Does Med School care about non-science GPA?

Yes, medical schools care about your non-science GPA because it shows well-roundedness and ability outside of core sciences, with high non-science GPAs often complementing a strong science GPA, reflecting a capable, versatile student, though the science GPA (BCPM: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math) usually holds more weight as a predictor for med school's intense curriculum. Admissions look at trends, with an upward trend in both areas being highly positive, while a low non-science GPA can raise red flags even with a strong science GPA, signaling potential weaknesses in general academic performance.

Do med schools care about GPA or science GPA?

College GPAs of Students Accepted Into Medical Schools

While a student's major is considered, medical schools place the greatest weight on the "science" or BCPM GPA – that of biology, chemistry, physics and math subjects – compared with total and non-BCPM GPAs, Freedman says.

Do med schools like non-science majors?

In fact, most medical schools don't actually have a preference on what you studied. However, there are some important things to take into consideration if you choose a major outside of the natural sciences or do not participate in a program that is combined with the sciences.

Is 3.7 GPA too low for med school?

No, a 3.7 GPA is not bad for medical school; it's generally considered competitive, often around the average or slightly below for highly selective MD programs, but strong enough for many schools, especially with an upward trend and a good MCAT score. A 3.7 combined with a strong BCPM (Science) GPA (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math) and compelling extracurriculars makes you a viable applicant, though lower GPAs might need more exceptional scores or experiences to compensate. 

What is the difference between science GPA and non science GPA?

Science GPA: consisting of ALL courses you've taken at the undergraduate level in biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics (this is called your BCPM) All Other GPA: everything that is not BCPM. Cumulative GPA: all classes.

Should You Be Concerned if Your Gpa Trend Is Not Consistent? | Ask Dr. Gray Ep. 140

Is a 3.3 science GPA bad for med school?

A science GPA around 3.3-3.4 is Very Good, one between 3.5-3.7 is usually Excellent and one above 3.8 is generally Superior. By way of reference, the average GPA for students attending top medical schools is 3.89. Students attending state medical schools might have overall GPA's around 3.63.

What GPA is too low for med school?

While you can get into medical school without having a 4.0, you will at least need to meet the minimum requirements. Most medical schools have a strict minimum requirement of at least a 3.0 GPA. This means that your application will typically not even be considered if you have less than a 3.0.

What is the lowest GPA accepted at Harvard Medical School?

Harvard Medical School's overall median GPA is 3.97. HMS does not have a minimum GPA requirement. Harvard Medical School's median GPA is 3.97, but its mean GPA is 3.94. In 2025-2026, all medical school applicants and matriculants had an average overall GPA of 3.64.

Can I get into NYU med school with a 3.7 GPA?

Entrance Metrics

NYU's competitive candidates for allopathic (MD) medical schools traditionally earn a 3.6–3.7 GPA overall and in the sciences and score above the 88th percentile on the MCAT entrance exam.

Can a good MCAT make up for a low GPA?

For some applicants, a higher MCAT score can help balance out a lower GPA—especially when that GPA reflects earlier academic struggles. In medical school admissions, a strong MCAT shows that you're academically ready for the demands of med school, even if your transcript is less than perfect.

What is the 32 hour rule in medical school?

The "32-hour rule" in medical school admissions refers to a policy where some medical schools focus on an applicant's GPA from their most recent 32 credit hours, often in science courses, instead of their entire undergraduate GPA, benefiting students with a strong upward trend or a solid post-baccalaureate performance. Schools like Wayne State University and LSU Health New Orleans use variations of this to give more weight to recent academic efforts, allowing strong performance in later coursework or post-bacc programs to shine. 

Can I be a doctor if I don't like science?

You might be surprised to learn many medical schools don't require a science undergraduate major. Getting into medical school with a non science degree is possible.

Do medical schools do silent rejections?

Getting silently rejected by medical schools is never easy. Since you spent months poring over your medical school application, you will need to examine a lot of aspects to determine just that. Or maybe you already have an idea. Perhaps your interview portion didn't go so well.

