR |
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine* | MD | 3.69 | 508 | 495 |
University of Texas School of Medicine at San Antonio* | MD | 3.88 | 517.7 | NR |
Medical School | Degree Type | Average GPA | Average MCAT | Minimum MCAT |
---|---|---|---|---|
University of Texas Southwestern Medical School* | MD | 3.89 | 516 | NR |
Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine* | DO | 3.65 | 506 | NR |
University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine | DO | 3.60 | 503 | NR |
University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine | DO | 3.81 | 508.7 | NR |
University of Utah School of Medicine* | MD | 3.87 | 514 | 500 |
Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine | DO | 3.42 | 503 | 500 |
Eastern Virginia Medical School* | MD | 3.60 | 513 | NR |
Medical School | Degree Type | Average GPA | Average MCAT | Minimum MCAT |
---|---|---|---|---|
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine* | MD | 3.70 | 512 | NR |
Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Research Institute* | MD | 3.62 | 513 | NR |
University of Virginia School of Medicine* | MD | 3.86 | 517.58 | NR |
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Virginia Campus | DO | 3.70 | 502 | 494 |
Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine | DO | 3.52 | 504 | 501 |
The University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine* | MD | 3.60 | 512 | NR |
University of Washington School of Medicine* | MD | 3.75 | 511 | NR |
Medical School | Degree Type | Average GPA | Average MCAT | Minimum MCAT |
---|---|---|---|---|
Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine* | MD | 3.65 | 508.3 | NR |
Pacific Northwestern University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine | DO | 3.60 | 503 | NR |
Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine* | MD | 3.8 | 504 | 496 |
West Virginia University School of Medicine* | MD | 3.81 | 509 | NR |
West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine* | DO | 3.53 | 504 | 495 |
Medical College of Wisconsin | MD | 3.7 | 509 | NR |
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health* | MD | 3.75 | 511 | NR |
*Public medical schools
Comprehensive List of Medical School GPA Requirements
School Name | Average Reported GPA | Lowest Reported GPA | GPA Requirement |
---|---|---|---|
Harvard Medical School | 3.90 | 3.78 | N/A |
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine | 3.92 | 3.82 | N/A |
UPenn Perelman School of Medicine | 3.90 | 3.60 | N/A |
Columbia University Vagelos College Of Physicians & Surgeons | 3.90 | 3.75 | N/A |
Duke University School of Medicine | 3.90 | 3.60 | 3.0 |
Stanford University School of Medicine | 3.89 | 3.65 | N/A |
UCSF School of Medicine | 3.85 | 3.70 | N/A |
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine | 3.5-4.0 | 3.71 | 3.0 |
School Name | Average Reported GPA | Lowest Reported GPA | GPA Requirement |
---|---|---|---|
WashU in St. Louis School of Medicine | 3.94 | 3.70 | N/A |
Weill Cornell Medicine | 3.91 | 3.71 | N/A |
NYU Grossman School of Medicine | 3.96 | 3.79 | N/A |
Yale University School of Medicine | 3.92 | 3.68 | N/A |
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine | 3.94 | 3.66 | N/A |
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine | 3.92 | 3.61 | N/A |
University of Michigan Medical School | 3.84 | 3.59 | N/A |
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine | 3.79 | 3.65 | N/A |
Although most of these schools don’t have GPA cutoffs, many medical schools have cutoffs between 3.0 and 3.3.
For example, the College of Medicine at Florida State University has a minimum GPA requirement of 3.3. The University of Arizona School of Medicine won’t send secondary applications to applicants with a GPA less than 3.0.
The GPA you need for med school depends on where you’re applying. It’s best to always check MD program requirements before applying.
