If you have dreams of becoming a doctor, you probably spent months or even years preparing to go to medical school. Sometimes, even with the best planning and preparation, things don’t quite go as planned, and you may not have earned a great GPA during your undergrad.
If you don’t have the best GPA in undergrad, you may be wondering if it is still possible to get into medical school.
Can you get into med school with a 3.5 GPA? How about a 3.2 GPA? 2.9?
The good news is that it’s still possible to get into medical school with a low GPA, but you will need to make sure you stand out in other ways. If your GPA is too low, you might have to retake some courses to bring it up.
This guide goes over how to get into med school even if you have a less-than-perfect GPA.
What is the Lowest GPA You Can Get Into Medical School With?
While you can get into medical school without having a 4.0, you will at least need to meet the minimum requirements.
Most medical schools have a strict minimum requirement of at least a 3.0 GPA. This means that your application will typically not even be considered if you have less than a 3.0.
If you have a low GPA, consider applying for a DO program instead of an MD program. The typical cutoff for DO programs is around a 3.4 GPA, while most MD programs require at least a 3.7 GPA.
Another option is to consider attending a school that has a higher acceptance rate. Medical schools in the Caribbean are known to be easier to get into and still provide a high-quality education.
How to Get Into Med School With a Low GPA
Don’t give up on your medical school dreams just because you have a low GPA. While GPA is an important part of your med school application, you can overcome a low GPA by standing out in other areas.
1) Finish Undergrad as Strong as You Can
If you have any time left in your undergrad, do everything you can to bring your grades up. You may need to ask for help from your professors, hire a tutor, take a break from working, or sacrifice your social life for a while in order to improve your grades.
You may be surprised by how much your professors are willing to help you succeed. If you are willing to put in some extra time, most college professors will work with you to help you improve your GPA.
2)Retake any courses you got a D or F in
One D or F grade can have a huge impact on your overall GPA. One failing grade during an undergraduate degree program can bring a 4.0 GPA down to 3.6.
Not only does a failing grade bring your GPA down, but it also looks bad on your school application. If you are failing a course, consider withdrawing from the class and re-taking it at a later date.
While withdrawing will show up on most school reports, it does not affect your GPA. If you are too late to withdraw, retake the class before you graduate, and do everything you can to get an A grade.
3)Crush the MCAT
The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) is an exam that is designed to test your critical thinking, problem-solving, and understanding of basic scientific principles.
Some schools weigh MCAT scores more heavily than GPA. This makes the MCAT a great opportunity for students with low GPAs to improve the strength of their application.
The average MCAT score for students who were accepted into medical school in 2022 was 511.9. The average score for all test takers was 501.
Doing exceptionally well on the MCAT greatly increases your chances of being accepted into medical school. In 2022, 82% of students who scored above 517 on the MCAT were accepted into medical school.
You can retake the MCAT up to three times in a calendar year and seven times total.
4) Get as much clinical experience as possible
Good clinical experience for med school can help your application stand out. Med school applicants should aim for 150-300 hours of clinical experience.
Getting a job in healthcare during undergrad such as a medical assistant can help you get into med school since it gives you an opportunity to care for patients, practice basic healthcare skills, and work directly with a practicing physician.
You can see the best jobs for premed students here.
5) Consider a post-bac or special master’s program
A post-bac or master’s degree program gives you an opportunity to strengthen your GPA, get more clinical experience hours, and bulk up your medical school application.
Many pre-med post-bac programs are specifically designed to help students prepare for the MCAT and improve their medical school application.
If your GPA is below 3.0, a master’s degree program is a better choice. The higher credit requirements will affect your GPA more than a post-bac program. Aim for the highest GPA you can during your additional classes, at least a 3.8 or higher if you want to have a competitive application.
6) Write an intriguing personal statement
If you don’t have a great GPA, you may want to talk about the challenges you overcame during your undergrad and how hard you worked to graduate.
If you do choose to write about your academic struggles, make sure that your personal statement does not turn into a letter of complaint or a list of excuses. Focus more on what you learned while working through your struggles than on why your difficulties affected your GPA.