What med schools don't care about GPA?

No accredited medical school completely ignores GPA, as it's an important indicator of your ability to handle the rigorous medical curriculum.

Can I get into med school with a B in biology?

To be a competitive medical school applicant, you must regularly earn A and B grades in upper-division science courses. Receiving a C without retaking the course – thereby failing to show consistent improvement – can be a red flag.

What if I have a high GPA but low MCAT score?

Maintaining a high GPA despite a lower MCAT score can signal to admissions committees that you have developed problem-solving and test-taking skills over time. When applying to medical school, the MCAT is often one of the most daunting components.

Is 3.7 too low for med school?

No, a 3.7 GPA is not bad for medical school; it's generally considered competitive, often around the average or slightly below for highly selective MD programs, but strong enough for many schools, especially with an upward trend and a good MCAT score. A 3.7 combined with a strong BCPM (Science) GPA (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math) and compelling extracurriculars makes you a viable applicant, though lower GPAs might need more exceptional scores or experiences to compensate. 

Should I submit a 1440 to NYU?

Yes, you should generally submit a 1440 SAT score to NYU because it's a strong score, often above the 25th percentile for admitted students (around 1480), making it competitive, especially if your overall application (GPA, essays, extracurriculars) is strong and you're applying to less competitive programs; while higher scores (1500+) are common for very selective majors like engineering, a 1440 demonstrates readiness for college-level work and can help your application stand out if other factors are equal. 

What is the easiest med school to get into?

There are no truly "easy" medical schools, but some have higher acceptance rates or lower average GPA/MCAT scores, often focusing on regional needs or specific missions, like University of Mississippi, East Carolina University (Brody), University of North Dakota, Mercer University, Meharry Medical College, University of North Dakota, and University of New Mexico. Osteopathic (DO) schools like William Carey, Arkansas COM, Pikeville KYCOM, and Lincoln Memorial are also frequently listed as having higher acceptance rates than top MD programs. 

What is a top 1% MCAT score?

A top 1% MCAT score generally starts around 517-518+, with the highest percentile being the perfect 528, but scores in the low 520s (like 521-522) already put you in the 98th percentile or above, meaning you're scoring better than nearly everyone else and firmly in that elite tier for top medical schools, though a 528 is statistically extremely rare.
 

Which Ivy League is best for pre-med?

Harvard University

Harvard has a pre-med advising program and assigns tutors and mentors from sophomore through senior year. This Ivy League school also has exceptional biological science departments. Harvard's proximity to hospitals and medical centers means ample clinical and research opportunities.

How do I increase my chances of getting into medical school?

Tips for Med School

1. Get Some Medical Experience on Your Resume.
2. Do Research Projects.
3. Put in Time Serving Others.
4. Choose a Major You Will Excel In.
5. Apply to Multiple Medical Schools.
6. Study Early and Often for the Medical College Admission Test, or MCAT.
7. Learn Another Language.
8. Don't Skimp on Extracurricular Activities.

Do med schools only care about science GPA?

Which GPAs do Med Schools Care About? Your GPA, for the purposes of applying to medical school , consists of your science GPA, your non-science GPA, and your cumulative GPA. Your science GPA is comprised of grades in medical school prerequisite classes like biology, chemistry, physics, and math.

What is the 32 hour rule?

The 32-hour rule for medical school admissions is a policy used by some admissions committees that focuses on an applicant's most recent credit hours of coursework instead of their entire undergraduate GPA.

How to fix low GPA for med school?

Here are seven tips to get into medical school with a low GPA:

1. Reinvent yourself academically. ...
2. Get a high MCAT score. ...
3. Raise your undergraduate GPA to at least 3.0. ...
4. Get involved in research. ...
5. Volunteer or work at healthcare settings. ...
6. Get strong letters of recommendation. ...
7. Write a compelling personal statement.