10 MD Schools With the Lowest GPA Requirements
These are ten MD schools with some of the lowest GPA requirements, organized by average reported GPA:
School Name | Average Reported GPA | Lowest Reported GPA |
---|---|---|
Meharry Medical College | 3.46 | 3.02 |
Rush Medical College | 3.62 | 3.33 |
Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine | 3.65 | 3.12 |
Morehouse School of Medicine | 3.68 | 3.19 |
Howard University College of Medicine | 3.61 | 3.28 |
University of California, Davis, School of Medicine | 3.67 | 3.28 |
Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University | 3.67 | 3.15 |
Ponce Health Sciences University School of Medicine | 3.68 | 3.25 |
Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine | 3.62 | 3.32 |
University of California, Riverside School of Medicine | 3.68 | 3.37 |
10 MD Schools With the Highest GPA Requirements
These are ten MD schools with some of the highest GPA requirements, organized by average reported GPA:
School Name | Average Reported GPA | Lowest Reported GPA |
---|---|---|
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine | 3.92 | 3.82 |
NYU Grossman School of Medicine | 3.96 | 3.79 |
Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania | 3.96 | 3.82 |
Harvard Medical School | 3.9 | 3.78 |
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine | 3.5-4.0 | 3.71 |
Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine | 3.94 | 3.70 |
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine | 3.94 | 3.66 |
Baylor College of Medicine | 3.93 | 3.72 |
University of Chicago Division of the Biological Sciences The Pritzker School of Medicine | 3.93 | 3.58 |
Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons | 3.90 | 3.75 |
10 DO Schools With the Highest GPA Requirements
These are the top ten DO schools with the highest GPA requirements, organized by average GPA:
School Name | Average Reported GPA |
---|---|
University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine | 3.81 |
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Auburn Campus | 3.74 |
A.T. Still University of Health Sciences - Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine | 3.73 |
Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine | 3.65 |
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Carolinas Campus | 3.71 |
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Virginia Campus | 3.71 |
Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine | 3.7 |
Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine at Midwestern University | 3.69 |
Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine | 3.66 |
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Louisiana Campus | 3.67 |
10 DO Schools With the Lowest GPA Requirements
These are the ten DO schools with the lowest GPA requirements:
School Name | Average Reported GPA |
---|---|
Kansas Health Science Center-Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine | 3.38 |
Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine | 3.42 |
Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine | 3.38 |
California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine | 3.48 |
A.T. Still University-School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona | 3.48 |
Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine | 3.49 |
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 3.48 |
Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine | 3.54 |
Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine | 3.5 |
William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine | 3.53 |
Accepted Students GPA in Medical School
Top medical schools may use national averages as a baseline for their selections, but they vary by school and can be lower than the average matriculant GPA. It’s difficult but not impossible to get into a top medical school with a GPA of 3.0 or lower if the med school has no GPA requirement.
Data from the AAMC shows that acing the MCAT ( a score above 517) and having a GPA between 2.8 and 2.99 results in a 46.7% chance of admission. The average applicant and matriculant GPA is 3.77.
The top schools like Harvard and NYU Grossman, the average matriculant GPA is approximately 3.9.
It’s essential to remember that students can be admitted without reaching that average applicant GPA. A strong grade point average is important, but it’s not the end of the world if your GPA falls short. Don’t be discouraged!
What’s the Average Science GPA for Medical School?
According to the AAMC, the average science GPA is 3.48. Science GPA is relatively lower than non-science GPA at 3.74. Undergraduate science courses can be challenging, which may explain the lower grade point average. To recap:
Average Matriculant GPA | Average Matriculant Science GPA | Average Matriculant Non-Science GPA |
---|---|---|
3.77 | 3.64 | 3.85 |
Source: AAMC
What Is the Minimum GPA For Med School?
The minimum GPA for medical school depends on the schools you want to apply to. As a general guideline, U.S. News suggests attaining an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.5. However, it would be best to check medical school GPA requirements or recommendations at every school on your list.
If a med school you want to apply to doesn’t have an explicit cutoff, aim for at least the average grades of admitted students.
How Important Is Your GPA for Med School?
There’s no denying that without high undergraduate-level performance, your chances of acceptance at a top medical school decrease. Many sought-after schools use national averages or set minimum med school GPAs as a baseline for contention - cutoffs that deem students academically fit. Then, they continue the selection process from there.
If you’re entering the admissions process for medical school with less-than-stellar grades, don’t panic just yet. You’ll be considered for admission if your score is near your preferred school’s average GPA or the national average. Medical schools look at all the characteristics of your application, including:
- Extracurriculars
- Work experience
- Personal statement
- MCAT score
- Recommendation letters
- Secondary applications
High grades certainly help, but if you have a below-average GPA and are above average in everything else, you still have a chance at success. Medical GPA requirements vary significantly between institutions, so do your research before applying.
Low grades can alarm admissions officers, as it shows you’ve struggled with course content. Top schools tend to initially screen students based on their GPA, so you must meet the cutoff mark to be considered.
Admissions committees review your science GPA, non-science GPA, and cumulative GPA.
Your science GPA consists of the grades obtained in courses like:
- Math
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Related courses (organic chemistry, biochemistry, etc.)
Even if your undergraduate major isn’t in the sciences, performing well in your science courses is still crucial. Christina Grabowski, the associate dean for admissions and enrollment with the School of Medicine at the University of Alabama—Birmingham, says they specifically look at science GPA.
“Whether you're a psychology major or a business major or a biology major, we are going to look at how you did in science coursework specifically." Your science coursework is the most important part of academically preparing for medical school.
Your non-science GPA consists of the grades you achieved in all other courses that don’t fall within the main science category. If you’re unsure which classes fall under which category, the AAMC has an AMCAS course classification guide that you can use to categorize your courses.
Get the Grades to Get Into Med School
Medical schools favor students with strong GPAs, but there is no explicit number that guarantees admission. An above-average GPA helps, but it doesn’t tell your full story. Your GPA measures your academic ability; some medical schools have GPA requirements to ensure you can overcome the challenges of medical school.
Your experiences, story, and letters of recommendation are also a major part of the admissions process. A low GPA may be forgiven with an excellent MCAT score, experience, and time spent working in the medical field. Remember, there is no magic GPA to get into medical school; spend time perfecting your application for the best chance of acceptance!