7)Set aside plenty of time for your applications
Completing medical school applications is not something you can rush through at the last minute. Give yourself plenty of time to work on each application you send.
Edit your application and personal essay for each school and have a school counselor check your application before you submit it.
8) Be prepared to fill out secondary applications
While you may have dreams of attending a specific medical school, it is risky to only send out one application. Most students apply to 20 to 30 medical schools, and you may have to apply to each school more than once before you get accepted.
9) Gather great letters of recommendation
A strong letter of recommendation from a respected physician or professor can have a big impact on your medical school application. Getting a job as a medical assistant might help you form relationships with physicians who can write you a letter of recommendation.
10) Prepare extensively for med school interviews
As you are working on applications, recruit a friend or family member to help you practice interview questions. You can get a list of potential questions online and practice answering them out loud.
Interviewers will want to see how well you perform under pressure and the more you practice, the easier it will be to stay calm during your interview.
11) Make sure you can fill up the AMCAS work and activities section
AMCAS is an online tool that helps medical schools and applicants keep their information organized. While the academic sections of the AMCAS tool are the most important, do not overlook the work and activities section.
The extracurricular activities and service work you participate in during your undergrad could be what sets you apart from other applicants.
12) Consider DO programs or Caribbean medical schools
DO programs and Caribbean medical schools typically have lower GPA requirements than MD schools. While the average GPA for students admitted to MD schools is around 3.8, DO programs often admit students with GPAs as low as 3.4.
Caribbean MD schools consider an applicant to be competitive if they have a GPA higher than 3.2, making them an excellent choice for students who got bad grades during their undergrad program.
Medical Schools With the Lowest GPA Requirements
Students with bad grades can improve their chances of getting into medical school by finding programs with lower GPA requirements.
Note that the current GPA requirements for the following schools may be different than the time of this writing.
US Medical Schools (MD Programs) With the Lowest GPA Requirements
- University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine (Reno, Nevada) - 2.80
- Meharry Medical College (Nashville, Tennessee) - 3.48
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine (Roanoke, Virginia) - 3.61
- Tulane University School of Medicine (New Orleans, Louisiana) - 3.65
- Morehouse School of Medicine (Atlanta, Georgia) - 3.68
- Mercer University School of Medicine (Macon, Georgia) - 3.68
- East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine - 3.71
- Medical University of South Carolina (Charleston, South Carolina) - 3.73
- Albany Medical College (Albany, New York) - 3.73
- University of Mississippi School of Medicine (Jackson City, Mississippi) - 3.79
US Medical Schools (DO Programs) With the Lowest GPA Requirements
- West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (Lewisburg, WV) - 3.0
- Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (Dothan, Alabama) - 3.33
- DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine at Lincoln Memorial University (Harrogate, TN) - 3.34
- Pacific Northwest University of Health and Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine(Yakima, WA) - 3.43
- Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine (Las Cruces, New Mexico) - 3.45
- Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine (Lillington, North Carolina) -3.50
- Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine (Davie, Florida) - 3.50
- Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine - California(San Francisco, California) - 3.51
- University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine (San Antonio, TX) - 3.52
- Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine (Glendale, Arizona) - 3.54
Caribbean Medical Schools With the Lowest GPA Requirements
- Windsor University - No GPA requirement
- American University of Integrated Sciences - “A” Grade in 3 science courses
- Saint James School of Medicine - 2.0
- Metropolitan University College of Medicine - 2.5
- American University School of Medicine - 3.0
- Trinity School of Medicine - 3.15
- Ross University School of Medicine -3.2
- American University of Antigua - 3.27
- St. George’s University School of Medicine - 3.3
- Central University of the Caribbean - 3.5
Canadian Medical Schools With the Lowest GPA Requirements
- McMaster University - 3.0
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine - 3.0
- University of Manitoba - 3.3
- University of Alberta - 3.5
- McGill University - 3.5
- University of Ottawa- 3.5
- University of Toronto - 3.6
- Dalhousie University - 3.7
- Western University - 3.7
- University of Calgary - 3.8
FAQs About Getting Into Med School With a Low GPA
What is the lowest GPA med schools will accept?
