Evaluating Your GPA: Is It Sufficient for Medical School Admission?

GPA anxiety is one of the most common stressors among pre-med students. In a field as competitive as medicine, many applicants ask themselves, “Is my GPA good enough to get into medical school?” The answer depends on more than just numbers—it’s about your full story as an aspiring healthcare professional.

At Go Elective, we help students strengthen their medical school applications through global health internships and clinical experiences in Kenya and Tanzania. Here’s your comprehensive guide to understanding where your GPA stands—and how to boost your chances of admission.

Why GPA Still Matters Today

Your GPA remains one of the most scrutinized metrics in medical school admissions. Most MD programs report an average accepted GPA between 3.7 and 3.9, while DO programs typically hover slightly lower, around 3.4 to 3.6.

However, the process is more holistic than ever. Admissions committees today consider the entirety of your application—MCAT scores, clinical experience, leadership, and life circumstances—all alongside your GPA.

While GPA opens doors, it’s no longer the sole factor in determining your fit for medical school.

What GPA Is Considered "Low" for Medical School?

While anything below 3.7 might be viewed as less competitive for top-tier MD schools, a GPA under 3.4 could also prompt concerns at many DO and mid-tier MD programs. However, this number depends on several variables:

• Are you applying to an MD or DO program?
• Is your science GPA (sGPA) higher than your cumulative GPA?
• Have you shown academic improvement over time?
• Did you pursue a challenging major (e.g., biochemistry, engineering)?

For example, a student with a 3.2 GPA but an upward trend and strong MCAT might be more competitive than someone with a stagnant 3.4 GPA.

Can You Get Into Med School With a Low GPA?

Absolutely—but you need to present a stronger application in other areas. Many students with GPAs in the 3.0–3.4 range gain admission each year by showcasing resilience and excellence beyond academics. Here's how you can overcome GPA-related hurdles:

• Achieve a high MCAT score (515+ can help offset GPA concerns)
• Enroll in a post-baccalaureate or Special Master's Program (SMP) to improve academic metrics
• Gain exceptional clinical experience through programs like Go Elective’s medical internships abroad
• Craft a compelling personal statement that explains your academic journey and growth
• Secure stellar letters of recommendation from faculty or healthcare professionals
• Demonstrate leadership, service, and a passion for global health
  
  

The Power of Clinical Experience

One of the most effective ways to strengthen your application is through meaningful clinical exposure. Medical schools seek candidates who understand the realities of healthcare. Participating in an international internship with Go Elective, for instance, demonstrates cultural competence and adaptability—two highly sought-after qualities in future physicians.

Learn more about our immersive healthcare internships in Kenya and Tanzania.

MCAT as a GPA Equalizer

The MCAT offers a second chance to demonstrate academic rigor. A high MCAT can validate your ability to master complex material, even if your undergraduate GPA was lower than ideal.

Admissions committees often view applicants with a lower GPA and a high MCAT score favorably, especially when combined with relevant clinical and volunteer work. If your GPA is below 3.5, an MCAT score of 510 or higher can significantly improve your odds.

Factors That Impact How GPA is Evaluated

• Major Difficulty: 

A lower GPA in biomedical engineering may carry more weight than a higher GPA in a less demanding program.

• Upward Trends:

Did you improve steadily in later semesters? An upward trajectory signals growth and resilience.

• Science GPA: 

Your sGPA is often prioritized over your cumulative GPA, as it reflects your ability to manage medical school-level science coursework.

• Context: 

Some committees will weigh socioeconomic factors, illness, or personal challenges that may have impacted your GPA.

Should You Apply with a Low GPA?

Yes—but be strategic. Research schools that value holistic admissions, such as those with mission statements focused on diversity, service, and community engagement.

DO schools and many newer MD programs are often more open to candidates with nontraditional pathways, including lower GPAs balanced by strong non-academic achievements.

Consider applying to programs where your GPA is closer to their median, and tailor your application to highlight how you’ve compensated for academic setbacks.

20 Medical Schools Open to Applicants with Lower GPAs (2025 Update)

MD Programs:

• University of Missouri – Kansas City (Average GPA: 3.23)
• Meharry Medical College (3.25)
• Howard University College of Medicine (3.28)
• Tulane University (3.30)
• Morehouse School of Medicine (3.31)
• University of Mississippi (3.32)
• University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (3.32)
• Virginia Tech Carilion (3.33)
• New York Medical College (3.34)
• Rush Medical College (3.35)

DO Programs:

• Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (3.44)
• Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine (3.50)
• Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (3.57)
• A.T. Still University Kirksville College (3.58)
• Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University (3.59)
  
  

Other GPA-Boosting Strategies

• Retake key science courses to improve your sGPA
• Pursue an SMP or post-bacc for academic redemption
• Seek out research roles to enhance your CV
• Take on leadership positions in student organizations or volunteer initiatives
• Attend medical conferences and networking events
  
  

Pre-Med Internships Abroad: A Competitive Edge

By participating in an international medical internship through Go Elective, you’ll gain valuable exposure to tropical diseases, surgical techniques in resource-limited settings, and culturally diverse patient populations.

Our interns often cite these experiences in their medical school applications and interviews, standing out from applicants with more traditional clinical backgrounds.

Final Thoughts

A lower GPA doesn’t define your medical career—it’s just one piece of your story. With strategic planning, resilience, and a commitment to professional growth, you can strengthen your candidacy and impress admissions committees.

Go Elective is here to help you build real-world experience, whether through our healthcare internships in Kenya and Tanzania or by guiding you on how to maximize your shadowing opportunities abroad.

Want personalized guidance? Explore Go Elective’s full suite of resources designed to elevate your medical school application.

FAQs

What GPA is considered low for medical school?

 Typically, anything below 3.5 is viewed as less competitive for MD programs, but many DO and some MD schools accept students with GPAs in the 3.2–3.4 range, depending on other application strengths.

How can I offset a low GPA? 

High MCAT scores, strong clinical experiences, a compelling personal statement, and excellent letters of recommendation can all help mitigate a lower GPA.

Does international clinical experience help my application? 

Absolutely. Global health internships demonstrate adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and a broader understanding of medicine—all qualities admissions committees value highly.

Is Go Elective only for pre-meds? 

No, Go Elective supports pre-med, medical, nursing, dental, PA, and pre-health students looking for international healthcare internships.

Ready to strengthen your application? Discover Go Elective’s programs today.

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives,

Author: Go-Electove Abroad

Date Published: May 7, 2025