What GPA Do You Need for Medical School? (2026 Data)

Current Matriculant GPA Averages

AAMC publishes matriculant GPA data each cycle. In recent years, MD-granting US medical schools have reported a matriculant cumulative GPA of approximately 3.75 and a science (BCPM) GPA of approximately 3.70. Applicants — including those not admitted — average closer to a 3.6 cumulative and 3.5 science.

Osteopathic (DO) programs, reported by AACOM, have a matriculant cumulative GPA closer to 3.60 and a science GPA near 3.54. The 0.15 gap reflects both differences in applicant pools and DO programs' more pronounced emphasis on holistic review.

Science GPA vs. Cumulative GPA

Most admissions committees look at your science (BCPM) GPA first. BCPM stands for Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Math — the four categories AMCAS uses to classify your science coursework. The reason adcoms prioritize this number is simple: it correlates more strongly with how you will perform in preclinical medical school coursework than your cumulative GPA does.

A high cumulative GPA with a noticeably lower science GPA (e.g., 3.85 cumulative / 3.45 science) will raise more questions than the reverse. Adcoms read this as a signal that you may struggle with rigorous science content.

What Counts as Competitive?

"Competitive" depends entirely on the program. Generally:

3.8+: Competitive at every US medical school, including top programs.
3.7–3.79: Competitive at most MD programs, very competitive for DO.
3.5–3.69: Competitive at state MD programs (especially in-state) and broadly competitive for DO.
3.3–3.49: Below the MD matriculant average; needs a strong MCAT and a compelling story. Competitive for DO.
Below 3.3: Requires significant additional coursework (post-bacc, SMP) to be competitive. Focus on DO and a few MD programs known for trajectory-friendly review.

GPA Targets by Program Type

Matriculant GPA averages by program type (most recent published cycle data)
Program	Cumulative GPA	Science GPA	Source
MD (Allopathic)	~3.75	~3.70	AAMC
DO (Osteopathic)	~3.60	~3.54	AACOM
Dental (DDS/DMD)	~3.55	~3.49	ADEA
PA	~3.50	~3.45	PAEA
Physical Therapy (DPT)	~3.60	~3.55	CAPTE/APTA

If Your GPA Is Below the Average

Adcoms read GPA contextually, not as a static number. What helps:

Upward trajectory: A 3.2 with a 2.8 → 3.6 trend reads very differently than a 3.2 with consistent C+ performance.
Strong upper-division science performance: 30+ credits of 300/400-level science with a 3.7+ GPA tells adcoms you can handle the material.
A strong MCAT: A 510+ MCAT with a 3.5 GPA can outperform a 3.7 GPA with a 504 MCAT at many programs.
Context in your application: If a personal situation affected one semester, briefly explain it in the "Other Impactful Experiences" section — without making excuses.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 3.5 is below the average for MD matriculants (~3.75) but within range for DO programs and many state MD schools. With a strong MCAT (511+) and a compelling application, a 3.5 can still produce acceptances — especially at programs that holistically review.

Most adcoms weight science (BCPM) GPA more heavily because it predicts how you will perform in preclinical coursework. A high cumulative with a low science GPA raises questions; the reverse is often forgiven.

No. AMCAS and AACOMAS calculate undergrad GPA and graduate GPA separately. Schools see both. A strong graduate GPA helps demonstrate trajectory but does not erase undergraduate performance.

Yes. AMCAS, AACOMAS, AADSAS, and TMDSAS all require transcripts from every post-secondary institution you attended — including community colleges and study abroad credits. Every grade is calculated into your GPA.

A few Cs in non-science courses are usually not disqualifying. A C in a prerequisite (especially a science prerequisite) is more concerning and may warrant retaking. Adcoms read transcripts contextually — they look at trajectory more than isolated grades.