Most medical schools in the U.S. and Canada will not accept a GPA lower than 3.0. To be competitive, students should aim for a GPA of 3.7 or higher. Schools in the Caribbean may accept a GPA as low as 2.0.
Can I get into med school with a 2.9 GPA?
If you have a 2.9 GPA, you can still apply to some med schools in the Caribbean or attend a post-bac or master's program. You will need an excellent MCAT score and impressive letters of recommendation.
Can I get into med school with a 3.2 GPA?
Some schools in the Caribbean and DO schools accept students with a 3.2 GPA. You may be able to overcome a 3.2 GPA if the rest of your application is acceptable.
Can I get into med school with a 3.5 GPA?
You will not be a competitive MD candidate in the US with a 3.5 GPA. You can, however, apply to schools in the Caribbean or apply to DO programs in the U.S.
How many Cs are acceptable for med school?
To have a competitive med school application, you should have only 1 or 2 C grades, with the rest being A grades.
Can you get into med school with Bs?
You can get into med school if you have a few B grades, but you will need mostly A grades to be a competitive applicant.
Can a high MCAT offset a low GPA?
An exceptionally high MCAT score can offset a low GPA. No matter what your MCAT score is, you must meet the minimum GPA requirements set by the medical school in order to apply.
Will one bad semester ruin med school?
One bad semester will not ruin your chances of being accepted into med school. If you have one bad semester, you can try to retake classes or attend a post-bac program to offset the bad grades.
What is more important: MCAT score or GPA?
Both MCAT score and GPA are equally important when you are applying to med school. If you have a low GPA or MCAT score, doing well on the other can help improve your chances of getting into med school.
FAQs
How to increase chances of getting into medical school with low GPA? ›
- Do a postbac to show an upward trend in grades.
- Get a high MCAT score to show academic competency.
- Have consistent, meaningful clinical experience.
- Tell a compelling story in your personal statement.
- Contact adcom members so they know you.
Getting into med school with low GPA is certainly possible, but striving for a competitive score is always in your best interest. That said, anything below a 3.5 is considered a low GPA for med school.
Is a 3.5 too low for med school? ›Premed undergraduates should strive to achieve a GPA of 3.5 or higher to get accepted into a top-tier med school, admissions officials say.
Which medical schools use the 32 hour rule for calculating GPA? ›- Wayne State University.
- Michigan State University College of Human Medicine.
- Boston University Medical School.
- Louisiana State University – New Orleans.
Pre-Med Myth 2: A high MCAT score will make up for my low GPA, or vice versa. Fact: This myth is true at a certain level but only in extreme cases.
What is a 486 score on the MCAT? ›Attaining a score of 486 on the MCAT means you performed in the 12% percentile. An even distribution for the section scores is preferred.
How many C's are acceptable for med school? ›In general, pre-med students are advised to retake courses in which they have earned a 'C. ' In reality, one or two 'C's will not rule out medical school for anyone, especially for otherwise high-achieving students.
Can I get into med school with a 2.8 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.
Can you get into med school with an F? ›Many students have been accepted into medical school after failing and retaking a course or two early in their college education. Three or more F's may be considered a deal-breaker.
Will one C ruin my chances of med school? ›Schools won't think you can't handle medical school because you got a C. More likely, they will look into where you've gone from there. Some students retake the classes early on. Maybe that's not the right or the wrong thing.
What is the minimum GPA for most med schools? ›
The minimum GPA requirement for most medical schools is 3.0. However, pre-med students should aim for at least a 3.5 GPA or higher to compete with other applicants.
What is the minimum GPA for medical school? ›Most medical schools require candidates to have a 3.0 or higher GPA to even apply, and many require 3.5 or higher. But beyond the minimum requirements, each school gives its own particular weight to GPA and MCAT scores when reviewing applications.
