Can I get into med school with a low GPA?

Grade point average (GPA) is one of the biggest items on the checklist of applying to medical school. It can also be one of the hardest to improve as it requires consistent good grades over years of schooling. Some medical schools use GPA, along with MCAT, to screen applications. This means any applicant with a GPA (or MCAT) under a certain level are automatically rejected, without even reviewing the full application. However, many schools are moving to a more holistic review process, analyzing the whole application including personal statement, letters of recommendations and such. Even so, it is still vital to have a strong GPA.

There are several routes medical school applicants can go to strengthen their GPA. The first is to take additional classes to boost it up. This may be especially helpful if one has a low science GPA (sGPA). Applicants can also complete a master’s program. While schools will not completely dismiss a lower GPA from older schooling, a stronger GPA in a new program will help to boost one’s application. There are many other intricacies to consider with GPA and medical school applications. In this article we will discuss how to get into med school with a low GPA, which schools have higher acceptances, what GPA is too low for admission to med school, and the difference between regular GPA and science GPA (sGPA).

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How to get into med school with a low GPA?

Getting into medical school with a low GPA can be challenging, but it’s definitely not impossible if you strategically strengthen other parts of your application and demonstrate academic improvement. One of the first and most important steps is to perform exceptionally well on the MCAT. A high MCAT score can help offset a lower GPA by showing admissions committees that you have the intellectual ability and foundational knowledge to succeed in medical school. Preparing thoroughly and potentially taking a prep course or working with a tutor can make a big difference in boosting your score.

Beyond test scores, gaining strong clinical experience and shadowing is crucial. Admissions committees want to see that you understand what being a physician entails and that you’re committed to the profession. Spending time shadowing doctors in various specialties helps you gain insight into the realities of medical practice and can also lead to meaningful relationships with physicians who might later write you compelling letters of recommendation (LORs). These letters are critical as they provide a personal testament to your character, work ethic, and suitability for medicine, thus helping to balance out a weaker GPA.

Another important aspect is volunteering and leadership roles. Med schools highly value applicants who demonstrate empathy, community involvement, and the ability to lead. Volunteering in healthcare settings or underserved communities shows your dedication to service and your ability to connect with patients from diverse backgrounds. Taking on leadership roles in clubs, organizations, or community projects highlights skills like teamwork, responsibility, and initiative, all qualities that medical schools look for in future doctors.

Academically, if your GPA is low due to early struggles or life circumstances, you can consider taking additional coursework to prove your academic capabilities. This might include enrolling in upper-level science classes at a local university or completing a post-baccalaureate program designed specifically for students aiming to improve their science GPA. Another excellent option is pursuing a master’s degree in a science-related field. Excelling in graduate-level coursework can demonstrate your readiness for the rigor of medical school and help offset a weak undergraduate GPA.

Finally, when applying, be sure to use your personal statement and secondary essays to explain any challenges that contributed to your low GPA and, more importantly, how you have grown and improved since then. Schools appreciate honesty and resilience, especially when paired with evidence of academic improvement and a clear commitment to medicine. Applying broadly, including to some DO schools and schools with holistic admissions policies, can also increase your chances of acceptance. With dedication, strategic planning, and strong performance in other areas, you can overcome a low GPA and still achieve your goal of becoming a physician.

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Do med schools check GPA?

Yes, medical schools definitely check your GPA. It’s one of the first things admissions committees look at because it provides a quick snapshot of your academic performance and ability to handle challenging coursework. Your GPA, especially your science GPA (often called BCPM GPA—Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Math), helps schools assess whether you’re prepared for the rigorous medical school curriculum.

When you apply through the AMCAS (for MD schools) or AACOMAS (for DO schools) application services, your transcripts are verified and your GPA is calculated and reported to all the schools you apply to. Schools rely on this verified GPA as a key metric during the initial screening process, so it’s important that it accurately reflects your academic history.

That said, while GPA is critical, it’s not the only factor. Many med schools use a holistic review process, considering your MCAT scores, experiences, letters of recommendation, and personal statements alongside your GPA. But if your GPA is too low, your application may not move forward unless other parts of your application are exceptionally strong.

What medical schools don't care about GPA?

No accredited medical school completely ignores GPA, as it’s an important indicator of your ability to handle the rigorous medical curriculum. However, some schools place less emphasis on GPA and take a more holistic approach to admissions. This means they weigh other factors—such as life experience, community service, leadership, and personal qualities—more heavily alongside academic metrics. Osteopathic (DO) schools often fit this description, as many of them are willing to consider applicants with lower GPAs if they demonstrate strong attributes elsewhere, like excellent clinical experience or a compelling personal story.

