Do you fear that your low GPA could affect your acceptance into medical school? There are medical schools that accept low GPAs. The quickest way to avoid being admitted to medical school is to believe that your GPA doesn’t matter.
It is imperfect to consider different scales and learning paths, but it is something that all students have in common.
Your GPA is often the limiting factor in whether or not you should apply to a medical school. If you don’t have a high GPA but want to attend an allopathic medical school, consider these 25 medical schools that don’t require a high GPA.
In this writing, we shall discuss how you can get into Med School with a low GPA and the Top Medical Schools that accept low GPAs and their med school GPA requirements.
Table of contents
- What is a Low GPA for Medical School?
- Can I still go to Medical School with a Low GPA?
- What to Do If Your Med School GPA is low?
- How many classes do I have to take if my GPA is low?
- What are the Best Medical Schools that Accept Low GPAs?
- #1. Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee
- #2. Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia
- #3. University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri
- #4. Marshall University Medical School, Joan C. Edwards, Huntington, West Virginia
- #5. University of Mississippi Medical Centre, Jackson, Mississippi
- #6. Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
- #7. The Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland.
- #8. Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, Georgia
- #9. University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
- #10. Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
- #11. East Carolina University – Brody, Greenville, North Carolina
- #12. University of Nevada – Reno, Reno, Nevada
- #13. Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana
- #14. University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, North Dakota
- #15. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas
- #16. The University of South Dakota – Sanford, Vermillion, South Dakota
- #17. Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
- #18. The Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
- #19. The University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
- #20. University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine, Norman, Oklahoma
- #21. The University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas
- #22. University of Buffalo SUNY – Jacobs, Buffalo, New York
- #23. University of Texas Medical Branch – Galveston, Austin, Texas
- #24. Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
- #25. University of Virginia Medical School, Charlottesville, Virginia
- FAQs – Medical Schools that accept low GPAs
- Conclusion
- References
- Writer’s Recommendations
What is a Low GPA for Medical School?
Many medical schools have a limit for GPAs below 3.0. The average GPA at most medical schools is between 3.7 and 3.9. The average GPA at most medical schools is between 3.4 and 3.6.
The admission procedure for the medical faculty is highly competitive. Admissions officials say that Med School students have to work hard and strive to achieve a GPA of 3.5 or higher to be included in a top-notch program.
Can I still go to Medical School with a Low GPA?
Admission to medical school with a low MCAT and GPA is more common than you might think.
The number of medical schools accepting a low GPA will, of course, be less than the number only students with high GPAs take into account.
However, this does not mean you should feel bad because you are not attending a high school.
Admission to medical school with a low MCAT and GPA is often a matter of persistence and determination to outperform the opportunities and to be honest that the opportunities are not stacked against you.
Many students have been in your position before, attended medical school, and started very successful careers in the industry. Standardized tests are only a measure of our skills, but they are certainly not the most important thing.
If you can show the approval team that despite your low GPA levels, you have what it takes, they are ready to consider you.
Are you currently unsatisfied with your GPA and desire to improve? Click on the link below to explore how to Make a High GPA at school: 6 Effective ways to Increase your brain Power
What to Do If Your Med School GPA is low?
So, before you get on your way too much and give up, read our advice on what to do next and our list of medical schools that accept a low GPA.
Find out the cause(s) of your low GPA
The reasons for your low GPA and the low GPA determine how to deal with it and how much energy you need to use to alleviate it.
Deal with your low GPA
Your goal is to show that your GPA does not accurately indicate your skills and that you can do much better. There are two main actions you should take:
- Ace the MCAT. You need a high MCAT score. This score shows you have the talent and ability to conquer medical school.
- Take science/medicine courses and earn an A in them. This can mean a few classes to a complete post-bac program for academic enhancers. Repeated courses can show that you have mastered the material. However, a better way is to take new, advanced courses and do good.