How many people get into med school first try? ›During the 2022-2023 admission cycle, 22,712 of the 55,188 students who applied to medical school matriculated. That means approximately 42% of medical school applicants were accepted into a program, which has increased from last year, according to the AAMC.
What are low tier med schools? ›The low tier medical schools consist of schools that rank outside of the top 20. They include state schools such as the University of Florida(UF) or the University of Colorado(CU). Competitive scores for this group include a GPA of 3.5 or higher and an MCAT score of 508 or higher.
Is GPA or MCAT more important? ›A good MCAT with a lower than expected GPA may be due to a variety of causes. MCATS correlate well with the ability to successfully complete medical school. MCAT scores are more important than grades in most circumstances.
What is a failing grade on an MCAT? ›What is the Passing Score for MCAT? The MCAT score range is between 472-528 when the four scores are added up, with the average MCAT score being 500. A low MCAT score is in the 470 range. The following image comes directly from the AAMC.
Can I get into med school with a 2.5 GPA? ›You have a low chance but its possible. I've seen students with less than a 3.0 gpa who were able to come up from that, work hard and improve and eventually get into med school. One thing you can try is to work extremely hard to get a very high MCAT score like in the 98–99% percentile to make up for your low gpa.
What is a good MCAT score but bad GPA? ›A high MCAT score can help neutralize a lower GPA score. For example, the admissions committee might overlook a GPA below 3.5 if the candidate has an MCAT score of 520.
Is 493 a bad MCAT score? ›Attaining a score of 493 on the MCAT means you performed in the 29% percentile. An even distribution for the section scores is preferred. For example: 129 (C/P) 123 (CARS) 120 (B/B) 121 (P/S).
What is MCAT top 10%? ›A top 10% MCAT score is essentially a 90th percentile MCAT score. In a previous post, we wrote about MCAT percentiles for the old and new exams. Below, you can see that a 90th percentile score on the new exam is a 513. If you want a top 10% MCAT score, you need a 513 or higher on the new MCAT.
What is a 44% on the MCAT? ›
| Old MCAT Score | New MCAT Score | MCAT Percentiles |
|---|---|---|
| 45 | 528 | >99 |
| 44 | 527 | >99 |
| 43 | 527 | >99 |
| 42 | 526 | >99 |
Getting a C+ is not a red flag for medical school.
Your poor first MCAT score is not a red flag by itself. If you've done well the second time, then it's not a red flag. If you take the MCAT back to back or even with some period in between and you get the same score, or worse, that is a potential red flag.
Medical schools do not accept a grade of C- or below in required courses. If you do retake a class both grades will appear on your transcript. Medical schools recommend that instead of repeating a course you take upper division science courses in the same area to increase your knowledge and boost your GPA.
Can you pass fail med school requirements? ›Reports of academic stress related to grades led many medical schools to opt into the pass/fail grading system with the goal of reducing student stress and anxiety. This, in turn, creates a less-competitive atmosphere, leading to an increase in overall well-being.
What to DO if you don't get into medical school? ›- Apply again. ...
- Apply to other schools. ...
- Take a gap year. ...
- Pursue a master's degree. ...
- Apply to nursing school. ...
- Apply for a physician's assistant (PA) program. ...
- Change your med school plans. ...
- Consider an alternative career path.
- Take Inventory of the Damage.
- Improve Your Time Management Skills.
- Monitor Your Grades More Closely.
- Talk With Your Professors.
- Lighten Your Load.
- Don't be Afraid to Call in Back-up!
While you can get into medical school without having a 4.0, you will at least need to meet the minimum requirements. Most medical schools have a strict minimum requirement of at least a 3.0 GPA. This means that your application will typically not even be considered if you have less than a 3.0.
What major is easiest for med school? ›If you're looking for the most straightforward path, biological sciences, including majors like molecular biology, cell biology, and neuroscience, feature several courses that overlap with your medical school prerequisites. That's why nearly 60% of all applicants choose this major.