Certain mission-driven MD schools also tend to focus more on holistic review. Institutions such as the University of New Mexico, University of Mississippi, or the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University prioritize applicants’ commitment to underserved communities and primary care, sometimes placing greater weight on character and service rather than raw GPA numbers. Additionally, while not based in the U.S., Caribbean medical schools typically have more flexible admissions criteria and lower GPA thresholds.

That said, even at schools with holistic admissions, a very low GPA usually requires strong compensating factors like a high MCAT score, successful post-baccalaureate coursework, or extraordinary life experiences to make a competitive application. Ultimately, no reputable medical school will admit a student who hasn’t demonstrated the academic ability to succeed in medical training, but many are willing to consider the whole person beyond just GPA numbers

What is the lowest GPA that U.S. based Allopathic medical schools will accept?

The lowest GPA that U.S.-based allopathic (MD) medical schools will accept varies by school, but generally, most schools set informal minimums around a 3.0 overall GPA and a similar or slightly lower science GPA (BCPM). It’s rare for accredited MD schools to seriously consider applicants with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0 unless there are exceptional circumstances or significant post-baccalaureate improvements.

Some schools with mission-driven or holistic admissions may consider applicants with GPAs slightly below 3.0, especially if they demonstrate upward academic trends, strong MCAT scores (typically 510+), and compelling life experiences. However, these cases are the exception rather than the rule.

For applicants with GPAs under 3.0, the recommended route is usually to complete a post-baccalaureate program or a Special Master’s Program (SMP) to show academic improvement before reapplying. These programs can help build a stronger academic record that makes you a more competitive candidate for MD schools.

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Is a 3.7 too low for med school?

A 3.7 GPA is generally not too low for medical school—it’s actually quite competitive! Most successful applicants to MD programs have overall GPAs in the range of about 3.5 to 3.9, so a 3.7 places you comfortably within that bracket. It shows strong academic performance, especially if your science GPA is close to that number as well.

That said, GPA is just one part of your application. Admissions committees also look closely at your MCAT score, clinical experiences, research, leadership, and personal qualities. So, if your GPA is around 3.7 but you have a lower MCAT or weaker extracurriculars, it might affect your chances. Conversely, a strong MCAT and well-rounded application can make a 3.7 look even better.

Finally, some schools have higher average GPAs than others, so if your GPA is 3.7, you should be competitive at many schools but might want to research the average GPAs of the specific programs you’re interested in. Applying broadly and strategically will give you the best shot!

Can I get into med school with a 2.3 GPA?

Getting into medical school with a 2.3 GPA is extremely difficult, but not entirely impossible if you’re willing to take a nontraditional path and work hard to rebuild your academic profile. Most U.S. medical schools—both MD and DO—have average accepted GPAs well above 3.5, so a 2.3 typically falls far below the minimum threshold for serious consideration. That said, admissions committees do look for growth, academic improvement, and commitment to medicine, especially if you can demonstrate your readiness through other areas of your application.

To improve your chances, you would almost certainly need to complete a post-baccalaureate or special master’s program (SMP) that allows you to take upper-level science courses and prove you can succeed in a rigorous academic setting. Earning a strong GPA (3.7+) in one of these programs can significantly boost your credibility as a candidate. In addition, a high MCAT score—ideally 510 or higher—can help balance your academic record and show that you have the intellectual ability to succeed in medical school. Exceptional clinical experience, volunteering, research, and compelling letters of recommendation are also critical for strengthening your application.

If you take these steps and show clear academic and personal growth, you may be able to gain admission to a DO school, which typically places more emphasis on holistic review and life experience. Some students in your position also explore Caribbean medical schools, which tend to have more flexible admissions criteria, though that path comes with additional challenges, especially when it comes to matching into U.S. residency programs. Ultimately, while a 2.3 GPA makes the road to med school longer and more complex, it’s still possible with strategic planning, strong test scores, and a clear upward academic trend.

Do med schools care more about science GPA or overall GPA?

Medical schools consider both your overall GPA and science GPA (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Math), but science GPA often carries more weight. This is because your performance in science courses is a more direct indicator of how well you might handle the rigorous, science-heavy curriculum in medical school. Admissions committees use science GPA to assess your academic foundation in key subjects and to predict your success on standardized exams like the MCAT and, later, the USMLE.

That said, your overall GPA still matters, especially at schools that emphasize holistic review. A strong overall GPA reflects consistency, time management, and discipline across various subjects—not just in science. If your science GPA is slightly lower than your overall GPA, but both are solid and your MCAT is strong, many schools will still view your application positively. On the other hand, if your science GPA is weak and your overall GPA is inflated by non-science courses, that could raise red flags for admissions committees.

