In 2023-2024, the average science GPA of medical school matriculants was 3.71, while the overall GPA was 3.77. On the other hand, applicants had an average science GPA of 3.54 and overall GPA of 3.64.
Applicants who applied to osteopathic programs had a science GPA of 3.46 and overall GPA of 3.55, while matriculants had an average 3.52 science GPA and 3.61 overall GPA during the same period of time.
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The minimum GPA for most med schools is 3.0. But if you’re a pre-med student, you’ll need to aim for a GPA of 3.6 or higher to compete with other applicants.
Not all medical schools require a certain minimum GPA to apply. But the minimum cutoff GPA is absolutely irrelevant because your GPA needs to be competitive for the particular school that you are applying to. A competitive GPA and the minimum GPA required to apply to that school are usually much different.
When it comes to the medical school admissions process, grade point average is often one of the first things that admissions officers and the admissions committee look at.
The sheer volume of medical school applications they receive means that an applicant’s GPA can be a critical factor for screening. But what does a competitive GPA for medical school look like?
Our Calculator uses a combo of your GPA, MCAT score, and various factors about your undergraduate studies to determine how competitive your med school application will be.
What is a competitive GPA for medical school?
A competitive GPA for medical school is generally 3.6 or higher.
On average, successful matriculants — students who are accepted and enroll — have higher GPAs than other applicants.
According to the AAMC and AACOMAS, the average GPAs and MCAT scores for medical school applicants and matriculants in the 2023-2024 academic year were:
| Average Science GPA | Average Non-Science GPA | Average Overall GPA | Average MCAT Score | |
| Applicants (MD) | 3.54 | 3.78 | 3.64 | 506.3 |
| Matriculants (MD) | 3.71 | 3.85 | 3.77 | 511.7 |
| Applicants (DO) | 3.46 | 3.67 | 3.55 | 503.2 |
| Matriculants (DO) | 3.52 | 3.71 | 3.61 | 504.7 |
These averages provide a good benchmark for what medical schools consider competitive.
However, remember that these are averages; they include GPAs from applicants and matriculants from all MD programs across the country. Admissions requirements vary from school to school, but the cutoff is typically around the 3.0 mark to be considered.
Some top-tier schools of medicine may have even higher average GPAs, and these schools may use national GPA averages as cutoffs for initial selection. Because of the competitiveness of the application process, you’d typically need a GPA that’s higher than the national average.
You can access more med school admissions statistics at AAMC, as well as look into individual schools’ admissions requirements using the MSAR.
What is included in the GPA used on your medical school application?
Your GPA for medical school application purposes consists of your science GPA, non-science GPA, and your cumulative GPA.
Your science GPA is based on grades from medical school prerequisite courses like biology, chemistry, physics, and math, often referred to as “BCPM” (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics) by the AMCAS. Your non-science GPA is based on grades from all other courses.
While the overall GPA provides a general idea of your academic performance, your science GPA specifically reflects how capable you are in the health sciences, which is particularly important to admissions committees.
Learn more about acceptance rates and your chances of getting into your preferred school with our chance predictor.
How to Get into Med School with a Lower GPA
Getting into medical school with a lower GPA is possible, but you’ll probably need to put in extra work to stand out as an applicant. The good news is that applicants who fall below national GPA averages can still be accepted if they excel in other components of their applications.
Medical schools understand that each applicant is unique. That’s why they take subjective aspects of an application into account, like your extracurricular involvement, research experience, and personal qualities.
Here are 6 strategies to get into med school if you have a less-than-stellar GPA.
1. Focus on extracurriculars.
Medical schools value well-rounded applicants who demonstrate a commitment to the field of healthcare. Engage in meaningful extracurricular activities such as clinical experience, volunteer work in hospitals or clinics, participation in research projects, and community service.
Physician shadowing is another great option to gain on-site experience in the specialties you’re interested in. Aim for 100-150 shadowing hours if possible.
These experiences can showcase your dedication, passion, and unique qualities beyond your GPA. Leadership positions or active involvement in student organizations can also illustrate your teamwork and management skills, which are highly valued in the healthcare industry.
2. Get a high MCAT score.
A good MCAT score can counterbalance a low GPA. Getting a high score on this standardized test will prove to the admissions committee that you’re capable of handling the academic rigor of medical school, despite your lower-than-average GPA.
The average MCAT score for matriculants in the 2023-2024 year was 511.7 (MD) and 504.7 (DO) — and it keeps going up. For now, that’s the score to beat if your GPA is less than impressive. Be sure to prepare thoroughly, using resources like MCAT prep courses, practice tests, and studying the coursework extensively.
If you know you’re likely to struggle with the MCAT, hire a tutor before your first test attempt. You can certainly retake the exam, but several do-overs may give a negative impression to admissions committees.
Want your best shot at acing the MCAT and getting into your preferred school? Learn more about how we can help you boost your MCAT score.
3. Submit glowing letters of recommendation.
Strong letters of recommendation can provide a holistic perspective of your capabilities and potential as a future physician.
Cultivate relationships with professors, healthcare professionals, and mentors who can speak to your academic abilities, personal qualities, and dedication to the field. Choose recommenders who know you well and can provide meaningful insights into your strengths.
4. Write a strong personal statement.
Your medical school personal statement is your chance to tell your story, share your motivations for pursuing medicine, and highlight experiences that shaped you. It’s a unique opportunity to connect with the admissions committee on a personal level and make a lasting impression.
Make sure your essay is well-crafted, sincere, and reflects your commitment to becoming a medical professional. The best personal statements use storytelling to communicate why you’re pursuing this career and point to your passions and soft skills that can’t be defined by a test.
5. Prepare for med school interviews.
If you receive an interview invitation, make sure to thoroughly prepare.
Research the medical school, practice answering common interview questions, and reflect on your experiences and goals. Present yourself confidently, articulately, and passionately during the interview to demonstrate your potential as a medical student.
Interviews are an opportunity to show your enthusiasm for medicine and explain any academic shortcomings. Use this platform to articulate why you believe you’ll succeed in med school and make a significant contribution to the healthcare field.
A low GPA is a potential red flag that admissions committee members will most certainly ask you about during an interview. Be ready to discuss your GPA openly and honestly, and explain what you’ve learned from the experience.
6. Boost your GPA.
Consider ways to improve your GPA. This could mean retaking courses where you underperformed or enrolling in a post-baccalaureate program designed to help pre-med students enhance their academic records.
Can a student with a 3.5 GPA get into medical school? Yes, with a well-rounded application highlighting other strengths, it’s still possible to get into medical school with a GPA of 3.5 (or even lower).
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to learn how we can help boost your chances of success getting into medical school.
Key Takeaways
A competitive GPA is vital for medical school admission. Strive for a GPA of 3.6 or higher, particularly in science courses, to increase your chances of acceptance into top-tier medical schools.
Remember that GPA is just one aspect of the holistic evaluation process. Medical schools assess applicants based on a range of factors, including extracurricular involvement, research experience, letters of recommendation, and personal qualities.
Standing out in these areas can compensate for a slightly lower GPA and make you a strong candidate for medical school admission.
Read Next: Should You Take a Gap Year Before Medical School?
Renee Marinelli, MD
Dr. Marinelli has practiced family medicine, served on the University of California Admissions Committee, and has helped hundreds of students get into medical school. She spearheads a team of physician advisors who guide MedSchoolCoach students.