Will one C ruin my chances of Ivy League? ›Just one bad grade in an advanced level course is not going to ruin your chances at an Ivy League. However, consistently underperforming in advanced classes in your area-of-interest classes will penalize you in the applications process.
Can I get into med school with two W's? ›Myth 1: Having a “W” will disqualify you from medical school. FALSE: Having a “W” does not automatically disqualify you from medical school. Although it is best to not get a “W,” it can be forgiven as long as you do not make a habit of it. As a general rule of thumb, having one “W” should not be too big of a deal.
How common is failing medical school? ›
Findings vary depending on circumstance, but overall, roughly 81.7 to 84.1 percent of four-year medical program students graduate, explains the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). In contrast, around 96.0 percent of medical students in six-year programs graduated.
How much does one C drop your GPA? ›| Grade | Quality Points PER CREDIT |
|---|---|
| C- | 1.7 |
| D+ | 1.3 |
| D | 1.0 |
| F or WF | 0.0 |
One C in your transcript will not greatly impact your GPA and if it is a rare occurrence some colleges will just consider it a fluke. Colleges will probably look past it if that is the only class you've ever really struggled with as reflected per your grades.
What schools accept 490 MCAT? ›The schools with the lowest minimum MCAT score requirement are the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine and West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. They both require applicants to have a minimum 490 MCAT score.
How hard is it to pass the MCAT? ›Well, there's no reason to sugar coat it – the MCAT is an extremely difficult exam. In fact, it is perhaps the toughest graduate school entrance exam in the US. However, the good news is that while difficult, it is manageable. The average score for students admitted to medical school is 510 to 511.
How can I raise my science GPA? ›A low science GPA can make an application less competitive. For college students, retaking classes, improving study skills and choosing classes wisely can raise your GPA. If you are close to graduating, completing a Post-Bacc may be the best way to raise your science GPA.
What GPA is required for Harvard? ›The GPA requirements for Harvard University are between 3.9 to 4.1. You will need an incredibly high GPA and will likely be graduating at the top of their class in order to get into Harvard University.
Does math count as science GPA? ›Your science GPA is comprised of grades in medical school prerequisite classes like biology, chemistry, physics, and math. Your non-science GPA is comprised of grades in all your other classes.
What are the odds of getting into medical school? ›It's also true that many applicants: a) are borderline qualified or unqualified; b) make serious application mistakes; or c) both. Therefore, if you have solid stats and apply the right way, your odds of getting into medical school will be higher than the roughly 36 percent overall acceptance rate.
What's the lowest MCAT score accepted? ›Usually, any score less than 507 is considered too 'low' for MD programs. While the 3-point difference seems incredibly minor, it's huge in the admission boards' eyes. Some schools might not even review your application if you scored lower. Students with a 506 score or below are less likely to be accepted.
What major has the highest chance of getting into medical school? ›
According to this data, there are three major groups—humanities, math and statistics, and physical sciences—that enjoy higher admissions rates than others. In fact, these are the only three groups (aside from biological sciences) that get into medical school at a rate greater than 40 percent.
What percentage of students flunk out of med school? ›According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the attrition rate for medical students in four-year programs falls between 15.7% and 18.4%.
What happens if your GPA is too low for med school? ›Don't rule out any medical school based on GPA. Every school is looking for something specific in their applicants, so even if you're below their median GPA, it doesn't mean you can't get in. Something else in your application may pique their interest.
How DO you explain low GPA to medical school? ›- Only address major weaknesses.
- Don't blame others.
- End on a positive note.
- Highlight strengths that could make up for the weakness.
While perfect grades are not required for medical school admission, premeds "would want to be in the mid-3.0 range and higher to feel relatively competitive," Grabowski says. Still, it is possible to get into med school with a mediocre or low GPA.
Should I retake a 514 MCAT? ›Assuming a strong GPA and extracurricular profile, scoring a 518 or above will help you be competitive for the highest-tier schools, even if their average matriculant MCAT score is a 520 or 521. With scores at this level, an MCAT retake is not necessary because schools will consider you to be academically elite.
