GPA is positively associated with MCAT scores (i.e., students with a higher GPA tend to score higher on the MCAT, and students with a lower GPA tend to score lower on the MCAT)

The short answer is: yes, your undergrad matters for med school. And while it does play a role in admissions, it’s neither the most nor least significant factor.

If you want to challenge yourself, it’s possible to raise your GPA to 3.9 with consistent As going forward but remember that a 3.7 is a very competitive GPA for the vast majority of schools.

“However they don’t need to have a 4.0.” While perfect grades are not required for medical school admission, premeds “would want to be in the mid-3.0 range and higher to feel relatively competitive,” Grabowski says. Still, it is possible to get into medical school with a mediocre or low GPA.

The AAMC’s top band of GPAs is defined as 3.8 or higher, which is an excellent GPA for students looking to be competitive in the medical school admissions process. According to AAMC data, two-thirds of applicants with a GPA higher than 3.79 are accepted to medical school.

Most medical schools don’t have a minimum GPA requirement, but admission experts suggest maintaining a 3.0 GPA. In fact, they recommend applicants to strive for 3.5 and above.

But for those who truly want to go on to medical school, a GPA between 3.5–4.0 is usually adequate for medical school applications.

It is most common for college students in their first and second years to consider dropping premed after one or two bad semesters. That is when their GPA looks the worst. If you get a 3.0 during your first semester, that number is your overall GPA. [Understand the reasons why students leave medical school.]

Strong GPAs, MCAT scores, and admissions essays are crucial for getting into medical school. However, sometimes life can throw unexpected roadblocks in your way. But applicants with a GPA below 3.3 are advised that their chances for acceptance decrease significantly.