Write A Personal Statement
In your position, a personal statement is a key for a locked door. If you write a great personal statement that calmly explains what you did so badly, you are giving yourself a better chance of getting into medical school.
The admissions committee knows that there are often good reasons why a student is underperforming – illness, underprivileged background, lack of focus at this point – and they’re willing to forgive and keep going as long as you provide a good argument for why you’re doing this.
Apply for medical schools that accept a low GPA
The truth is that some medical schools will shut you out right away if you have a low GPA and MCAT. High-level schools like Harvard are not in the picture, which means that from now on, you will have to focus on medium-sized schools.
Medium-sized schools are more willing to consider low GPA levels, and they are ready to consider your intangible aspects, such as your determination and persistence.
This will also work in your favor if you have experience – such as an internship.
How many classes do I have to take if my GPA is low?
This should be related to how low your GPA is relative to your target school’s average and how much time has passed since you graduated from college.
If the difference between your GPA and your target school’s average is large, you should consider a formal post-bac program.
Also, if you have worked in the medical field or volunteered for several years since you graduated, you may need fewer lessons, especially if your MCAT score is high.
Read this: Best Medical Colleges In London Their Tuition Fees And Courses Offered
What are the Best Medical Schools that Accept Low GPAs?
Every school is looking for something specific for its applicants. Even if you’re below your medium GPA, it doesn’t mean you can’t get in. Something else in your application may spark your interest.
Choosing the right medical faculty for you takes time. You need to do a lot of research and ensure you meet the requirements.
Many students do poorly with their GPAs because they forget to review the requirements of their preferred medical schools before the exam, resulting in a lack of focus and motivation. Here is Medical Schools that accept low GPAs
#1. Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee
Average GPA – 3.42
Average MCAT – 25
Meharry is a historically black academic center for health sciences, but you don’t have to be a colored person to apply here. They offer opportunities, especially for colored people and people with disadvantaged backgrounds.
They accept others, regardless of race or ethnicity, to receive excellent health science education. Therefore, this is one of the medical schools that accept low GPAs
#2. Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia
Like Meharry, Howard University strives to address medically underserved communities’ unique health care needs. Their goal is to produce a significant number of the nation’s minority physicians.
In addition, this is one of the medical schools that accept low GPAs
Average GPA – 3.47
average MCAT – 26
#3. University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri
The University of Missouri-Kansas City offers six medical programs with 19 specialties. Unlike many other programs, UMKC exposes students to practical fieldwork through weekly clinical experience during their first year of study.
In addition, students benefit from UKMC’s partnership with six exceptional hospitals.
Learners must have at least a 3.0 GPA and 500 MCAT points. However, most applicants have a 3.5 GPA and a 505 on the MCAT.
Average GPA – 3.56
Average MCAT – 29
#4. Marshall University Medical School, Joan C. Edwards, Huntington, West Virginia
Since Marshall is a state-sponsored medical school, Marshall prefers West Virginia residents. However, some positions are available to well-qualified non-residents from neighboring West Virginia states and non-residents with close ties to West Virginia.
Students introduced to the school through a non-governmental recruitment pipeline and contact programs are also encouraged to apply.
Average GPA – 3.57
Average MCAT – 29
#5. University of Mississippi Medical Centre, Jackson, Mississippi
The University of Mississippi School of Medicine is located in the heart of Jackson and offers various health-related programs.
Medical students have access to several professional hospitals to gain hands-on experience, including a women’s and toddler hospital, an emergency hospital, a university hospital, and the only children’s hospital in Mississippi.
Currently, the average acceptance rate at medical schools is still 7%. At UMMC, the acceptance rates reach almost 41%. UMMC requires a minimum 2.8 GPA; however, most applicants have roughly a 3.6 GPA and a 504 MCAT score.
Average GPA – 3.60
Average MCAT – 28
#6. Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
Morehouse attaches great importance to its social mission to serve colored people and the underserved urban and rural population in Georgia, the nation, and the world.