What is a 495 MCAT score? ›Attaining a score of 495 on the MCAT means you performed in the 35% percentile. An even distribution for the section scores is preferred. For example: 120 (C/P) 125 (CARS) 130 (B/B) 120 (P/S).
What is a good MCAT score in 2023? ›What is a Good MCAT Score? A good MCAT score is above 511 with no section score below 127. However, a “good” MCAT score will vary from applicant to applicant which is especially important because medical school applicants are evaluated holistically.
Is a 3.4 GPA too low for medical school? ›The minimum GPA requirement for most medical schools is 3.0. However, pre-med students should aim for at least a 3.5 GPA or higher to compete with other applicants. In 2022-2023, the mean science and overall GPA of matriculants were 3.68 and 3.75, respectively.
Can I get into medical school with a 2.3 GPA? ›Probably not. The 2.3 GPA will kill all applications. You could have the best MCAT in the world. No medical school wants a poor performer who might be smart.
Can you get into medical school with a 2.9 GPA? ›
While allopathic medical schools don't have a minimum GPA requirement, they suggest maintaining a 3.0 GPA. Most students are recommended to strive for 3.5 and above. Lastly, both allopathic and osteopathic medical schools generally require students to achieve at least C's (2.0) in their courses in order to matriculate.
How can I increase my chances of getting into medical school? ›- Get Some Medical Experience on Your Résumé ...
- Do Research Projects. ...
- Put in Time Serving Others. ...
- Choose a Major You Will Excel In. ...
- Apply to Multiple Schools. ...
- Study Early and Often for the Medical College Admission Test, or MCAT. ...
- Learn Another Language. ...
- Don't Skimp on Extracurricular Activities.
If you're hoping to become a doctor, having a low GPA can seem like a major roadblock in getting into medical school. It is. But every year, students with non-ideal GPAs make it into the medical field. There are many reasons you might have a low GPA.
What is the average med GPA? ›There's more to discuss about this data and medical school admissions, but let's go ahead and get into the numbers. The average GPA for med schools overall is 3.64 for science and a 3.71 overall. Most medical schools require candidates to have a 3.0 or higher GPA to even apply, and many require 3.5 or higher.
How do you recover from a low undergraduate GPA? ›- Take Inventory of the Damage.
- Improve Your Time Management Skills.
- Monitor Your Grades More Closely.
- Talk With Your Professors.
- Lighten Your Load.
- Don't be Afraid to Call in Back-up!
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.
What colleges accept a 2.9 GPA? ›Within that search, you can certainly take a look at Tennessee State University, the University of Baltimore, and SUNY College at Brockport, all three of which accept students with an average of a 2.9 GPA. Here's some advice for students based on where you are now in your high school education.
What medical school accepts 3.0 GPA? ›| School Name | Programs Offered | Minimum GPA |
|---|---|---|
| University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | Doctor of Medicine (MD) | 3.0 |
| University of Missouri - Columbia | MD; MD/PhD | 3.0 |
| University of Missouri - Kansas City | MD | 3.0 |
| University of New Mexico | MD | 3.0 |
For a rough estimate, the overall dropout rate in medical school is about 10%. However, it is pretty hard to find reliable statistics. Alongside dropout rates, it is also necessary to look into graduation rates. Students who entered med school with a solid commitment to complete the program are 81.6% – 84.3%.
Is there a way to get through medical school faster? ›Fast-track or accelerated medical programs combine the Bachelor in Science (B.Sc.) degree with the Medical Doctor (M.D.) degree. Accelerated medical studies take around 3 to 4 years to complete, depending on the school. This often allows students to save a year of tuition, housing and other fees.
What to do if you don't get into medical school? ›
- Apply again. ...
- Apply to other schools. ...
- Take a gap year. ...
- Pursue a master's degree. ...
- Apply to nursing school. ...
- Apply for a physician's assistant (PA) program. ...
- Change your med school plans. ...
- Consider an alternative career path.