Medical Schools That Accept Low GPA

We list four medical schools that accept low GPA and how to apply to schools to heighten your chances of acceptance. You’ll also learn valuable tips to boost your chances of getting in to compensate for less-than-perfect grades.

Medical schools might be notorious for their stringent application policies, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of the running!

Medical Schools That Accept Low GPA

It’s normal to assume that a stellar grade point average is mandatory to enter medical school. If you’re wondering, “can I get into medical school with a low GPA?” the answer may surprise you.

Here are four medical schools that accept low GPA:

Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, GA

Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia demands a 3.84 GPA, and the acceptance rate is a little over seven percent.

Canadian students might get accepted on a case-by-case basis, but out-of-state and other international applicants are ineligible.

University of Mississippi School of Medicine, MS

The University of Mississippi School of Medicine has a median GPA acceptance of 3.77 with an acceptance rate of just over 37 percent. However, this university only accepts candidates within the state of Mississippi: international and out-of-state students can’t apply.

Mercer University School of Medicine, GA

Mercer University School of Medicine requires a 3.68, with an acceptance rate of slightly over 10 percent. Only applicants in the state Georgia can apply: MU doesn’t accept international and out-of-state students.

American University School of Medicine, Aruba 

Our medical school, located in Aruba, accepts prospective students with a GPA of 3.0 or above. Additionally, AUSOMA has a flexible acceptance policy for students from all countries. We offer guidance and support for visa application to Aruba too.

Applying to Medical School With a Low GPA

Now you know there are medical schools that accept low GPA, let’s discuss how to apply. You can overcome the drawback of a low GPA through persistence and strategic planning.

Firstly, aim to collect as much clinical experience as you can to demonstrate your commitment. If you can’t find employment opportunities, volunteer instead. Consistency is critical: you don’t want significant gaps in time when you weren’t seeking to further your medical knowledge.

Approach the admissions committee from your target school and discuss your options. Show that you’re eager to join the faculty and begin your career as a medical student. You never know, they could offer helpful advice to improve your chances of getting accepted.

Try to find a mentor who will guide you through the application process, such as preparing for the MCAT.

Dedicated support can make all the difference: if you have a counselor or advisor discouraging you, cut them loose and find someone else. Since pre-med advising will play a sizable role in helping you transition into medical school, look for an institution with good advisors.

Last but not least, your personal statement matters—write one that’s bound to impress the admissions committee. Highlight your clinical experience as well as your unique reasons for wanting to become a doctor.

Do extensive research on your target medical school to learn what values they appreciate, and tie them into your statement.

What is Considered a Low GPA for Medical School? 

You might be curious about the exact numbers: what is considered a low GPA for medical school?

There’s no universal value, as every institution has its standards. Most medical schools set a cap at a 3.0 GPA.

Generally, a low GPA is less than a school’s 75th or 80th percentile.

You can also review your chosen school’s average GPA for accepted students. If your GPA is more than 0.3 points below that average, you can assume the school will consider it low.

If your next question is, “can I get into med school with a 2.0 GPA?” unfortunately, the chances are unlikely.

How to Get Into Medical School with a Low GPA

Your grades are important, but they aren’t the sole acceptance criteria. Here’s what to know about applying to med schools if you’re unsatisfied with your GPA:

Address Your GPA

You need to confront your GPA situation head-on and remember that a low GPA is relative.

Your 3.4 GPA may be low for a school with an entering class average of 3.7. However, this same GPA will be above-average if a university’s entering class average is only 3.3. Similarly, less than a point of difference isn’t usually worth worrying about.

As we touched on, GPA isn’t the only thing that determines your worth as a potential medical student. Schools look at other facets, such as personal experience and admissions letters.

Improve Other Scores

Improving other scores is an excellent opportunity to prove that, despite your low GPA, you’re a competent student.

The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) is one such avenue. An exceptionally high score can demonstrate you’re ready to handle the rigors of medical school.

Invest the time into studying for the MCAT properly. Although you might be eager to take it straight away, take practice tests, and review the material until you’re confident.

You can also establish that your flagging grades are on the way up. Sign up for a pre-med post-baccalaureate program if your GPA is dramatically low, or take related classes and ace them if you only need a few more points.

For the latter, be careful when you’re selecting your classes. You don’t want to inadvertently drop your GPA further by taking on subjects you can’t handle—the easier, the better.

To conclude, if your GPA is lower than you would like, don’t despair. A medical career is still within reach as long as you persevere.

Expand your clinical experience, seek to get a top-ranking MCAT score, and better your grades through other classes or courses. Take the initiative to consult with your target school’s admissions committee, and acquire a mentor if you don’t have one already.

Remember that a career in medicine demands dedication, which begins with intensive study—focusing on your educational endeavors early on is good practice.