They are number 1 in social missions and number 16 in basic services. 63% of their alumni go to primary care.
Average GPA – 3.61
Average MCAT – 26
#7. The Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland.
The Herbert School of Medicine is essentially the medical school of the military. Her curriculum includes military and health medicine to better prepare doctors for military service.
Although 60% of admitted students have no military experience, all students have to work in the Army, Navy, Air Force, or public health after enrolment before enrolling.
Average GPA – 3.63
Average MCAT – 31
#8. Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, Georgia
This university is one of the oldest American universities and continues to offer high-quality college programs. Mercer University is recognized nationwide as an elite south school for various programs, including its School of Medicine.
The Mercer University School of Medicine develops professionals dedicated to primary care for rural and disadvantaged groups in Georgia. With an acceptance rate of 10.5%, average applicants receive a 505 on the MCAT and a 3.6 GPA.
This school focuses on the care of the medically underserved population in Georgia. To apply here, you must be legally resident in the state of Georgia at the time of application.
Average GPA – 3.64
Average MCAT – 28
#9. University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
The University of Tennessee has been dedicated to research and medicine since 1911. The university remains a leading state school for disease research.
Since this university endeavors to look after as many students as possible, students can access distance learning courses. Applicants have an average GPA of 3.7 and an MCAT of 510. The Health Science Center has an acceptance rate of 13.8% among 694 enrolled students.
Average GPA – 3.70
Average MCAT – 28
#10. Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
With over 150 years of engagement in Detroit, Michigan, the Wayne State University School of Medicine offers exemplary clinical care and social responsiveness through cutting-edge research and innovation.
In addition to local experiences outside the classroom, the School of Medicine also offers the opportunity to travel to South America, Africa, or Asia.
Most applicants have a GPA of 3.7 and a score of 509 on the MCAT, while the school maintains an acceptance rate of 9.3%.
Average GPA – 3.7
Average MCAT – 28
#11. East Carolina University – Brody, Greenville, North Carolina
The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University is committed to improving the health of citizens of eastern North Carolina, increasing the number of qualified general practitioners in the state, and increasing access for underprivileged students to medical education.
The Brody School of Medicine also has national recognition for the number of medical students tied to primary care. This program offers a high return on investment.
Every fifth doctor in North Carolina graduated from the Brody School of Medicine. Most applicants receive a 508 and a 3.7 GPA on the MCAT.
Average GPA – 3.70
Average MCAT – 28
#12. University of Nevada – Reno, Reno, Nevada
The University of Nevada’s Reno School of Medicine began its mission to train primary care physicians operating in rural areas of Nevada.
The Reno School of Medicine at the University of Nevada offers an integrative curriculum that combines science-based concepts with clinical practice.
Also, the School of Medicine offers several dual degree programs, concentrations, and subject areas. In addition, students can participate in several research studies.
With an acceptance rate of almost 12%, the acceptance rate of the Reno School of Medicine creates a diverse population of medical students. Most of the MCAT candidates scored 508 and had an average GPA of 3.7.
Average GPA – 3.70
Average MCAT – 28
Check this: 17 Best Medical Schools With Low MCAT Requirements In 2024
#13. Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana
The LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport, founded in 1969, was the first state school to offer medical education in Louisiana. The program teaches over 800 prospective professionals and awards grants to almost 600 fellows yearly.
While the students benefit from the most modern facilities, the LSU Health Sciences Foundations create initiatives that offer the students additional opportunities.
With an acceptance rate of 17%, the LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport offers a higher chance of acceptance than some schools.
Students must have at least a 3.2 GPA, although the average applicant has a GPA of 3.7 and an MCAT score of 509.
Average GPA – 3.70
Average MCAT – 28
#14. University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, North Dakota
At the University of North Dakota Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, students can earn a doctorate in medicine within four years.
As the oldest university in North Dakota, and maintains partnerships across the state that allow students to train at multiple clinical facilities after their second year.