Ultimately, the balance between science GPA, overall GPA, and MCAT is what matters most. Schools want to see that you can excel in science courses and maintain good academic habits across the board. If one area is weaker, excelling in the others can help compensate, especially when combined with strong extracurriculars, clinical experience, and personal qualities that align with the school’s mission. Some applicants also take post-baccalaureate or graduate science courses to demonstrate academic improvement if their undergraduate science GPA is lacking.

Which medical schools in the U.S.are easiest to get into?

If your priority is maximizing your admissions odds, look for public schools with higher acceptance rates, lower GPA/MCAT thresholds, and strong in-state applicant preference. Programs that focus on serving underserved or rural populations sometimes loosen academic criteria in favor of mission-related alignment.

Still, every medical school expects a solid foundation—regardless of how “easy” they may be regarded. Excelling in clinical experience, leadership, volunteerism, and writing a compelling personal statement remain vital.

For a list of the easiest medical schools in the USA to get into, please check out this link.

Check out the University of Medicine and Health Sciences holistic criteria.

Does MCAT matter more than GPA for medical school?

Whether the MCAT matters more than GPA for medical school depends on the context, but both are critical parts of your application. Medical schools generally view GPA as a long-term indicator of academic consistency and discipline, while the MCAT serves as a standardized benchmark for academic potential across all applicants. A strong GPA shows that you can handle challenging coursework over time, whereas a strong MCAT score proves you can think critically and perform under pressure. Most admissions committees look for a balance between the two, rather than valuing one significantly more than the other.

That said, if you have a lower GPA, a high MCAT score can help compensate—though it won’t completely erase academic concerns. A high MCAT reassures schools that you have the intellectual ability to succeed in medical school, even if your GPA wasn’t stellar. In this way, the MCAT can carry more weight for applicants who need to offset past academic shortcomings. Conversely, a high GPA and a low MCAT may raise doubts about test-taking ability or readiness for standardized exams like the USMLE, which are critical in med school and residency applications.

Ultimately, medical schools use a holistic review process, considering your GPA and MCAT alongside clinical experience, research, volunteer work, letters of recommendation, and personal statement. Some schools might lean more heavily on the MCAT, especially if they use screening thresholds, but others might place more value on academic trends, upward trajectories, or post-bacc performance. The ideal scenario is to have both a strong GPA and MCAT, but if one is weaker, your best strategy is to strengthen the other while also building an exceptional, well-rounded application.

Can I become a doctor with a low GPA?

Yes, it’s possible to become a doctor with a low GPA, though it does require extra effort and strategy. Medical schools in the U.S. generally use a holistic review process, so while GPA is important, it’s not the only factor. You can strengthen other areas of your application, especially by earning a high MCAT score, which can demonstrate your academic potential and readiness for medical school. Additionally, strong clinical experience, research, volunteering, and compelling letters of recommendation can show your dedication to medicine and help you stand out. A thoughtful personal statement explaining your academic struggles and how you’ve grown from them can also help admissions committees see your potential beyond the numbers.

Another key strategy is applying broadly, including to both MD and DO schools, which may have slightly different selection criteria. DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) programs often place more emphasis on the whole applicant, including life experiences and non-academic strengths, making them a solid option for students with lower GPAs. Caribbean medical schools can also be a viable path to becoming a doctor. Many of these schools have more flexible GPA and MCAT requirements, making them accessible to students who may not be competitive at U.S.-based institutions. As with all schools, it’s important to research carefully—choose schools with strong reputations, solid U.S. residency match rates, and accreditation recognized by U.S. medical boards. One may also consider enrolling in a post-baccalaureate or special master’s program (SMP) to prove your academic readiness and improve your credentials. These programs often have direct linkages to medical schools and can significantly boost your chances if you perform well.

How many times can you take the MCAT?

The AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) limits the number of times that one can take the MCAT. Within a single calendar year, one can take the test a maximum of three times. Over a two calendar year time span, one can take that test four times. However, there is a maximum of seven times one can take the test no matter the time interval. Thus it is important to prepare for the exam adequately and perform well the first time taking the test.

Getting into medical school at UMHS

The University of Medicine and Health Sciences (UMHS) evaluates medical school applications on a holistic basis. This means that while GPA and MCAT are still considered, other elements of the application are equally or more important including: letters of recommendation, interviews, clinical experience, research, volunteer work, personal statement and work history. All play a vital role in acceptance into the school of medicine at UMHS.

All US residents are required to take the MCAT although a minimum MCAT is not used as a criteria for acceptance. Instead it is part of the entire package of data looked at. Non US residents are NOT required to take the MCAT.

There is no minimum GPA required for admission into UMHS.

Apply to UMHS here

Learn about the Accelerated Review Program, ARP, here.

Contact an admissions officer here.

Learn more about UMHS here.