How to Get Into Med School With a Low GPA
If you have a grade point average that’s below average, hope isn’t lost. Maybe you had to work multiple jobs, or your coursework was strenuous and demanding. Admissions officers will look at the circ*mstances surrounding any poor grades. Getting into med school with a low GPA is possible, especially with these expert tips.
Retake Courses
An upward trend is much more favorable in admissions committees' eyes than stagnant, low grades. If you still have time to retake courses that you did poorly in, especially science courses, retake them. Boosting your grades in science courses bodes well for your cumulative and science GPA.
Retaking classes won’t pull off miracles, but it can give your grades a minor yet significant boost. If you’re close to meeting a medical school’s GPA requirement, retaking classes are an excellent option.
Commitment to Medicine Through Extracurricular Activities
You can demonstrate your fit through internships and time spent working in the medical field. Jobs or programs that allow you to spend time with physicians and healthcare workers should be highlighted in your application. Varied experiences like these can help elevate your application:
- Research projects
- Medical shadowing
- Paid or unpaid clinical experience
- Medical-related extracurricular activities
Schools want to see why you’ve decided to become a physician and whether or not you know what a medical career entails. Emphasize leadership experiences: admissions officers actively search for these in your application.
Mickey Foxwell, M.D., former associate dean for admissions at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, states:
“Each applicant needs to be as sure as possible that this is what they want to do with their life. That motivation can be demonstrated through academic achievement and also through exposure to clinical medicine and community service."
Even with a lower GPA, medical school acceptance is attainable with a list of varied, medical-related activities. Just ensure you meet any med school GPA requirements.
Ace the MCAT
Doing well on the MCAT is vital to your chances of acceptance with low grades. The probability of being admitted with a low GPA to med school drastically drops with a poor MCAT performance. If you can’t pursue methods of increasing your GPA, focus on achieving a high MCAT score.
Spend adequate time preparing, and attempt to score high on your first try. You can retake the MCAT up to seven times, but a high score the first time shows you can handle a rigorous med school curriculum. If you retake the test, an upward trend is good: admissions officers will be pleased to see that.
Enroll in a Post-Baccalaureate Program
Another option is enrolling in a post-bacc program. These programs allow you to take (or retake) prerequisite courses before applying to medical school. Search for specific post-bacc programs designed to raise your undergraduate GPA. Your drive to raise your grades makes you a formidable candidate and can prepare you to transition into a medical career.
Keep in mind that not all post-bacc programs are the same: for example, specialized master’s programs (SMPs) will not raise your undergraduate GPA.
Seek Help While You’re in College
If your coursework is difficult and you’re falling behind, it might be a sign that you need to seek help. Many schools offer in-house tutoring and advisors to help struggling students by providing them with individualized assistance.
You may be paired with a senior student who’s passed the course for tutoring, get accommodations, or allow certain privileges, such as recording lectures. Ensure you seek out the resources available to you.
You can form study groups by finding colleagues that share your courses and work together to understand and absorb course material. Your GPA doesn’t define you, but high grades can make your medical school journey easier. Remember, getting into medical school with a low GPA is possible; check out more tips here!
FAQs: What Grades Do You Need for Medical School
Still have questions about what grades you need for medical school? Then check out these FAQs!
1. Do All Schools Have a GPA Requirement?
Not all medical schools have a GPA requirement. If a school doesn’t state a minimum GPA requirement, it’s best to check class profile data before you apply.
2. What Is the Most Common MD GPA Requirement?
If med schools have GPA requirements, 3.0 to 3.3 appear to be the most common cutoffs.
Get the Grades to Get Into Med School
Medical schools favor students with strong GPAs, but no explicit number guarantees admission. An above-average GPA helps, but it doesn’t tell your full story. Your GPA measures your academic ability; some medical schools have GPA requirements to ensure you can overcome the challenges of medical school.
Your experiences, story, and letters of recommendation are also a major part of the admissions process. A low GPA may be forgiven with an excellent MCAT score, experience, and time spent working in the medical field.
Remember, there is no magic GPA to get into medical school; spend time perfecting your application for the best chance of acceptance!
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Thanks ! You're now subscribed!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Schedule A Free Consultation
Plan Smart. Execute Strong. Get Into Your Dream School.
You May Also Like
Admissions Consulting
MedicalResidencyDentistryPharmacyNursingVeterinaryPhysician AssistantshipPost Bacc &SMP
Resources
Case StudiesBlogGuidesCareers
Resources
BlogGuidesCheat SheetsWebinarsFree Tools
More
Medical Education & Diversity ScholarshipAffiliate ProgramCorporate PartnershipsPrivacy PolicyTerms & ConditionsReferral ProgramSearchCareers
Get In Touch
Contact Us
+1-800-727-0780By calling or texting +1-800-727-0780, customers agree to receive text messages. If you no longer wish to receive text messages, you may opt-out at any time by replying "STOP"80 Broad Street,
New York City,
NY 10004
Contact the Webmaster:
matthew.russell@inspiraadvantage.com
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Thanks ! You're now subscribed!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.