Most AND applicants have an average GPA of 3.79 and appreciate rounded students; Therefore, other factors influence admission. In addition, and has an acceptance rate of 17.8% with an average MCAT value of 505.
Average GPA – 3.79
Average MCAT – 28
#15. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas
The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, was created in response to the shortage of doctors in the region in 1969.
TTUHSC students enter an innovative environment by enrolling in the School of Medicine. The program was the first in the nation to offer a family medical accelerated route.
With an acceptance rate of 9.1%, the School of Medicine recognizes a diverse pool of applicants. Most applicants have a 3.8 GPA and a 510 on the MCAT.
Average GPA – 3.8
Average MCAT – 28
#16. The University of South Dakota – Sanford, Vermillion, South Dakota
The lineage of the University of South Dakota dates from 1862, while the School of Medicine was founded in 1907. Since then, the medical program has grown and is considered one of the best rural medicine programs across the country.
In addition, the USD medical program became known as the Sandford School of Medicine after Denny Sanford donated $ 20 million to the medical program.
The USD Sanford curriculum focuses on primary care and family medicine. After the second year, students work in hospitals and outpatient clinics across the state. On average, applicants have a 3.8 GPA and an average 509 MCAT score.
Average GPA – 3.8
Average MCAT – 29
#17. Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
As the 13th oldest medical school in the United States, the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University is committed to innovation, optimization, and healthcare research.
After their second year on the Augusta campus, students visit other clinical training facilities across the state. Most students complete the program in seven or eight years.
The total number of students at Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia is 962, with an acceptance rate of 12.1%. Applicants typically have a 3.8 GPA and an average score of 511 on the MCAT.
Average GPA – 3.8
Average MCAT – 29
#18. The Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
This Medical University strives for academic excellence and exemplary patient care. The Medical University offers students valuable on-site experience and access to a mentoring program supported by a specialist.
In addition, MUSC offers a small student-to-faculty ratio, which allows students to build relationships with their professors and quickly receive additional guidance. With an acceptance rate of 11%, around 160 students are admitted to the MUSC program each year.
MUSC requires a minimum score of 495 MCAT. However, most applicants receive a 510 on the MCAT and have a 3.8 GPA.
Average GPA – 3.8
Average MCAT – 27
#19. The University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
The University of Nebraska Medical Center dates back to the 19th century. It continues to work for Nebraska’s health through community efforts such as opening the Lied Transplant Center, Twin Towers Research, and the Lauritzen Outpatient Center.
Students can gain political and leadership experience by joining the student center of the Medical Center.
While applicants typically have a GPA of 3.8 and an MCAT of 511, UNMC also appreciates applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds and rural areas. This university currently has an acceptance rate of 9.8%.
Average GPA – 3.8
Average MCAT – 28
#20. University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine, Norman, Oklahoma
The University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine focuses on the care of rural and underserved populations across the state.
While the programs aim to meet patients’ current needs, the OU School of Community Medicine is also a pioneer in medical innovation through research, internal educational resources, and collaborations with other universities and community organizations.
Students can participate in several ongoing research studies and acquire clinical skills using state-of-the-art, high-tech robot mannequins.
The university has an acceptance rate of 9.7%. The average applicant receives a 509 on the MCAT and has a 3.8 GPA.
The Average GPA – 3.8
Average MCAT – 28
#21. The University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas
The McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas is committed to improving global health. McGovern Medical School is one of six schools that make up the largest medical center in the world, the Texas Medical Center.
The students are also supervised by leading doctors and contribute to developing new treatment modalities. The university welcomes a diverse pool of applicants with an acceptance rate of 9.5%. Applicants receive a 513 on the MCAT and a 3.8 GPA.
Average GPA – 3.8
Average MCAT – 28
#22. University of Buffalo SUNY – Jacobs, Buffalo, New York
The University of Buffalo, State University of New York, now called the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, does not have a teaching hospital like many other programs.
