How to Get Into Medical School with a Low GPA or MCAT (2025 Guide)

Getting into medical school is competitive. And it can feel even more daunting if your GPA or MCAT score isn’t where you'd like it to be. But don’t count yourself out. Every year, students with below-average academic stats are admitted into MD and DO programs across the U.S., Canada, and beyond. 

This guide breaks down realistic strategies, actionable steps, and experience-based tips to help you strengthen your profile, address academic gaps, and still reach your goal of becoming a physician.

> Explore Go-Elective’s PreMed and Medical Internships Abroad

What is considered a “low” GPA or MCAT?

Let’s define “low” in context. The average GPA and MCAT for U.S. MD matriculants in 2024 (AAMC data):

• Average GPA: 3.75 (cumulative)
• Average MCAT: 511.7

Generally speaking:

• A GPA below 3.4 is considered low for MD programs
• An MCAT below 505 puts you below the 50th percentile
• Osteopathic (DO) schools tend to have slightly more flexible criteria, with average MCAT scores around 503 and GPAs around 3.5

Check each school’s published data: MSAR by AAMC

Can you still get into med school with a low GPA or MCAT?

Yes — but you’ll need to make the rest of your application exceptional and show clear evidence of improvement, motivation, and readiness. Many successful applicants overcome weak stats through strategic action, powerful narratives, and standout experiences like international medical internships.

Step 1: Strengthen your clinical and extracurricular experiences

If your academics are a weak point, your experiences need to shine. Medical schools value applicants who demonstrate a deep, sustained commitment to healthcare.

Focus on:

• Hands-on clinical experience — Consider a structured internship abroad where you can shadow doctors, assist in rounds, and explore diverse pathologies
• Long-term volunteering in underserved or high-need communities
• Research experience, especially if published or presented
• Leadership roles — mentoring, student organizations, or advocacy work

Unique experiences like a global health internship with Go Elective show maturity, initiative, and the ability to thrive in unfamiliar healthcare settings — qualities med schools deeply value.

Step 2: Address your academic record with post-bacc or SMP programs

Medical schools want evidence that you can handle a rigorous curriculum. If your undergraduate GPA is below 3.3, consider:

Post-baccalaureate programs

These allow you to take or retake undergraduate-level science courses to boost your science GPA (sGPA). Ideal for non-traditional students or those who struggled early but have improved.

Special Master’s Programs (SMPs)

These are graduate-level programs designed for med school preparation. Many are affiliated with medical schools and offer a direct pathway for strong performers. A good SMP GPA (3.6+) can override a weak undergrad GPA.

Step 3: Retake the MCAT — only if it’s worth it

If your MCAT is below 500, a retake is worth considering. But only do so if:

• You’ve significantly changed your study strategy
• You have ample time to prepare (at least 3–4 months)
• You’ve taken several full-length practice exams with improving scores

Resources like Khan Academy, UWorld, Blueprint, and free AAMC materials can help. 

Step 4: Apply strategically — don’t shoot blind

Not every med school weighs GPA and MCAT equally. Some are more holistic, some have MCAT cutoffs, and others actively look for students with upward trends or unique backgrounds.

Smart application tactics:

• Apply to DO schools, which often value the whole applicant more than numbers
• Consider Caribbean or international medical schools (cautiously — be sure they are accredited and have high USMLE pass rates)
• Apply to newer U.S. MD or DO programs, which may be more open to diverse applicant profiles
• Check for MCAT-optional or test-flexible programs — some early assurance and BS/MD programs are moving in this direction
  
  

Read more: Medical Schools with the Lowest MCAT Requirements

Step 5: Use your personal statement and letters to tell your story

When you have lower stats, your personal narrative becomes crucial. Use your personal statement and secondary essays to:

• Explain why you had a low GPA or MCAT (if relevant — keep it concise and take responsibility)
• Highlight how you’ve grown, improved, and committed to medicine
• Emphasize your unique journey, including any global exposure, personal challenges, or community impact
• Show passion, resilience, and evidence of success in current academic or clinical roles

Get strong letters from mentors who’ve worked with you closely and can speak to your growth, professionalism, and readiness for med school.

Step 6: Be realistic — but don’t settle

You may not get into your top-choice med school on the first try — and that’s okay. Many students with lower academic records go on to become outstanding doctors, especially when they take the time to improve their profiles and reapply with purpose.

Gap years, reapplication, and creative strategies (like volunteering in Africa) are not signs of failure — they’re evidence of persistence.

Real stories of success

Every year, Go Elective supports students who didn’t think they’d get into med school — until they took control of their narrative, boosted their clinical confidence, and stood out with immersive global health experiences in Kenya or Tanzania.

Our alumni have gone on to:

• Get into U.S. and international med schools
• Win scholarships after powerful personal statements tied to their internship
• Gain admission to DO, MD, and PA programs after a gap year

You don’t have to be perfect — you have to be determined, strategic, and reflective.

Final thoughts

A low GPA or MCAT score does not define you. Medical schools want competent, compassionate future physicians — and there’s more than one path to prove you’re ready. Focus on growth, fill in the gaps with strong clinical experience, consider a post-bacc or SMP, and tell your story with honesty and strength.

And if you're looking for a standout experience that sets your application apart, consider a global health internship with Go Elective. It might just be the turning point that helps you get in.

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Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Jul 1, 2025