Medical School GPA Requirements: What You Need to Get In
Discover the GPA requirements for medical school admission, average accepted GPAs, and proven strategies to strengthen your med school application.
Medical School GPA Requirements Overview
Average Accepted GPAs
- Overall GPA: 3.74
- Science GPA: 3.64
- Top 10 Schools: 3.9+
- Mid-tier Schools: 3.6-3.8
Minimum Requirements
- Most Schools: 3.0 minimum
- Competitive Schools: 3.5+
- Elite Schools: 3.8+
- DO Schools: 3.2+ average
Science GPA vs Overall GPA
Medical schools calculate two separate GPAs for applicants:
Science GPA (sGPA)
Includes biology, chemistry, physics, and math courses. This is often weighted more heavily than overall GPA.
Overall GPA (cGPA)
Includes all undergraduate coursework. Shows academic consistency across all subjects.
Top Medical Schools GPA Requirements
| Medical School | Average GPA | Average MCAT | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvard Medical School | 3.95 | 520 | 3.3% |
| Johns Hopkins | 3.93 | 521 | 4.7% |
| Stanford Medicine | 3.94 | 520 | 2.3% |
| UCSF | 3.84 | 517 | 4.1% |
| Yale School of Medicine | 3.94 | 521 | 4.0% |
What If Your GPA Is Low?
GPA Below 3.0
- Consider DO schools (average 3.55 GPA)
- Complete a post-baccalaureate program
- Take additional science courses to improve sGPA
- Excel on MCAT (515+ recommended)
GPA 3.0-3.5
- Target mid-tier and state medical schools
- Strengthen other application components
- Consider special master's programs (SMP)
- Gain extensive clinical experience
How to Improve Your Medical School GPA
Academic Strategies
- Retake failed science courses
- Take additional upper-level science courses
- Complete a post-bac program
- Consider grade replacement policies
- Focus on recent academic performance
Alternative Pathways
- Special Master's Programs (SMP)
- Graduate degree in related field
- Caribbean medical schools
- DO schools (more holistic review)
- Gap years to strengthen application
Beyond GPA: Other Important Factors
MCAT Score
Average: 511.9 for accepted students. Can help offset lower GPA.
Clinical Experience
Volunteering, shadowing, and patient care experience are essential.
Research
Publications and presentations strengthen your application significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the minimum GPA for medical school?
Most medical schools require a minimum 3.0 GPA, but competitive applicants typically have 3.5+. Top schools expect 3.8+ GPAs.
Do medical schools look at all four years?
Yes, medical schools consider your entire undergraduate record, but they also value upward trends and recent academic performance.
Can I get into medical school with a 3.3 GPA?
Yes, but you'll need exceptional MCAT scores, extensive clinical experience, and should consider DO schools and less competitive programs.
Academic Success Tips
- •Review your notes within 24 hours of taking them
- •Break large assignments into smaller, manageable tasks
- •Regularly calculate your GPA to track your progress
- •Stay organized with a planner or digital calendar
- •Form or join study groups for difficult subjects