Instead, the school places students in connected hospitals, exposing learners to various work environments. The curriculum encourages students to exercise critical judgment and problem-solving skills.
The Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences accepts 140 medical students each year, resulting in a 1: 3 ratio of professor to student. Most applicants have an MCAT score of 510 and a GPA of 3.8.
The Average GPA – 3.8
Average MCAT – 28
#23. University of Texas Medical Branch – Galveston, Austin, Texas
The University of Texas Medical division is located approximately 80 km outside of Houston and has a long history of exemplary patient care and cutting-edge research.
The UTMB curriculum follows the goals and guidelines of the Association of American Medical Colleges. As the first academic healthcare facility in Texas, the university has an innovative spirit that enables students to thrive without restrictions.
Students receive ongoing, thorough support through online and personal services, including face-to-face counseling. Most students score 511 points on the MCAT and have a GPA of 3.9.
Average GPA – 3.9
Average MCAT – 28
#24. Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
Since 1891, the Washington University of Medicine in St. Louis has made discoveries and innovations in the medical field. As one of the top ten medical research faculties, students can access multiple research centers that provide current data.
The Washington University School of Medicine also holds 10 top rankings for primary care and multiple subject areas. Students can choose from six programs and 20 academic departments.
The Washington University of Medicine also offers students small class sizes for optimal learning. While most students have a GPA of 3.9 and score 521 points on the MCAT, the School of Medicine has an acceptance rate of 10.5%.
Average GPA – 3.9
Average MCAT – 30
Also, read this: List Of PA Schools With Low GPA Requirements In 2024
#25. University of Virginia Medical School, Charlottesville, Virginia
The School of Medicine at the University of Virginia was founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson and promotes innovation, exemplary communication skills, and collaborative efforts.
The school values effective public service; Therefore, medical students receive a solid foundation in research, civic engagement, and patient care.
Also, the UVA School of Medicine appreciates the self-administration of the students. Medical students can join the Mulholland Society to represent student voices, inform colleagues about medical events, and gain medically relevant leadership experience outside of the classroom.
The UVA School of Medicine currently has an acceptance rate of 10.3%. Most applicants receive a 519 on the MCAT, and the average applicant has a 3.9 GPA.
Average GPA – 3.9
Average MCAT – 30
FAQs – Medical Schools that accept low GPAs
Let’s face it; if your grade point average is 2.0, medical school may be tough to get into without doing something to improve your grades. Medical schools expect high grades because they show you can handle the work. You will need to develop better study habits when you do start medical school.
The general rule of thumb is that you must have an overall undergraduate grade point average (UGPA) of 3.5 with a strong performance in the sciences and a minimum MCAT® score of 30 to gain admission to medical school, but this rule has variations.
The medical school admissions process is extraordinarily competitive. Admissions officials say that premed undergraduates must work hard and strive to achieve a GPA of 3.5 or higher to get accepted into a top-tier program.
Many medical schools require that you have at least a 3.0 minimum GPA to apply. However, you probably need a 3.5 GPA to be competitive in most (if not all) medical schools.
Conclusion
A low GPA is not a death sentence for medical school! If you use the advice above, you can reverse this negative.
A successful application for medical school is not just about showing how to fix mistakes. You have to give the schools a POSITIVE reason to accept them.
When preparing to apply to medical school, it is essential to pay attention to details. Cross your T’s and puncture your I’s, but don’t forget to scan your social media. Recruiters are looking for you and value what they see in your online presence.
References
- medicalschoolhq.net › pmy-261-from-a-2-7-undergrad-gpa-to-first-y…
- bemoacademicconsulting.com › blog › easiest-medical-schools-to-get-..
- www.prospectivedoctor.com › 15-medical-schools-that-don’t-require-a…
- www.lowgpa.net › medical-schools-that-accept-low-gpa
- www.ama-assn.org › residents-students › preparing-medical-school
- classifieds.usatoday.com › blog › education › 10-easiest-medical-scho…
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